Evidence is building that part of the channel is not buying Microsoft’s cloud strategy. One example is long-time Dynamics VAR, Lindy Antonelli of Chicago whose Access Teknologies this year sold its Dynamics GP customer base to Sikich to concentrate on the Intacct line. A long-time SL VAR said he was being forced to consider the cloud because of Microsoft's lack of progress and is looking at Intacct and Acumatica.

Hightower, which has been an important Sage reseller and developer, appears to rapidly moving toward an end. Company employees were asked to go home for five to 10 days, given boxes for packing personal possessions, and instructed to call for further information. The Internal Revenue Service has filed a lien against the company and reports are that its bank has pulled the plug. Via an email, Hightower has now told customers "Effective today, Friday March 23, 2012, SWK will be handling all HighTower client support, as well as supporting resellers of HighTower enhancements."