SDCG Annual Dinner

Updated 12/2005

Software Design Consultants celebrated the year end at the Alibi Restaurant in Beirut on December 30, 2005. Entertainment was not a problem since talents were revealed among the team during the dinner. The atmosphere was real cool and relax. It was a great moment for all the team and a wonderful way to end the year.

Happy New Year to all!

SDCG Annual Seminar

Updated 12/2005

Like previous years, Software Design organized its annual seminar at the Palm Beach Hotel in Beirut on December 29, 2005. 

The main objectives of the seminar was to assess the 2005 achievements and draw the company's strategy for 2006. Several presentations discussed major issues related to the improvement of the products and the quality of services. Several actions were recommended and their implementation planned for 2006.

Mr. Michel Nseir, CEO of SDCG, recognized the efforts of everyone in making this year successful and expressed his firm confidence that 2006 will witness more growth in Lebanon and the region.

Since its birth in 1995, Thierry’s Friends has played its way into the hearts of people of all ages. From its early beginnings in a modest shop on the slopes of Mount Lebanon, Thierry’s Friends quickly grew into a well-known multi-branch chain. A gift and gadget shop, Thierry’s Friends welcomes you to step into a lively world with a unique atmosphere.

Operating in both retail and wholesale, the company's current goal is to sprinkle Thierry’s Friends magic to the whole of Lebanon and the Middle East. Ten points of sales are already completely operational, nine in Lebanon and one in Dubai.

Shops operations rely completely on Visual Dolphin Retail Point of Sale (POS), a computerized retail management system that combines a user-friendly interface with exceptional speed and flexibility. It is integrated with Visual Dolphin ERP for fast, efficient means of entering sales and controlling inventory. Visual Dolphin Retail POS enables any computer to operate as a cash register, offering far more capabilities than a traditional register.

Mrs Raymonde Wardeh, Software Design Beirut General Manager, explains "Visual Dolphin Retail POS is definitely the right solution for Thierry's Friends Management expectations. It provides all the required controls and integration that help the institution improve its profitability and control over the whole business".

Software Design Consulting Group participates to the Saida Technology Exhibition, SAITECH.

The event is organized by the Hariri Foundation and is under the auspices of the Deputy Bahia Al Hariri. The objective of the event is to support the Information Technology Sector and to contribute to the widespread of this sector in all Lebanese regions.

SAITECH, 24-27 August 2005, 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm - Saida - Khan El Franj

Bonjus, the Lebanese Fruit Juice Company, has selected Visual Dolphin to integrate its operations and accompany the ambitious expansion of the company.

Bonjus was established in 1962 and is considered one of the largest branded soft drinks and ice cream manufacturers in Lebanon. The company currently employs over 400 employees. Bonjus products are not only distributed in Lebanon but are also present on the American, African and Arabian Gulf markets.

Commenting the choice of Bonjus, Mrs Raymonde Wardeh, Beirut General Manager, said: "The decision of Bonjus to opt for Visual Dolphin is very significant to us since it emphasizes the versatility of our products and their aptitude to adapt to different types and sizes of businesses".

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2005, GITEX continues to reflect the importance & phenomenal growth of the IT industry in the region by continually highlighting the latest technology & services from international manufacturers and suppliers.

In 2004 GITEX welcomed over 939 Exhibitors representing over 2428 Companies from 41 Countries. The record-breaking show covered over 27,504 sqm and GITEX 2005 looks set to surpass these figures as the IT Market strengthens and IT spending in the Middle East & North Africa region is predicted to continue to rise. Gitex is now considered among the world's top 3 IT Exhibitions.

GITEX 2005 will showcase an entire range of IT related products and services including IT equipment and systems, computer components and peripherals, storage media, printers, copiers and pre-print systems, consumer electronics and home automation, office automation, point-of-sale systems, embedded computer technology, security systems, power supplies for information and communication systems and biometric identification systems.

Software Design Consulting Group will be part of the event! Meet us there!

GITEX 2005, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, 25-29 September 2005.

Caritas Lebanon is a member of Caritas International Confederation. It is one of the largest humanitarian networks. Its mission is to help people in need and restore their dignity, regardless of their political, religious or social beliefs.

Caritas Lebanon has adopted Visual Dolphin to automate the operation of its Lebanese network. The project includes the computerization of the finance, the medicines inventory, the payroll and the automation of the dispensaries. The project ultimate objective is to provide the 36 sectors in Lebanon with a web access to the system.

