MICROAGE TAKES ON NEW SOFTWARE

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- MicroAge Computer Centers Inc. has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with "Spectrum Healthcare Solutions," to resell a software package for physicians called Doctors' Office Manager/2.

Leo DeWitt, a MicroAge franchisee here, says the new agreement will offer the local franchisee a great opportunity.

"Previously we have been selling within a 60-mile area," he said. "This exclusive distribution right will allow us to sell in a much broader geographical area. There are only two other MicroAge centers in Missouri at St. Louis and Kansas City and they focus predominately on the larger customers. We will have virtually the entire state as a potential market."

He added, "we will have to modify our approach as we reach out, but the opportunity is enormous."

DeWitt, who has been selling to the medical market for several years, said doctors are hard pressed to automate their offices as states are requiring them to file Medicare and other claims on a timely basis.

DeWitt's remarks were reported in a recent issue of Computer Reseller News.

The Spectrum Healthcare softwear will permit physicians to streamline such tasks as applications for appointment scheduling, patient registration, accounts receivable, billing, insurance and other records.

Larry Loos, a partner in the local franchise, recently attended a kickoff meeting in Phoenix for all MicroAge IBM authorized resellers.

"Besides this package for physicians, MicroAge has also signed a distribution agreement for Salon Sensation/2, a software package for beauty salons," said Loos. "We feel this will add significant potential for our local franchise."

The MicroAge franchise here has been owned by DeWitt and Loos since 1986. Besides business systems, they also are an IBM Certified Education Specialist for kindergarten through college. They recently started offering IBM machines for home buyers as well.