Softshare to Provide EDI Solutions to ZF Group Supply Partners

Softshare's flexible range of e-commerce solutions helps ZF Group North American Operations realize the benefits of EDI throughout its supply chain

SANTA BARBARA, CA. – February 12, 2001 – Softshare and ZF Group North American Operations (NAO) are working together to bring the benefits of electronic data interchange (EDI) to ZF Group supply partners. ZF Group NAO, a leading supplier of automotive components such as transmissions, steering assemblies, and suspension systems, is strongly encouraging its suppliers who are not yet EDI capable to take advantage of Softshare's comprehensive suite of EDI solutions.

"Having a fully EDI-capable supply base will allow us to streamline our supply chain and eliminate the inefficiency, expense, and time delay associated with paper transactions," said Bill Roeding, EDI Manager at ZF Group NAO. "We believe that Softshare's exceptional-quality, affordable EDI solutions will be an excellent fit for many of our suppliers, including those that have been reluctant to implement EDI in the past."

Suppliers can choose between Softshare's Web-based and desktop software solutions. For suppliers that handle a low volume of EDI transactions, Softshare offers Softshare Athena, a Web-based EDI application accessible from any computer with a browser and access to the Internet. For suppliers with a more significant amount of EDI traffic, Softshare offers Softshare Vista, a sophisticated Windows-based desktop software solution.

"At Softshare, we are working hard to dispel the myths that EDI must be expensive or difficult," explained Adrienne Sciacca, Softshare Marketing Executive. "Softshare provides EDI products that are powerful yet incredibly affordable and easy to use."

Each Softshare solution provides suppliers with everything needed to exchange EDI transactions with ZF Group NAO. In addition, as these suppliers' EDI needs grow, they can use Softshare's products to exchange EDI or XML documents with additional trading partners or integrate their EDI data into other areas of their operations.

"Softshare's Web-based Athena solution met our company's EDI needs perfectly," said Joseph Moreshead, President of Precision Screw Machine Products (PSMP), Inc., one of ZF Group's suppliers. "Their product has really helped PSMP move forward technologically and better meet our high customer satisfaction and efficiency goals, all without the need for any special training or a background in EDI."

About ZF Group North American Operations
ZF Group North American Operations (NAO) is a leading supplier of automotive components such as transmissions, steering assemblies, and suspension systems. ZF Group NAO is part of the global ZF Group, the world's largest independent specialist for automotive driveline and chassis technology, headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany.

About Softshare Athena
With subscriptions starting at $300/year, Softshare Athena, aptly named after the Goddess of Commerce, is a Web-based EDI/XML solution. Developed for companies with low commercial EDI volume, Athena is an economical alternative to traditional EDI software and network services. For an interactive look at Softshare Athena, visit www.softshare.com/athena.

About Softshare Vista 
Available for $295-$995, Softshare Vista is a sophisticated, 32-bit Windows-based desktop EDI application that enables companies to electronically create and exchange business documents with any trading partner. Supporting several EDI standards including ANSI X12 and UN/EDIFACT as well as XML, S/MIME security, and SMTP/POP3 communications, Softshare Vista gives the user a full suite of electronic commerce capabilities.

About Softshare
Softshare offers a multi-tiered approach to electronic commerce with EDI/XML software solutions that range from desktop applications to fully integrated server applications. Supporting these applications is Softshare's value added network and accessible customer service. Headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, Softshare has more than 20,000 clients using its various network, software, and EC services. For more information, call 800-346- 6703 or e-mail sales@softshare.com.

Softshare Media Contact: Diane Springhuth, 800-346-6703/ dianes@softshare.com