Gitex fair is accompanied by a series of workshops and conferences. These conferences are an ideal opportunity to mix technical information and present latest developments and applications to a large professional audience.

Software Design takes advantage of the event to present its Visual Dolphin suite of products. The seminar will go through the top selling features provided by Visual Dolphin. You can attend the seminar on Tuesday 26 April at 5:00PM.

GITEX Saudi Arabia 2005, Riyadh Exhibition Center, 24-28 April 2005

SDCG launches the Dolphin Phone Support

Updated 03/2005

SDCG maintenance service guarantees optimum system performance and adequate use of Dolphin system resources. That means immediate problem solution, more productivity and better satisfaction.

If, for any reason, clients did not sign a maintenance agreement with SDCG, they can still benefit from the “Dolphin Phone Support Service”, designed to provide phone support for Dolphin applications.

The Dolphin Phone Support Service Agreement entitles SDCG clients, for a low fee, to obtain unlimited phone assistance from 8:00 AM till 5:00 PM during weekdays. As a Software Design customer, they’ll receive support from a team of experienced professionals who work closely with him to provide fast, accurate response and resolution to all of support issues.

CONDITIONS

• All Dolphin modules operational at the client must be covered by this service

• Yearly fees for the “Phone Support Service" are $110.- per module

• Customers not signed for the “Phone Support Service” will not benefit from our phone assistance after April 15, 2005

• In case a visit is required on site, it will be charged at $88.-/hour, and $66.-/ if at Software Design premises

• All prices include VAT

• Fees should be settled cash upon signature, otherwise the agreement will be cancelled

  To know more about this service, please feel free to call Ms. Ghada Raad or
  Mrs. Raymonde Abou Diwan at 01-399855, Fax at 01-380420, or send your e-mail to maintenance@softwaredesign.com.lb

SDCG holds its Annual Strategy Seminar

Updated 01/2005

Like previous years, Software Design met last December to define its development strategy for 2005. Working sessions discussed several subjects related to the continuous improvement of our customers implementations and the quality of our products. 2004 achievements were reviewed and objectives for 2005 were set by department. The strategy for 2005 was exposed and the company's objectives clearly defined.

Mr. Michel Nseir, Software Design CEO, stressed on the importance of the quality of the services provided to our clients, "the most important differentiator in our industry", and the necessity to stay alert to our customers needs. Mr. Nseir concluded saying that 2005 will be more challenging than ever and should witness an unprecedented expansion and growth for Software Design.

SDCG present at GITEX 2004

Updated 09/2004

Gitex is considered the largest and most successful IT event in the Middle East. During five days, exhibitors from all the Arab world will meet in Dubai to offer their solutions, and showcase the latest technologies.

Software Design will participate to this major event and take this opportunity to launch the Visual Dolphin Standard Edition, a financial management system, specifically designed for small and medium businesses.

GITEX 2004, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, 3-7 October 2004.

SDCG appointed Solution Partner for GoldMine

Updated 09/2004

SDCG signed a Solution Partnership agreement with  FrontRange Solutions, editor of the award-winning CRM, GoldMine. GoldMine is an enterprise relationship management solution that increases the opportunity for sales professionals to grow their business.

GoldMine helps increase productivity through team-based collaboration, centralized customer information, and tools for streamlining sales and marketing processes:

• Rich Contact Management: Instant access to centralized contact information, including complete histories,

• Time Management: Reminders, alerts and complete view of daily schedule

• Document and campaign management: Automation of mass mailing by easily generating targeted, personalized e-mail, letters or faxes

• Opportunity Management: Immediate updates for sales pipeline and products tracking, prospects, revenue potential...

• Team-based Collaboration: Sharing of critical information across the whole team

• Reporting and analysis: Analysis of leads, sales and marketing effort

• Forecasting: Sales sorting by product or probability

• Integration with Microsoft Outlook and Exchange

If you are interested by GoldMine and would like to know more about it, please contact Software Design Consulting Group at 961-(01)-399855.

After the success encountered by Visual Dolphin Enterprise Edition, Software Design Consulting Group announces the launching during the two major IT events in the region, Termium 2004-Beirut and Gitex 2004-Dubai, of its Visual Dolphin Standard Edition.

Software Design Consulting Group believes that the lower end of the mid-market is underserved by ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solution providers due to high budget and complex functionalities. The introduction of Visual Dolphin Standard Edition answers the expectations of small and mid size businesses that require a limited number of users and have less complex business needs and limited budget.

