Fujitsu and MDIS launch Global ERP Software Venture; GLOVIA INTERNATIONAL created to offer global buyers a Better ERP Choice.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 19, 1997--Fujitsu Limited, the world's second largest computer company and MDIS, (McDonnell Information Systems) an information technology leader, today announce the formation of GLOVIA INTERNATIONAL(TM), LLC. (GLOVIA) -- a joint venture software company based in Los Angeles.

GLOVIA will provide a global Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software solution combining Fujitsu and MDIS' distribution, technology, industry expertise, and support resources to address the needs of a rapidly growing worldwide ERP market.

GLOVIA is being formed as the result of the on-going relationship between Fujitsu and MDIS in which Fujitsu is a key distributor and co-development partner of the CHESS(TM) ERP product suite throughout Asia-Pacific. MDIS retains majority interest in GLOVIA, which is managed by Bill Engel, current president of MDIS' CHESS business.

GLOVIA develops, markets and supports client/server ERP software that enables organizations to manage their supply chain operations more effectively. GLOVIA's global focus offers a superior ERP solution to its customers by providing local support, multi-language and multi-national capabilities.

Western companies expanding their operations into Asia-Pacific and Asia-Pacific multi-national companies expanding westward into North America and Europe, will benefit from GLOVIA's significant geographic presence and support capabilities.

Fujitsu will contribute an aggregate of $29 million (USD) in cash and other assets to GLOVIA L and will apply its expertise in global manufacturing and its own experience in deploying MDIS' CHESS in 12 of its factories worldwide. Fujitsu will further its role as a development partner and serve as the primary Asia-Pacific support center through its subsidiary, WeServ, in the Philippines.

"Fujitsu is committed to major growth in the ERP marketplace by the year 2000 and is actively developing our business to meet this strategic plan," said Tatsuzumi Furukawa, group president for Fujitsu's Package Systems Division and member of Fujitsu's board of directors. "We have selected MDIS as a proven and experienced provider of global ERP systems to partner with us in this new joint venture. The formation of GLOVIA is an important part of our strategy to pursue growth in the ERP marketplace and I welcome the partnership we have established with MDIS."

John Klein, CEO of MDIS worldwide also stated, "The combined resources from both MDIS and Fujitsu provide powerful, global functionality and technology solutions for customers in a wide range of both horizontal and vertical markets. GLOVIA will leverage these strengths to provide rapid implementation, early return on investment and greater functionality to its global customers."

GLOVIA products proactively address the critical needs and trends of the ERP market and benefit from Fujitsu's experience in providing advanced technologies such as Internet/Intranet support, multi-media products and object technology offerings. The new company's first product release, scheduled to ship in the second half of 1997, will provide unmatched capabilities for discrete manufacturers, project and contract driven industries, and service centric ERP buyers.

According to Boston-based Advanced Manufacturing Research (AMR), the worldwide ERP market license revenue totaled $2.6 billion in 1996, is expected to grow at 36% annually, and will reach $9 billion in the year 2000. AMR stated that, "GLOVIA has the potential to become a significant player in this market." AMR continues by stating, "the joint venture is just the boost that the CHESS ERP software product needed."

MDIS delivers its CHESS ERP software to customers to help them improve their competitive positions. With client/server capabilities, CHESS features Microsoft and Oracle's industry leading technology and is currently in use in over 500 customer sites worldwide. Supported by MDIS' global capabilities and developed using MDIS' own Rapid Application Development tool, PRO-IV, the CHESS technology has been designed for rapid implementation and systems integration.

Established in 1935, Fujitsu Limited is a $37.5 billion international leader in the development and manufacturing of computers, telecommunications systems, semiconductors, software and services. Fujitsu's global software and associated services sales, not including operating systems, approach $7 billion. -0-

Note to Editors: CHESS is a trademark of MDIS. All other company and product names mentioned are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

CONTACT: Kaufer Miller Communications for MDIS

Abby Mates Smith, 415/286-4812

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Fujitsu Limited, Public Relations 

Scott Ikeda, Isao.Hirano, [phone]

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