Account4 Brings Pizzazz to PSA Users; Digital Dashboards, Revenue Forecasting & Recognition, Graphical Reports, Interactive Staffing Spreadsheets, and More.

Business/Technology Editors

NEWTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 26, 2001

Account4(R), pioneer of Web-based professional services automation (PSA) software, continues its leadership role with the latest version of Account4(R) Release 4. Version 4.2 funnels pertinent information to individuals and presents it in a manner that empowers managers to make better business decisions.

User-configurable digital dashboards, what-if revenue analyses, graphical reports on demand, interactive staffing spreadsheets, enhanced document management, and a service price quote worksheet go far beyond the usual database queries and let users work with valuable information.

When a user accesses Account4, they see their personalized digital dashboard. The dashboard is tailored for specific job functions within an IT department or professional services organization (PSO). It provides a quick view of action items and important information for the day. For instance, a resource manager may want to see items such as time & expense approval, a list of people on the `bench', and resource utilization; whereas a sales manager may want to view the sales pipeline, a recent win/loss analysis, and a list of `hot' action items.

IT Consulting firms and other PSO clients are buzzing about the new multi-currency revenue recognition features available with v4.2. Straightforward recognition reports allow a firm to forecast both committed and potential revenue over a specified time frame.

"Account4 provides relevant functionality," said Dick Artus, Senior VP of Marketing at Account4. "We work with IT managers every day. We understand the issues they face." Artus adds, "We measure success by the value we create for our customers. Version 4.2 delivers that value by providing information that helps make better decisions."

Some highlights:

-- Digital Dashboard - Dynamic user home pages provide shortcuts

to new and critical information. The latest information is

compiled and presented based on user preferences. Types of

dashboards available include:

1. Project/Work Manager - View budget warnings, work pipeline

and project status.

2. Resource Manager - View requests for resources, staff

utilization, resources on the `bench', and reported time &

expenses. 3.

3. Staff - View assignments, deadlines, and time/expense

report status.

Dashboard features for PSOs also include:

4. Sales Manager - View team calendar, sales pipeline, and

win/loss analysis.

5. Sales Representative - View opportunity pipeline, action

items, and lists of references.

-- Revenue Forecasting & Recognition - PSOs can see potential and recognizable
revenue over specified time periods based on sales pipelines and service
delivery schedules.

-- Graphic Reports - Project/resource information is presented more
intuitively.

1. Project Schedule Gantt Charts

2. Resource Utilization Bar Graphs

3. Resource Assignment Calendars (Month-, Week- and

Day-at-a-glance)

-- Price Quote Worksheet - Easy way to formulate competitive bids

for upcoming opportunities.

-- Centralized Staff Management - New spreadsheet views allow a

staffing manager to optimize the workforce, find candidates by

roles and skills, and quickly staff projects.

-- Enhanced Document Management - Browse your hard drive and

upload new work and resource documents. Older document

versions can be automatically archived.

About Account4(R) Software:

Account4 is a fully integrated, Web-based, end-to-end PSA solution grouped into three major areas that mirror the business model of a typical professional services organization (PSO) or corporate information technology (IT) department: Business Development, Service Delivery and Administration. Account4's thin-client (browser only) architecture coupled with a central repository provides users the ability to access, share and collaborate on key data integral to the success of their business.

About Account4:

Account4 (www.account4.com) develops Internet-based software and related services that enable PSOs and corporate IT departments to successfully manage projects and increase the utilization, productivity, effectiveness, and retention of their workforces. For more than 14 years, Account4 has provided solutions to over 175 companies and more than 325,000 licensed users. Our premier customer base includes Verizon, Kmart, SGI, Radio Shack, NSTAR, Mellon Bank, The Hartford, Chase Manhattan Bank, CNA Insurance, INTRIA-HP, Neoris, Amey, Consolidated Edison, Salt River Project, Viacom, and FileNET.