Scala Impresses Global Business with Softwares Unique Multi-Language Capabilities

Scala maintains gap over competitors by offering global businesses a single multi-language product for worldwide deployment

20 June 2002: Scala Business Solutions has received praise from customers for the unique multi-language capabilities of its Collaborative ERP software. Scala maintains a single set of application code for all its languages - more than 30 - compared to other vendors who commonly support different software versions for different languages.

Scalas unique architecture, which enables a single version of the software to support multiple languages, means global companies can keep their maintenance costs down by, for example, running a single service centre to support several countries. It also gives them flexibility to manage their global business more easily in a multi-lingual and multi-cultural environment. Scala also provides telephone support in over 15 different languages to support local users worldwide.

Other vendors compel their customers to operate in a single language at each location because their applications simply do not have the technology to hold more than one language in the same system," says Mike Burdett, Scalas Chief Executive Officer. When they buy Scalas solutions our customers know that they need only one system because Scala has developed unique technology that means users can work in multiple languages, so that local staff can work in their local language while management at the headquarters can view and work in another. No other competing software can offer this capability in one product."

To ensure that every new product is multi-lingual from the start of its lifecycle, translation into different languages is done in the software development process on a phrase by phrase basis to give accurate meaning in multiple languages. Last year Scala announced that it was using a brand new web-based translation tool to provide a generic framework for application translation of new Scala products. By using this new tool Scala was able to launch, iScala 2.1 - the worlds first purpose-built Collaborative ERP platform launched on 22 May (see press release) - with built-in support for 24 languages at its release. Compare this to other vendors who often release their products in English first with other languages added afterwards," says Burdett.

Global customers such as Hyatt International continue to install Scala around the world because of its multi-lingual capabilities. Gebhard Rainer, Vice President - Hotel Finance & Technology for Hyatt International Corporation says: We chose Scala for the flexibility, platform, multilingual and multi-company capabilities of their enterprise application. The product can deal with complex tax structures and multi-languages."

The multi-lingual capabilities are enhanced by the new Unicode technology that is used in iScala 2.1, allowing the combination of any languages with different characters in a single installation. True multi-language technology like Unicode also allows a wide range of languages such as Chinese, Russian or Arabic, to be stored, displayed and printed on the same page or even in the same field.

The technology also gives Scala a significant technical advantage in that new developments and maintenance updates to Scala software only have to be developed in a single version. Scalas competitors have to maintain multiple versions, one for each language. Burdett says, Not only is this inefficient, it also means inevitable delays in the roll out process for new software releases around the world, leading to frustrating inconsistencies for international customers."

Burdett concludes, Every time we demonstrate our softwares multi-lingual capabilities to third parties, they are genuinely impressed with what they see. For Scala and for our customers, it is just second nature as it is something we have always been able to do – so much so, that perhaps we have taken it for granted. However, the reception our multi-lingual capabilities still get all over the world, is a constant reminder of just how unique and essential this technology is for global businesses today."

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Notes to Editors

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 140 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.