Visual Dolphin Standard Edition will only be available through Software Design’s distributors’ channel and in IT retail outlets. This friendly application will be implemented at the users directly by the finance managers or their auditors. SDCG various branches will help in supporting the dealers and the end users by offering online help desk support. 

With Visual Dolphin solutions, small and midsize businesses (SMBs) gain the power of the world's most successful business suite - right out of the box. It provides the required power by any business to drive value and increase revenues.

SDCG announces Dolphin Business Intelligence solution to help customers exploit the hidden facets of the data they have been storing for years in Dolphin.

Dolphin BI objective is to transform vast amounts of information in Dolphin, - on everything from sales and market trends to customers – into useful, context relevant and actionable business understanding. Using Dolphin BI, Management can understand the customer trends and know better how to retain them, get insights into product behavior that impacts brand strategy and finally, keep an eye on the overall financial performance.  

With Dolphin BI, your business can effectively shrink the gap between the data you have and your ability to analyze and understand it.

Interested to know more about Dolphin BI, call Mrs. Raymonde Warde at Software Design or visit us at Termium from 21-26 September, 2004.

"Made in America 2004" is scheduled for September 1-3, 2004 at the Export Center located in the Port of Beirut, Lebanon. Made in America 2004 is the most prominent trade fair promoting U.S. products and services in Lebanon and is open to any company marketing U.S. products and services. Given the outstanding reputation of U.S. technology, as well as Lebanon's strategic position in the region, Made in America 2004 will be an excellent opportunity for U.S. ICT companies to develop new partnerships in Lebanon and throughout the region.

"Made in America 2003" showcased over 120 U.S. companies including Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, HP, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, GE, Procter & Gamble, Citibank, Western Union, FedEx and Tyson Foods. U.S. companies reported 25 success stories generating over $800,000 of sales as a direct result of the fair.

Software Design Consulting Group will be present at "Made in America 2004" to promote Proclarity, a Business Intelligence analysis tool, and Goldmine, a CRM application. We are waiting for you!

From Sept. 22nd till Sept. 26th 2004, Software Design will be present at Termium 2004. This event is considered Lebanon's showcase of every Information Technology related solution available in Lebanon.

Termium will include this year new pavilions that represent different sectors of activity. Each sector is co-sponsored by its major key player or authority, like for example, the Ministry of Telecommunication for the telecom sector or the Central Bank of Lebanon for the banking & finance sector.

More news about Termium 2004 very soon...

SDCG proves leadership through its Advertising Media Solution

Updated 08/2004

In four years of time, SDCG penetrated the Gulf market to impose its advertising media solution as an inevitable challenger to any other international solution. Having successfully automated the top 15 agencies, with several branches in the region, Visual Dolphin Advert is considered one of the leading solutions in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA). Software Design relied on close collaboration with leading advertising agencies to include in the solution the industry's best practices. Renowned agencies and media buying companies, with branches spread in the region, adopted the solution and were successfully automated.

In several occasions, Visual Dolphin Advert has confirmed its capabilities to compete and beat similar American and British solutions, proving once again that Lebanese software can lead the way in delivering complex systems.

Success is mainly due to a deep knowledge of the industry, a presence in the region, the reliability of the product and the availability of Software Design’s consultants. These key arguments are weighed every time by international experts hired by SD clients before they decide to opt for Visual Dolphin Advert.

Visual Dolphin Advert was deployed by advertising agencies networks with a consolidated turnover that constitutes 60% of the market share in the MENA countries, like Brand Connection, Fortune Promoseven, Grey Worldwide, Horizons, Starcom, TMI/J.Walther Thompson, Universal Media 7 besides several other agencies located in Lebanon, UAE or Saudi Arabia.

Visual Dolphin Advert is definitely the ultimate media tool that lets any agency spend less time gathering information and more time using it. It is also the proof that Lebanese software can make its way on the international scene and has high chances to succeed.

Individual Tax Declaration Report now available!

Updated 06/2004

The Individual Tax Declaration report (R6) recently requested by the Ministry of Finance of Lebanon is now available in the Dolphin Payroll System. The price of the report includes the installation and a collective training session at Software Design premises. A special discount is granted to old SDCG customers.

To know more about the report, please contact Software Design Consulting Group at 961-(01)-399855 or send an e-mail to support@softwaredesign.com.lb

Le Cercle Hitti chooses Visual Dolphin

Updated 06/2004

Le Cercle Hitti Group in Lebanon acquired Visual Dolphin to streamline operations and improve management controls across the four showrooms managed by the Group. Showrooms are strategically located in Downtown Beirut and its suburbs.

