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Withers Law Firm Selects Interface Software's InterAction® 5 to Provide Global Access to Relationship Intelligence in Post-Merger Environment

Rigorous evaluation process revealed Interface Software's superior technology platform, CRM expertise and experience

OAK BROOK (IL) & LONDON (UK), 30 April, 2003: Interface Software announced today that London-based Withers has selected InterAction 5 as part of its post-merger strategy to consolidate Relationship Intelligence amongst its London, Milan, New York and New Haven offices. Founded in the 19th century, Withers is a full service law firm of 220 legal staff with a leading worldwide specialisation in wealthy individuals.

In January, 2002 Withers merged with New York-based Bergman, Horowitz & Reynolds to create the world's first international law firm dedicated to looking after the business and personal interests of successful people, their families, businesses and advisors. Following the merger the firm took stock of its IT infrastructure and determined that its disparate array of systems for managing contacts and relationships would impede growth and client service if left uncorrected. "The practice management system in our London office had its successes, but it was restrictive and old fashioned," recalled Peter Gibbons, Withers' director of operations. "And the US offices had no centralised approach to CRM, but instead used a variety of stand-alone databases."

The lack of a centralised CRM system impacted fee earners and marketing teams, alike. "Our lawyers had no way to determine who in the organisation knew whom, or who had been interacting with their contacts," said Gibbons. "And with no way to centrally create or manage lists, conducting marketing activities such as events was extremely time consuming."

Withers evaluated a number of CRM solutions but determined InterAction 5 to best fit the firm's requirements. "We needed a system that would be capable of adapting to our culture," said Withers' international marketing director, Nigel Sprunt. "InterAction 5's capabilities are at a completely different level than that of its competitors," added Gibbons. It's a step ahead."

Moreover, the depth and breadth of Interface Software's experience in providing CRM solutions, support and services to the professional services marketplace was also decisive. "What Interface Software has to offer is unique in the industry," said Gibbons. "Their people have much more experience and understanding into the challenges and efforts associated with successful CRM deployment. This is reflected in the effort and resources they have devoted to developing InterAction 5."

Once implemented, InterAction 5 will provide significant infrastructure support for the firm's revenue-generation activities. "We have deep relationships with banks, investment banks, stock brokers and accountants, which we depend upon," said Sprunt. "Therefore understanding the patterns of relationships we have with them is critical from a teamwork and cross-selling point of view, and will allow us to analyse where our business is and where it derives from. InterAction 5 will give us a greater ability to analyse our business."

"Withers is among a growing number of professional services firms that understands the critical role InterAction 5 plays in supporting revenue, cost saving and efficiency objectives," said Fraser Herrick, Interface Software's UK managing director. "We are delighted they have chosen our solution and we look forward to contributing to their success."

About Interface Software
Interface Software is the leading provider of CRM solutions enabling professional services firms to create the Relationship Intelligence they need to generate new business and enhance client service. Its flagship product, InterAction, is a flexible and uniquely designed platform that delivers this Relationship Intelligence throughout the organisation, quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively. Relationship Intelligence is a firm-wide asset that reveals the unique and complex connections between people, companies, relationships, experience and expertise, empowering professionals to leverage who and what they know to uncover new revenue opportunities, differentiate themselves from the competition and enhance client service. InterAction is internet-enabled, allowing professionals to view information however they choose—through knowledge management platforms, corporate portals, intranets, extranets and wireless devices. Interface Software has received numerous accolades, including the Inc 500, the Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 50 for Greater Chicagoland, the Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 500 and the Upside Hot 100. For more information please visit Interface Software's website at www.interaction.com.

About Withers
Withers LLP/Withers Bergman is the first international law firm dedicated to the personal and business interests of wealthy individuals, their families and their advisors. There are more than 120 lawyers, in addition to 60 principals with unparalleled experience in tax, trusts and estate planning, as well as litigation, corporate, employment, family law and other legal issues facing successful people, their families and businesses.

The firm has offices in New York, New Haven, London and Milan. We are called Withers Bergman LLP in the United States and Withers LLP in the United Kingdom and the rest of the world. For more information on the firm please visit our website at www.withersworldwide.com.

 
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InterAction, Watch List, Who Knows Whom and Relationship Map are trademarks of Interface Software, Inc. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners and are mentioned for identification purposes only.