Al Tayer Group Builds Upon Success with J.D. Edwards 5; Leading UAE Company to Streamline Business Processes Using Leading-Edge Enterprise Application Suite.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 2, 2003

J.D. Edwards continues to deepen its relationships with key organizations in the Middle East, announcing today that the major UAE-based Al Tayer Group will extend its enterprise resource planning platform across its operations using modules from the J.D. Edwards(R) 5 family of products.

The group, which originally went live with J.D. Edwards' software in three of its main companies in April 2002, plans a full implementation of key applications - including financial management, inventory management, procurement and order management modules - across the organization by the end of 2003.

"We selected J.D. Edwards' applications to help us manage our inventory more effectively, improve our internal processes and support a platform for growth for each of our companies," said Evan Powell, group general manager - IT, Al Tayer Group. "The impact it has made over the past year has been substantial, increasing transparency across the business and providing senior management with immediate access to critical corporate information."

One of the most significant business benefits realized by Al Tayer has been through the streamlining and consolidation of procurement approvals processes. Senior managers are now instantly aware of major purchases and current inventory levels, helping them to control costs and transforming their retailing and warehousing operations.

Senior executives noted that by extending J.D. Edwards' modules across all Al Tayer Group's companies - which have business activities spanning from retailing and distribution to manufacturing - they will be able to introduce even greater efficiencies into the organization as a whole and plough the benefits into future initiatives.

"Business never stands still, so it's vital for us to deploy flexible business software that can grow alongside our company, adapt to incorporate new business lines and support new ways of working," Powell said.

J.D. Edwards is one of the world leaders in collaborative enterprise applications, working with many of the Middle East's leading companies. Providing ongoing support for long-standing clients like Al Tayer Group was one of the key business reasons behind the launch of its regional headquarters in Dubai earlier this year.

"J.D. Edwards' strong relationship with companies like Al Tayer Group, and our in-depth understanding of the challenges of the industries they operate in, means we can deliver software and services designed specifically for them," said Tim Caulkett, regional director, Middle East, J.D. Edwards.

Double Success Across the Region

The Al Tayer upgrade coincides with a second major J.D. Edwards customer announcement this month, with news of a significant upgrade in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Arabian Drilling Company - one of the Kingdom's leading oil services companies - is in the process of upgrading its current J.D. Edwards enterprise resource planning solution to the newer, more comprehensive J.D. Edwards OneWorld(R) XE solution.

The company aims to improve information distribution and streamline financial management across its network of oil rigs and drilling platforms.

"Dynamic organizations across the Middle East are relying on-cutting edge technology as one of the main pillars of their growth and development. At J.D. Edwards, we are pleased to provide a platform for their future success," Caulkett said.

About Al Tayer Group

Founded in 1979, Al Tayer Group represents some of the world's most renowned brands in the Automobile, Fashion, Jewelry, Perfumes & Cosmetics, as well as Business & Service sectors in United Arab Emirates.

Al Tayer Group is a family-owned business comprising of over 20 companies, each known for the highest level of quality and service, thus placing the Group as one of the leaders in the UAE's business community and beyond.

About J.D. Edwards & Company

J.D. Edwards makes customers stronger, enabling them to solve their most important business challenges. The company offers collaborative enterprise software as well as consulting, education and support services. J.D. Edwards' offerings are differentiated by a deeply ingrained attitude of listening to customers, innovating on their behalf, and delivering solutions as part of a results-oriented relationship. Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Denver, J.D. Edwards focuses on long-term business partnerships and helping its 6,600 customers in more than 110 countries collaborate electronically to manage their business processes, supply chains, enterprise assets, and supplier and customer relationships.

J.D. Edwards(R) is a registered trademark of J.D. Edwards & Company. JDE(TM) is a trademark of J.D. Edwards & Company. J.D. Edwards 5 is a trademark of J.D. Edwards World Source Company. The names of all products and services of J.D. Edwards used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of J.D. Edwards World Source Company. All other product names used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (R) J.D. Edwards World Source Company 2003.