Centric CRM Demonstrates First Open Source Application on the Open Technology Platform From IBM, Novell and AMD

Market Wire, August, 2006

Centric CRM, a leading developer of enterprise class open source CRM software, announced today that it has fully optimized Centric CRM to run on IBM and Novell's open technology platform. This platform consists of IBM WebSphere Application Server Community Edition and IBM DB2 Express-C running on SUSE Linux Enterprise from Novell.

By supporting this IBM middleware platform, Centric CRM is now able to run fast and flawlessly on the Open Stack Appliance (OSA) -- an integrated software pre-load which combines SUSE Linux Enterprise from Novell, IBM WebSphere Application Server Community Edition and IBM D2 Express-C running atop an AMD (NYSE: AMD) powered IBM LS20 Blade Server. OSA is available as an integrated software pre-load on IBM LS20 Blade Servers through selected channel distribution partners such as Tech Data. Centric CRM is being demonstrated on the OSA in the IBM Partner Pavilion at LinuxWorld.

"Our vision is to make Centric CRM attractive to both the largest of enterprises and the smallest of businesses. Working with the OSA helps make this possible," said Tom Manos, chief technology officer for Centric CRM. "The OSA brings together best-of-breed components at every level of the stack, from hardware through middleware. With Centric CRM optimized on top, customers now have a turnkey solution that can be used by the widest possible range of organizations."

The OSA comprises hardware and software that brings together enterprise-class open source technology from leading companies in the IT industry in a cost-effective, scalable package to accelerate application development, reduce costs and improve efficiencies in production deployment. By having Centric CRM supported on the OSA, customers receive a turnkey enterprise-class CRM system at a fraction of the cost of traditional CRM solutions and in a form that can scale almost limitlessly to ever-larger implementations.

"AMD, alongside industry leaders IBM and Novell, developed the integrated, preloaded Open Stack Appliance based on AMD Opteron(TM) processor-powered IBM System x blades as a world-class platform for enterprise-ready open source applications," said Terri Hall, vice president of Software Alliances and Solutions for AMD. "Centric CRM is an example of just such an application. Working with the Centric CRM team to optimize this application for the Open Stack Appliance was a natural evolution of our efforts to bring compelling open source solutions to our commercial clients."

"IBM is making a major commitment to open source solutions and enabling the partner ecosystem by facilitating integrated software pre-loads through liberal no charge distribution licenses for the stack," said Jeff Smith, IBM's vice president of Open Source and Linux middleware. "Users of Centric CRM can start out with IBM WebSphere Application Server Community Edition and IBM DB2 Express-C on an IBM Linux server at a lower cost with enterprise class support, and can easily migrate across IBM server platforms and the advanced functionality of IBM's middleware portfolio as their needs evolve."

"A huge benefit of the Open Stack Appliance offering is its combination of low cost and scalable performance," said Michael Harvey, chief marketing officer for Centric CRM. "The OSA partners are making Centric CRM available on the Open Stack Appliance at very aggressive prices. This drives total cost-per-user to a fraction of any competing enterprise-class CRM product, whether hosted or on-premise."

About IBM

For more information about IBM, please visit: www.ibm.com

About Centric CRM

Centric CRM is the developer of the world's most advanced open source CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. Under development for almost seven years, Centric CRM comprises over 2-million lines of code. Its advanced Java/J2EE, web-based, and object-oriented architecture runs on all standards-based platforms. It's used today by Fortune 500 companies in large configurations and by thousands of smaller enterprises. Centric CRM includes all common CRM modules and adds significant capabilities such as Website Authoring, Enterprise Content Management, Project and Document Management, Customer Surveys, and advanced Help Desk functions.

AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Opteron, and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Press Contact Centric CRM: Michael Harvey CMO and VP of Corporate Development Centric CRM Tel: 757.470.5502 E-mail: Email Contact