Partnershiponline in Control

PERTH-based technology group Partnershiponline has acquired a 51 per cent stake in Sydney software developer Australian Creative Computing, creators of the Control software program.

Control is a retail operational and management tool featuring a range of modules from cash register operations through inventory and stock control to full financial management reporting.

It is particularly suitable for multi-store or franchised retail operations.

Partnershiponline CEO Tony Mitchell said the decision to secure a controlling stake in ACC was based on the high performance of the Control program in providing inventory and accounting services to the group’s retail subsidiary Allphones Technologies.

“The basic package was sound from day one and we found it very easy to tweak the various modules to meet our specific needs,” Mr Mitchell said.

“The ability to run the system through the Internet is a major bonus. It is one of the few real-time packages that will run properly on the Internet, which is a boon in terms of servicing out-of-town stores.

“To paraphrase a well-known electric shaver manufacturer, I liked the program so much I decided to buy the company.”

He said the acquisition provided Partnershiponline with an entry point to the e-commerce market.

Partnershiponline has commenced more aggressive marketing of Control throughout Australasia and will launch the product in Asia through its offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Kunming (China) in the first quarter of 2001.

The company has also signed an agreement with British company Greenwich Mean Time to distribute the product in the UK and Europe through the existing GMT reseller base.