Tag Archive for: Sage Business Cloud Accounting

Thinking of Moving your Accounting to the Cloud? Start Here

Thinking of migrating your Sage accounting system to the cloud? You’re not alone.

We’re seeing more and more businesses moving to cloud-based environments — driven by the need for flexibility, remote access, and improved security.

In some cases, moving to the cloud can be a straightforward technical change. In others, it may involve a more strategic shift to a SaaS accounting platform such as Sage Business Cloud Accounting or Sage Intacct. Either way, the right planning is essential to ensure a smooth transition.

So how do you enable cloud access across the different Sage solutions?

  • Sage 50cloud Pastel Partner
    Run your system in a hosted desktop environment for full cloud access, or opt for a cloud app setup — where the application runs locally while your data is securely stored in the cloud. This approach often provides a more responsive user experience.

  • Sage 200 Evolution
    Your SQL database can be hosted in the cloud using solutions like Evolution Anywhere or secure remote access tools such as Twingate, while your team continues using the desktop application.

  • Sage 300cloud
    This solution is already cloud-hybrid enabled, with many modules accessible via web screens.

  • Sage Business Cloud Accounting
    A fully cloud-based (SaaS) solution, ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking for simplicity and accessibility.

  • Sage Intacct
    A powerful SaaS platform designed for medium-sized businesses requiring more advanced financial management and reporting.

  • Sage X3
    A robust SaaS solution suited to medium to larger organisations with more complex operational requirements.

Regardless of your software selection, here are a few key things to consider before making the move:

Cloud

1. Understand your cloud options
Not all “cloud” solutions are the same. Options range from fully hosted environments to hybrid setups — and choosing the right one depends on how your business operates.

2. Review your connectivity and performance
Your internet connection plays a critical role in cloud performance. Reliable, high-speed connectivity ensures a seamless user experience.

3. Clean up and prepare your data
A migration is the perfect opportunity to resolve data issues, remove redundancies, and ensure your system is running optimally.

Calendar

4. Plan your migration properly
A structured, phased approach helps minimise downtime, reduce risk, and ensures your team is supported throughout the process.

Speak to us about a migration plan tailored to your business.

With the support of MRBM’s expert team and trusted partner companies specialising in IT infrastructure and cloud migrations, we’ll help ensure a seamless transition, aligned to best practice from planning through to implementation and ongoing support.

To take the next step towards a more flexible, secure way of working:

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Hosting a Year-End Function? Know Your Responsibilities and Risks

Protect Your People and Your Business.

As the festive season approaches, many companies plan year-end functions to reward employees and strengthen team spirit. While these events can boost morale and foster connection, they also come with legal and reputational risks that employers must manage.

Key Risks to Consider:

Employee Conduct:

Misbehaviour, harassment, or discrimination during the event can lead to disciplinary action and reputational damage.

Alcohol Consumption:

Serving alcohol increases the risk of accidents, misconduct, and potential liability for injuries or damages.

Health & Safety Obligations:

Employers remain responsible for creating a safe environment—even offsite.

Transport & After-Parties:

Driving under the influence and unsanctioned after-parties can expose your company to risk.

 

Your Responsibilities:

  • Before the event, make sure to remind staff of company policies and the code of conduct.
  • Provide adequate food, water, and non-alcoholic options.
  • Ensure everyone has access to safe transport or taxi services.
  • During the event, keep an eye on behaviour and step in quickly if any issues occur.

Our HR team can help you draft policies, communicate expectations, and implement risk mitigation strategies.

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Introducing Sage 50c Pastel Partner’s New Tiered Packages – Built to Grow with You

Sage has officially launched a new, scalable subscription model for Sage 50c Pastel Partner, designed to evolve with your business from startup to enterprise.

Unlike basic accounting tools, Sage 50c Partner grows seamlessly with your operations — so you’ll never need to “start over” with new software as your business expands.

The new tiered structure is as follows:

Start Tier – For Startups & Small Businesses

Start Tier – For Startups & Small Businesses

2 Users | 2 Companies | From R1,375 / month
Perfect for new businesses ready to move beyond entry-level accounting tools.

Core Tier – For Growing Businesses
Core Tier – For Growing Businesses

4 Users | 4 Companies | Optional Add-ons | From R1,915 / month
Ideal for businesses needing more flexibility and the option to add additional modules.

Plus Tier – For Established, Expanding Operations

Plus Tier – For Established, Expanding Operations

5 Users | 5–Unlimited Companies | Expandable to 20 Users | From R2,715 / month
Designed for medium to large businesses. The Plus Tier allows you to add more users, companies, and modules as you grow — offering maximum flexibility and scalability for complex operations.

Why Businesses Choose Sage 50c Pastel Partner

For over 30 years, Sage has been trusted by more than 100,000 South African businesses for reliable, compliant, and high-performing accounting solutions.

