D&B Software Releases SmartStream DE, First Client/Server Business Application Suite Built On A Fully Distributed Architecture; Adaptable, component-based design facilitates release management by allowing workflows and other business processes to change without altering code; Emphasis on Rapid Results Model means faster implementations and lower total cost of ownership.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 4, 1995--Dun & Bradstreet Software today began shipping SmartStream for the Distributed Enterprise (DE), the latest release of the company's integrated client/server financial, human resource, manufacturing and information management application suites.

SmartStream DE is the first client/server business applications software that distributes data, workflow and business processes throughout the enterprise.

Designed to drive adaptability and permit rapid results, SmartStream DE resides on a next-generation architecture that makes it possible to quickly reconfigure the way the software handles business processes and workflows -- without re-implementing the software. This allows organizations to meet unique and changing business requirements without jeopardizing maintenance, without complicating release management, and without escalating the total cost of ownership.

For example, an organization could change the steps in a procurement process; add or delete a division or office location; and eliminate or add steps to a manufacturing workflow process -- all without altering any code.

SmartStream DE allows companies to flexibly blend centralized control with local autonomy, dynamically change business processes, broaden decision-making authority, and extend business processes to "casual users," suppliers, partners or customers. It is particularly well-suited for organizations with multiple lines of business and/or widely distributed locations.

Unlike other business application suites, SmartStream DE's component-based structure facilitates moving to a client/server solution incrementally -- for example, one division, department, site or application module at a time. This fosters smoother and shorter implementations.

The release of SmartStream DE will "raise the bar for what buyers expect of client/server business application software," according to Doug MacIntyre, D&B Software's president and CEO. "First-generation client/server applications were designed and delivered in the late 1980s. Many were ported from mainframe systems and feature the same static, inflexible design elements evident in their mainframe application ancestors.

"In contrast, we took a `clean slate' approach with SmartStream. It was conceived, designed and developed in the `90s. SmartStream exploits the most current technology and supports today's best business practices. Our vision was to finally deliver what buyers expected from client/server -- nimbleness, proactive change management, the ability to make better decisions faster through broader information access and more astute analysis capabilities.

"SmartStream DE realizes this vision, at a time when the client, server, networking and database infrastructures have matured to the point required to support it. For organizations implementing client/server in 1996, SmartStream DE is the most advanced, adaptable solution available."

The SmartStream Distributed Enterprise Architecture

SmartStream DE's architecture is unique in the following ways:

-- It is the only client/server business application to distribute data, workflow and business processes across the enterprise.

-- It is designed to allow components -- data, workflow, reporting/query capabilities, structures, intelligent agents, transaction services, job scheduler and business processes -- to be created once and then replicated and/or distributed to the servers that support the users who require those components -- even if the servers reside in different locations. For example, in a purchasing process, local sales offices can control their own requisitions and approvals, while a headquarters location can control negotiated volume discounts, purchase order generation, payments and general ledger postings. It provides server-to-server communications to coordinate distributed business process flows.

-- It allows data to reside with associated application functions on the same server, eliminating the need for all application functions to access the same central database, which reduces data storage and retrieval bottlenecks and removes single-point-of-failure concerns.

-- It separates the ability to change system configurations, process extensions, workflows and business views from the application toolset (SmartStream Builder). Instead, these capabilities are embedded in the architecture and can be distributed and/or replicated throughout the enterprise. They then can be used to tailor the software to unique or changing business processes without modifying code. All applications generated using SmartStream Builder automatically inherit these capabilities.

-- It supports "n"-tier distribution capabilities.

Also New with SmartStream DE

In addition to the first distributed client/server architecture, SmartStream DE delivers these enhancements:

-- Distributed intelligent workflow

Workflow is embedded in the SmartStream DE architecture and can be distributed to servers throughout an enterprise. SmartStream DE's workflows can be configured to automate many routine activities, and can be used to launch third-party applications. The workflow engine automatically updates users' individual "To Do" lists as activity requests are generated or activities are completed. Workflows can initiate e-mails to outside vendors, customers or partners through compliance with MAPI, E-MAPI and VIM standards. Fax and telephony capabilities also can be integrated.

