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Unique Progress Data Synchronization Technology Enables Cole Systems to Mobilize State Lottery Sales Forces

Posted on: Monday, 20 June 2005, 09:00 CDT

PeerDirect(R)-Powered OrderPad Application Provides Access to Sales and Inventory Data When Disconnected, Improves Customer Service and Shortens Sales Cycle

The Progress Real Time Division, a leader in real-time products for event stream processing, data management, data access and synchronization, and an operating unit of Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq: PRGS), today announced that its innovative PeerDirect(R) database replication and data synchronization technology has been integrated into Cole Systems' OrderPad Enterprise(TM) mobile sales force automation software. With these PeerDirect capabilities, OrderPad enables sales reps to more easily access reliable, up-to-date information from headquarters even while in the field and disconnected from the network. More than 430 lottery sales representatives in Indiana, New York, Pennsylvania and Kentucky are using OrderPad to manage the entire sales process from a single mobile device, the Tablet PC.

OrderPad Enterprise, the first Tablet PC-optimized mobile sales software, delivers unique features and benefits, including easy-to-use digital ink and ink-to-text recognition, which enable a more natural interaction between lottery sales representatives and retail customers. With the incorporation of the PeerDirect data synchronization engine, local databases are kept synchronized with back-office systems. This ensures that sales representatives can enter sales data and orders from the field when disconnected - upload this information to headquarters when it is convenient for them to do so - and access corporate sales figures and itemized inventory data whenever they need it.

"OrderPad provides field sales reps the same customer information available at headquarters without requiring a network connection in the field," said Adam Perlow, vice president of technology, Cole Systems. "The PeerDirect technology lets us achieve this by allowing OrderPad users to store all relevant information on their device and periodically synchronize it with a central server at headquarters - even over low bandwidth connections. OrderPad also takes advantage of the PeerDirect data slicing functionality, which speeds up the process since sales reps only synchronize information about their own customers."

One lottery customer benefiting from the unique features of OrderPad is Indiana's Hoosier Lottery, the first state lottery to go live with the PeerDirect-equipped OrderPad Enterprise. With each rep responsible for managing between 75 and 95 client relationships, its mobile sales force must manage thousands of retailers across the state. Easy access to up-to-date customer information offers its mobile salespeople a key tool for increasing sales while in the field.

"OrderPad helps meet a critical need in the lottery business by giving sales representatives access to the same customer information available at headquarters," said Andrew Hendricks, director of sales for the Indiana Lottery. "Our sales force was previously unable to obtain up-to-date information for use in sales situations. Now, they're better informed and more efficient which, naturally, translates into increased productivity and larger sales."

PeerDirect enhances the value of OrderPad by enabling a distributed application architecture, which automatically distributes and coordinates corporate data among distributed databases, with updates occurring at headquarters or on any of the Tablet PCs. As a result, sales reps have access to the most current information from headquarters - regardless of the quality of their network connection and bandwidth - and are able to spot sales trends and make smarter decisions while at a customer location.

"Cole Systems has created an innovative application that is changing the landscape for mobile sales force automation," said Ken Rugg, vice president of product development for the Progress Real Time Division. "The addition of PeerDirect made a great product even better. The ability to slice, synchronize and replicate their critical sales data allows OrderPad users to operate as if they were connected even when they're not, leading to a stronger, and more successful, mobile sales team. Access to current information and trends keep reps sharp and gives them the ability to provide outstanding service to their customers."

For more information on the latest in database replication and data synchronization technology and mobilized software design trends, visit http://www.progress.com/realtime.

About Cole Systems

Founded in 1987, Cole Systems, one of New York City's leading system integration firms, is dedicated to providing customers with real technology solutions and services that work for their individual business needs and empower them with the operational skills to succeed. The company has developed expertise in building client-specific business solutions, enterprise order management and back office solutions, CRM solutions and mobile sales force solutions, implementing financial and distribution management solutions, and corporate infrastructure design, implementation and support. In 2002, Cole Systems designed and built OrderPad Enterprise(TM) mobile sales force automation software. OrderPad, which leverages the benefits of Tablet PCs, provides mobile sales professionals working in the field with a powerful, easy-to-use interface for managing the entire sales process, all from a single device, making them far more effective and better informed for on-the-spot decision-making. For more information please visit http://www.colesys.com.

About Progress Real Time Division

The Progress Real Time Division provides event stream processing, data management, data access, and synchronization products to enable the real-time enterprise. Our products monitor and analyze real-time event stream data for applications such as algorithmic trading and RFID; accelerate the performance of existing databases through sophisticated caching; manage and process complex data in the industry's leading object database; and support occasionally connected or mobile users requiring real-time access to enterprise applications. Progress Real Time is an operating unit of Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq: PRGS), a global software industry leader. Headquartered in Bedford, Mass., Progress Real Time can be reached at http://www.progress.com/realtime or 781-280-4000.

PeerDirect is a registered trademark of Progress Software Corporation or one of its affiliates or subsidiaries in the U.S. and Canada. Any other trademarks or service marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Business Wire

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