Building on that legacy, Sage 50c Pastel Partner delivers advanced functionality designed specifically for growing South African businesses that need more than just basic bookkeeping.

Beyond standard accounting, it’s built for compliance, scalability, and control — giving your business complete oversight from a single system.

  • Manage multiple delivery addresses per client – ideal for multi-branch operations
  • Automate recurring billing and invoicing – perfect for service contracts and monthly retainers
  • Maintain full oversight of inventory, suppliers, customers, and cash flow
  • Enjoy both desktop and cloud-connected flexibility to work your way

Sage 50c Pastel Partner brings together Sage’s proven reliability with the flexibility and depth your business needs to grow confidently.

Predictable, Scalable Pricing

With the new tiered subscription model, you only pay for what your business needs today — and scale up effortlessly when ready.
Choose monthly or annual plans, enjoy easy tier upgrades, and receive consistent feature updates.

All tiers include Bank Manager, Sage Intelligence Reporting, and the V13 Pervasive Workgroup Database at no additional cost.

FAQs

  • Why does it cost more?
    Partner now includes enhanced features that were previously optional extras — offering far greater value.
  • What if I only need something simple?
    For smaller businesses or those seeking a fully cloud-based solution, Sage Business Cloud Accounting remains available from R435 / month (2 users | 1 company).

Ready to find your perfect fit?

Contact MRBM to discuss which Sage 50c Pastel Partner tier is right for your business — or explore the cloud alternative if you’re just getting started.

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

5 Signs it’s Time to Move from Spreadsheets to the Cloud

Ready to Grow? Here’s Why Excel May Be Holding You Back

Spreadsheets are a great starting point for small businesses — flexible, familiar, and inexpensive.

But as your business grows, managing finances becomes more complex. What once served as a quick manual solution soon turns into a time-consuming, error-prone, and risky process.

Here are 5 signs that it’s time to consider moving to cloud accounting:

➡️ 1. Errors are costing you time and money
Even the smallest slip in a formula or a copy-paste mistake can ripple through your entire financial picture. If you’re spending hours double-checking numbers, a cloud system that automates data entry and reconciliations can eliminate that risk.

➡️ 2. Collaboration is a constant headache
How many versions of that “final spreadsheet” exist in your inbox? Cloud accounting provides a single source of truth, with real-time access for you, your finance team, and even your external accountants. No more chasing down the latest file.

➡️ 3. Reporting takes too long
If generating management reports, VAT returns, or cash flow forecasts means pulling data from multiple sheets and manually compiling them, it’s slowing you down. Cloud accounting software generates accurate reports instantly — giving you more time to act on the numbers instead of preparing them.

➡️ 4. Security is a concern
Spreadsheets stored on desktops or emailed between staff are vulnerable to data loss, manipulation, corruption, or even malware. With cloud accounting, your financial data is encrypted, backed up, and protected — so you can focus on business, not IT risks.

➡️ 5. You need flexibility and scalability
In today’s world, you need to access your financial data from anywhere, on any device. Cloud accounting isn’t just convenient; it scales with your business, letting you add users, integrate apps, and handle growing complexity without adding manual admin.

Spreadsheets are powerful tools, but they weren’t designed to run a growing business’s finances. Cloud accounting gives you automation, security, and insights that help you stay ahead.

Ready to move beyond spreadsheets?

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Save R1800 on Accounting & Payroll Software Plus 10% off Flex

Only 3 weeks left!

R1800 discount on:
🎁 Sage Pastel Payroll
🎁 Sage 50cloud Pastel Partner
🎁 Sage Business Cloud Accounting

10% discount on:
🎁 Sage 50cloud Pastel Partner (on new Flex annual packages)

Valid until 30 September 2025. T’s and C’s apply.

➡️ Save R1800 on Pastel & Cloud Accounting

Sign up for Sage 50cloud Pastel Partner or Sage Business Cloud Accounting before the end of September and save R1800 (equivalent to 2 hours of free setup/support). Our experienced team are ready to help you get started with ease.

Upgrading from a previous Sage solution? No problem – the labour fee is on the house.

Not sure which product is right for you? Here’s a quick tip:

  • Sage 50cloud Pastel Partner is ideal (and more cost-effective) for SMB’s managing multiple companies with complexed accounting needs.

  • Sage Business Cloud Accounting is better suited for less complex SMB accounting needs, especially if you’re looking for a fully cloud-based solution.

We’ve broken it down in our side-by-side comparison – read it here.

➡️ Save R1800 on Pastel Payroll

Whether you’re managing payroll across multiple entities, preparing for SARS submissions, or setting up a new system, Sage Pastel Payroll is a trusted, in-house solution that’s been supporting South African businesses for years.

With MRBM by your side, you get more than just the software — you get expert guidance from a team that’s worked with Pastel Payroll since the beginning. We know the product inside out and ensure it’s configured to suit your exact business needs.

