Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications Shipped as Incorporated Component of Great Plains Dynamics Release 4.0

Business Wire, August 18, 1997

FARGO, N.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 18, 1997--Great Plains Software announced today the incorporation of Microsoft(R) Visual Basic(R) for Applications into Release 4.0 of its Dynamics and Dynamics C/S client/server financial management software. Microsoft Visual Basic Applications Edition 5.0 (VBA) is a key integration and customization component of the Dynamics Modifier application. The Modifier allows customers to easily and fully tailor the look, feel and functionality of the Dynamics products. VBA is the core development environment and language engine of the world's leading rapid application development (RAD) tool, Visual Basic, used by more than three million developers worldwide. VBA enables developers to extend the functionality of existing applications and easily create customized solutions to meet today's business needs.

"The majority of businesses need to complete some level of customization within their accounting system to get the best results for the way they do business," said Darren Laybourn, DynamicTools general manager at Great Plains Software. "VBA adds a wealth of options for customizing and extending the Dynamics financial systems with the Modifier. It also allows businesses to leverage internal expertise to easily integrate Dynamics with other related business applications."

The Dynamics Modifier allows businesses to customize windows and forms to give as much, or as little, information as needed without affecting the underlying accounting logic of the system. Changes can be made quickly and easily on individual windows, or globally throughout the entire system.

"We are excited about the 4.0 Release of Great Plains' Dynamics Products with Visual Basic for Applications," said Robbie Wright, lead marketing manager for VBA and ODE, Developer Tools, at Microsoft. "With immediate access to millions of VB developers, it will be easy for Great Plains customers to leverage their expertise to both customize Dynamics and Dynamics C/S to meet their financial management software needs and integrate Great Plains' software with other off the shelf software that hosts VBA."

Through the incorporation of Visual Basic for Applications, users can now harness the power of ActiveX(TM) Controls, fine tune user interaction with the system through intelligent field defaulting, add forms to Dynamics through VBA Userforms, and enforce specific business rules within the system. Businesses can also utilize VBA in the Modifier to seamlessly integrate with any business- related product that supports COM, such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook(TM), and many more.

About Great Plains Software

Great Plains Software, Inc. is a leading provider of Microsoft Windows NT(R) client/server financial management software for the midmarket. The company's award-winning products and services automate essential accounting functions and enhance the strategic value of financial information. The company's products and services are sold and implemented exclusively by its extensive network of independent sales and support organizations throughout the United States, Canada and select international markets.

Microsoft, Visual Basic, Outlook, ActiveX, and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other products mentioned in this release are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.

CONTACT: Kim Albrecht, 701-281-3735

or

Pamela Kram, 913-768-6881

For Product Information: Sales, Great Plains Software

800-456-0025, info@gps.com

http://www.gps.com