CUSTOMER-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT PAYS OFF FOR LAWSON BETA SITE CUSTOMERS; Geneva Steel, Skadden Arps and James River Implement LAWSON INSIGHT Human Resources Process Suite They Helped Develop.

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 11, 1996-- After investing more than year with Lawson Software in a research and development partnership, three large organizations on the cutting edge of human resources information systems are implementing the next wave in business management systems.

As focus group participants and beta testing sites for the LAWSON INSIGHT (TM) Human Resources process suite, manufacturers Geneva Steel and James River and law firm Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom have guided the development and delivery of a system that addresses their most pressing information needs and those of organizations like theirs.

"We have always believed that the customer best understands the needs of their business and we best understand how to provide technology solutions," said Deb Edlund, Lawson's brand manager for human resources applications. "Our diligent efforts to involve our customers in the development process is one reason our very first customer is with us after more than 20 years."

Customers who participate in Lawson's focus groups and beta testing process gain early access to the newest version of software. Beta testing for the LAWSON INSIGHT Human Resources suite began in May 1995 and culminates this month with general release of the product. The beta group participated in the development process for design specification through product and screen reviews, usability testing and final sign-off, providing input and suggestions to enhance the functionality of the final product.

"Lawson is open to taking our ideas and developing a product in that direction," said Tamara Wamsley, lead analyst with James River. "Whatever suggestions we've had -- especially around the most recent technology -- they've embraced and have gone forward. Lawson Software is providing the tools to make James River's vision become a reality."

While all three organizations will eventually utilize all components of the process suite, each had a particular area of interest in the focus group process. Skadden Arps concentrated on new hire processing, James River on employee self-service, and Geneva Steel on training administration.

The LAWSON INSIGHT Human Resources process suite is a revolutionary step in human resources informations systems software because it moves beyond traditional boundaries and categories of human resources management and empowers users to get the job done efficiently and profitably. Its benefits derive from five key advantages: activity-based management, process orientation, Web deployability, workflow technology and self-service capabilities.

One of four fully integrated product lines that comprise the LAWSON INSIGHT Business Management System, the Human Resources process suite is complemented by suites for Financials, Procurement and Supply Chain Management.

Lawson Software is a $100 million full-service provider of web-deployable, enterprise-wide, client/server business management systems, specializing in human resources, financials, procurement and supply chain management. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Minneapolis, the organization employs over 780 professionals and has approximately 2,100 clients worldwide. Offices are located in Atlanta, Boston, Calgary, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and Washington, D.C., with affiliates in Europe and Africa. Additional information about the company and its products and services is available on its Web site, URL:http://www.lawson.com or by calling 800-477-1357.

Lawson is a registered trademark of Lawson Software. Other company and product names are the trademarks of their respective companies.

CONTACT: Terry Plath, Lawson Software, 612-362-4718,

or

terry.plath(at sign)lawson.com;

or Jay Pinkert, Ogilvy Adams and Rinehart, 312-988-3008

or

Jay(underscore)Pinkert%OAR(at sign)notes.worldcom.com.