BPI Global Asset Management Selects Thomson OpenTrader for Trade Order Management; Existing PORTIA Client Adds Integrated Solution.

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 10, 1999--

BPI Global Asset Management, LLP, of Orlando, Florida, which has used Thomson Financial Software Solutions' (Software Solutions) PORTIA(R) portfolio management system since 1997, has licensed the vendor's Thomson OpenTrader(TM) to meet its trade order management needs. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Prior to purchasing OpenTrader, BPI did not have a computerized management system in place. According to Operations Manager Steve Steffy, the key factors that led to BPI's licensing of OpenTrader were its integration with PORTIA and Software Solutions' emphasis on customer support.

"We are convinced that Thomson OpenTrader is the best system for us. It is the most comprehensive because it completely integrates with our portfolio management system, PORTIA. They share one database so data can be updated simultaneously in both systems, facilitating straight-through processing," Steffy says. "A streamlined, straight-through trade order management process is critical for us because it will allow us to maximize performance and prepare for new industry initiatives, like the upcoming move towards a shorter trade settlement cycle. We have been Thomson clients for two years and are impressed with their reliable, attentive customer service, so choosing another Thomson product was a logical decision for us."

BPI is one of a growing number of PORTIA clients who are adding Thomson OpenTrader, according to Michael C. Slemmer, C.F.A., general manager of the Americas for Software Solutions' investment management solutions group, "We are always thrilled to see our PORTIA clients realize the full potential that comes with adding OpenTrader to their enterprise. Because PORTIA and Thomson OpenTrader share one database, they give portfolio managers and traders the benefit of simultaneous, real-time information sharing, and the efficient trading connectivity and automation they need to be productive. This increased efficiency is at the heart of all the solutions we offer."

OpenTrader is a comprehensive order management and trade execution system that links traders, portfolio managers and operations personnel, thus eliminating paper trade tickets and facilitating true paperless trading. With broad support for most global securities, OpenTrader completely automates trading workflow with robust modeling, compliance and connectivity with brokers and electronic connectivity networks (ECNs).

PORTIA(R) is the investment industry's leading portfolio management system, automating the trading, analysis and operations of more that US$4 trillion in assets for approximately 400 money managers in 40 countries worldwide. Designed specifically for firms with large data volumes and sophisticated data integration requirements, PORTIA's robust functionality and innovative use of scalable client/server technology uses the Sybase Adaptive SQL or Microsoft SQL Server relational databases.

BPI Global Asset Management is a registered investment advisor that provides discretionary portfolio management for investment companies, individuals, corporations, trusts, estates, pension and profit sharing plans, and charitable and other institutions in the United States and Canada. BPI is 66%-owned by C.I. Fund Management, Inc., one of Canada's leading independent mutual fund companies, which manages more than $16 billion in assets.

Thomson Financial Software Solutions is a premier provider of investment management and bank treasury software products and consulting services. An industry leader for more than a decade, Thomson Financial Software Solutions offers flexible, workflow solutions that leverage advanced and proven technologies, enabling over 600 clients worldwide to achieve their business goals. Thomson Financial Software Solutions currently has eleven offices around the world, including Boston, Buenos Aires, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo. For more information, visit www.TF-SoftwareSolutions.com.

Thomson Financial is a US$1 billion provider of information services and work solutions to the worldwide financial community. Through the widest range of products and services in the industry, Thomson Financial helps clients in more than 70 countries make better decisions, be more productive and achieve superior results. Thomson Financial is part of The Thomson Corporation (TTC), one of the world's leading information companies. TTC, with annual revenues of more than US$6 billion, has interests in specialized information and newspaper publishing. TTC"s common shares are traded on the Toronto, Montreal and London stock exchanges. For more information, visit www.thomsonfinancial.com.