Visual Dolphin implementation aims to replace the existing financial system and help the company to simplify many of its core financial processes, to make it quicker to gather and process data and allow more time to analyze it.

The complete financial modules like the General Ledger, Payables, Receivables, Inventory control, Sales, Purchasing and Fixed Assets were procured. The Project Management module was also chosen to support the "Projects" department in their daily follow-up and costing of the ongoing interior design projects.

About Le Cercle Hitti

Founded in 1972, Le Cercle Hitti has witnessed a sustained evolution to become a leader in Lebanon, not only in the field of furniture and accessories but also in interior design. Le Cercle Hitti is agent of prestigious international names, like Ligne Roset, Cinna and Roche Bobois.   (www.cerclehitti.com)

Software Design Consulting Group has signed an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Product Partner agreement with Proclarity. This agreement entitles Software Design to integrate the Proclarity technology with Visual Dolphin to add on its business analytics capabilities and provide the users with a sophisticated analytic solution.

Proclarity is a decision support tool that enable real-time, interactive access, analysis and manipulation of mission-critical corporate information. It helps users access and leverage vast amounts of information to analyze relationships and understand trends, that, ultimately, support business decisions.

Visual Dolphin, while using the power of Proclarity, participates in the continuous improvement of the organization through timely information that enhances decision-making.

About Proclarity

Proclarity is one of the fastest growing business intelligence companies. It has been named one of America's growth leaders for the second consecutive year by the 2003 Deloitte Technology Technology Fast 500.(www.proclarity.com)

Starcom Mediavest Group - Middle East - has adopted the Visual Dolphin Advertising software to automate its media buying activity. The deal comprises the deployment of the solution in the Starcom regional offices, in Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and UAE. The target is to go live in April 2004.

Visual Dolphin Advert was designed by Software Design Consulting Group to help media agencies keep on top of their brands and clients information. It is the ultimate tool that adapts to the specific business rules of a media agency and fully automates its entire process.

Designed with a vision to satisfy the most demanding international requirements and support remote multi-branch operations, Visual Dolphin Advert, delivers the power to manage a global enterprise while complying with a wide variety of national accounting standards worldwide.

About Starcom MediaVest Group

Ranked one of the largest brand communications groups in the world, Starcom MediaVest Group encompasses an integrated network of nearly 3,800 contact architects specializing in media management, internet + digital communications, response media, entertainment marketing, sports sponsorships, event marketing and multicultural media. A subsidiary of Paris-based Publicis Groupe (www.publicis.co), SMG's network of 110 offices in 76 countries fuels brand-building results for many of the world's leading companies

(© Starcom MediaVest Group)

Software Design has signed a partner agreement with Coextant Systems International, the provider of the ultimate content automation solutions for Intranets, Extranets and Internets, Hyper.Net.

Hyper.Net is a powerful XML Web Service that transforms corporate documents wherever they may be into relational data that can be used to feed content into any web site in an organization, no matter what web technology or operating system is used.

BecauseHyper.Net is implemented as a back-office process that integrates standard authoring and web applications, and uses the latest web technologies, it allows the implementation of modern, content-oriented web solutions in a fraction of the time - and at a fraction of the cost - than when using proprietary systems and technologies

So without changing business processes, technologies, documents, and infrastructure, and without introducing technology that has significant human impact, full function internet sites, policy and procedure intranets, sales distribution channel extranets, and any other content-oriented solution needed can be created within weeks instead of months.

About Coextant Systems International

Coextant Systems International is the exclusive provider of Content Automation solutions for Intranets, Extranets, and Internets. Coextant's mission is to enable businesses to effectively deploy and manage high-quality, content-intensive Web solutions, by leveraging standard IT applications and existing skills in the organization.

With sales and development offices in the Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and United States, and with over 15 dedicated solution and training business partners around the world, Coextant is well-positioned to support its customers from design through implementation, no matter what size is the organization or country it is located in.

(© Coextant Systems International)

Any person that has followed a training on the Visual Dolphin line of products can now validate his knowledge by taking the online exam. The exam items cover all the main features of Visual Dolphin Accounting and Inventory Control.

Succeeding at the exam opens the door to the "Dolphin/Visual Dolphin Certificate of Accomplishment" confirming that a user has acquired a maximum of knowledge in Software Design applications.

Access to the exam requires a username and a password that can be obtained by contacting Software Design.

