Best Software Launches First Hosted HR/Payroll Solution.

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 13, 2000

CustomHRMS Offers Award-Winning Features of

Web-Native Best! Imperativ HRMS 

Best Software, Inc., a leading provider of HR/payroll, fixed asset management and planning and budgeting solutions, today announced CustomHRMS(TM), the initial service offering in its planned suite of hosted HR applications. Based on the award-winning Best! Imperativ HRMS(TM), the fully-integrated, web-native HR/payroll solution allows individuals to access their HR information via the Internet and their own PC without using in-house IT resources. The product will be available in May 2000 through hosting agreements with leading Application Service Providers.

CustomHRMS offers a reduced up-front investment and a predictable per-employee/per-month pricing structure, making it more affordable than traditional client/server-based applications. It includes Best! Imperativ HRMS' `roles-based' self-service application that effectively extends the reach and value of the network outside of the HR and payroll organization. For instance, an employee with a life-event change (birth of a child, marriage, etc.) can access his or her password-protected account online and update their records automatically.

"Many of our customers are confronted by increasingly scarce IT resources and expertise at a time when they can least afford to lose any potential technology or cost advantage to their competition," said Mary Hodson, vice president and general manager of Best Software's newly-created Internet Application Services Group. "As our pilot hosted application, CustomHRMS will help an even greater number of these growing e-businesses enjoy the well-known strategic benefits of Best! Imperativ HRMS with no additional IT investment."

Best Software has signed an agreement with Qwest Communications to host the service in their secure data center. Best Software's nationwide professional services team will install and tailor CustomHRMS to client specifications, such as fulfilling integration requirements with current payroll systems, and will manage ongoing network maintenance.

"CustomHRMS underscores the very essence of what Best Software is continuing to do--transform the way companies manage their people, assets and planning," said Tim Davenport, president and CEO. "Our customers can now significantly reduce their HR `administrivia' burden to become even more strategic and forward-thinking."

In related news, Best Software announced that The Tribus Companies, a leading NJ-based insurance brokerage and consulting firm, has signed an agreement to provide CustomHRMS to its customers on a hosted basis. Best Software also announced that it will provide additional features and functionality for hosted HRMS customers through partnerships with Internet software vendors offering web-enabled HR solutions.

About Best Software

Best Software, with more than 50,000 customers worldwide and offices in the US, Canada and Europe, develops solutions which enable organizations to transform the way they manage their HR, fixed asset and planning and budgeting processes. Its scalable, cost-effective solutions complement core financial management systems and support the full spectrum of Microsoft platforms, including Windows(R) 95, Windows(R) 98, Windows NT(R) and BackOffice(R).

In January 2000, Best Software announced a definitive merger agreement with The Sage Group plc, a leading worldwide supplier of accounting solutions, and is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sage Group. For further information, call 800/368-2499, send an e-mail to [e-mail] or access our web site at http://www.bestsoftware.com.

Note to Editors: Best Software and the Best logo are registered trademarks and Best! Imperativ HRMS is a trademark of Best Software. Microsoft, Windows, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, and BackOffice are registered trademarks and SQL Server is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.