D&B Software announces First Enterprise HR Applet that supports IIOP/CORBA standards.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 21, 1996--Dun & Bradstreet Software (DBS) today announced it will demonstrate the first IIOP/CORBA-based employee self-service applet for the enterprise human resource (HR) discipline at the Object World West Conference in San Jose, Calif. this week.

The SmartStream(R) Web Series Employee applet is the second Java-based enterprise applet from DBS this year and is the first object-based applet to be compliant with Netscape's new Netscape One(TM) browser.

"The new HR applet takes advantage of the latest Internet Interoperability Protocol (IIOP) and Common Object Request Broker Agent (CORBA) standards to leverage our new object-based architecture," said Jim Johnson, senior Web Series architect for DBS. "This new platform will enhance our ability to further extend the reach of our client/server applications to "casual" and traditional end users in and outside of an enterprise."

Full time, part time, contract, temporary and all other types of employees will gain greater access to their employee information through this new self-service applet - while HR staff members will be relieved of the burden of low value data entry, making them available to focus on higher value and more strategic activities.

"This new self-service applet represents an advanced era in the world of HR," said Cindy Ozbilen, HR product manager for DBS. "HR departments have been plagued by having to manage and perform low value activities that provide little or no contribution to the profitability or productivity of an organization. Even kiosk and IVR technologies required redundant data sources. But because this new HR applet is seamlessly integrated with the SmartStream server and database there is no duplication or re-entry of data. The applet also triggers workflows automatically, allowing the HR department to monitor and manage business processes," added Ozbilen.

SmartStream Web Series Employee allows for easier access to personnel information and takes data entry out of the HR department. Using a Netscape or other Java-based browser each employee can perform the following routine activities without having to make a request to an HR department:

-- Make name and address changes Add or delete dependents

-- Update emergency contact information

-- Update education status

-- Make benefit inquiries about current elections, associated

dependents, contributions and fund allocations

The applet features most of the same components as the traditional SmartStream Human Resources client, including payroll, benefits, personnel and recruitment. It works intrinsically with the SmartStream Human Resources application suite for client/server, and also integrates closely with the intelligent workflow in the SmartStream architecture for automating and streamlining business activities across an organization.

Users will also benefit from the SmartStream Web Wizards that automatically help and prompt users through activities. For example if an employee were to get married and wished to change her name the Web Wizard would also prompt or ask if she would like to change her address, number of dependents, taxing status, plus any additional areas where a "name change" request could affect her employee profile and benefit program. Web Wizards may be customized to match an organizations' best business practices and approval processes.

"We are truly changing the client/server model with these applets," said Johnson. "Now that our applications offer guidance from our Web Wizards, plus provide a true `Web experience' we have virtually eliminated the need for training.

"Also, DBS is significantly reducing the cost model for client/server by deploying a zero installation/administration client. With the exception of the browser, software is maintained only at the server site reducing the burden on IT."

The SmartStream Web Series Employee applet will be demonstrated this week at Object World West in San Jose. No specific pricing has been set for the applet and initial availability is slated for first quarter of next year.

With more than 3,000 customers worldwide, DBS is a premier developer of a broad range of client/server and host enterprise application software and services, including financial, procurement, human resources, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and decision support applications. The company specializes in providing enterprise solutions that deliver faster returns on investment and have the flexibility to be adapted quickly and easily to meet changing business conditions.

Headquartered in Atlanta, DBS provides sales and support worldwide through a network of offices in more than 40 countries. DBS news, plus product and service information, is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.dbsoftware.com, or through the Internet as [e-mail]. For more information, contact the company at 66 Perimeter Center East, Atlanta 30346-1805. Or call 404/239-2000. -0- EDITOR'S NOTE: SmartStream is a registered trademark of Dun & Bradstreet Software Services, Inc. Other products may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

CONTACTS: D&B Software, Atlanta

Randy Renbarger, 404/239-3658

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or

Baron, McDonald & Wells, Atlanta

Donna Faulkner, 770/492-0373

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