Until the end of the month we’re offering R1800 discount (equivalent to 2 hours free setup/support) — making it even easier to get started with confidence.

Top reasons to choose Pastel Payroll with MRBM?

  • Multiple Entities:  Handle payroll for more than one company from one system.

  • Set It Up Right: Our experienced team have years of hands-on experience and configure your Pastel Payroll system correctly from the start.

  • Simplify SARS Submissions: Whether it’s bi-annual or year-end reporting, Pastel Payroll helps you prepare and import the necessary files with ease.

➡️ Save 10% on Flex Packages

Sign up for a new Sage 50cloud Pastel Partner annual Flex package and save 10% for the year.

What is Flex?

All the features available on Sage 50cloud Pastel are available to you with easy-to-pay monthly instalments. This subscription-based accounting solution is designed to simplify your accounting processes and keep your finances on track.

Don’t miss out — Save now before Sage’s price increase next month!

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Save R1800 on Pastel & Cloud Accounting – Ends 30 Sept!

Limited time offer for small-medium sized businesses!

Sign up for Sage 50cloud Pastel Partner or Sage Business Cloud Accounting before the end of September and save R1800 (equivalent to 2 hours of free setup/support). Our experienced team are ready to help you get started with ease.

Upgrading from a previous Sage solution? No problem – the labour fee is on the house.

Not sure which product is right for you? Here’s a quick tip:

✅  Sage 50cloud Pastel Partner is ideal (and more cost-effective) for SMB’s managing multiple companies with complexed accounting needs.

✅  Sage Business Cloud Accounting is better suited for less complex SMB accounting needs, especially if you’re looking for a fully cloud-based solution.

 

We’ve broken it down in our side-by-side comparison – read it here.

 

Don’t miss out – Take advantage of this offer and save!
Offer valid until 30 September 2025. T’s and C’s apply.

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Choose the Right Sage Accounting Solution for You

At MRBM, we know that as your business evolves, so do your software needs.

Two of Sage’s most trusted accounting solutions—Sage Pastel Partner and Sage Business Cloud Accounting—offer different strengths. Understanding which one suits your business today (and tomorrow) can help you stay efficient, compliant, and in control.

Here’s a comparison to guide your decision, plus some insight into when it might make sense to move from one to the other:

SAGE 50CLOUD PASTEL PARTNER

Ideal for: Established businesses that require a more customised setup and additional features.

SAGE BUSINESS CLOUD ACCOUNTING

Ideal for: Less complexed, agile businesses that value simplicity, flexibility, and anytime access.

✅ Installed desktop software (remote access possible with additional setup)✅ Cloud-based: log in anytime, from anywhere
✅ Advanced reporting, batch processing, and deep customisation✅ User-friendly interface, even for non-accountants
✅ Supports multi-user, multi-company, and multi-currency environments✅ Includes bank feeds, invoicing, quotes, VAT submissions, and reports
✅ Works well for businesses that need detailed control and structured processes✅ Makes it easy to work with your accountant in real time, from anywhere
✅ Requires manual software updates and regular backups✅ Always up to date — no installation or manual backups required

You might move across to Business Cloud Accounting if:

You might move across to Pastel Partner if:

➡️ Your team needs easy, remote access from anywhere➡️ Your business has grown and needs more advanced features, like Sage Intelligence (business intelligence reporting)
➡️ You want to remove the need for servers or remote desktop setups➡️ You require detailed, customisable reports and financial tools
➡️ You prefer a user-friendly interface with less complexity➡️ You work with multiple companies or currencies
➡️ You’d benefit from real-time data, automatic backups, and updates➡️ You have the IT setup to manage desktop-based software

Unsure which option is right for you?

Whether you’re moving to the cloud or looking for more robust features, we’ll guide you through the options and recommend the best fit for your business.

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Unlock the power of Cloud Accounting

Unlock the power of Sage Business Cloud Accounting from just R370 per month!

Anywhere, Anytime Access

  • Work from your office or from home: Sage Business Cloud Accounting lets you manage your finances on the go.
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Manage your Accounting with Ease

  • From sales and purchases to cash flow, VAT, and reporting, Cloud accounting software supports you every step in your business process.

  • Create quotes and invoices in seconds and send them directly to your customers.

  •  

Customisable Dashboard

  • A bird’s eye view of your business provides a quick and easy overview of its performance.

  • View your top customers, sales history, outstanding balances, and much more!

Seamless Transition

  • Already using a desktop package? No worries! We’ll smoothly convert your data to cloud accounting and you can say goodbye to manual transfers.

Special Offer!

  • Purchase the Sage Cloud package now and get 15 minutes FREE on Setup. Terms and conditions apply.
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Ready to upgrade?

info@mrbm.co.za or 031 818 9030.