Big M Inc. selects JDA's new client/server system

Business Wire, Dec 9, 1996

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 1996--James D. Armstrong, chief executive officer of JDA Software Group Inc. (NASDAQ:JDAS), Monday announced that Big M Inc. has signed an agreement to license JDA's client/server corporate headquarters system, Open DataBase Merchandising System(TM) (ODBMS(TM)).

Big M operates more than 160 ladies apparel and accessory stores trading under the names of MANDEE(R), ANNIE SEZ(R), and AFAZE(R).

According to Philip Schatten, president of the RAI Group, Big M's independent consultants, felt that the appropriate platform for Big M Inc. should be based on a client/server architecture. Commented Schatten, "After extensive evaluation we found that JDA's ODBMS(TM) client/server product was head and shoulders above the competition."

Noted Schatten, "We were very impressed by the technical and functional superiority of the system. In particular, we liked the flexibility that allows us to operate multiple subsidiaries and provide our executives and merchandisers with up to the minute decision support capabilities."

JDA is pleased to welcome Big M to its growing list of retailers. Commented Armstrong, "Big M's selection of ODBMS(TM) further validates JDA's continuing investment in and commitment to a client/server strategy."

Based in Totowa, N.J., Big M Inc. has been operating retail chains in the Northeastern United States for over 40 years.

JDA Software provides enterprise-wide information management software to retailers worldwide. Founded in 1985, JDA is headquartered in Phoenix, and has operations in Stamford, Conn. and Atlanta in the United States and international offices in the United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, Germany, Mexico and Chile, enabling it to successfully support its software solutions in over 200 retailers around the world.

In addition to ODBMS, JDA's retail applications also include the AS/400-based corporate system, Merchandise Management System(TM) (MMS(TM)); its in-store systems, Distributed Store System (DSS(TM)) and Distributed Store System(TM) for Windows (Win/DSS(TM)); and its new data warehouse application, Retail IDEAS.

CONTACT: JDA Software Group Inc., Phoenix

Thomas M. Proud, 602/404-5500 x 3159

fax: 602/404-5557