Apriso Announces Availability of FlexNet Version 7.2.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 3, 2002

Apriso(R), the leading global provider of advanced enterprise software solutions for operational excellence, announced today the availability of FlexNet(TM) version 7.2 for general distribution. FlexNet 7.2 introduces innovative applications for quality control and machine integration and user-friendly infrastructure enhancements. FlexNet 7.2 demonstrates Apriso's ongoing efforts to develop solutions for increasing efficiency across the organization.

"We have the broadest and most highly-integrated execution management platform available. FlexNet 7.2 validates our commitment to enable operational excellence by linking all functional areas across the execution spectrum," says Adam Bartkowski, President and CEO of Apriso. "FlexNet 7.2 is the most comprehensive deployment model available on the market for achieving tangible results from prevalent strategic initiatives such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing and Total Quality Management."

"Current trends toward contract manufacturing and tiered supply chains demand that product quality become a focal point for industry," emphasizes Nelson Nones, Senior Director of Product Management. "FlexNet 7.2 incorporates quality control and management into the production process, allowing workers to perform inline quality control inspections. We help our customers cut costs by eliminating the waste from rework and scrap. Furthermore, out-of-the-box comprehensive integration with all types of machinery allows automatic collection of data for improved control over operations."

FlexNet version 7.2 provides online analytical processing (OLAP). Reports are created and/or accessed via an ultra-thin, Web-browser-based interface. Pre-defined and ad-hoc reports and graphs are administered through Crystal Reports(R), the preferred third-party analysis tool. Personalized filter and sort criteria can be determined at run-time.

"With FlexNet 7.2, managers can request or create queries and reports, and view operations instantly from any device at any time," according to Nones. FlexNet 7.2 includes Web-based-browser support for mobile or space-constrained devices running the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE operating system, such as the HP iPaq PDA.

The FlexNet Process Quality Manager and FlexNet Machine Integrator applications are completely integrated with the FlexNet platform and product suite. Both are native Web services applications and are hosted on Microsoft .NET Enterprise Servers.

"Microsoft .NET is integrated across our Windows platform and gives partners and customers the ability to rapidly build, deploy and fully integrate dynamic business processes across the entire enterprise," said Charles Johnson, managing director for manufacturing industry solutions at Microsoft. "FlexNet is a great example of a Microsoft partner taking advantage of .NET to deliver a specialized application to the manufacturing industry that customers can use to gain greater visibility into their operations and make better business decisions."

Process Quality Manager

An ultra-thin, Web-based application for PC, touch-screen or mobile device, FlexNet Process Quality Manager integrates with FlexNet Production Manager at run-time, making possible the inline data collection of quality control test readings and results. Dynamic sample sizing and specification, control limit and attribute tests help deliver integrated quality control within the production process.

FlexNet Process Quality Manager offers automatic disposition tracking, a historian capability. Each sample receives a unique quality-control reference number, generated on the fly, as well as a complete history report of actual test readings, results and material review decisions. This tracking feature supports analysis of actual quality performance according to industry best practices.

FlexNet Process Quality Manager supports automatic and manual Material Review Board (MRB) dispositioning. The product utilizes user-defined tests that are set up and integrated into the process flow and supports rework processing.

Machine Integrator

The FlexNet Machine Integrator gets and sets data point values at run time, eliminating the need for manual data entry. A bi-directional information exchange occurs between machinery, equipment and measuring instruments. The product uses connection and data point details already set up in FlexNet Process Builder and connects electronically to OPC (OLE for Process Control) servers while events are generated and received synchronously.

About FlexNet

FlexNet, by Apriso, is a dynamic, Web-based platform and suite of products that address the most critical operational needs in business today. FlexNet provides real-time visibility and complete coordination of business activities. With FlexNet, companies empower all employees, by providing seamless process collaboration tools to direct activity inside and outside the four walls of businesses. Apriso solutions link employees and assets to critical business metrics and measure the activities in business operations at a macro level while enabling continuous change to deliver operational excellence.

About Apriso

Apriso is the leading global provider of world-class enterprise software solutions that maximize workforce responsiveness and productivity and create a sustainable competitive advantage by empowering a company's entire workforce. Apriso solutions provide instant visibility and full operational control of key enterprise business metrics to streamline processes on the fly. Many global companies including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Weyerhaeuser, Merck, Honeywell, Volkswagen, Matsushita, and Halliburton have partnered with Apriso to achieve operational excellence, and in turn, have obtained market-share leadership and increased profitability. Founded in 1992, Apriso operates in 11 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. Apriso serves over 150 customers and FlexNet products are installed at over 300 sites worldwide. To find out more about Apriso and Apriso FlexNet Solutions, go to http://www.apriso.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risk or uncertainties. Future operating results of Apriso Incorporated may differ from the results discussed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements due to factors that include, but are not limited to, risks associated with customer relations, such as the availability of Apriso's products and services, customer implementation of products and services, relationships with customers, third-party vendors and systems integrators, concentration of revenues in a relatively small number of customers, existence of errors or defects in products, ability to successfully manage growth, significant current and expected additional competition and the need to continue to expand product distribution and services offerings. Apriso assumes no obligation to update the information in this press release.

Apriso and FlexNet are trademarks of Apriso, Inc. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Microsoft, Microsoft .NET and Windows CE and are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners and are mentioned for identification purposes only.