Ross Systems Outlines Next-Generation Enterprise Software, Focuses on Vertical Excellence at...

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ROSSWORLD 2003

RENO, Nev. & ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 2003

Global User Conference Highlights Key Enhancements in iRenaissance

ERP, Commitment to Superior Solutions for Process Manufacturers

Ross Systems,

a leading global provider of enterprise software solutions for manufacturers, will outline its product strategy, provide new vertical enhancements and present a forum for its customers to discuss best practices at its annual global user conference, ROSSWORLD 2003, this week in Reno, Nev.

ROSSWORLD illustrates Ross' commitment to customer excellence with product innovation and process industry leadership, in addition to exemplary client service and a pledge to translate best-fit technologies into business benefits. The conference is a forum for Ross' customers to share their business challenges, learn from the experiences of their peers and discuss the most pressing trends in their industries. Presentations over the course of the four-day event include customer case studies, industry-specific roundtables, regulatory and legislative discussions and product-focused seminars.

"The caliber of speakers and attendees at this year's ROSSWORLD, representing the various vertical industries that Ross serves, is a testament to the strong relationship that we have with our customers on a global scale," said J. Patrick Tinley, chairman and CEO of Ross Systems. "As we continue to grow as a company, the needs of our customers come first. Ross meets those needs through unflagging commitment, enhanced product functionality and dedication to increased profitability through improved business processes."

ROSSWORLD also provides a platform for Ross to present its product roadmap and highlight new features and functions in the upcoming release of iRenaissance ERP, the company's flagship solution, as well as an opportunity for executives to respond to product and process feedback garnered from customer-driven special interest groups that are designed to fine-tune product functionality for each vertical market that Ross serves.

Ross continues to hone its expertise in the food and beverage, chemicals, life sciences, metals and natural products industries with a focus on four key areas that will drive future product developments and process improvements: Verticalization, automation, collaboration and business performance.

-- Verticalization - Ross provides deep functionality for its

target industries with specific enhancements for the

utilization of electronic batch records, which reduces the

need for paper systems while improving overall accuracy, speed

and reliability of information; and integrated trade

promotions management and discounting features for CPG

companies.

-- Automation - Ross will unveil to attending customers its

newest offering to automate manual and repetitious processes,

reduce costs and improve inventory accuracy. The latest data

collection offering integrates warehouse and factory-based

transactions with enterprise applications.

-- Collaboration - Ross continues to invest in collaborative

capabilities to facilitate interaction with disparate systems

and full integration between Ross' iRenaissance software

suites. This enables companies to access and share information

quickly, helping them optimize external, customer- and

partner-facing operations and relationships.

-- Business Performance - Ross has added new features to its Web

services platform, the Microsoft .NET-based Internet

Application Framework(TM), for more streamlined transactions

with other systems and reduced deployment, support and

infrastructure costs.

Sessions will delve into industry-specific topics such as food batch and lot traceability, systems validation for life sciences companies and trade promotions management, and customer case studies from industry-leading manufacturers like Schenectady International, Naturally Fresh and Litehouse Foods. In addition, the conference will feature labs and tutorials in which Ross product experts will demonstrate functionality and provide guidance on key issues such as dealing with multiple currencies and budgets, practical programming applications for Web services and connecting plant and business systems.

About Ross Systems

Ross Systems, Inc. delivers innovative software solutions that help manufacturers worldwide fulfill their business growth objectives through increased operational efficiencies, improved profitability, strengthened customer relationships and streamlined regulatory compliance. Focused on the food and beverage, life sciences, chemicals, metals and natural products industries and implemented by more than 1,000 customer companies worldwide, the company's family of Internet-architected solutions is a comprehensive, modular suite that spans the enterprise, from manufacturing, financials and supply chain management to customer relationship management, performance management and regulatory compliance. Ross' global headquarters are based in the United States in Atlanta, with sales and support operations around the world.