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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Microsoft Dynamics SL

    Score5.1 out of 10
    N/AMicrosoft Dynamics SL is one of the ERP products in the Dynamics family. This product was acquired from Solomon 2000. The product is typically used by SMBs, particularly in project-based businesses (e.g. construction). It has strong accounting and project management capabilities.N/A

    Sage Accounting

    Score7.5 out of 10
    N/ASage Accounting is online accounting software made to simplify life for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and freelancers by providing the functions needed to take care of daily business to-dos. Users can create and send professional quotes and invoices, track income and expenses and know where the business' financials stand. Every Sage Business Cloud Accounting subscription includes unlimited access to support as well as automatic backups and product updates.

    $19

    per month

    Pricing
    Microsoft Dynamics SLSage Accounting
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    Microsoft Dynamics SLSage Accounting
    Free Trial
    NoYes
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional Details—Versions and pricing listed are for CA products. Versions available and pricing may vary by country. * 2 months free to start, or free for 1 month to try, then $19/$43/$62 +tax/mo (tier depending). Offer valid for new customers only on monthly subscriptions of Sage Business Cloud Accounting. After the promotional period, the monthly subscription rate will renew at the then current rate. May not be combined with any other offers or discounts. To ensure continuous service the subscription plan is an automatically renewing plan. Subsequent months will automatically be billed to the same credit card each month on the anniversary date of purchase. Plans can be terminated at any time prior to the renewal data and not charged for renewal.
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    Microsoft Dynamics SLSage Accounting
    Considered Both Products
    Microsoft
    No answer on this topic
    Sage
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    No answers on this topic
    85%
    Would buy again
    163 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    No answers on this topic
    85%
    Delivers good value for the price
    145 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    No answers on this topic
    85%
    Happy with the feature set
    162 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    No answers on this topic
    83%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    119 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    No answers on this topic
    82%
    Implementation went as expected
    130 Answers
    Features
    Microsoft Dynamics SLSage Accounting
    Payroll Management
    Comparison of Payroll Management features of Microsoft Dynamics SL and Sage Accounting
    Feature
    Microsoft Dynamics SL
    8.5
    2 Ratings
    12% above category average
    Sage Accounting
    9.3
    19 Ratings
    21% above category average
    Pay calculation9.62 Ratings10.015 Ratings
    Direct deposit files9.01 Ratings8.812 Ratings
    Benefit plan administration00 Ratings9.312 Ratings
    Salary revision and increment management00 Ratings9.410 Ratings
    Reimbursement management00 Ratings9.112 Ratings
    Customization
    Comparison of Customization features of Microsoft Dynamics SL and Sage Accounting
    Feature
    Microsoft Dynamics SL
    6.0
    6 Ratings
    23% below category average
    Sage Accounting
    8.6
    23 Ratings
    13% above category average
    API for custom integration6.06 Ratings9.120 Ratings
    Plug-ins6.04 Ratings8.017 Ratings
    Security
    Comparison of Security features of Microsoft Dynamics SL and Sage Accounting
    Feature
    Microsoft Dynamics SL
    8.7
    10 Ratings
    3% above category average
    Sage Accounting
    9.7
    42 Ratings
    17% above category average
    Single sign-on capability7.49 Ratings9.931 Ratings
    Role-based user permissions10.09 Ratings9.539 Ratings
    Reporting & Analytics
    Comparison of Reporting & Analytics features of Microsoft Dynamics SL and Sage Accounting
    Feature
    Microsoft Dynamics SL
    8.0
    10 Ratings
    6% above category average
    Sage Accounting
    9.3
    44 Ratings
