IFS and GE Engine Services Release New Version of SPECTRA Aviation Maintenance Software

Business Wire, March 28, 2002

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2002

GE Engine Services, a subsidiary of GE Aircraft Engines, and IFS have released a new version of Spectra(SM), the information solution for aviation maintenance.

The new release, which allows airlines to greatly increase aircraft availability and reduce airplane on ground time, operates as an Internet- and Windows-based platform offering real-time visibility into business and maintenance operations for both airlines and maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities. Unlike most Windows-based solutions that offer limited web-enabled functionality, the new release utilizes native web portlets that allow customers to take advantage of all aircraft configuration, planning, and maintenance functionality through a standard web browser interface.

"The demand from our customers for specialized maintenance information systems, especially those with Internet-based capability, is growing quickly," said Mike Molezzi, Spectra product manager for GE Engine Services. "Every opportunity to increase aircraft availability and improve productivity is critical to us and our customers."

"The collaboration between IFS and GE Engine Services brings the best of both worlds to airlines and MRO facilities. We believe this new software release is unmatched in its ability to meet the unique tracking and reporting needs of the aviation industry, especially in this difficult environment," said Terje Vangbo, IFS North America president.

Other key components of Spectra's latest MRO release include advanced reliability reporting, constraint-based scheduling tools, and new capabilities to streamline the incorporation of modifications, such as airworthiness directives and service bulletins. In addition, the application includes a full set of web-based interactive tutorials and help references to simplify user training and support.

Based on an agreement signed in 2001, GE Engine Services and IFS are jointly marketing Spectra maintenance enterprise solutions to the $1 billion information services market for commercial aviation maintenance. Under the same agreement, GE Engine Services is implementing Spectra applications across their 60 global facilities. Spectra combines the flexibility of IFS' advanced software with unmatched industry expertise, global support, and product commitment of GE.

Spectra connects key maintenance processes like engineering, scheduling and inventory to provide real-time data across the organization. With Spectra's unique component-based architecture, customers have the ability to deploy, modify, and upgrade individual components to maximize functionality and minimize cost. Component-based architecture also simplifies revisions to the user interface to meet specialized business process requirements -- without changes to the core software. The result is lower life cycle cost and faster return on investment.

GE Aircraft Engines, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma of France and GE. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world. More information on Spectra is available at: http://www.geae.com/spectra

IFS develops and supplies component-based business applications for medium and large enterprises. IFS Applications, which is based on web and portal technology, offers 60+ enterprise application components used in manufacturing, supply chain management, customer relationship management, financials, engineering, maintenance and human resource administration. IFS provides customers step-by-step evolution to the extended enterprise with e-business solutions that offer partner, customer, and supplier collaboration.

A top five global business applications supplier, IFS has more than 3,300 employees, with sales in 43 countries. The company is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange (XSSE:IFS). More information is available at: www.ifsna.com.

IFS Applications is a trademark of IFS Industrial and Financial Systems. All other referenced company or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.