Best Software Announces Abra Train for Windows.

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 22, 1997--

Training Management Component is Fully Integrated with Abra

for Windows for Total Human Resource Management

Best Software Inc., the leading provider of human resource, payroll and fixed asset management software solutions, today announced the immediate availability of Abra Train(R) for Windows(R), its skill-based training management solution. Abra Train for Windows allows human resource and training managers to track employee training requirements and training history; create and manage courses, classes, training programs and certifications; and measure organizational development initiatives. Abra Train for Windows also integrates with Abra(TM) for Windows, Best Software's comprehensive human resource administration system, to provide seamless training and human resource management.

"The introduction of Abra Train for Windows is a valuable addition to our Abra Human Resource Information System (HRIS) package," said David Lindheimer, Abra product manager. "Abra Train automates the process of identifying employees that need training, assigning those employees to the applicable courses, and tracking their progress through the courses. This automation is extremely helpful for human resource managers in organizations with more than 100 employees."

Key Benefits

Abra Train for Windows helps HR managers track demand for particular training courses, schedule classes, manage class rosters, produce scheduling correspondence and evaluate the training's effectiveness. The software also tracks employee development and skills, and offers extensive reporting capabilities.

With Abra Train for Windows, managers can track and analyze training costs to determine if they are spending appropriately and realizing the proper return on their investment. Training expenses can be documented by employee, job position and department.

Abra Train for Windows can also provide compliance documentation regarding the training programs a company has designed to achieve targeted quality levels to meet certification standards such as QS 9000 and ISO 9000.

"Abra Train offers a full-featured and easy-to-use solution for synchronizing training activities with the employee database," Lindheimer added. "For companies who need to identify required training and track completed courses for legal, regulatory or quality certification purposes, Abra Train for Windows is a very effective and affordable tool."

Add Training Management to a Windows-based HRIS

Abra Train for Windows offers a comprehensive training management solution for any mid-sized organization. Organizations that already use other Abra for Windows components can add a fully functional training management system that is integrated with the Abra HR system they are already using and do so at a reasonable cost.

Sharing the Employee Database for Automatic Updates

Abra for Windows users will appreciate the fact that Abra Train adds its information seamlessly to the Abra for Windows' key employee database. Because of this integration, the Abra employee database and job code tables are always up-to-date. Training requirements are assigned to each job code so, as employees are hired and promoted, training information is automatically updated in the employee database. Users can switch between HR and Training tasks using the Abra for Windows menu, activity center or desktop tabs.

Availability and Pricing

Generally available during the second quarter of 1997, Abra Train for Windows will be sold directly by the company and through a network of authorized resellers.

Tiered pricing is based on the number of employees and starts at $495. Abra Train for DOS customers with support contracts will pay a conversion fee of $295 for the Windows upgrade.

More About Best Software

Founded in 1982, Best Software Inc. is the leading publisher of award-winning PC software that manages human resources, payroll and fixed assets for mid-sized companies. Products include Abra(TM), the market-leading line of human resource and payroll solutions; FAS(TM), the leading fixed asset management system; and FASTrack(TM), the fixed asset tracking and inventory system using bar code technology. -0- NOTE TO EDITORS: FAS and FASTrack are trademarks and FAS2000, FAS1000 and the Best logo are registered trademarks of Best Software Inc. Abra is a trademark and Abra Train is a registered trademark of Abra Software Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Best Software Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

CONTACT: Best Software, Inc. Baron, McDonald & Wells

Susan Lee Dianne Rabbitt

703-709-5200, ext. 3277 770-492-0373

[e-mail] [e-mail]