Softshare to Manage Trading Partner Certification For Square D Suppliers

Softshare adds automated compliance testing to its range of products and services supporting EDI-based order exchange across Square D’s supply chain

Santa Barbara, CA.— January 7, 2002 — As part of Softshare’s partnership with Square D to support electronic data interchange (EDI) compliance among its suppliers, Softshare has been selected to manage Square D’s trading partner certification program. Square D, a market-leading supplier of electrical distribution products, is currently streamlining its supply chain by encouraging its trading partners to migrate to EDI-based order exchange methods, eliminating the use of non-standardized, paper-based systems.

To support this initiative, Softshare will manage all phases of Square D’s supplier EDI certification process, including trading partner enrollment, test transaction exchange, and compliance checking for received transactions, as well as the future introduction of new transaction types, specifications, and supply partners into the certification program. Certification support will be provided via a custom, Softshare-created Web site tailored to the requirements of Square D’s suppliers, backed by Softshare’s highly rated customer support organization.

Certification testing and other e-commerce services are being provided to Square D and its supply partners in conjunction with Softshare’s Synergy program. Established in 1998, Softshare Synergy was created to assist large and mid-size companies that are seeking to reduce supply chain inefficiencies by promoting EDI adoption among their trading partners.

“For our Synergy clients as for our other customers, Softshare is committed to providing complete e-commerce solutions rather than simply selling products,” said Adrienne Sciacca, Softshare Sales Executive. “By supporting all aspects of EDI rollouts, including supplier certification and training, Softshare lets our corporate clients concentrate on running their businesses rather than fielding e-commerce support and service issues.”

“Having Softshare manage our certification program has given us the best of all possible worlds,” said Judith Loyd, C.P.M., A.P.P., Square D Staff Buyer for Systems Development in North America. “Softshare’s customized enrollment Web site and one-on-one customer support make the process easy for our suppliers and take the burden off our shoulders. But, since Softshare works closely with Square D and keeps us in the loop with regular status updates, they still operate less like a third party and more like an extension of our company.”

About Square D

Square D is a market-leading supplier of electrical distribution, industrial control and automation products, systems and services. Square D is the flagship brand of the North American Division of Schneider Electric, one of four geographic divisions of Schneider Electric, which is headquartered in Paris, France. Additional information can be found on Square D’s Web site at www.squared.com.

About Softshare Synergy

Established in 1998, the Synergy program was created by Softshare to aid large and mid-size companies in implementing EDI rollout programs across their supply chains and establishing enduring e-commerce relationships with their supply partners. To this end, Softshare Synergy provides a range of products and services that includes supply chain assessment, supply partner training and education, complete rollout management, and a comprehensive suite of low-cost, high-quality e-commerce applications that appeal to all tiers of any corporate supply chain. For more information, visit www.softshare.com/synergy.

About Softshare

Softshare (www.softshare.com) 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

Softshare and Softshare Synergy are trademarks of Softshare. All other company and product names referenced herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.