Best Software Introduces Best Enterprise Suite 6.1; Release Boasts National Accounts and RMA Functionality, and Project Accounting Enhancements.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 19, 2002

Best Software has released Best Enterprise Suite 6.1, the most powerful version of the enterprise business software to date.

Version 6.1 adds new modules and enhancements that provide even greater control to manufacturers and distributors, while making it possible for small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) to purchase an enterprise software system scaled for smaller businesses expecting fast growth.

New to Version 6.1 is a National Accounts feature that allows customers to better manage clients with multiple locations and facilities. The module tracks credit limits and reconciles invoicing and payments by location and parent level. Version 6.1 also provides the capability to automatically create assets in the Fixed Asset Accounting module at the time of their purchase or receipt in AP/PO.

This powerful feature is particularly useful for companies that track depreciation for a large number of assets.

This latest release also introduces significantly enhanced workflow for the Best Enterprise Project Accounting modules.

With new integrations into manufacturing, in addition to existing integrations with remote time and expense entry, inventory transfers, purchase order creation, billing and Microsoft Project Central, Version 6.1 is positioned as a leading solution for the Professional Service Automation (PSA) market.

Overall, Best Enterprise Suite 6.1 provides service-oriented companies insight into each project, with automatic billing and profitability tracking.

Manufacturers and distributors will be pleased with the addition of improved returns handling, provided through Version 6.1's Returns Merchandise Authorization feature. The new functionality streamlines options for returned goods, improving efficiency in the warehouse.

Also, the MRP and Inventory Replenishment modules accommodate the material requirements of open projects (from the Project Accounting system) for prototyping and make-to-install projects, as well as purchased items, manufactured items, and warehouse transfers for distributors and manufacturers.

Introducing Best Enterprise Small Business Edition

Best continues its reputation for providing quality software for businesses in the $1 million to $25 million range. With this product release, the company introduces Best Enterprise Suite Small Business Edition, which allows SMEs expecting fast growth to purchase a powerful, scalable solution at an introductory price.

Customers with up to 10 concurrent users can purchase at reduced rates Best Enterprise Suite that now includes the Microsoft SQL Server database. Customers with more than 10 concurrent users can purchase the Standard or Advanced version of the product.

Best Enterprise Suite is easier than ever to install and set-up. A new "Assisted Setup" tool guides users through implementation steps. Customers can also rename large numbers of inventory items in one easy operation and easily re-arrange general ledger structures.

The product installation process -- traditionally a complex process for high-end applications -- has been streamlined to a minimal set of questions. Customers can now install Best Enterprise Suite in as little as 15 minutes.

"Like all Best accounting and business management software products, Best Enterprise 6.1 provides customers with valuable business insights that allow them to make informed decisions that support bottom-line profitability," said David Butler, president and chief operating officer, Best Software Mid-Market Division.

"Now, with the ability to automate more business functions than ever before, coupled with Best's world-class service and support, small and mid-sized businesses have a tool that will provide high value for every stage of their growth."

Pricing and Availability

Best Enterprise Suite 6.1 and the Small Business Edition will be available from authorized Best solution providers in March; orders for the Small Business Edition are now being accepted.

With the introduction of Best Enterprise Suite Small Business Edition, the starting price for Best Enterprise Suite 6.1 will be $17,500 for a two-user accounting system. Actual list price varies depending on additional purchased modules and the number of concurrent users.

For further information, call 800/854-3415 or visit www.bestsoftware.com.

About Best Software Inc.

Best Software is a leading provider of integrated accounting, business management, HR/payroll and fixed asset solutions for mid-sized companies in North America.

Best provides critical business insights for bottom-line decision making through a full range of easy-to-use, scalable and customizable applications, including Abra, MAS 90, FAS, Best Enterprise Suite, BusinessWorks and Platinum for Windows by Best.

Known for outstanding customer support, Best has been honored with five STAR (Software Technical Assistance Recognition) Awards from the Service & Support Professionals Association over the past five years, and certified by the Support Center Practices program for the past four.

Best Software is a subsidiary of The Sage Group plc, the world's leading provider of business management software for mid-sized companies, with sales of $630 million and more than 2.7 million customers worldwide.

Other U.S. subsidiaries include Interact Commerce Corp., Micro Information Products and Peachtree Software, comprising the software industry's most comprehensive portfolio of small to mid-sized business solutions. For further information, call 800/854-3415 or visit www.bestsoftware.com.