    17% above category average
    Dashboards8.06 Ratings8.340 Ratings
    Standard reports8.010 Ratings9.844 Ratings
    Custom reports8.010 Ratings9.735 Ratings
    General Ledger and Configurable Accounting
    Comparison of General Ledger and Configurable Accounting features of Microsoft Dynamics SL and Sage Accounting
    Feature
    Microsoft Dynamics SL
    7.1
    11 Ratings
    8% below category average
    Sage Accounting
    8.8
    200 Ratings
    14% above category average
    Accounts payable6.011 Ratings8.1187 Ratings
    Accounts receivable6.08 Ratings9.945 Ratings
    Global Financial Support6.02 Ratings9.38 Ratings
    Primary and Secondary Ledgers6.63 Ratings9.515 Ratings
    Journals and Reconciliations3.04 Ratings9.033 Ratings
    Configurable Accounting8.03 Ratings9.318 Ratings
    Standardized Processes6.03 Ratings9.520 Ratings
    Cash management00 Ratings8.3159 Ratings
    Bank reconciliation00 Ratings7.9190 Ratings
    Expense management00 Ratings9.934 Ratings
    Time tracking00 Ratings6.611 Ratings
    Fixed asset management00 Ratings8.428 Ratings
    Multi-currency support00 Ratings10.018 Ratings
    Multi-division support00 Ratings9.918 Ratings
    Regulations compliance00 Ratings9.529 Ratings
    Electronic tax filing00 Ratings7.3102 Ratings
    Self-service portal00 Ratings10.025 Ratings
    Intercompany Accounting00 Ratings8.111 Ratings
    Localizations00 Ratings8.49 Ratings
    Enterprise Accounting00 Ratings6.910 Ratings
    Centralized Rules Framework00 Ratings8.98 Ratings
    Inventory Management
    Comparison of Inventory Management features of Microsoft Dynamics SL and Sage Accounting
    Feature
    Microsoft Dynamics SL
    5.7
    6 Ratings
    33% below category average
    Sage Accounting
    6.9
    17 Ratings
    5% below category average
    Inventory tracking5.06 Ratings6.717 Ratings
    Location management6.03 Ratings5.77 Ratings
    Automatic reordering00 Ratings8.26 Ratings
    Manufacturing module00 Ratings7.05 Ratings
    Order Management
    Comparison of Order Management features of Microsoft Dynamics SL and Sage Accounting
    Feature
    Microsoft Dynamics SL
    6.2
    4 Ratings
    25% below category average
    Sage Accounting
    8.2
    28 Ratings
    10% above category average
    Pricing6.03 Ratings9.917 Ratings
    Order entry3.04 Ratings7.615 Ratings
    Credit card processing7.02 Ratings8.118 Ratings
    Cost of goods sold7.03 Ratings7.620 Ratings
    Order Orchestration00 Ratings7.66 Ratings
    End-to-end order visibility00 Ratings7.57 Ratings
    Order exception Resolution00 Ratings8.95 Ratings
    Subledger and Financial Process
    Comparison of Subledger and Financial Process features of Microsoft Dynamics SL and Sage Accounting
    Feature
    Microsoft Dynamics SL
    5.7
    4 Ratings
    28% below category average
    Sage Accounting
    -
    Ratings
    Billing Management6.02 Ratings00 Ratings
    Cash and Asset Management7.33 Ratings00 Ratings
    Travel & Expense Management5.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Budgetary Control & Encumbrance Accounting6.32 Ratings00 Ratings
    Period Close6.04 Ratings00 Ratings
    Project Financial Management
    Comparison of Project Financial Management features of Microsoft Dynamics SL and Sage Accounting
    Feature
    Microsoft Dynamics SL
    4.7
    3 Ratings
    47% below category average
    Sage Accounting
    -
    Ratings
    Budgeting and Forecasting7.33 Ratings00 Ratings
    Project Costing6.33 Ratings00 Ratings
    Cost Capture2.12 Ratings00 Ratings
    Capital Project Management8.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Project Revenue Recognition2.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Grants Management
    Comparison of Grants Management features of Microsoft Dynamics SL and Sage Accounting
    Feature
    Microsoft Dynamics SL
    6.3
    1 Ratings
    17% below category average
    Sage Accounting
    -
    Ratings
    Award Lifecycle Management6.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Manufacturing
    Comparison of Manufacturing features of Microsoft Dynamics SL and Sage Accounting
    Feature
    Microsoft Dynamics SL
    6.0
    1 Ratings
    22% below category average
    Sage Accounting
    -
    Ratings
    Production Management6.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Supply Chain