Minister Jean-Louis Cordahi, Minister of Telecommunications in Lebanon, has visited the stand of Software Design Consulting Group at Gitex Dubai.

Minister Cordahi’s tour covered all the stands located at the Lebanese pavilion and praised the achievements of the IT sector in Lebanon. Minister Cordahi  stressed on the importance of representing Lebanon at all major IT events in the Middle East area and exporting Lebanese know-how outside the frontiers.

Software design's offices in Dubai will move from Al Garhoud to Sheikh Zayed Road as of October 15, 2003. The address and phone numbers will be as follow:

Jamal Al Hai Bldg. Mezzanine Floor, Office #5

Sheikh Zayed Road

Tel:  971-4-3383318

Fax: 971-4-3383319

Dell, Microsoft, and Software Design, announced during Gitex Termium 2003 the endorsement of its “Office in a Box” solution which includes a high end DELL server with Software Design’s Visual Dolphin standard edition (5 users) and Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS 2000).  The bundled promotion is available at the special discounted price of USD 5999,-.

“Office in a Box” comes with the launch of the new Visual Dolphin Standard edition dedicated to small and midsize businesses. The standard edition is an abbreviated version of the Professional one; it integrates powerful ERP features using Microsoft SQL server platform.

Mr. Charbel Fakhoury, General Manager, Microsoft Eastern Mediterranean declared: “Microsoft is committed to the development of the small and midsized markets which constitute the core of the country’s economy.  Such an affordable integrated solution developed specifically to the needs of the local market provides companies with major growth opportunities.”

“This alliance allows our customers to upgrade their servers to branded powerful machines, to transfer their businesses to higher levels by acquiring a world class ERP system, and, to regulate their original licenses with Microsoft SBS, which includes a multitude of software products” said Michel Nseir, chairman of Software Design Consulting Group.

Bundle Details:

1.     DELL Server

2.     SBS business server

3.     Visual Dolphin Standard Edition

4.     Two weeks training afternoon training at SDCG

This offer is valid till the end of November 2003.

Software Design is present at Termium 2003 and joins the leading IT solution providers in Lebanon. Termium 2003 is considered the leading IT event in Lebanon. It is organized jointly by Promofair and PCA, the Professional Computer Association.

If you are looking for an ERP or just like to have a chat with Software Design consultants, come and visit Software Design at BIEL, Beirut Central District, Hall B, Stand B4 - C3, 16-21 September 2003, from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Like previous years, Software Design Consulting Group will participate to the Middle East most significant IT event. This presence is part of the determination of Software Design to promote its products & services and support its clients in the Arabic Gulf area.

Gitex Dubai 2003 is considered the perfect opportunity to see the very latest information technology from around the world. The exhibition will be held in Dubai, UAE at the Dubai World Trade Center on the 19-23 October 2003.

With a will to stay close to its clients, Software Design continues its expansion in the Gulf Area. After Dubai, Kuwait and Oman, Saudi Arabia is the new destination for Software Design. A presence in Riyadh and Jeddah will be assured starting next September. The main objective of these two new locations is to give support to Software Design's dealers in KSA.

Once again, Visual Dolphin has proven its potential to answer the expectations of large businesses by supporting their most critical business processes with the fastest time to benefit at the lowest overall cost.

Easa Hussein Al Yousifi is one of the largest enterprises in Kuwait, dealing with several types of activities and businesses. With more than 1200 employees, 5 main offices, and 25 retail outlets, it covers the trading, Import/Export, Contracting, Manufacturing, Retail and Wholesale operations. Easa Hussein Al Yousifi represents some major brands such as Panasonic, National, Technics, Sega, York, Citizen, IBM, Lexmark, and OfficeOne...

Al Yousifi adopted Visual Dolphin after going through an arduous selection process that implicated key ERP solutions, like Oracle Financials, Microsoft Great Plains, Kerridge Commercial Systems and many others.  The powerful features of Visual Dolphin, the business expertise of its consultants and the quality of the services constitute the main factors that made Al Yousifi lean and finally opt for Visual Dolphin.

Al Yousifi acquired the full line of Visual Dolphin financial applications including manufacturing, contracting and the Business intelligence modules. Visual Dolphin was gradually implemented during 2003 in all their sites, branches and showrooms. Today, 600 users have an on line access to all sites, using database replication feature; the head office has an instantaneous exposure over the consolidated operations of each retail outlet at the same time. This complex deployment wouldn't have been possible without the advantages Visual Dolphin provides for a full integration of multi-companies, multi databases and multi-branches operation at the same time