Global Software announces major new release of Universal Financials for IBM mainframe and UNIX platforms; New open system capabilities include extensive workflow and image integration; New modules for purchasing professionals with integrated Lotus Notes; Major Decision Support enhancements

Business Wire, August 16, 1995

RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 16, 1995--Global Software Inc., provider of world-class client/server financial application software and services, today announced Release 4.3 of Universal Financials.

Release 4.3 extends, enhances and integrates Universal Financials with other enterprise-wide systems, thereby enabling users to use standard desktop decision support tools from Microsoft and Lotus. This is the first time that financial systems of this class offer such an extensive level of open workflow and imaging functionality.

According to Ron Kupferman, Global Software CEO, "In the constantly changing world of enterprise computing, we recognize the need to remain `open,' allowing user access to best-of-breed desktop tools from the supplier that meets their needs, while making integration of these products with Universal Financials virtually invisible."

Global's Universal Financials systems provide real time information about the enterprise for improved business decision-making. The integrated design and flexible functionality of Universal Financials modules allow companies to streamline their financial processes, from procurement management through accounts receivable and credit management.

Global Software Universal Financial Systems

Release 4.3 At-a-Glance

Decision Support

Global Software's Universal Financials is now fully compatible with DDE supported desktop tools such as Microsoft Office or Lotus SmartSuite and enables users to extract enterprise-wide data for spreadsheet manipulation, analytical workgroup processing, graphing, document management or Online Analytical Processing (OLAP). Comprehensive security features are automatically invoked as data is pulled from the database into third-party tools. In this way, individual security profiles follow the user, allowing access and power to amend the data only as authorized.

Workflow and Imaging

Two levels of workflow are available with Release 4.3: Internal - proprietary workflow capabilities for users operating entirely within Universal Financials; and External - the ability for Universal Financials to be integrated with almost any external workflow product.

Workflow tools within 4.3 deliver improved productivity through automated distribution of tasks and application integration; increased control over business processes combined with the power to easily change those processes as the business requires; a significantly-improved degree of user empowerment.

The new release allows the capture of documents using the latest OCR/ICR technology, plus automatic indexing and database creation. Speedy document retrieval and distribution, combined with reductions in paper purchase, storage, manual distribution and duplication, quickly deliver bottom-line savings.

Purchasing Management

For the purchasing professional, Universal Financials features new modules as well as enhancements. Buyer Decision Support and Business Event Manager are new modules. Enhancements have been made to Purchase Order, Commitment Accounting and Accounts Payable, along with full integration to the new modules.

Release 4.3 supports purchasing best practices across diverse industries to meet the needs of buyers, buyers' customers, purchasing managers and accounting. The buyer is now empowered with a range of tools including Lotus Notes, desktop integration, action file, proactive diary and on-line messaging. The buyer can now handle all document management and distribution through Lotus Notes, from planning requisitions to contract placements.

The buyer's customer is better served through easier access to information, an up-to-the-minute view of spending-versus-budget, and proactive information such as suggestions on source of supply and flexible accounts processing.

The purchasing manager has a top-down view of the complete life cycle costs from planning through contract renewal and can apply performance measures for both suppliers and buyers.

Accounts Payable receives considerable benefit through features such as proactive matching of agreed and actual payment terms, automatically identifying any discrepancies.

Available on Both Mainframe and UNIX platforms

The open architecture of Universal Financials provides customers with a choice of hardware platforms and relational database management systems. Universal Financials is the only client/server financial accounting solution that supports native implementation of DB2 on MVS, as well as native implementations of DB2, Oracle, Sybase and Ingres on UNIX servers.

Global Software, with its joint venture partner Quality Software Products Plc. of the United Kingdom, develops and markets financial accounting software for open systems as well as IBM mainframe, UNIX and AS/400 environments. Global/QSP generates worldwide revenues of over $60 million, and supports in excess of 1,000 customers using more than 3,000 installed products in over 20 countries. Universal Financials includes General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Purchase Order, Accounts Receivable and Fixed Asset Management Modules. The products are marketed outside the U.S. as Universal OLAS.