Agile Software's JAVA Client Enables Access to Global Design and Manufacturing Know-How for Mid-Sized Enterprises; First Full Function Read/Write Java Application for Product Configuration and Change Management

Business Wire, March 11, 1997

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 11, 1997--Now any enterprise can easily and cost effectively access their global design and manufacturing resources with the Agile JAVA Client from Agile Software Corp.

Standard Internet communications enable access to product know-how regardless of location. Internet access also means key suppliers and partners can participate in the product development and manufacturing process.

Previously manufacturers were limited to expensive UNIX-based networks or modem connections and expensive hard-to-use clients to access an enterprise's world-wide product development. With the announcement of the Agile JAVA Client any enterprise, from a large global manufacturer to the newest start-up, can coordinate and communicate time-sensitive product changes around the world or down the block.

Created specifically for mid-sized manufactures which typically look for low costs in deployment and on-going use, Agile Software's Product Data Management (PDM) application suite now offers no-hassle fully functional operation over the Internet or intranets. This enables timely access to accurate information about a company's products, without the cost of expensive networks. A browser-equipped client is all that is needed, anywhere.

"The JAVA Client helps level the playing field by increasing access to an enterprise's design and manufacturing expertise and product knowledge regardless of location. Smaller companies can now compete more effectively, leveraging global resources just as huge manufacturers can, but without the associated costs," said Bryan Stolle, President and CEO of Agile Software. "Agile's JAVA Client brings increased flexibility to the product realization process, enabling faster delivery of product to market."

The Agile JAVA Client is the first full function, read/write 100% JAVA PDM application available in the market. It is also one of the first transaction-processing JAVA applications available for any application segment. The JAVA "thin client" is now an integral part of Agile Software's Windows NT based 3-tier client/server architecture.

Supply Chain Product Data Access and Coordination

Suppliers, procurement, design engineering, manufacturing engineering and assembly plant sites around the world are now easily connected with the Agile JAVA Client. There is nothing to install. The JAVA client is loaded when a supplier or contract manufacturer links to the Web Server hosting Agile Software's PDM server.

This simple Internet link allows instant communication of product data such as bill of materials, design drawings and engineering changes. Users can also access concurrent and previous change transactions, along with ancillary information such as embedded code for programmed parts and component specification sheets.

Agile's extensive security model can limit access to pre-determined information such as product configurations and engineering change orders (ECO). For example, a contract manufacturer can be restricted to see only the released components and assemblies which it builds for the customer, or to only receive ECO's it needs to review and sign-off.

"The Agile JAVA Client is a fully functional JAVA client, right out of the box," said Stolle. "It is not a half-baked read-only front end, or a high maintenance CGI application that must generate HTML pages. It is a full-blown client that just happens to run in your Web browser!"

Cross Platform and Mobile User Support

While Windows is the platform of choice among mid-sized manufacturing enterprises, there are often pockets of UNIX and Mac users who also need access to product data. The Agile JAVA Client gives them the same access and use as the Windows client, from within any Web browser that supports JAVA.

The Agile JAVA Client is a 100% "thin client" application. It runs in the Netscape and Microsoft browsers. It offers all the same functionality as the Windows 32-bit client, including full database read/write, graphical bill of materials, Bill of Materials red-lining, electronic ECO routing and sign-off, and more.

This means mobile users such as design and manufacturing engineers and program/project managers can easily access the system from virtually any location with Internet access. It also means marketing offices and field service organizations can have access to product status information and current available configurations, without hassling with expensive dedicated links or unreliable modem connections, or remote administration of "fat clients."

& It's Free...

The Agile JAVA Client is available as a no-charge option. The end user can decide at start-up time which client to use. This is a significant departure from many other application companies which are charging $10,000 to $30,000 or more for limited Web access to their applications.

Agile Software Corporation is the leading supplier of Windows and Web client/server applications for desktop-based product configuration management and change control. Providing affordable and scalable PDM solutions for mid-sized manufacturers, Agile Software is the leader in delivering applications for the product realization process. The company offers products and services through a direct field organization. Founded in 1995, Agile Software is headquarters in San Jose, Calif. Customers include Northern Telecom, Packard Bell, Hitachi, U.S. Robotics, Aspect Telecommunications, Xircom, Westinghouse, and many others.