Best Software Acquires BatchMaster for PFW Process Manufacturing Application; Deal Expands Manufacturing Capabilities of Platinum for Windows by Best Product Line

Business Wire, Feb 13, 2002

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 2002

Best Software has acquired BatchMaster for PFW, the leading process manufacturing application for small and medium-sized businesses.

The product was purchased from eWorkplace, an Irvine-based developer of manufacturing and e-commerce solutions.

BatchMaster for PFW was written in the PFW toolset, providing a tightly integrated process manufacturing solution that ties production information directly into the customer's financial data, increasing performance companywide.

The acquisition adds process manufacturing to the discrete manufacturing capabilities already integrated with Best's MAS 90 and Best Enterprise Suite, giving Best a complete product solution for the majority of manufacturers.

Process manufacturing technology is used by companies that produce fluid items in batches that are packaged in differing quantities and container types, such as paint, chemicals, food, and milk. BatchMaster's key modules include Formulas, Production, Purchasing, Sales Order, Materials Inventory, Laboratory, MRP and MSDS.

The application can also track and test the quality of products in real time as they are being made, a capability not found in most process manufacturing software offerings.

Along with the application itself, Best is acquiring the BatchMaster for PFW technical support and development staffs. Customers will benefit from a single source for service and support.

"With the addition of BatchMaster to our product offerings, process manufacturers now have a complete solution that ties production and financial information together, giving managers deeper insights into their business," said David Butler, president and chief operating officer, Best Software Mid-Market Division.

"Armed with these insights, managers can more closely control key business functions, resulting in higher levels of efficiency, greater profitability and lower overhead costs."

BatchMaster for Platinum for Windows by Best is available through Best-authorized resellers. Pricing for the BatchMaster for PFW product starts at $7,000.

For further information, call 800/854-3415, or visit www.bestsoftware.com.

About Platinum for Windows by Best

Platinum for Windows by Best is a comprehensive financial software solution for small to medium-sized enterprises of 20 to 500 employees. It features a robust functionality in familiar Microsoft Windows graphical and Web-based environments, comprehensive multi currency hard and soft consolidation support, easy-to-use reporting tools and an open architecture backed by a powerful Pervasive.SQL 2000i database.

About Best Software Inc.

Best Software is a leading provider of integrated accounting, business management, HR/payroll and fixed asset solutions for mid-sized companies in North America.

Best provides critical business insights for bottom-line decision making through a full range of easy-to-use, scalable and customizable applications, including Abra, MAS 90, FAS, Best Enterprise Suite, BusinessWorks and Platinum for Windows by Best.

Known for outstanding customer support, Best has been honored with five STAR (Software Technical Assistance Recognition) Awards from the Service & Support Professionals Association over the past five years, and certified by the Support Center Practices program for the past four.

Best Software is a subsidiary of The Sage Group plc, the world's leading provider of business management software for mid-sized companies, with sales of $630 million and more than 2.7 million customers worldwide.

Other U.S. subsidiaries include Interact Commerce Corp., Micro Information Products and Peachtree Software, comprising the software industry's most comprehensive portfolio of small to mid-sized business solutions. For further information, call 800/854-3415 or visit www.bestsoftware.com.