ESS Software to market first Window NT-based voice response employee self-service applications.

PEABODY, Mass., and SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 2, 1997-- IHRIM Spring Conference--

Annual Benefits Enrollment module available for 1997

enrollments, other applications to follow and

round out full line of ESS Software Windows

NT-based IVR offerings

ESS Software, Inc.-- formerly ESSENSE Systems and creators of the employee self-service concept -- has announced the first interactive voice response self-service applications available on the Microsoft Windows NT operating system platform. The platform support will be available in August for the company's ESS Express Annual Benefits Enrollment module, with other voice applications to follow. With this new platform support, all ESS Express applications will be supported in the Windows NT environment -- including an extensive range of existing self-service application modules designed for Web browser, PC/workstation and kiosk user interfaces.

The decision by ESS Software to change its voice application platform from an OS/2-based solution is based on customer demand for the power and flexibility of Window NT-based solutions. All other ESS Express applications have been Windows NT-based from their inception. Providing organizations the fastest way to eliminate paperwork for all their employees, ESS Express is the most complete set of self-service applications available in the marketplace, with a total of over 30 unique modules for specific user interfaces.

"Voice applications continue to be a significant component of the self-service market," notes Mory Bahar, VP--Sales and Marketing. "Our new Windows NT-based product addresses the need of organizations for annual benefits enrollment, by far the most prevalent voice response self-service application. And with our full line of Web browser, PC and kiosk products already available on Windows NT, it completes the architecting of ESS Express applications on that platform."

While existing ESS Express voice applications will still be supported on the OS/2 platform, the move to Windows NT will help organizations develop more powerful, flexible voice applications that cost less and are easier to install and maintain. Continues Bahar, "Windows NT has become the platform of choice for many organizations. The development environment is more robust, flexible and supportable than ever. For many of our customers, this will reduce hardware and voice port costs. It also opens up connectivity and custom integration with the entire Microsoft Windows family of products."

The ESS Express Annual Benefits Enrollment will be available in August 1997. License fees for the Voice application module start at $5,000 for an organization of up to 10,000 employees.

About ESS Software, Inc.

ESS Software is the leading provider of ready-to-install, customizable employee self-service applications. The company was established in 1991 as ESSENSE Systems to focus solely on the concept its founder pioneered: employee self-service. ESS Software offers the broadest range of self-service applications, and the most experience with installed and in-use applications.

ESS Software applications empower employees to manage their own personal information online, using Web browsers, desktop PCs/workstations, kiosks and Touchtone telephones. The company's product line provides support for all employees and managers in an organization, not just those familiar with computers. It also front-ends all back-office systems, whether custom, legacy, client/server, in-house or outsourced. Benefits include significant cost savings -- with accurate and timely data capture, major reductions in paperwork and data entry, improved employee morale, increased management effectiveness, and more time for HR to spend on critical business activities.

ESS Software maintains partnerships with leading vendors and consultants such as PeopleSoft, Oracle, SAP, GEAC, Restrac and KPMG Peat Marwick. In its six-year history, the company has helped a wide variety of customers -- including Banc One Corporation, Baxter International, Boston Edison, W.H. Brady Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Compaq, Coors Brewing Company, Dell Computer, Fluor Daniel, Hoechst Celanese, Kimball International, McGraw-Hill, The Mayo Clinic, Mercantile Bank, Nationwide Insurance, R.R. Donnelley & Sons, The New York Times, USAA, Wachovia Corporation, and Warner-Lambert Company. -0-

ESS and Enterprise Self-Service are registered trademarks of ESS Software, Inc. Employee Self-Service is a trademark of ESS Software, Inc. Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

CONTACT: PAN Communications, Inc.

Mark Nardone

508/474-0055

[e-mail]