Saratoga Systems Launches Apresta Division to Deliver Wireless Handheld Access to Any Enterprise Data; Innovative Wireless Technology Provides Mobile Access to Any Company Data without Programming

Business Wire, Jan 17, 2006

CAMPBELL, Calif. -- Saratoga Systems, a global leader in CRM solutions, today announced the launch of its Apresta division to provide mobile access to any enterprise data. Apresta provides an end-to-end solution that delivers enterprise data to handheld devices, such as a BlackBerry or Treo, without programming.

The Apresta division was formed to meet the growing market demand for mobile enterprise data access solutions. Based on Saratoga Systems' success with Saratoga Wireless, the company decided to form the Apresta division. Formerly known as Saratoga Wireless, Apresta offers easy wireless access to a variety of enterprise systems including Saratoga CRM (customer relationship management). Apresta delivers wide connectivity, since it is compatible with any type of database and connects via ODBC, and Web Services. Some of the back end systems easily connected to include Siebel, SAP, Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL, Remedy, Clarify, Lawson, JD Edwards, i2, Manugistics and of course, Saratoga CRM, among others.

Apresta's end-to-end solution uses a three-step connect-organize-publish data delivery model. It allows you to connect to back-end enterprise data systems, organize data using data definitions and data modeling, and then publishes the data for presentation on a handheld device. Apresta is ideal for enterprise users looking to optimize sales and service automation and extend their network infrastructure to field personnel.

"Apresta turns mobile data access into a competitive weapon for today's field force," said Al Smith, president of Apresta. "Whether you are supporting field sales, customer service, or just need to keep closer track of your business, handheld data delivery gives you access to critical data when and where you need it. And since our Apresta technology gives wireless access to any enterprise data, not just CRM, we decided to give it its own brand."

Customers can create their own customized wireless reports to monitor sales activity, check inventory, and look up financial data. Using Apresta Studio, users can create a customized, end-to-end wireless data application including data flow, access security, business rules, and more without programming. Apresta even allows you to view graphics and images such as parts or, in the case of one British police force, mug shots.

"Enterprise users are looking for a one-stop solution to mobilize all their data," said Smith. "Our customers are aware that Apresta is the solution for all their needs across the enterprise. Deploying multiple point solutions or purchasing middle-wear is expensive and time consuming and will not meet the enterprise requirements."

Late in 2005, analysts at IDC announced they expect the mobile worker population to increase from more than 650 million worldwide in 2004, to more than 850 million in 2009, representing more than one-quarter of the global workforce. The mobile data access now enabled by Apresta addresses an already a pressing global need that will only increase steadily.

Smith adds, "Wireless e-mail access is already commonplace. The next killer wireless app will be delivery of enterprise data securely and quickly. Apresta lets you deliver custom reports to handhelds and cell phones to support this new generation of mobile workers."

Apresta is especially useful for midsize to large enterprise organizations where a mobile sales, support or executive staff needs secure wireless access to enterprise data. The company already has wireless customers in healthcare, financial services, government offices, manufacturing, energy insurance, transportation.

Key Features

Apresta's wireless enterprise data gateway differs from other wireless technologies because of several key features:

--Complete end-to-end mobile solution. Apresta delivers a complete solution to mobilize your business processes. Apresta delivers real-time consolidated data from multiple backend systems in three easy steps. Connect. Organize. Publish.

--Single solution for multiple systems. CRM, SFA, ERP, and SCM, Apresta offers connectivity to a wide range of back-end systems including Siebel, SAP, J.D. Edwards, and Oracle - mobilizing business processes for sales, field service and other mobile professionals.

--Real-time or offline access. Data can be accessed real-time, or when connectivity is unavailable, it is cached and then synchronized with enterprise applications once the connection is re-established.

--Comprehensive alerting capabilities. Apresta's product offering includes comprehensive alerting technology that monitors multiple systems and processes and delivers instant alerts on critical business conditions.

--Quick deployment. Apresta's end-to-end solution works out of the box, with any handheld device that uses RIM's BlackBerry OS or Microsoft's wireless OS. Absolutely no programming is required. Implementation occurs in weeks not months.

--Proven worldwide enterprise success. Apresta has a proven track record of delivering highly configurable end-to-end solutions to enterprises with very demanding requirements, servicing multi-national corporations across a broad range of industries.