Advanced solutions international.

the full-service and flexible software system

In today's constantly evolving marketplace, it takes a strong company to survive--and it takes an even stronger company to succeed, For most, staying in business is a long, fruitless struggle with obstacles at every turn. Others may face challenges along the way, but somehow are able to overcome them through perseverance and endurance. But its the fortunate few that are able to identify a niche market and rise to an industry leadership position.

Advanced Solutions International (ASI), Inc., is proud to be the leading player in the nonprofit software market. Its iMIS software, developed in 1991, was the first Windows product available to nonprofits. And, according to the American Society of Association Executives' Technology Trends survey, today it is used by more than 30 percent of ASAE's member associations.

A unique value proposition

In just a few short years, ASI outpaced its competitors by providing enterprise software in a completely different way to nonprofit organizations. At the outset, the company offered a three-pronged value proposition that proved unique and irresistible:

* complete, professionally packaged software products,

* technologically up-to-date software backed by a commitment to keep it that way always, and

* local sales and service through an Authorized Reseller Channel.

Along the way, the company adopted another unique characteristic no competitor could challenge: an adherence to professional software development practices coupled with a tight quality-control program. ASI's efforts to be different have really paid off. In 1997, Inc. magazine reported that the company was the 156th fastest-growing, privately held company in the United States, and then again in 1998, Inc. recognized ASI's continued achievements, As the company nears a full decade in business, there are no signs of it slowing down. "We have learned once a company dominates a segment like we have dominated nonprofits, other advantages develop that allow the company to continue its fast rise," says ASI Chairman and CEO Robert Alves.

Complete functionality in a flexible package

With hundreds of years of association experience to draw from, ASI knows how to make a product that is full featured. ASI customers then receive the benefit of software that has a deep understanding of a nonprofit organization's "best practices," and which assists and relieves management of time-consuming activities every step of the way. With more than 20 add-on modules, ASI has created a product that helps associations automate almost all of their business needs.

Software that is never obsolete

When ASI developed iMIS, for almost three years it remained the only company to have a Windows-based product. ASI saw this as a prime opportunity to not only capitalize on this sole ownership of the Windows market, but to begin looking ahead to its next technology advancement.

True to form, ASI released the first client-server based product in 1994 and the first Web-based product in 1996. Says ASI's Director of Product Development Tom Ribis, "Our approach means ASI customers can stay with iMIS by upgrading instead of switching to another system that may be obsolete in a few years' time."

Local support, no matter where you are

ASI is unique in that it is the only company in the market to sell its software through an Authorized Reseller network. With more than 100 resellers worldwide, ASI has unlimited sales and support potential--it has trained more than 400 people to sell, implement, train, and provide technical assistance to its more than 16,000 users, which means that ASI can focus on improving the product while supporting its user base. Customers are given local service and support, rather than having to rely on a "technical hotline" or out-of-state technical assistance.

Looking ahead

ASI's business model and culture of creativity stands out from competitors in the nonprofit software market. According to CEO Alves, ASI plans to keep it that way With combined sales of software and services by ASI and its reseller channel approaching $40 million, ASI is headed in the right direction.

"Our company undoubtedly achieved more success by being able to capitalize on the industry leadership status we earned by building a better product for the nonprofit market," says Alves. "With our unique benefits, we will stay committed to continuing to offer the best solution to our customers."