AMR Research: Macola's Development Strategy on the Mark; AMR Research Says Macola Helps Customers Play e-Business Game.

Business Editors, High Tech Writers

MARION, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 6, 2000

AMR Research Inc., the industry's chief provider of research and analysis on e-Business strategies and technologies, has recognized Macola Software for developing a Microsoft-centric integrated software package that meets the needs and unique requirements of its customers.

"Software is not created in a vacuum; it requires input and feedback if it is going to meet the needs of its users," said Macola's CEO and President Bruce Hollinger. "Macola is committed to providing customers products that are designed to move their businesses into the future -- helping them to grow and stay competitive. Keeping in mind that our customers want the ability to make smarter business decisions faster, Macola's e-Business solution, the Progression Series, was developed to enable them to take full advantage of today's Internet environment."

In a November 28, 2000, AMR Enterprise Application Strategies Alert, AMR Analyst Tom Cook writes that Macola understands that small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) rely, for the most part, on a single enterprise management system to provide the functions and depth to support the business processes required for them to remain viable players in the new economy. Macola, Cook says, is delivering two key Internet-based applications, Web.Orders and Web.Views, that provide self-service functions that are tied to the back-office system and which reduce ordering cycle time and improve customer service.

"Knowing the market and providing easy-to-use, broad functional footprint, and a low maintenance product set is Macola's value proposition," said Cook. "Macola's ability to satisfy SMEs with an end-to-end solution is generating a lot of interest. Companies need this solution in order to play in the e-Business game."

AMR Research works to guide businesses by providing strategic and tactical advice based on analysis, focused vertical expertise, comprehensive product research and market data and a deep understanding of business goals. AMR clients use its in-depth analysis to develop and implement end-to-end e-Business strategies consistent with its overall business goals.

Macola Software, a global organization headquartered in Marion, Ohio, specializes in e-Business solutions for growth-oriented small to midsize organizations. Macola's signature product, Progression Series 7.5, is a suite of manufacturing, distribution and financial solutions that combine world-class functionality with customer-focused applications.

Macola's solutions are built upon superior business applications that take full advantage of Microsoft(R) technologies -- most recently leveraging the power of Microsoft(R) SQL Server(TM) integration. Enterprises in countries from The United Kingdom to China and from South Africa to Poland operate their businesses using Macola software, relying on it to manage over $100 billion annually.

Since 1990, Macola's corporate growth has continued to average over 30 percent a year. During the last two years, Macola experienced a dramatic growth in international sales, which now represent about 15 percent of annual revenues. Founded in 1971, Macola is a privately owned company with approximately 300 employees.

An award-winning product line, Accounting Software News and K2 Enterprises named Macola Software's Progression Series "Best All-Around Manufacturing Product for 2000 in the Mid-Range Market." The CPA Software News named Macola's ERP Software one of the magazine's Manufacturing Top 4 for 2000, awarding it 4.5 stars out of five. Accounting Today magazine named Macola's Progression Series Distribution software as one of the "Top 100 Software Products in 1999." Macola was included in Manufacturing Systems' list of the "Top 100 Manufacturing Software Vendors" for 2000 and also was named one of the "Hottest Companies of 1999" by start magazine. For more information, access www.macola.com.