Retek introduces network computer application suite for retailers

Business Wire, Jan 13, 1997

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 1997--Retek Information Systems, an HNC Software company, Monday announced an Internet and network-computer-enabled extension to its retail suite of merchandise management software, which includes the Retek Merchandise Management System, Information Delivery Facility, and Active Retail Intelligence.

Intended for the large retailer, Retek's integsated suite of products ensures that information flows through the organization in a continuous loop. The new extensions provide remote, mobile, and other thin-client users with the identical functionality and user interface found in Retek's current products. The standard 3-tier client/server architecture is expanded to a full N-tiered architecture that includes an ultra-thin Java client, compatible with both the network computer and standard Internet/intranet web browsers.

"This opens an exciting new era in retail technology," said John Buchanan, president of Retek Information Systems. "Retailers who take advantage of these new products will reduce costs while simultaneously expanding their ability to make crucial business decisions based on up-to-date information."

Thin-client application software ensures zero administration at the desktop, increasing both hardware and software reliability. Security is improved inside and outside the organization with data and applications always residing on a secure server. Flexibility in deployment and speed of installation insures that technology investments can meet the need for frequent change. In addition, cost of ownership is dramatically reduced.

Gartner Group estimates the annual cost of ownership of a personal computer to be $10K-12K per annum, whereas a network computer can be deployed and maintained for $2K-3K annually. With no local software upgrades to be performed, applications can be maintained centrally, even with a geographically dispersed organization.

According to John Goedert, vice president of Research & Development for Retek, "Our current and future customers will reap the benefits of this technical leap. Now the same information and applications can be delivered simultaneously to head office, in-store, and mobile users with ease."

The Retek suite provides a tightly integrated transaction management system that generates greater control of three key areas: Inventory, Merchandise Management, and Finance. Through a variety of standard and user-defined views, the core module presents information to expedite retail transactions.

The Information Delivery Facility (IDF), Retek's enterprisewide data warehouse solution, extends control by allowing the extraction and delivery of information from retail enterprise transaction systems to knowledge workers -- buyers, merchandisers, and management. Active Retail Intelligence (ARI), closes the information loop by turning this knowledge into action through identifying the necessary actions and automatically feeding them to the appropriate users.

Retek was recently acquired by HNC Software Inc. (NASDAQ:HNCS). With headquarters in San Diego, HNC Software Inc. is a leader in the application of neural network technology in client/server environments. The company develops, markets, integrates, and supports advanced decision software based on computational intelligence. HNC provides practical solutions in the areas of electronic payments, financial services, retail, educational publishing, direct marketing, and market research.

For more information, contact Patsy Campbell, director of marketing, HNC Software Inc., 5930 Cornerstone Court West, San Diego, CA 92121, 619/546-8877.

CONTACT: HNC Software Inc.

Patricia Campbell, 619/546-8877