5th Gear Solutions, LLC to Bring SAP(R) Business One Fourth Shift Edition to Small and Midsize Manufacturers.

LAKE FOREST, Calif. -- 5th Gear Solutions, LLC today announced that it has been named by SAP America, Inc. and SoftBrands, Inc. to introduce the new SAP(R) Business One Fourth Shift Edition (FSE) solution. This solution is an integrated, affordable business management solution for small and midsize businesses (SMBs). As an SAP Business One FSE partner, 5th Gear Solutions will provide manufacturers with the technology, business process and consulting knowledge to develop successful, long-term IT strategies.

Based in Lake Forest, California, 5th Gear Solutions is teaming closely with SAP and SoftBrands to respond to a growing need among manufacturers struggling to gain and maintain competitive operating advantages. The firm will provide software and consulting services to enable small and midsize manufacturers with limited resources and technology infrastructure to gain immediate benefits to better manage their businesses. "Now together with 5th Gear Solutions, SAP and SoftBrands, small SMB manufacturers will have the ability to make smart IT decisions, improve future performance, and achieve long-term IT success with little financial or strategic risk," reported Mike Forte, Business Unit Manager for 5th Gear Solutions. Continuing, Mike Forte added, "While many small and midsize firms have invested in multiple software applications, many report that they lack the ability to access the information they need to make critical decisions when they need it. SAP Business One FSE was designed to help small and midsize manufacturers streamline their operational and managerial processes by providing robust and fully integrated enterprise-wide resource planning capabilities and real-time information."

SAP Business One supports companies with as few as ten and as many as several hundred employees, and can often be implemented very quickly. Most SMBs view software purchase with caution, expecting tangible operational improvements before spending large sums of money. SAP Business One not only provides immediate results in operating efficiency and real-time business decisions, but also comes with an affordable price tag. This affordably priced new solution is designed for those businesses that recognize the importance of leveraging business software as an integral component of their business growth strategy.

Richard Dettinger, North American Channel Manager for SoftBrands, said, "SAP Business One FSE and related service offerings are competitively priced for the smaller manufacturer while providing a value-added service that both improves productivity and ultimately reduces costs. SAP Business One FSE is making the leap into enterprise-wide resource planning easy and affordable with systems that work first time, every time."

About 5th Gear Solutions

5th Gear Solutions, a certified SAP Business One Fourth Shift Edition partner, delivers high performance manufacturing solutions. 5th Gear has over 15 years expertise working with small and mid-size business intermittent, repetitive, mixed-mode, process manufacturers. 5th Gear's Agile Implementation Methodology (AIM) ensures our customers rapid time to delivery and value of a fully integrated ERP/CRM solution. The best run small and mid-market manufacturing companies choose 5th Gear and SAP Business One Fourth Shift Edition to provide them a tangible return on investment, competitive advantage and a 360 degree view of their customers. Additional information can be found at www.5thGearSolutions.com.

About SAP

SAP is the world's leading provider of business software solutions. Today, more than 29,800 customers in over 120 countries run more than 100,600 installations of SAP(R) software -- from distinct solutions addressing the needs of small and midsize enterprises to suite solutions for global organizations. Powered by the SAP NetWeaver(R) platform to drive innovation and enable business change, mySAP(TM) Business Suite solutions are helping enterprises around the world improve customer relationships, enhance partner collaboration and create efficiencies across their supply chains and business operations. SAP industry solutions support the unique business processes of more than 25 industry segments, including high tech, retail, public sector and financial services. With subsidiaries in more than 50 countries, the company is listed on several exchanges, including the Frankfurt stock exchange and NYSE under the symbol "SAP." (Additional information at http://www.sap.com)

About SoftBrands

SoftBrands, Inc. is a global leader in providing solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses in the manufacturing and hospitality industries worldwide. With more than 4,500 customers in over 60 countries now actively using its manufacturing and hospitality products, SoftBrands has established a global infrastructure for distribution, development and support of enterprise software. The company, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has more than 600 employees with branch offices in Europe, India, Asia, Australia and Africa. Additional information can be found at www.softbrands.com and www.fourthshiftedition.com.