    Comparison of Supply Chain features of Microsoft Dynamics SL and Sage Accounting
    Feature
    Microsoft Dynamics SL
    6.0
    1 Ratings
    20% below category average
    Sage Accounting
    -
    Ratings
    Inventory Planning6.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    Microsoft Dynamics SLSage Accounting
    Small Businesses
    Zoho One
    Score9.2 out of 10
    QuickBooks Self-Employed (discontinued)
    Score4.2 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    Zoho One
    Score9.2 out of 10
    MYOB
    Score8.3 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Microsoft Dynamics AX (discontinued)
    Score4.8 out of 10
    Microsoft Dynamics GP
    Score5.4 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Microsoft Dynamics SLSage Accounting
    Likelihood to Recommend
    5.0
    (18 ratings)
    7.4
    (218 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    5.4
    (8 ratings)
    9.0
    (27 ratings)
    Usability
    3.0
    (7 ratings)
    7.9
    (185 ratings)
    Availability
    9.9
    (2 ratings)
    8.5
    (12 ratings)
    Performance
    1.0
    (1 ratings)
    7.7
    (12 ratings)
    Support Rating
    9.5
    (4 ratings)
    7.6
    (30 ratings)
    In-Person Training
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.1
    (3 ratings)
    Online Training
    1.0
    (1 ratings)
    9.8
    (5 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    9.0
    (4 ratings)
    7.7
    (10 ratings)
    Configurability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.0
    (10 ratings)
    Contract Terms and Pricing Model
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.5
    (6 ratings)
    Ease of integration
    -
    (0 ratings)
    5.0
    (4 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    1.4
    (2 ratings)
    6.9
    (11 ratings)
    Professional Services
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.2
    (3 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.5
    (9 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.7
    (9 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Microsoft Dynamics SLSage Accounting
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Microsoft
    For a small to mid-size business, MS Dynamics SL is effective. We are capable of managing our finances with a very low risk of error. We have worked with MS Dynamics for almost 15 years and have more than doubled the size of our business in that time with very few issues from the program. We have exponentially increased our revenue and reporting demands and have found SL to be very dependable and stable. The program does have the occasional glitch and those are sometimes outside of the realm of expertise of our IT department. SL support is excellent, but their timeliness is not as urgent as ours.
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    Sage Accounting seems appropriate for a small business that has basic accounting needs and is just starting from the beginning to set up its accounting software. It is less appropriate for businesses that have been using Sage 50, as Sage Accounting Standard does not successfully transfer important data from Sage 50.
    Incentivized
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    Pros
    Microsoft
    • Provides flexibility for complex project based cost accounting
    • Strong and flexible allocation processer for cost allocations, markups, and pricing
    • A "Flexible Billing" module under the project controller series that allows for multiple billing formats ranging from fixed price schedule of values, T&M or Cost Plus, and scheduled billing.
    • Flexible reporting with options using Crystal Reports, SSRS, a Quick Query tool, and ability to tie into MS Office tools such as MS Access and MS Excel
    • Tight integration with Financials, but also the ability to integrate with modules such as Sales Order, Inventory, and Field Service
    • Customization abilities ranging from a VBA (visual basic for application) foundation to allow customizing existing forms to the ability to use the SDK (Software Development Kit) to build more complex customizations that integrate with Dynamics SL.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Sage
    • Cloud Based - I work from different offices so I can access anywhere.
    • Whether paying a bill or receiving a payment it's done similarly. The consistency makes it easy to get in workflow.
