erbia, Inc. Utilizes Bluespring Software Priority CS Billing and OSS Capabilities to Manage Bundled Service Offerings; Priority CS Allows erbia to Focus on Customers.

Business Editors & Technology Writers

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 20, 2001

Bluespring Software(TM), a new provider of billing and Operational Support Systems (OSS) software, successfully deployed its Priority CS(TM) (Communications Solutions) software suite for erbia, Inc.

Priority CS enables erbia, a reseller of telecommunications services including long distance, toll free, and calling card services, to quickly and cost effectively manage new product introductions and adapt to unforeseen market opportunities.

Priority CS will provide erbia the ability to manage workflows across multiple supply chains, serve customers, fulfill customer requests, price transactions, bill for services, collect receivables and account for revenues and margin for all product and service bundles. erbia chose Bluespring's Application Service Provider (ASP) model, which includes billing operations; systems management; and revenue assurance functions, allowing erbia to focus on customers and adapt to their business needs.

"The implementation and continued development of Priority CS allows us to concentrate on growing our business," says Richard Gibbs, president, erbia, Inc. "We can now more effectively anticipate our customers' needs and deliver what they want with greater confidence."

Priority CS is built on an inherently adaptable foundation, giving erbia the ability to go to market with new products and services nine times more often per year than with traditional software solutions. Because of its intuitive and flexible architecture, the suite allows for more efficient use of IT resources.

"In order to survive in the increasingly competitive communications landscape, carriers must focus on their customers' needs," states Paul Hughes, director of Billing and Payment Application Strategies with the Yankee Group. Carriers must quickly adapt to fundamental shifts in such areas as service delivery, customer service and billing. "Bluespring Software's Priority CS is designed around this philosophy and provides the time sensitive flexibility necessary to help carriers, ultimately, exceed the needs of their end customers."

Priority CS is offered as a licensed product as well as in an ASP model. Bluespring targets Communications Service Providers (CSPs) who realize their customer base is their greatest asset. Forward-thinking CSPs, or Communications Service Merchants (CSMs), are placing increased emphasis on adding value to the services they offer, thus building customer loyalty.

"erbia understands they need to address the needs of their customers quickly to maintain the relationship. In this regard, erbia closely mirrors the CSMs' approach towards business," explains Rob Daly, president and chief executive officer, Bluespring Software. "I feel that this will be a great partnership for both companies."

About erbia, Inc.

erbia, Inc., based in McLean, Virginia, is an Integrated Communications Provider (ICP) established to provide a full range of telecommunications services to include local and toll telephony, long distance and international telephone services, Internet services and other enhanced data services. erbia is also a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) preparing to provide competitive local telephone services initially in the Northeastern USA.

About Bluespring Software

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio's "Digital Rhine," Bluespring Software was founded on a vision of a customer-driven communications world. The company develops, markets and supports a suite of adaptable, customer-focused billing and Operational Support Systems software (OSS). Bluespring Software enables Communications Service Merchants -- or forward-thinking Communications Service Providers who understand that their customers are their greatest asset and not their network -- to maximize growth and profitability today and adapt quickly and economically to future market opportunities. For more information, visit www.bluespringsoftware.com.