The following example illustrates how the hiring of a new employee in the manufacturing division sets off a pre-determined workflow chain of events throughout the enterprise. First, manufacturing notifies human resources that a position has become vacant. This sets off a series of activities, including notification to an HR employee to begin interviewing to fill the position. It may also notify another employee to prepare an advertisement for the local newspaper. Once the employee is hired by HR, manufacturing is notified the position has been filled, with corresponding notices going out to payroll, as well as to the workgroup responsible for HMO additions. Outside vendors may also be included in the chain. For instance, a purchase order could be automatically generated and e-mailed to an equipment vendor, ordering safety glasses and a uniform for the new employee.

Workflows are designed graphically in SmartStream, using "Business Process Maps." Objects can be "pulled" (using the Microsoft Windows "drag and drop" feature) into the proper location on-screen to set off a specific chain of events for each pre-determined activity. The ability to design workflows graphically, without coding, makes it easy to reconfigure them as business activities or employee responsibilities change. Similar application suites require changing underlying code to alter workflow. SmartStream DE's graphically designed workflows are another example of the technology's adaptability and ability to facilitate rapid change.

-- Distributed SmartStream Builder Application Management Toolset

SmartStream Builder -- a toolset founded on Powersoft's PowerBuilder that goes beyond simple "window building" to encompass robust application management capabilities. Using SmartStream Builder, organizations can generate distributed client/server applications that automatically include all of the distributed components in the SmartStream DE architecture -- including workflow. They also can use SmartStream Builder to integrate system extensions, workflow and electronic mail into existing applications. SmartStream Builder contains many sophisticated application management capabilities, such as the ability to allow users to change window contents without changing window structures, or "frames."

This allows users to alter the way they view data on an ad-hoc basis, without changing code, and without complicating release upgrades. As organizations drive to meet their unique requirements, all applications built with SmartStream Builder automatically inherit the SmartStream architecture functions, simplifying release management and controlling cost of ownership.

-- Integrated Electronic Help Desk: Internet-enabled version

SmartStream Assistant, an electronic link between customer installed sites and D&B Software support personnel. SmartStream Assistant can operate over the Internet, as well as over private and dial communications lines. It contains comprehensive call tracking and problem resolution databases, and allows for the free flow of information between D&B Software, customers and alliance partners. With SmartStream Assistant, customer sites can electronically request help with problems and download resolutions. Software updates, tax and regulatory bulletins, as well as educational information are also downloadable. Workflow proactively delivers trouble tickets for issues that cannot be resolved electronically via SmartStream Assistant.

-- Open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)

APIs for workflow, scheduler and electronic mail are included. The Workflow API allows SmartStream transactions to generate e-mail to non-SmartStream users or to launch third party applications. The Scheduler API enables batch jobs to be scheduled to run anywhere, and allows SmartStream to interface with monitoring tools such as Hewlett-Packard's HP OpenView. The Mail API is MAPI, E-MAPI and VIM compliant, and allows standard e-mail packages to distribute SmartStream data to non-SmartStream users or to infrequent users.

-- A New Enterprise Reporting Toolset

SmartStream's decision support toolset has been re-written for the DE release to include a distributed structure and more robust data analysis capabilities. This new version offers integration with Pilot Software, Inc.'s Lightship suite, giving users highly-scalable, enterprise-level on-line application processing (OLAP) capabilities for customized analysis. Decision support components now reside on the server rather than the client, and executables can be distributed across servers. The application -- now written in Visual Basic -- includes a new GUI and advanced "Business View" capabilities that enable users to gear how information is presented toward the consumer of the information, without changing the database structure.

