Software

http://www.accpac.com/products/finance/

one of the best accounting systems available

Well, Ron you have been charged with a daunting task. I can't speak of Peachtree or Great Plains, but have used MAS90/200 for the past 5 years. Selection of an accounting package should not rest solely with a sysadmin, but also have input from the controller or equivalent.

Check out BestSoftware.com for some comparisons between packages. There are so many more than what you are looking at that may be more easily migrated. Each package has its own strengths and weaknesses, but here is the blurb on MAS200>

Recommended by more CPAs than any other business management application in its class, MAS 90 offers a broad selection of feature-rich solutions, including accounting, financial reporting, distribution, manufacturing and e-business management. The software is widely recognized for its ease of use and its ability to empower customers with insightful information.

Of course, most modules can be purchased separately and added later if needed.

Good luck with your purchase.

I don't mind Great Plains but it has had it's compatibility and stability issues in older versions.

I main deploy Samco Power Accounting which is a spin off off Real World Accounting.

As for the MAS suites or MAPICS software, it is VERY robust but designed mainly for use in manufacturing companies, tracking manufacturing processes, materials and all other costs and inventory centrally as a complete ERP solution. May be a little more than you need in your case.

Peachtree, it sits alongside Great Plains,on about an even keel. For an office over 150 users I would recommend Great Plains over Peachtree though, just for sake of reduced form customixation.

Ron:
we have used MAS90 for seven or more years in our four locations. Very Powerful if you need all the modules. We use AP, AR, BR, GL, IM, PO, PR, SO, JC, Custom Office, Visual Integrator, Crystal Reportss 8.5 etc. Have WO and BM but haven't used yet.
Maintenance and Support is top notch, but expensive.

You may want to consider looking at MAS90 (2-10 users) or MAS200 (10+)