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Since the beginning in 1985, ProfitTool development has traveled through
various levels mini-computer operating systems to variations of UNIX (Unix
5.2 - 5.4, AIX and SCO Unix). Those were the days of proprietary
databases, Business Basic, COBOL or RPG programming languages (3GL), green
screen character based terminals, and very expensive min-computer systems. GDS
delivered hundreds of system built on this technology; dozens are still
in operation today.
As technology dramatically expanded throughout the mid 1990s, we began to see open databases (ODBC), Object Oriented Programming languages (4GL), PC workstations (Client/Server) and affordable PC based servers.
General Data Systems leveraged its knowledge and in 1998 re-engineered ProfitTool into a Windows based network-centric business system. The earliest Windows based ProfitTool System utilized SBT’s Pro Series as the base accounting software.
SBT was purchased by ACCPAC and subsequently, ACCPAC was purchased by Best Software (Sage). Through those years, ProfitTool evolved and in 2003 GDS was acknowledged by ACCPAC as a Premier Solution Provider (highest award level) and the ProfitTool Distribution Management Suite was part of the Pro Series Accounting Software version 7.X. This suite is still a current offering to an expanding community of ACCPAC Pro Series users.
In late 2003, the GDS management team decided to strike yet another new development course for ProfitTool. This decision was driven from both a technology and business perspective. From a technology perspective, GDS was looking for a more open source based system, built completely using modern object orientated methods (OOP) and built within a totally customizable system framework. As well, the GDS management team knew this technology had to be encompassed with a fully independent and flexible business model.
In February 2004, GDS concluded a Vertical Industry Partnership agreement with IAS, Inc. to engineer their Visual Advance Accounting Software into the newest ProfitTool Business Management Software Solution.
In the spring of 2006, GDS acquired Computime's printer and PC sales and service company. GDS welcomed four, highly specialized, certified technicians to their staff to deliver services and continue to support the expanded customer base.