Progress Software Aspen Member, Bac-Tech Systems,Deploys Advanced EDI Solution to...

Business/Technology Editors

BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 7, 2000

Leading Outdoor Distributor Benefits from ASP Version of

Electronic Data Interchange Model

Progress Software Corporation (NASDAQ: PRGS) a leading supplier of technology for building

E-Business solutions, today announced an Application Service Provider (ASP) customer success through Bac-Tech Systems Inc., a leading provider of electronic data interchange solutions and a partner in Progress Software's ASPEN(TM) Program. Through the ASPEN Program, Bac-Tech has deployed its Vision EDI(TM) application to Peregrine Outfitters, a leading supplier of outdoor equipment, merchandise and apparel.

Bac-Tech hosts a sophisticated Progress(R)-based electronic data interchange solution via the ASP model. Bac-Tech's application, Vision EDI, features a graphical user interface (GUI) and familiar "point-and-click" technology, and provides bi-directional translations between the inputs and outputs of existing applications and appropriate EDI documents.

"Bac-Tech's success in using the ASP model to make EDI accessible to new customers, validates the strength of Progress Software's ASPEN program. ASPEN is providing independent software vendors (ISVs), such as Bac-Tech, with the business resources and technology they need to cost-effectively ASP-enable their applications," said Robert Palumbo, vice president of ASP Business Development for Progress Software. "By offering its applications via subscription, Bac-Tech is now able to tap into a wide array of industries to generate incremental revenue for its leading-edge EDI solutions."

"The ASPEN Program has given Bac-Tech the tools it needs to offer its EDI products to a broader customer base," said Robert Bacchi, founder and president of Bac-Tech. "By working with Progress Software, we've been able to customize our EDI solution to meet the needs of our customers."

Peregrine Outfitters: The ASP Model at Work

Peregrine is a leading supplier of outdoor equipment, accessories and apparel, and keeps an inventory of more than 6,000 items. The 12-year-old company processes up to 250 orders per day, 45 percent via phone, 45 percent via fax, and 10 percent electronically. With the help of Bac-Tech, Peregrine Outfitters has employed the Vision EDI solution to help manage the complexities generated by their larger quantity customers.