Lilly Software Announces Turnkey e-Business Initiatives.

Business/Technology Editors

HAMPTON, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2001

VISUAL eBusiness(TM) 3.0 delivers comprehensive web utility;

VISUAL eBusiness(TM) NOW offers cost-effective ASP option

Lilly Software Associates announces VISUAL eBusiness(TM) version 3.0, the latest release of its online solution designed to help businesses streamline processes, improve productivity, and increase efficiencies through the use of Internet technologies. Simultaneously, Lilly announces the release of VISUAL eBusiness(TM) NOW, a new application service provider (ASP) option that delivers speed, flexibility, and affordability through Web hosting.

VISUAL eBusiness(TM)version 3.0

"VISUAL eBusiness version 3.0 supports B2B (Business-to-Business) and B2C (Business-to-Consumer) transactions for both make-to-stock and make-to-order environments. It allows companies to implement a complete online ordering solution in a matter of weeks," explains Scott Rich, Vice President, Marketing, Lilly Software Associates. "The focus of this release was to extend the VISUAL eBusiness platform to meet the needs of our core market, which is primarily make-to-order. By incorporating the quoting business process flow and providing additional user administration and application tailoring tools, we are positioning our customers to take advantage of the Web and remain competitive."

VISUAL eBusiness operates as an extension of Lilly Software's enterprise and warehouse systems, allowing manufacturers and distributors to easily post catalogs and pricing information on the Web. The self-service features of the application allow customers and distribution partners to view pricing, order status, product features, and product availability. With the opportunity to implement the application either through an integrated module within the VISUAL product suite or via Lilly's new application service provider (ASP) option, VISUAL eBusiness NOW, manufacturers and distributors can easily get started with their e-business initiatives.

Lilly Software is offering both a Foundation and an Extended Edition option for VISUAL eBusiness version 3.0. Lilly includes the Foundation module with its core functionality in the VISUAL Enterprise(TM) product suite. This module provides VISUAL users with the essential features to quickly set up storefronts and allow their customers to access product listings by category, product searches, product pricing, detailed parts specifications, and part availability, as well as lists of substitute and cross-selling items.

For manufacturers and distributors who want more advanced features, Lilly offers VISUAL eBusiness Extended Edition. This package complements the Foundation capabilities, allowing companies to further customize their sites and post customer-specific promotional items, identify top-selling items, assign shopping carts, and personalize shopping experiences to individual preferences. Other features include enhanced searching capabilities, shipment tracking capability, and an account management option. Extended Edition enables online customers to create multiple wish lists, request quotations (RFQs) and estimates, and provides options for a configurable view and express entry. These features empower customers, allowing them to control their shopping experience.

VISUAL eBusiness version 3.0 will be available October 2001.

VISUAL eBusiness(TM) NOW Jumpstarts Customers' E-Commerce Initiatives with ASP Option

With VISUAL eBusiness NOW , "Lilly is trying to make it easy for companies to quickly and effectively build a Web presence," says Rich. "Our hosted online solution implements quickly and integrates with back-office data, ensuring information is accurate and order processing time is minimal."

"One of the biggest benefits for companies choosing Lilly Software is that they can launch their commerce sites rapidly. Fast deployment, within a few weeks, is a cost-effective advantage that VISUAL customers have over their competitors. Implementation for manufacturers and distributors can be hands-off with our secure, low cost ASP hosting option."

VISUAL eBusiness NOW includes the VISUAL eBusiness software (the Foundation module; Lilly offers the Extended Edition module at an additional charge); Web hosting and integration from Lilly Software; and bundled consulting services to help companies customize the sites to their needs. Lilly Software provides the software, the hosting, and the consulting for an affordable monthly fee, enabling VISUAL users to jumpstart their e-business strategy.

VISUAL eBusiness NOW is geared toward companies who prefer the benefits of having an e-business site without the expense of maintaining an in-house solution. By implementing the VISUAL eBusiness software through a hosted option, companies can enjoy hands-off deployment and eliminate the hassles associated with hardware upgrades. The solution integrates with users' VISUAL Enterprise(TM) systems to ensure accurate, real-time order information.

VISUAL eBusiness NOW allows companies to focus on their business while having Lilly Software host the Web-based application. Manufacturers and distributors have a variety of other options available to them with the VISUAL eBusiness software, including:

--ASP hosting by a Lilly Software Sales Associate organization

--ASP hosting by an external Internet Service Provider (ISP)

--Internal hosting within their own company site

With the opportunity to implement the software in a way that fits their needs, companies can easily get started with e-business initiatives and post their catalogs and pricing information on the Web.

"Lilly's integrated product suite is quite effective for small and medium-sized manufacturers. With VISUAL eBusiness as part of its enterprise solution, and with Web server hosting and integration services, Lilly provides customers with the means to quickly improve their responsiveness and gain a competitive advantage," says Gregory C. Gorbach, Director of e-Manufacturing at ARC Advisory Group. ARC, headquartered in Dedham, Massachusetts, provides strategic planning and technology assessment services in the areas of manufacturing and logistics.

Under Lilly's comprehensive hosting services, companies can take advantage of secure communications, fully automated virus protection, tape backup procedures, remote file storage, usage trend reports, and 24/7/365 system support. From its state-of-the-art data center, Lilly's expert technology staff maintains company sites, keeping information confidential and safeguarded. VISUAL users have access to telephone and Web-based support and can also participate in online session shadowing with technical professionals. The data center provides high performance server solutions, security detection via redundant, load-balanced firewalls, backup CAT generators with unlimited fuel capacity, strict physical security, and reliable environmental controls.

VISUAL eBusiness NOW offers companies expert knowledge, rapid implementation, affordable cost, and reliable customer service. It will be available October 2001.

About Lilly Software Associates

Lilly Software Associates, Inc. (LSA) provides a complete line of enterprise and supply chain management solutions for manufacturers and distributors. With its easy-to-use graphical nature, the VISUAL suite of products helps companies capture accurate, real-time data about their business processes using ERP, APS, MES, Quality Management, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), E-Business Relationship Management (ERM), and Warehouse Management System (WMS) capabilities.

Most VISUAL applications run on Windows NT(R), UNIX(R), LINUX, VMS, Novell(R) or OS400 using SQLBase(R), Microsoft SQLServer(TM), ORACLE(R) or DB2(R)/400 relational databases, and are certified for both iSeries and Netfinity servers.

In 1998 and 1999, Inc. magazine ranked LSA as one of the 500 fastest-growing companies in the US. In 2000, honors for Lilly Software included making the lists for both Software Magazine's Software 500 and Manufacturing Systems' Top 100 Software Companies. Recently, Lilly Software has been recognized by Start magazine as one of the Hottest Companies for its fourth consecutive year, in addition to receiving another spot on the Software 500. Lilly is currently included in the Manufacturing Systems' Top 100 for its sixth year, ranked in Frontline Systems' first annual Top 100, and listed in Managing Automation magazine as a 2001 Software Leader.