Obtree Technologies Enhances Support for Web Services; .NET Compliant Interfaces Empower Non-Technical Users to Create and Manage Site Content Through Microsoft Word

Business Wire, June 24, 2002

Business/Technology Editors

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 24, 2002

Obtree Technologies, an established leader in providing solutions where enterprise content management and knowledge management meet on behalf of the real-time enterprise, today announced that it has added enhanced support for Web services to its Obtree C4 line of products. Web services standards such as .NET and SunONE, work to share information and functionality using Internet protocols such as Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP).

The "Obtree Word Integration Toolkit" is the first application of its kind to integrate the functionality of Microsoft Word into a .NET Web Services interface. This toolkit offers both out-of-the-box functionality and the ability to easily adapt to users' specific needs, serving as a mediator between content creators and content consumers. Obtree's increased support for this toolkit allows non-technical authors to create and manage meaningful information across departmental and geographic boundaries; in real time.

By ensuring that the Obtree SOAP interface is fully compliant with Web services standards, Obtree is reducing the time, cost and complexity associated with sharing information between users of a company's Internet, extranet or intranet sites - as well as the integration of services provided by third parties. Knowledge workers are no longer forced to learn new, technical programs to update and manage site content in WYSIWYG style. Any document can now be easily integrated into Obtree applications by using the commonly accepted word processor, Microsoft Word, as an editor - while maintaining the personalized look and feel of the Corporate or brand identity defined in the Content Management system. This is the most advanced use of Word within the enterprise content management (ECM) space, and by allowing employees to use a program that they are already familiar with, Obtree is reducing the barrier to adoption within organizations, and empowering workers by providing greater control over the exchange of data.

"Obtree is committed to providing organizations with cost-effective, real-time access to the information they need," said Frank Boller, CEO of Obtree Technologies. "The integration of Microsoft Word as a user-friendly interface for the Obtree C4 product family allows us to remain on the forefront of the Web services initiative, while providing the tools required to manage large amounts of information regardless of format or location. In addition, customers are able to integrate any Web services functionality into the most highly personalized environment available."

Customers

Obtree's ongoing success in the market includes the implementation of enterprise-wide solutions for organizations such as Credit Suisse Group, Compaq, UBS Warburg, BMW, Roche, Abbey National, and others. Its solutions suit the needs of corporations and government bodies that need to share, create and edit information across departmental and internal/external boundaries, and which use internal and external information in real-time.

Availability

Obtree's enhanced Web services capabilities are available immediately and are included in version 4.0.1 of Obtree C4 and the Obtree Portal Suite. Current customers may download both information and software from the company's extranet site.

About Obtree Technologies

Obtree Technologies Inc. provides solutions where content management and knowledge management meet on behalf of the real-time enterprise. The Switzerland-based software developer has subsidiaries in key markets such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and employs 150 people. Its customers include BMW, Compaq, Credit Suisse Group, and Roche. For more information, visit www.obtree.com.