Distributors Use Optio to Automate Processes.

Business Editors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 21, 2001

Optio(R) Successfully Fulfills the Needs of the Distribution Industry

Optio Software, Inc. (Nasdaq NM: OPTO), a leading provider of software that captures, formats and delivers information and data to allow automated processes, today announced success in assisting distributors with the challenges of their operations, specifically the purchasing and invoicing processes.

Optio's solutions are used by over 200 distribution and retail organizations to alleviate the paper-intensive processes inherent in their businesses. Distributors are able to transform traditional, paper-based processes that involved several manual steps across different departments into one single step that automatically generates the documents required by the recipient whether it is an internal user, customer or manufacturer.

Distributors rely heavily on documents such as purchase orders, invoices, packing slips and pick tickets to communicate critical information and meet customer expectations. Customization continues to be a growing requirement of retailers, whether it be specific barcodes or packaging, so Optio's solutions become integral in helping distributors meet these demands. Using OptioDCS and Optio DesignStudio, distributors are able to design documents, customize them for the recipient and then distribute them in the format required. This software integrates with existing enterprise, legacy or supply chain application and allows for automation of processes that were traditionally very labor-intensive. Distributors benefit by operating faster, with lower expenses, and ultimately provide better service to their customers.

"The distribution industry is subject to an increasing demand for better, faster service," said Jim Kelly, Chief Marketing Officer of Optio Software. "By automating their processes across departments with Optio's software, they are able to establish business practices that significantly enhance operations overall."

ECMD Distribution Company uses a range of Optio products in conjunction with its ERP application. Optio's solution has enabled ECMD to transform the output from the application to meet the needs of the recipient, whether it is a manufacturer or retailer. They are able to print, e-mail and fax invoices and purchase orders as well as print checks. The automation of these integral processes has made them more efficient and faster.

With a large customer base in the distribution industry, Optio continues to address the needs of organizations that need to improve efficiency, while reducing costs, and ultimately serving customers better.

About Optio Software, Inc.

Optio Software, Inc. provides infrastructure software that enables organizations to communicate and connect with their e-commerce constituents. Optio's software improves the quality of an organization's communications with customers, suppliers, partners and employees by customizing, delivering and exchanging information over a global network of digital destinations. Optio has more than 4,000 customers serving the manufacturing, healthcare, retail, distribution and financial industries. For more information contact Optio Software - Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-Mail: [e-mail], Corporate Headquarters: 3015 Windward Plaza, Windward Fairways II, Alpharetta, GA 30005, Web Site: http://www.optiosoftware.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes statements and other matters that could be considered to be forward-looking and subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, risks associated with Optio's reliance on strategic marketing and reseller relationships, fluctuations in operating results because of acquisitions or dispositions, changes in competition, delays in developing new software, disputes regarding Optio's intellectual property, risks relating to the potential delisting of our stock, or risks associated with Optio's international operations. In addition, other written or oral statements that constitute forward-looking statements may be made by or on behalf of Optio. These and additional factors are set forth in "Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-Looking Statements" included as Exhibit 99.8 to Optio's Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should carefully review these risks and additional risks described in other documents Optio files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q that Optio has filed.