IFS Forms Partnership with Fujitsu Siemens Computers; Leading European IT Company to Sell IFS Applications 2000 Solutions Software

Business Wire, Oct 21, 1999

TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 21, 1999--

IFS Industrial & Financial Systems announced that it has formed a partnership with Fujitsu Siemens Computers, in which the Amsterdam-based company will market, sell, and implement IFS Applications 2000(TM) enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers will provide specific sales channels to strengthen the market presence of IFS Applications, supported by an investment of DM 4 million in marketing over the next 15 months.

This strategic partnership is a natural extension of Siemens' long-term relationship with GSB, the German ERP provider acquired by IFS in December 1998.

With a strong sales force and a solid reputation in the area of information technology (IT) solutions, Siemens AG ATD and Evosoft Communication GmbH, both subsidiaries of Fujitsu Siemens Computers, will act as dedicated sales and marketing channels for IFS Applications.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers will target new sales in service management, asset management, and project-oriented industries as well as strengthening the offering to its existing large customer base, which is mainly within Germany.

IFS Applications will be certified on Siemens' BS 2000 business server as well as on Windows NT and Unix platforms.

"IFS is an important partner for us to complement our solutions offering on our platforms," commented Peter Schlichtiger, head of Business Line BS 2000. "With its proven component architecture, providing strong CRM (customer relations management) and e-business functionalities, IFS Applications offers the flexibility and customer orientation that are vital for success in fast-changing markets."

"I am very pleased with the level of commitment from Fujitsu Siemens Computers. Germany is a tough market to break into, and with the substantial visibility our marketing efforts will give us, I expect a much higher recognition of the IFS and IFS Applications brands in Germany," stated Frank Schiewer, managing director for IFS in Germany.

About Fujitsu Siemens Computers

Fujitsu Siemens Computers, the leading European IT company, was formed through a joint venture between Fujitsu Computers (Europe) Limited and Siemens Computer Systems, and commenced operations on Oct. 1, 1999.

The company is jointly owned by Fujitsu Limited and Siemens AG, and has its headquarters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. With extensive European manufacturing facilities, customer-focused companies in 25 European countries, and more than 9,000 experienced employees, Fujitsu Siemens Computers is aiming to be the number one computer company in its home market, Europe, by the year 2001.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers provides the world's most complete portfolio of best-in-the-class IT products. From the smallest notebooks to the most powerful data center solutions, its world-leading technology creates solutions to business problems and enhances individuals' lifestyles.

Developed and manufactured in Europe for Europe, the product portfolio benefits from the technologies and worldwide sourcing networks of the parent companies.

In addition to an enviable customer base which includes most of the top 1,000 largest enterprises in Europe, the company's assets include: relationships with more than 2,000 of the leading value added resellers, distributors and retailers with over 100,000 outlets serving millions of customers; a sales organization with more than 2,500 sales professionals; and the combined strengths of the parent companies - with a global network of service and integration partners as well as more than 80,000 specialists dedicated to the product portfolio.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers is the new IT force in Europe. More information at www.fujitsu-siemens.com.

About IFS and IFS Applications

Industrial & Financial Systems, IFS AB, develops and supplies IFS Applications, which is a complete Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for business processes in medium- to large-sized companies. It covers manufacturing, distribution, financials, maintenance management, human resources, engineering and front office.

The IFS business concept is to increase the freedom of action and competitiveness of companies by offering standardized business systems based on leading technologies.

IFS Applications is one of the first business systems in the market developed entirely using a component-based architecture, which means that it can be readily adapted to the needs of individual customers. This comprehensive, web-enabled solution ties front and back offices together, creating a true backbone for e-commerce.

IFS is the world's fastest-growing company in the ERP and maintenance software market. The company has 3,000 employees and its products are sold in 34 countries through 55 offices around the world. Some of the more than 3,000 major customers include Volvo, NEC, Akzo Nobel, Caterpillar, Saab, Nikon, Kimball, AlliedSignal, Ericsson, Sundstrand Corp. and Rover Group.

For photos, please contact Linda Johansson, linda.johansson@ifsab.se, or download them at www.ifsab.com.