Press

(Boston, MA) - Software user groups are nothing new; in fact theyre common in many industries. But not necessarily in the jewelry industry, an industry often considered lagging behind in technology. A trip to the upcoming ASCUS convention will dispel that myth.

ASCUS, the ASC users society, is the jewelry industrys oldest and largest software user group. Formed in 1989, ASCUS is a self-governing non-profit organization comprised of over 100 prestigious retail jewelers totaling over 600 separate stores.

More than 100 people from jewelry stores across the nation are expected to attend the upcoming ASCUS convention, which is being held March 13-15, 2005 at the beachfront TradeWinds Resort in St. Petersburg, FL.

The 2005 convention provides attendees with the opportunity to share knowledge relating to ASC software but also best practices in areas besides technology in a supportive, non-competing environment. Topics for this years convention include:

• Aged Inventory
• Diamond Inventory
• Reordering and Buying Plans
• Customer Relationship Management
• Antivirus & System Security
• Accounts Receivable & Collections

Some of the retailers attending this years convention include Lux, Bond & Green, Hyde Park Jewelers, BC Clark, Tiny Jewel Box and Borsheims.

One of the important tasks members will be addressing at the convention is the voting of software enhancements for the coming year.  80% of the annual dues members pay goes toward powerful new software developed by jewelers, for jewelers, and available exclusively to ASCUS members.  Since its inception, ASCUS has financed over $550,000 in new software.

"ASCUS was formed by a group of five ASC software users with the idea to share the cost of developing new, mutually beneficial software.  However, the organization has grown to so much more than that today.  We not only share knowledge, ideas and solutions about ASC software, but also about the latest industry and technology trends" says Gary Goodman

President of Frederic Goodman Jewelers of NJ, ASCUS President, one of the original founders and 20 year veteran user of ASC software.

In addition to the annual convention and specially developed software, ASCUS members also have access to a wealth of knowledge and experience of other jewelers through the popular ASCUS web forum.  The ASCUS web forum is an extended support network where members can post questions, which are answered by other members.

According to ASCUS member, Pat Holt of Tiny Jewel Box in Washington DC" ASCUS is a great way to get questions answered, find out who has a business similar to yours and talk to them about how they deal with issues that concern you, and form relationships that make future communication easier.  And its fun!"

For more information about ASCUS

ASCUS President Gary Goodman 973-239-6201 

About ASC Software

Based in Boston, Applications Systems Corporation develops, markets and supports Craftsman Windows, the premier jewelry retail management software. ASC’s Craftsman efficiently automates every aspect of a retail jewelers operation from purchasing to point-of-sale and special orders to automatic reordering. Craftsman is a powerful management tool that gives the retail jeweler complete control over their single or multi-store operations. For more information visit www.ascsoft.com or call 800-253-9272.