Greentree Business Software

Greentree's origins go back to the 1980s,[5] when it was developing DOS-based accounting software under the brand name CBA.[6] For 14 years, CBA was the most successful mid-range financial software solution, used on more than 12,000 sites across New Zealand and Australia.[7]

CBA was founded by Don Bowman and John Cowan in 1983.[8] In less than a year, it became Australia's top microcomputer accounting software.[9] In 1986, CBA was named Australia Business Software of the Year, outselling all other computer software providers according to an independent market survey.[10]

In 1993, CBA was sold to US-based Platinum Software but was purchased back by the original developers in July 1997 under the name Focus Software.[11] Focus Software and the Cardinal Group teamed up to develop the first application for the Jade programming language in 1998 and called it Greentree Business Software. It was a complete ground-up rewrite of CBA and was Microsoft Windows NT-based capable of running on standalone personal computers running Windows 95.[12] Focus Software was subsequently named Greentree International in 1997.[13]

Greentree International was named one of information technology world's "25 Rising Stars" by the MIS Magazine of Australia in 2006.[14] The judging panel is made out of six IT industry stalwarts from various areas of expertise.[15] Greentree Business software was a finalist for the 2010 Software Product of the Year (Client/Business category) for Accountancy Age Awards[16] and in 2012, they were shortlisted again for The British Accountancy Awards Software Product of the Year.[17]

In 2014, Greentree launched Greentree4 – its next-generation full integrated ERP software platform which provides a unique browser-based user experience.[18]

The platform streamlines the configuration and design of screens and forms so they can be customised at an organisation, group or individual level.[19]

On 1 August 2016, MYOB acquired Greentree.[20]

In 2011, the company launched a competition for New Zealand and Australian businesses, under the banner GAME ON.[21] Companies were invited to put a compelling case for winning a Greentree software implementation, including cloud hosting. Winners of the inaugural competition were hospitality and accommodation provider Kimberley Group (Australia)[22] business and bathroom furniture manufacturer Smail & Co (New Zealand).[23] In 2012, GAME ON was run in the UK, and won by charity organisation Concern Universal.[24]

Greentree is written in JADE which allows its implementers to write complex customised add-ons without causing any interference to the core product.[25] It also allows customisations to stay synched and also provides continuous incremental upgrades.[26]

Greentree is able to operate in the cloud, on local servers, or a combination of both.[27]

Greentree launched a Software as a Service offering for its business management software in April 2016. Named Greentree as a Service (GaaS), it includes software, cloud hosting, maintenance and a range of other services.[28]