DBS integrates SmartStream Applications with entire Microsoft BackOffice Suite.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 27, 1996--Dun & Bradstreet Software (DBS) today announced its commitment to integrating its SmartStream(R) business applications with Microsoft(R) BackOffice(TM), a robust infrastructure for client/server computing. BackOffice delivers an ideal foundation for distributed enterprise applications such as SmartStream, providing network services that include a powerful database, Internet/Intranet services, host connectivity, messaging and systems management.

DBS will seamlessly integrate SmartStream with the entire BackOffice suite exploiting the integration of BackOffice itself. Integration with four of the six components is available now, with the remaining two slated to follow in the first quarter of 1997. DBS is also working towards Microsoft BackOffice Logo Certification.

DBS has been shipping SmartStream for Microsoft Windows NT(R) since 1994. DBS is Microsoft Solutions Provider at the Partner level, one of only 20 companies on the Windows NT Development Advisory Board and is a Microsoft Solution Developer developing for BackOffice.

SmartStream applications include finance, procurement, human resources, manufacturing, distribution and decision support. They offer a distributed architecture, the ability to change workflow and business processes without complex reprogramming, and rapid, cost-efficient implementations.

"While BackOffice provides the core of the client/server network, the SmartStream series is a comprehensive suite of highly flexible business applications for the distributed environment," said Amy Brown, Windows NT Marketing Director for DBS. "Our strategy is to deliver the most comprehensive integration with BackOffice currently available among enterprise-level applications. Used together, SmartStream and BackOffice form a robust business solution for improving data access and streamlining business processes across the enterprise."

According to Pieter Knook, general manager, business computer marketing at Microsoft, "Microsoft has developed a reputation for technologies that are an exceptional value and offer ease of installation and use, reliability and manageability. Customers can rely on the combined technologies for client/server deployments offering performance and the ability to adapt quickly to business dynamics. We're pleased that DBS has chosen to integrate SmartStream with the entire Microsoft BackOffice suite."

Integrating With BackOffice

Windows NT Server - SmartStream applications use the Windows NT Server to leverage its own distributed, multi-tiered architecture for superior scalability and flexibility. Approximately 15% of DBS' SmartStream user base is on Windows NT, representing 100 accounts.

Microsoft SQL Server(TM) - SmartStream applications take advantage of native Microsoft SQL Server features such as stored procedures and triggers for increased performance, efficiency and security. Stored procedures allow SmartStream business rules and logic to be stored in an optimized, pre-compiled form in the database itself, reducing network traffic and increasing performance. Triggers ensure data integrity is maintained by the Microsoft SQL Server database across all client applications that access SmartStream data. SmartStream integration with Microsoft SQL Server is planned to be available 1Q97. SmartStream with Microsoft SQL Server will be demonstrated at the Windows NT/Intranet Solutions Conference in San Francisco on August 27-29.

Internet Information Server (IIS) - The SmartStream Internet capabilities work with IIS to extend the reach of SmartStream applications to "casual" users. For instance, the SmartStream Decision Support application can automatically convert SmartStream business information to HTML format for publishing on IIS. Licenses users with desktop browsers can access this information. SmartStream integration with IIS is available now.

Exchange - SmartStream applications use MAPI for full integration with Exchange and Microsoft Mail Server. This provides a seamless interface for SmartStream workflow processes to Exchange or Microsoft Mail Server for electronic distribution of information. For example, a user of Exchange or Microsoft Mail Server can be automatically notified of an assigned workflow task, such as an invoice approval, and be taken directly from this notification in email to the relevant windows in SmartStream to complete the task. Information such as management reports can also be automatically scheduled by the SmartStream Job Scheduler and distributed via Exchange or Microsoft Mail Server to end users. SmartStream integration with Exchange and Microsoft Mail Server is available now.

Microsoft Systems Management Server - SmartStream works with Microsoft Systems Management Server to simplify network administration and make it more cost efficient. SmartStream client software can be automatically installed on workstations from a central location via Microsoft Systems Management Server, resulting in significant time savings and quicker implementations. SmartStream integration with Microsoft Systems Management Server is planned for 1Q97.

SNA Server - SmartStream host connectivity tools work with SNA Server to provide seamless access to data on host systems allowing client/server and host co-existence. SmartStream integration with SNA Server is available now.

DBS maintains a range of consulting, implementation and support services through a Global Alliance of Partners that have expertise in both SmartStream and Microsoft technologies and applications. These organizations can assist in SmartStream for BackOffice implementations including the customization of SmartStream applications and the optimization of BackOffice components.

With more than 3,000 customers worldwide across a range of industries, Dun & Bradstreet Software (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 results quickly and have the flexibility to be adapted rapidly 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 at [e-mail]. For more information, contact the company at 66 Perimeter Center East, Atlanta, Ga. 30346-1805. Or call 404/239-2000. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: SmartStream is a registered trademark of Dun & Bradstreet Software Services, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT and BackOffice are either registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft Corp in the United States and/or other countries. Point your browser to the Microsoft industry home page at http://www.microsoft.com/industry

CONTACT: D&B Software

Randy Renbarger, 404/239-3658

[e-mail]

or

Baron, McDonald & Wells

Donna Faulkner, 770/492-0373

[e-mail]