    • I appreciate the setup of the statements - easy to read.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    Microsoft
    • Reporting in the Project module is lacking functionality. I understand that most companies have specific needs when it comes to tracking project information but the standard reports are not good.
    • I would recommend a product like Management Reporter that is for Projects only. Project Reporter should allow users to pull in all Project related data into reports.
    • Fixing suspended batches. Obviously all of us users have experienced this mess. SL knows what needs to be corrected and there could be some step by step fixes in a separate repair module to do the steps we do in Query Analyzer.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Sage
    • Sorting reports - I want to sort my projects by what has and has not been paid, and this is unavailable.
    • Print preview.
    • FONT SIZE: This should be an option directly available to increase screen font sizes. Also, report font adjustments are incredibly difficult.
    • Understanding all options and the performance the program can do, I would much prefer an in-person session or scheduled webinar because it is far too overwhelming to search forums/help centers. Just a useless vortex to get sucked into.
    • Updates are easier than they used to be, but there’s still a big communication barrier. E.g., I install updates and restart programs, and then the next day or two it tells me to restart again because there have been updates. I know, I installed them already! It’s frustrating.
    • Removing inactive vendors or clients - why is this so difficult? Can I not just delete and move to the next one? Every time I try it, it just defaults back to the top of the report… It’s fine for the first couple of letters in the alphabet, but that’s about all. Multi-select would be nice!
    Incentivized
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    Likelihood to Renew
    Microsoft
    Unfortunately, Dynamics' lack of ability to smoothly integrate with our CRM system is causing us to look at other solutions. The efficiencies that we gain by using Dynamics for our day to day accounting are lost in the constant headaches of getting sales quotes to import properly into the system for invoicing. Another major issue for us has been budgeting and reporting. We currently do all of our budgeting and board reporting in Excel, which is too time consuming and inefficient, especially when a system as robust as Dynamics should easily be able to handle this relatively simple task.
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    Because we don't have time to migrate to a new system. So, we are kind of stuck with this system until our company grows or we are in a better financial position to afford the larger expense of moving to a new platform and doing what it should be doing in the first place.
    Incentivized
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    Usability
    Microsoft
    I rate it a 10 because we have removed the fields we don't need so users can really crank the data into the system. The software was designed for the professional services firm in mind but does a tremendous job for construction firms and "blended" companies that are both distribution firms but project centric as well. Perhaps they drop ship inventory to a project where their employees or subs need to work on a project for example.
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    I find Sage's usability very intuitive. Everything from data entry to high level reporting it easy to navigate. Some of the other accounting software programs I have used have not had adequate forms or menus to help navigate the program. Sage does a good job of balancing providing the proper forms without being overly difficult to understand or use
    Incentivized
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    Reliability and Availability
    Microsoft
    We have had only one unplanned outage for 2 hours in the last 30 months. We shut down for 30 min to 1 hour once a month, but that is for Microsoft OS updates to the servers. Being a 24/7 world wide operation, the reliability is really important. We do get an 8 hour window on the weekend that we can be down for a short period to install Microsoft Dynamics SL updates, but we do not have many of those. On our last version upgrade, we shut the users out at 9:30 am and were fully operational in less than 6 hours. The upgrade was New SQL server, New SL server and 2 new Citrix servers.
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    Sage has been always available when I want it. If there is any maintenance work to be done by the Sage team, you are told well in advance. Maintenance is generally carried out late at night or before the day begins for most of us. It continues to be the most reliable software I use.
    Read full review
    Performance
    Microsoft
    No answers on this topic
    Sage
    The day-to-day performance is very good. Items such as transactions or reports load and process quickly. You never feel like you're waiting in Sage. I have never seen Sage Accounting affect the speed or performance of any integrated system. However, I do think when you are bringing very old files up to date the updates are slow but that'll be a rare occurrence and not reflective of the day-to-day usage.
