Global Electronics Manufacturer, Simtone, Rolls Out Scala in China

Scalas proven track record in China and comprehensive product localisation clinches deal

26 February 2002: Collaborative ERP software vendor Scala Business Solutions has signed a contract with Simtone, the Spanish global electronics manufacturer, to implement Scalas ERP suite of software in China. Simtone will use the full range of Scalas business process support software including financial, logistics, manufacturing and human resources. Scala is available in over 30 languages including Chinese, and complies with the business, tax and fiscal requirements for companies doing business in more than 100 countries, including China.

After an extensive evaluation of different ERP vendors' solutions, we decided to go with Scala because of its flexible software architecture combined with their 13-years track record in China," says Liu De Ying, General Manager of Simtone. The comprehensive software localisation makes us confident that Scala can satisfy our business needs in China."

Simtone established its presence in China in 1999 when the company opened offices in Shanghai and Jiangsu. Since then, they have opened another 30 offices and today work with more than 2,000 distributors across China. Continuing to expand into the Chinese market is an integral part of Simtones global expansion strategy, using China as the launch pad to expanding throughout South East Asia. Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, Simtone is a global leader in manufacturing and supplying electrical components, and one of the worlds largest specialised switch manufacturers.

We are delighted that Simtone is confident that by implementing Scala, they will improve productivity and competitiveness, helping them achieve their goal of expanding their market share in China and in the whole South Asian region," says Peter Bornschein, Managing Director for Scala China. This order again clearly shows that Scala is a global, standard system that can be implemented wherever in the world companies need to do business. China continues to be a strategic market for Scala, and we will persist in our efforts to keep our market-leading position locally." For the second consecutive year, Scala Business Solutions was the number one ERP vendor in China, according to a report by IDC (International Data Corporation) published last June. Scala was the vendor with the largest customer base in China at the end of 2000, with 315 installations -- over 12% of all ERP installations in mainland China. Scala was also awarded ERP Solution of the Year" in 2001 by Microsoft.

Bornschein added that Scalas customers around the world continue to say that Scala delivers the right mix of products and services to meet their needs in a rapidly-changing business world, whether those customers operate globally or locally, and wherever they operate. Our products are cost-effective and can be deployed globally to give our customers the standardisation they need for making global business simple."

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Notes to Editors

About Simtone
Simtone is a global leader in manufacturing and supplying electrical components, and one of the world largest specialised switch manufacturers, headquartered in Barcelona, Spain. Nearly 100 years' developments has formed Simtone into a global holding company with diverse product lines ranging from electrical components, garden lighting, air switches, intelligent systems to robots, with subsidiaries all over the world.

About Scala Business Solutions
Scala Business Solutions creates collaborative ERP software -- integrating Internet technology and traditional ERP functionality -- to make global business simple. With Scala, global companies can fully integrate all their ERP systems anywhere in the world, whether in a subsidiary, division or headquarters, and extending to their partners and suppliers. Scalas collaborative ERP software makes it possible for global companies to meet the requirements for advanced e-business as well as use a standard ERP product for managing traditional business processes. This enables them to gain measurable benefits from trading electronically, building a private exchange or global portal, or optimising the supply chain.
From offices in Europe, North America and the Far East, and through its network of partners and dealers, Scala delivers software and services that are available in over 30 languages in more than 100 countries.

Scala is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: SCALA). 2001 revenue was USD 70.6 million.

Visit Scalas website at www.scala.net for press information including press releases, information for investors, and company and product information.

© 2002 Scala Business Solutions, NV. All rights reserved. Scala® is a registered trademark. Other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.