Best Software Ranked a ``Top-10'' Manufacturing/Distribution Solution Provider by MSI Magazine; Best Scores Prestigious Ranking for Second Consecutive Year.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 12, 2002

Best Software today announced that it was ranked the 10th largest manufacturing/distribution software provider for 2001 by MSI magazine, the primary publication of record for the manufacturing automation industry.

The publication's July 2002 annual "Top 100 Software Vendors" rankings recognized vendors involved in the automation of "plan, source, make, and deliver" business and production processes.

Overall, Best Software ranked above all other mid-market competitors, with only enterprise market vendors filling the top nine slots. Best also ranked fifth-largest among enterprise resource planning (ERP) publishers serving the manufacturing and distribution sectors.

The rankings were determined by a survey conducted by MSI and based upon annual revenue figures derived from software sales during calendar year 2001. The review is widely considered to be the definitive view of the manufacturing/distribution software marketplace. Best was also ranked the 10th largest vendor in MSI's 2000 listings.

"Most software publishers have been struggling in this challenging economic climate," said David Butler, president and chief operating officer, Best Software Mid-Market Division. "Fiscal year 2001 was our most successful to date, with the highest revenues in our history. I think it's a reflection of our dedication to solutions that provide quantifiable business benefits to customers."

In recent years, Best Software has made strategic acquisitions that bolstered the company's leadership position in the midrange manufacturing software space, beginning with the acquisition of a manufacturing solutions suite in March 2001. Created using the Best Enterprise Suite toolset, the solutions integrate seamlessly with Best Enterprise, providing an advanced discrete manufacturing offering to complement the light manufacturing capabilities found in MAS 90 and MAS 200, the mid-range market leaders, and Peachtree Complete Accounting.

More recently, the company added process manufacturing to its capabilities with the acquisition of BatchMasterPFW, the most widely used process solution, that ties production information back into the user's accounting data, providing a real-time view of key business factors. Together, Best Enterprise Suite, MAS 90 and MAS 200, BatchMasterPFW and Peachtree Complete Accounting provide a total solution to the majority of manufacturers.

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

About Best Software

Best Software offers leading business management products and services that give more than 1.6 million small and mid-sized customers in North America the insight for success throughout the life of their business.

Its parent company (London:SGE.L) supports nearly 3 million customers worldwide and has revenue of nearly $700 million. For more than 25 years, Best has delivered easy-to-use, scalable and customizable applications through its portfolio of leading brands, including Abra, MAS 90, FAS, MIP NonProfit Series, SalesLogix, Peachtree and ACT!, among many others. For more information, visit the Web site at www.bestsoftware.com/moreinfo or call 800/811-0961.