Applix Rapid Results Methodology Delivers Fast ROI for CRM & Analytics Implementations; Companies Achieve Fast, Successful Implementations On Time & On Budget.

Business/Technology Editors

WESTBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 28, 2001

Applix, Inc., (NASDAQ: APLX), a leading provider of customer analytics, customer relationship management and business planning software, today announced the roll-out of Applix Rapid Results, a proven methodology that enables companies to achieve fast CRM and analytic implementations with high return-on-investment and low total cost of ownership.

"According to analyst reports, 75 percent of software projects fail due to lack of defined processes and measurable expectations," said Applix President and CEO Alan Goldsworthy. "Without good planning, enterprise implementations can be an open-ended nightmare of missed deadlines, over-spending and poor performance. Applix Rapid Results is a proven process that clearly defines realistic objectives, priorities, budget and timeline. At Applix, we know we are successful only when our customers are seeing positive results."

Applix Rapid Results: 4-Step Process

Applix ensures that CRM and analytics implementations are completed on time, on budget and meet business requirements by following the four steps of Applix Rapid Results:

Step 1: Business Review - Identify, assess, prioritize unique business requirements, critical success factors and constraints.

Step 2: Functional Model - Create a working prototype on a fixed schedule with frequent deliverables permitting iterative end-user review and testing.

Step 3: Design & Build - Refine prototype, verify performance and validate end-user satisfaction.

Step 4: Implementation - Implement tested system in working environment, train users and support staff. Identify future requirements.

Debunking "CRM in 90 Days" Claims

While many vendors make claims of "CRM in 90 days," a closer inspection reveals that they impose an array of limitations that render the offers impractical and potentially costly in the long run. Applix's uniquely adaptable software and Rapid Results methodology supports:

-- Customization and third-party applications

-- Data conversion

-- Hosting in any environment

-- Expansion beyond one site or one node/computer

-- Installation on all major databases

-- Installation on Sun, Windows NT and Windows 2000 Platforms

-- Integration with legacy systems

"Applix Rapid Results fulfills two essential requirements for successful CRM and analytics implementations: rapid return-on-investment and support of unique competitive business processes," said David Golan, Applix Vice President of Product Marketing. "Many CRM vendors push generic software, requiring companies to change business methods to fit their rigid software packages. Applix solutions adapt easily and quickly to support companies' unique processes, which promotes their competitive edge, reduces total cost of ownership and ensures success."

Proven in Real Customer Environments

Applix Rapid Results is based on international standards and methods derived from successful customer implementations:

-- Aprisma Management Technologies, a leading assurance software

vendor, quickly implemented Applix iCRM, which easily adapted

to its unique business processes. "We are very impressed with

Applix's ability to deliver on extremely tight deadlines, "

said Brenda Hanson, Aprisma's Chief Information Officer.

-- At AMF Bowling, the largest operator of bowling centers in the

U.S., Applix Rapid Results ensured that a complex CRM

implementation met all their business needs. AMF rolled out a

CRM-via-wireless implementation in just 45 days so that sales

and service personnel can access customer accounts anytime,

anywhere. "We selected Applix for its rich out-of-the-box

capabilities, customization flexibility, scalability and rapid

implementation - and we have been very pleased," said John

Walker, AMF Senior Vice President of Global Sales.

-- Comshare, a leading provider of management planning and

control software applications, achieved significant returns on

its investment as well. With the integration of Applix iCRM

and Comshare Decision, the company achieved 30% compound

annual growth for the business, a 40% increase in marketing

inquiries, reduced helpline calls by 7,000 per month, and

reduced average Web inquiry response time from four days to a

few hours.

Price and Availability

Applix Rapid Results is now an integral part of enterprise implementations. Price varies according to project scope. Applix Rapid Results workshops can also be purchased on a discrete basis. Interested companies should call 1-800-8APPLIX, press 5400, followed by the pound sign (#), for more information.

About Applix

Applix, Inc., (NASDAQ:APLX) is a leading global provider of customer analytics, CRM and business planning software that rapidly transforms information into knowledge -- enabling companies to obtain and retain customers through better decision-making. Applix captures information from every corner of a company's extended enterprise, including internal and external customers, financial operations, partners and suppliers. Its flexible, scalable products adapt to companies' unique and competitive business processes and provide real-time analysis, planning, measurement and response to changing customer requirements and business dynamics. Headquartered in Westboro, MA, Applix has offices in eight countries and more than 4,000 customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.applix.com.