ClearOrbit's Version 4.0 of its Connect Software Platform Offers Extended Supply Chain Execution and Certified Integration to SAP.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2003

New Release of "Device Integration Operating System" Features

Scalable Print Server and Web-based Integrated Management Tools

ClearOrbit, the leading provider of extended supply chain execution (SCE) software solutions, announced today the launch of Connect 4.0, the latest generation of its technology foundation platform. Connect provides manufacturers and distributors the unique ability to integrate their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system or other applications directly to wireless and industrial devices to drive significant supply chain efficiency improvements. It provides the infrastructure and adapters necessary for business applications to proactively manage process automation and collaborative supply chain execution, while exploiting AutoID technologies including bar code, RF and RFID.

"ClearOrbit was clearly the best solution for Waterpik's operations. They offer superior functionality, including an optimized mobile interface, integrated label printing and the ability to customize using PL/SQL," said Reggie Thurn, Business Analyst, Waterpik Technologies. "Most important was the level of responsiveness and support we received from the ClearOrbit team."

Since 1994, ClearOrbit has extended supply chain execution for more than 250 of Oracle's largest ERP applications customers by providing "last mile functionality" and trading partner collaboration to meet their industry vertical and/or unique operating requirements. With the release of Connect 4.0 and SAP Certified Integration, ClearOrbit's products are now available to extend SAP R/3 to control material movement within manufacturing, warehousing and fulfillment operations. In collaboration with trading partners, Connect provides SAP R/3 clients with the foundation for ClearOrbit's proven web-based supply chain management software to manage and control key process points of inventory ownership transfer.

"Companies are seeking to leverage and unlock the value of their ERP investments. By using the ERP data model and providing last mile functionality to meet specific vertical industry and operational requirements, ClearOrbit's product suite does just that," said Steve Banker, Director of Supply Chain Research, ARC Advisory Group. "They are like the BASF of software: they don't make your ERP; they make your ERP better."

Connect is the technical foundation for the company's application products for supply chain execution and trading partner collaboration. It allows industrial devices such as RF scanners, bar code printers, scales, carousels, PLCs and RFID tags, printers and readers to integrate directly to the ERP data model in real time. Connect features a web-based management console for ease of configuration and real-time device control.

The web-based console provides highly configurable options and supports a variety of device types that are integral to receiving, inventory, manufacturing and shipping efficiency. Through Connect 4.0, devices can communicate directly to the enterprise data model, providing immediate, accurate information enabling the real-time enterprise. Unlike most alternative solutions, Connect 4.0 provides certified ERP connectivity without proprietary third party databases that significantly increase integration requirements and the total cost of ownership.

It includes a powerful print server with proven scalability and performance that provides real-time control over all printers and network hardware. Users can install the print server on single or multi-tier systems, and dynamically balance the load across servers. For example, one ClearOrbit client is printing 1000 to 1500 labels per minute across their network, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. The console handles both local and Internet-based printers, supporting compliance labeling programs among trading partners using ClearOrbit's Endeavour Series(TM) collaboration products.

"Having just installed the new version of Connect, we are very pleased with the ease of implementation and the power of features such as the web-based device management console," said Lisa Huckins, Senior Programmer Analyst, of Portex, Inc. "Connect will provide a solid foundation for mobile supply chain transactions as we grow our business."

More than 250 companies are using Connect in conjunction with ClearOrbit extended supply chain execution products to optimize their supply chain processes, with tens of thousands of mobile users at thousands of locations around the world. By providing this last mile functionality to meet customer requirements that are unique to their vertical industry or operating environment, ClearOrbit customers are able to leverage and implement standard ERP solution modules without changing the core code nor having to seek "best of breed" competitive solutions.

"By making significant R&D investments in our infrastructure product, we intend to provide continued value to our current customers, while further increasing our capabilities to serve new customers," says Richard Sherman, Chief Marketing Officer at ClearOrbit. "This release is available to new ClearOrbit customers, while existing customers with an active maintenance contract for Connect will receive a software upgrade at no charge."

"While a 'single vendor solution' sounds good in concept, in some cases you need a partner with specific functional expertise," added Ms. Thurn. "Since ClearOrbit leverages our Oracle 11i environment, we can go this route without compromising data integrity or re-inventing the wheel."

About ClearOrbit

Since 1994, ClearOrbit has assisted more than 250 clients in automating and controlling their supply chain execution processes. ClearOrbit extends enterprise systems value with proven Supply Chain Execution (SCE) software solutions that allow customers to fully leverage their investment in enterprise applications while also gaining additional value by incorporating their trading partners into their supply chains. ClearOrbit products work within the existing enterprise system to leverage a "single version of the truth," expanding rather than duplicating functionality to eliminate inefficiencies in the supply chain. By using the customer's data model, ClearOrbit delivers on the promise of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) with fully integrated supply chain execution and collaboration solutions that address "last mile functionality" issues inherent in most ERP systems. ClearOrbit customers include Cisco Systems, Texas Instruments and Applied Materials. See how enterprise systems can reach a higher level at www.clearorbit.com or call us at 800-324-5143.