Scala Introduces New Business Functionality and Improved CRM for iScala

First service release delivers over 30 new and enhanced features

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 12 May 2004: Scala Business Solutions today said that the first service release (SR1) of the latest version of the iScala® Collaborative ERP system is now available for all existing and potential customers worldwide.

iScala SR1 includes a wide range of new and enhanced business functionality, such as better connectivity with other best-of-breed warehouse and manufacturing systems, improved features in the supply chain and service management processes as well as availability in two additional languages – Korean and traditional Chinese – to help customers improve their business efficiency even further.

“With SR1 we’re building on iScala’s ability to help customers grow their business solution out of the back office,” said Patrick Pando, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Marketing of Scala Business Solutions. “For example, features like the single order-entry screen can help our customers speed up their sales operations and share live data across their back- and front- end applications, saving them time in the sales cycle and extending the use of their ERP system to other people around the business. Coupled with the speedy implementation process and ability to grow with the business, iScala should be at the top of the list for any midmarket company who is looking for an ERP system.”

Improved Visibility and Full Integration with iScala CRM

The company has also enhanced its iScala CRM offering to give customers better visibility into the sales pipeline and across sales activities, to improve the quality of leads and closure rates and be able to fully integrate with Microsoft® Outlook and other Microsoft Office programs. Powered by Microsoft CRM, iScala CRM now comes with standard reports that are fast and easy to run and a familiar interface, similar to Outlook, which will help a company extend its applications to more users.

“iScala CRM is fully-integrated with the iScala ERP system to offer customers single, seamless, processes that are fully up-to-date across both applications,” said Natasha Stolnaya, Product Director for iScala CRM at Scala Business Solutions. “Implementing an integrated system helps companies focus on improving customer services rather than integrating applications.”

For example, a user can create a sales proposal from a Microsoft Word template, use pricing data from their iScala ERP system, and save all versions of that proposal within iScala CRM, keeping track of all the changes in the sales cycle until the sale is closed. Stolnaya commented, “By creating one complete view of your customer, no matter where in the before- or after-sales cycle they are, you can radically improve your efficiency, increase customer loyalty and see a direct impact on your bottom-line profits.”

New Developer Kit

The addition of a brand new iScala Manager Software Developer Kit is highly-anticipated by Scala’s indirect channel, who will now be able to add further value by designing new business processes that can easily be added to the standard iScala workflow, to support customer- or industry- specific needs.

Stefan Hellstrand, Product Manager for Fujitsu, a Scala partner in Finland said, “Due to iScala's customizable toolbox, workflow, and easy-to-use Microsoft-based technology and tools, partners like us around the world have the possibility to really adapt the experience for our clients, screens, user inputs, rich functionality and more. This gives us the opportunity to offer better services to our clients which in turn will help us grow our business.”

iScala SR1 to be Showcased during Corporate Client Council meeting

The latest iScala release will be showcased at the company’s 2004 Corporate Client Council (CCC) meeting which will be held in Frankfurt, Germany, on 24-26 May. During the CCC senior representatives of key corporate customers meet to contribute to Scala's product development strategy, to give their opinions to Scala's senior management group, and share their experiences amongst each other.

The latest version of iScala, commercially-released last September, is the fastest-selling release in Scala’s 25-year history. “With its low total cost of ownership, there is no similar midmarket software package in the world that comes close to providing companies with world-class consistent information, a global view of the business, one view of their customers or suppliers, and rapid system deployment,” said Andreas Kemi, Chief Executive Officer of Scala Business Solutions. “With two years under its belt, iScala is now a proven system for running a business no matter where in the world it is trading. We are confident that SR1 will continue to provide our customers with competitive advantages well into the future.”