Last month, ERP software expert Aplicor introduced its revolutionary Cloud Suite 7, a true cloud-based business software solution that delivers improved business agility and a transformational user experience through an all-new user interface.

Behind this innovative user interface is Silverlight, which has significantly altered the traditional menu structure to offer end-users greater control over displayed data, as well as flexibility in terms of desktop customization. And, according to CRM Buyer expert Erika Morphy, “A little Silverlight goes a long way in Aplicor’s UI.”

As reported by TMCnet, Aplicor’s business intelligence objective is to help decision makers make better decisions. This is accomplished with a suite of tools, such as dashboards, data warehouses and online analytical processing, which deliver key performance indicators, metrics and analytical information to people who can use that information. The tools allow knowledge workers to flex, manipulate or interrogate the information for deeper insight or to model the data according to different alternatives.

With Aplicor’s new UI, rather than the menu consisting of screens, rows, tabs and forms, the menu can be displayed according to the users’ preferences and job responsibilities, according to CRM Buyer.

In addition to increased customization, Aplicor’s Silverlight-backed UI integrates the accounting and CRM modules to enable users to “pin any manner of tiles or panels to their desktop” depending on the data from the accounting or CRM module.

"If a customer has a particular job function that requires them to look at opportunities, but also orders or open purchase orders – all that is available from the same tiles or panels now," Pete Koltis, vice president of services for Aplicor, told CRM Buyer.

This combination of accounting and CRM modules has now placed Aplicor in a position to compete with the likes of NetSuite (News - Alert) and QuickBooks, Koltis told CRM Buyer. By lumping an array of functions, like accounts payable and purchase order management, with CRM functions, the transition from one function to the next is flawless.

According to CRM Buyer, Aplicor will be releasing Cloud Suite 7.1, complete with more configuration tools for partners and customers, on June 30.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.

Tammy Wolf is a TMCnet web editor. She covers a wide range of topics, including IP communications and information technology. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Jennifer Russell