    Incentivized
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    Support Rating
    Microsoft
    Support is only used when needed, so unfortunately ,they get all the odd issues. It's a difficult business, but Microsoft and our firm do a great job of meeting customer needs. We get routine feedback that our support services are very good.
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    Sage Accounting are easy to contact and have knowledgeable and helpful staff. Whenever I've encountered a problem I've always been able to get assistance and guidance and it feels like the person at the end of the phone/screen knows the product well.
    Read full review
    In-Person Training
    Microsoft
    No answers on this topic
    Sage
    Staff are always friendly, and patient, always work at a speed that suits you. You are never rushed, and In only a short time they seem to be able to help you make great strides. It has been a pleasure not a chore, learning how SAGE Accounting works and benefits me and the company.
    Read full review
    Online Training
    Microsoft
    No answers on this topic
    Sage
    I find the online training was very informative and they answered all my questions. I am also certified in Sage One and provided online training in the program which I have set up several people on and they love how it keeps them organized.
    Read full review
    Implementation Rating
    Microsoft
    Just to let it take its course. The implementation for me once I became a part of my former organization was pretty seamless. Just get to know the basics and call the support team to ask questions if you need help on an issue, should they arise. They are ready, willing, and able to help!
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    This was generally a very straightforward process. I have previously implemented other software which required considerable external support. I implemented Sage Accounting with only a minimal amount of reference to the Sage support desk. I was extremely pleased with the implementation process.
    Incentivized
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    Alternatives Considered
    Microsoft
    Of the comparable mid-range ERP systems, Dynamics SL competes at the lower end based on price, but also above the high-end based on flexibility, data, and reporting. Being able to stay with the same core accounting from a $100 million dollar company to a $3 billion dollar company shows the range of capabilities.
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    I also like Quickbooks Desktop, however, they are forcing customers to switch to Quickbooks Online. I will be moving forward with SAGE in this case, unless there is a valid reason the client would like to use QBO instead. I have not used the version of SAGE where the client doesn't need to purchase the full version, themselves, in order to access their file so this is something that I may consider looking into, in the near future, for this reason.
    Incentivized
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    Contract Terms and Pricing Model
    Microsoft
    No answers on this topic
    Sage
    The pricing structure is fair and offers good value for money. The billing is done through their online system and you can access your bills at any time. Most contacts only require 30 days' notice, so no need to feel tied in, although I can't imagine why you would want to leave Sage.
    Read full review
    Scalability
    Microsoft
    Since the backbone of the database is MS SQLServer, the database can be easily scaled.
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    You can use Sage in your company for various aspects/positions such as bookkeepers, invoicing clerks, accountant, purchasing etc. Everyone can have their own user login and permissions can be set that specific people can do specific jobs without being able to access other peoples progress or accounts of the company.
    Incentivized
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    Professional Services
    Microsoft
    No answers on this topic
    Sage
    Do not use
    Incentivized
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    Return on Investment
    Microsoft
    • More time is spent on manipulating reports which can and should be automated.
    • Lack of electronic invoicing process and other green technology features creates more cost on printing and storage costs.
    • The lack of a user friendly interface requires more training and a bigger learning curve for staff.
    Incentivized
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    Sage
    • Sage has allowed us to be self-supporting and to perform full-cycle accounting up to the point of handing off to the accountant at year-end.
    • We are self-sustaining and do not need outside accounting assistance, such as an independent bookkeeper.
    • Sage has allowed us to save money at year's end, as we can do all the prep internally up until the handoff to the accountant, minimizing the hours he has to spend on our file.
    Incentivized
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    ScreenShots

    Sage Accounting Screenshots

    Screenshot of the All-in-One DashboardScreenshot of the Accounting DashboardScreenshot of an Invoicing Quote EstimateScreenshot of the Purchases TrackerScreenshot of Stock InventoryScreenshot of a VAT Returns List