Using a franchising system, the software is developed in-house then distributed to the customer through a partner network. Currently, ABAS collaborates with 580 persons who implement and sell its software worldwide.

"Our development overseas is very similar to the way we first developed in Germany, explains Forscht, “We don't do direct sales and distribution, but instead grow through our partner network structure. The main advantage this brings is that our partners know our customers best. They know their local customs, speak their language, and understand their needs. Furthermore, our partners’ independence allows them to fully represent our customers’ wishes, especially when it comes to programming country-specific features and performing future upgrades. This structure also prevents ABAS from developing software that is beyond our customers’ capability.”

Therefore, it is by “staying local”, that ABAS has realized international success. Through its partner network, the company is able to equally support its regional, national and international customers.

ABAS Software is a leading provider of flexible enterprise resource planning (ERP) and eBusiness software for the SMB market. Founded in 1980, ABAS serves over 2,000 customers worldwide, providing solutions in 28 languages. The software is developed in-house at the company’s headquarters in Karlsruhe, Germany, then distributed to the customer through a partner network. ABAS collaborates with 50 partners in 63 locations and holds a minority interest in 20 of these partner companies.

ABAS Software is focused in the development of its trademark abas Business Software (ERP, PPC, MRP, eBusiness), an ERP solution designed for small and mid-size companies. Abas Business Software includes abas ERP for production, abas Trade for distribution and service companies, and the eBusiness solution abas eB.

The abas Business Software is platform independent. It can run on Linux, Unix and Windows. ABAS has supported the open source operating system Linux on the server-side since 1995. Approximately 80% of all abas installations to-date are based on Linux.