K3 Chosen as Launch Partner for Microsoft Business Solutions CRM

K3 Business Technology Group plc has been chosen as one of a select group of eight software developers to partner with Microsoft in the launch of its new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software.

During January 2004, K3 will be supporting Microsoft in its first venture into the CRM marketplace in the UK. Andy Makeham, CEO of K3 commented: "Microsoft has recognised that CRM applications cannot be one size fits all unlike more desktop focused applications. Business applications have to fit the way that individual companies want to run their operations - and that means partnering with industry experts."

K3 has been focused on building and delivering working solutions to the manufacturing sector for over 30 years and has in excess of 1600 customers in the UK. This pedigree, knowledge and ability to deliver solutions is why Microsoft chose K3 as its manufacturing sector CRM launch partner.

Using this industry expertise, K3 has developed a unique CRM proposition for manufacturing and supply chain businesses. Its leading-edge SmartVision business solution has Microsoft CRM embedded within it to transform the relationships businesses have with their customers.

Russell Dorset, Managing Director at K3 commented: "Microsoft is going to take this market by storm. Even prior to its launch we are already starting to see significant interest in Microsoft CRM and without a doubt it will become the defacto standard." Dorset adds: "Microsoft's power in the market means that just the mention of the
words Microsoft CRM has the ability to put buying decisions on hold. We have a
number of opportunities where manufacturers were about to invest in other systems, but now want to go for Microsoft CRM."

Michala Alexander, Microsoft UK CRM product manager explained: "Microsoft CRM will offer mid-market companies in the UK a solution designed specifically for their needs. The functionality included will enable them to increase sales success, deliver superior customer service, and make informed, agile business decisions.Partners are the customer touch-point for our CRM solution. It is vital that we work with partners like K3 who have the skill, industry knowledge and the ability to deploy working solutions on our behalf and understand the business drivers of these markets."

Microsoft CRM records the interactions that take place during the lifetime of a customer or project and, being fully integrated with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Exchange, it can automatically capture correspondence, quotations and e-mails sent and received.

The web-enabled software allows users access to the system simply by using Microsoft Internet Explorer and can be accessed externally if required, using the Internet. Whether employees or agents work from the office, from home or from an office abroad, they can have real-time access to the system, thus providing timely and accurate information throughout.

K3's software development team has recently
visited Microsoft in the US to help develop a future product development strategy to incorporate this new architecture in its own products

About SmartVision.
The SmartVision solution is a comprehensive business software solution for manufacturers developed using leading-edge Microsoft technology. It is a fully integrated manufacturing, costing and accounting system designed to address the needs of a variety of manufacturing environments, from make-to-order, assemble-to-order, make-to-stock, configure-to-order or repetitive manufacturing.

This inherent flexibility ensures that as businesses change, SmartVision can react to the fast-changing needs of companies. SmartVision is developed in the UK and is an excellent management tool, providing real-time information to the desktop within Microsoft Outlook, Internet Explorer, or via SmartVision enquiry and reporting screens or to any mobile device using SMS, or WAP technology.

Utilising Workflow and Alert Management proactive facilities, SmartVision creates a series of checks and controls for business processes and keeps management informed of the latest status of all areas and business performance.

END

NOTES TO EDITORS:

K3 Business Technology Group plc is a public company listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. Formerly known as Kewill ERP, the company is one of the UK's leading authors and suppliers of Supply Chain Management and ERP software for the SME Sector. Products include IBS, SmartVision (ERP solutions), Omicron (financial software) and JobBOSS for small jobshops.

K3's clients in the UK include Rolls Royce, Thomson CSF, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Thales. With over 1600 UK customers, the company is the market leading supplier of UK-developed Supply Chain Management software to the SME sector.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Richard Thomas
K3 Business Technology plc
Electra House
Electra Way                  
Crewe
UK
                     
Tel: 01270 211211               
E-mail: richard.thomas@k3btg.com                       
K3 websites: www.k3btg.com and www.lenamanufacturing.com