e by Epicor 7.1 Represents Second Generation of Integrated eBusiness Software

IRVINE, Calif., January 4, 2001 — Epicor Software Corporation (NASDAQ: EPIC), a leading provider of integrated enterprise and eBusiness software exclusively for midmarket companies, today announced the release of e by Epicor 7.1, the next generation of its suite of enterprise and eBusiness applications for midmarket companies. e by Epicor is further empowering midmarket companies to extend their enterprise processes across their complete value chain, through the enhanced integration of front and back office functions. In addition to new functionality, the new version of the product includes improved customization, personalization and reporting in the back office, as well as integrated multi-currency support in Epicor eFrontOffice. e by Epicor offers a complete view of the customer from the front office, to the back office, including sophisticated business intelligence capabilities with Epicor eIntelligence, and the convenience of the Web through Epicor’s eCommerce StoreFront.

Midmarket companies are increasingly discovering the value of integrated front and back office operations, which allow them to save money by eliminating the time and errors associated with managing information in duplicate systems. The challenge for many midmarket companies has been finding product suites that seamlessly share information between the front and back office. Many of Epicor’s customers identify integration as a major factor in their decision to purchase e by Epicor, including Sensitech, the leader in supply chain event management of perishables and an early adopter of the 7.1 release.

"We looked at several solutions including Great Plains and PeopleSoft, but only Epicor provided the level of front and back office integration that could be supported by a growing midmarket technology company," said Michael Hurton, vice president and chief financial officer of Sensitech. "Now, we can avoid the errors of double-entry, while handling many more orders. Efficiencies and data collection throughout the company has significantly improved and we remain on track to meet the ROI target set at the beginning of the project."

New Features of e by Epicor
The components of the e by Epicor suite, including eCommerce, eBackOffice, eFrontOffice, ePortal, eIntelligence and eIndustry, will enable companies to deploy eBusiness applications as an integral part of their overall enterprise infrastructures. Release 7.1 builds upon the successful introduction of the e by Epicor suite with expanded enterprise application integration (EAI), technology enhancements and improved product scalability as Epicor continues to leverage industry-leading enabling technologies from Microsoft. Additionally, improved customization and reporting, integrated Epicor eFrontOffice multi-currency support, and landed-cost support in Epicor eBackOffice inventory are designed to make e by Epicor Release 7.1 the leading choice for global midmarket companies around the world.

Among front office improvements are the ability to record product shipments and returns, enhanced parts lists and pricing. Expanded integration with sales order, and purchased and returned product synchronization are also part of the new release. Epicor's eBackOffice also includes a new user interface and features numerous functional enhancements in the distribution suite. The software also features enhanced operational reporting with Crystal Reports integration.

“Companies need to be able to interact and conduct transactions with customers, suppliers and partners in one integrated eBusiness environment,” said John Hiraoka, senior vice president of marketing for Epicor. “This newest e by Epicor suite sets a new standard for integrated front and back office operations. This gives companies a competitive advantage, by allowing them to extend their enterprise processes and continuously improve customer relations.”