-- The First Enterprise Resource Planning Solution With a Fully Integrated Manufacturing Execution System (see related release)

-- A New Consolidations Module (see related fact sheet on SmartStream Financials)

-- The ability to use Microsoft Windows "drag and drop" feature to change business structures

-- Enhanced features in all core application modules (see related fact sheets)

SmartStream Technology Accelerates Client/Server Success

SmartStream DE is good news to companies considering the move to client/server. IT departments have traditionally been faced with disappointments in the implementation of new technologies, as a result of underestimated costs, complexity and time-to-success issues. For instance, a 1994 survey of 365 companies conducted by the Standish Group International Inc., reported 52.7 percent of projects cost 189 percent of their original estimates. Also, according to the survey, only 16.2 percent of all software projects are completed on-time and on-budget (among large companies, this number was reduced to 9 percent).

Global Marine of Houston recently ended its mainframe operations and migrated its financial applications completely to client/server -- a process that began in mid-February and was completed in October, less than nine months later. The company is using D&B Software's SmartStream Financials.

"It came down to SAP or D&B Software," said Dick Hudson, vice president of MIS for Global Marine. "We knew several companies installing SAP, and they were already into their second year and their second or third million dollars. We're a small company with a small IS department -- we can't afford to spend $2 or $3 million to install a system.

"We ascertained up-front the implementation time would be significantly less with D&B Software than with SAP," said Hudson. "Even if the D&B Software product had been more money and it wasn't, we would have paid more to spend less in the long-run."

SmartStream DE Applications

The SmartStream DE core applications include the following:

SmartStream Financials, a global financial management system that includes Ledger, Receivables, Asset Management, Payables, Allocations and Consolidations.

Additional applications include SmartStream Procurement and SmartStream Budget.

SmartStream Financials supports multi-national sites, currencies and languages. SmartStream Financials is available now.

SmartStream Human Resources, which supports strategic HR functions such as Job and Position Management, Recruitment, Compensation, Training, Skills Tracking and Analysis, Reporting and Government Alliance. In Spring 1996, SmartStream Human Resources will round out its product family with the release of SmartStream Payroll and SmartStream Benefits.

SmartStream Manufacturing and Distribution, a next-generation ERP system that offers integrated manufacturing and distribution applications for discrete environments. The system supports total supply chain management and Just-In-Time production principles. The system includes Indented Bill of Materials, MRP, Scheduling, Inventory (distributed by site), Order Management, Customer Management, Cost Management and Purchasing. It is available now.

SmartStream Decision Support, which is used by managers to access and analyze financial, manufacturing, personnel and other critical information. It is also available now.

SmartStream Builder (see below).

Support, Pricing and Requirements

D&B Software offers 24-hour, seven-day-a-week phone support, as well as a range of support packages. In addition, extensive education and training are available on-site, or at the company's training centers throughout the world. D&B Software training is designed to instruct users, managers and technicians on software capabilities, software use and technical operation.

D&B Software offerings also are enhanced through the company's Global Alliance program, which supports partnerships with hardware and software vendors, value added resellers and systems integrators worldwide.

Pricing for SmartStream DE begins at $100,000, based on modules purchased, the number of users, and network configurations.

With the release of SmartStream DE, the company is now the first to offer client/server applications for Finance, Procurement, Human Resources, and Manufacturing/Distribution on a fully distributed platform. SmartStream technology allows companies to spread information and processing onto multiple servers throughout the world -- making it ideal for today's global businesses.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Dun & Bradstreet Software is a premier provider of integrated financial, human resources, procurement, and manufacturing/distribution application suites. D&B Software's client/server business is expected to exceed $100 million in 1995. For more information, contact D&B Software at 3445 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30326. 404/239-2000 (phone); 800/290-7374 (fax); or Internet [e-mail] (e-mail). -0-

Note to Edtiors: SmartStream is a registered trademark and SmartStream Builder and SmartStream Assistant are trademarks of Dun & Bradstreet Software Services, Inc. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Dun & Bradstreet Software

Randy Renbarger, 404/239-3658

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Baron, McDonald & Wells

Soon Mee Kim, 770/492-0373

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