U.S. Division of Software AG Selects Salesnet; Salesnet's SFA Solution Deployed by Leading XML Software Provider to Improve Sales Execution.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 4, 2002

Salesnet, the best-of-breed Web-based Sales Force Automation (SFA) solution, announced today that the U.S. subsidiary of Software AG, has fully deployed Salesnet's SFA solution throughout its Americas operations including its sales, professional services, customer support, systems engineers, senior management, and marketing departments.

Software AG, Inc. selected Salesnet because it offers an affordable, flexible, easy-to-use solution that was quick to deploy.

"Salesnet's team was completely dedicated to ensuring that our SFA deployment was on track 100 percent of the time," explained Lee Boswell, director of Sales Support, Software AG. "Because Salesnet has a collaborative approach to their deployments, they treat each customer like a partner. Salesnet was always focused on how they could help us find solutions to various business challenges. The end result was a fast, seamless, and successful Salesnet deployment throughout our Americas sales organization - and because the application is so easy to use, we have very high user compliance rates."

Salesnet was also selected because it could be fully customized to fit the way Software AG's sells its products and services. Before deploying Salesnet, Software AG's Americas sales reps had been trained on the Miller Heiman(R) sales methodology. Because Salesnet delivers superior process and workflow functionality through its proprietary Process Builder, Software AG was able to automate and reinforce this particular methodology so that deals close faster and smarter.

"With Salesnet's focused SFA application, we were able to customize the application to support the way we sell and still get up and running within eight weeks. The Salesnet system provided us with the level of customization and process support that we wanted in a Web-based solution. And if we had gone with a client/server-based CRM solution, we'd probably still be customizing the application and training our users," said Boswell.

Software AG in the Americas uses Salesnet's reporting tools to obtain accurate forecast and pipeline reports based on rules established by the Miller Heiman sales processes. They also use Salesnet as a coaching tool to continually monitor the progress of the sales pipeline and quickly identify bottlenecks to help get their sales reps on the right track toward successful selling strategies.

"Software AG is another example of a company that recognized the hype surrounding CRM and learned that it's better to opt for a best-of-breed application designed to solve a specific pain, rather than a full-blown integration project," said Mike Doyle, chairman and CEO of Salesnet. "Gone are the days of general all-in-one solutions that are too cumbersome to deploy, too complicated to customize, and too expensive to maintain. The next generation is best-of-breed, and it's the only way to accelerate revenues, improve forecasting, and get pipeline visibility."

About Software AG

Based in Reston, Va., Software AG, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Software AG. Founded in 1969, Software AG continues to be Europe's largest and a leading global provider of system software and services enabling enterprise data integration and management. Software AG's products control the central IT processes of thousands of renowned companies worldwide including Delta Airlines, Citibank, Merck, DaimlerChrysler, and Sony. Software AG develops products and solutions that support the XML (Extensible Markup Language) standard. XML simplifies the exchange of documents and data as well as the integration of cutting-edge Web applications into traditional IT architectures. According to IDC, Software AG is the worldwide leader in the XML database market thanks to its Tamino XML Server. Software AG's B2B solutions offering focuses on XML-based integration (e.g., Web services) and enterprise content management systems. Software AG's portfolio of 300-plus distribution and technology partners includes IBM, Sun, Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard and solutions vendors like BEA and Stellent. In 2001, the corporation achieved 589 million euros in total revenue. Software AG has offices in over 70 countries and currently employs a staff of 3,200. Software AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (MDAX, security id number 724264/SOWGn.F). For additional information, go to www.softwareagusa.com.

About Salesnet

Salesnet delivers an award-winning, Web-based Sales Force Automation (SFA) solution focused solely on improving sales execution - with no compromises or unnecessary extras. Leading organizations, including American Express Incentive Services, British Telecom, Charter Communications, Sovereign Bank, Staples, and Tellabs, use Salesnet to accelerate revenues, forecast accurately, and get better pipeline visibility. Salesnet is the only Web-based SFA solution with the ability to ensure consistent, top-notch sales execution. Salesnet is easy to use, quick to deploy, and delivers a rapid return on investment. For more information, visit Salesnet's Web site at: www.salesnet.com.