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Interface Software Releases Additional Related Modules to Enhance InterAction's Core CRM Functionality

New modules for matters, opportunities and engagements capture critical Relationship Intelligence previously inaccessible to professionals

OAK BROOK (IL) 31 March, 2004: Interface Software announced today the release of three optional, market-specific add-on modules that enhance InterAction's core CRM functionality. The new modules, which are each sold separately, include: InterAction® Matters™, InterAction® Opportunities™ and InterAction® Engagements™.

The InterAction modules automate a firm's internal business processes related to managing matters, engagements, deals, distribution lists, sales pipelines and other core functions, and in doing so enhance a firm's Relationship Intelligence by providing insight into people, relationships, corporate social networks, experience and expertise. "Critical data can be inaccessible to decision-makers because it is often hidden in disparate systems or stored in paper files created through manual business processes," said Barry Solomon, Interface Software's executive vice president. "By automating many of these processes and centralizing disparate information, these new modules greatly enhance the available Relationship Intelligence professionals can access from InterAction for use in revenue generating activities."

Importantly, the new InterAction modules capture this enhanced Relationship Intelligence passively as a byproduct of how professionals already work. "Professionals want a 360-degree view of their contacts, relationships, matters, deals and engagements — but they won't enter data or otherwise change their work habits to get it," said Solomon. "By automating existing processes with these Related Modules, we're able to deliver Relationship Intelligence without requiring additional effort on their part."

InterAction Matters
Most law firms today lack a unified system for collecting information about past matters worked on and internal experience and expertise, making it nearly impossible to leverage these knowledge assets to enhance business development and client service. InterAction Matters solves this problem by consolidating relevant matter information and combining it with Relationship Intelligence already captured about people, companies and relationships. This module also supports distribution list management and maintenance, helping to streamline day-to-day, matter-level communications and reduce embarrassing errors and miscommunications.

"With the ability to collect, expose and identify important matter details from within the InterAction environment, firms can respond quicker to client and prospect needs," said Solomon. "For instance, they can leverage InterAction Matters to quickly determine the best team to respond to an RFP, staff a new client matter or determine the best expert to use in light of the facts of a particular case," said Solomon.

InterAction Opportunities
The ability to accurately predict future revenues and manage prospective engagements and deals as they flow through the development pipeline is becoming increasingly important to financial services, accounting, law and management consulting firms. Today most firms use disparate, ad hoc methods to manage opportunities, or they don't track them at all. InterAction Opportunities provides an effective method for managing new opportunities and deals through firm-defined sales stages to closure, making it easier to predict future revenues and take preemptive action if the revenue pipeline does not match expectations. The system will track and manage referrals or acquisition candidates, enabling users to identify strategic relationships and focus efforts on those that bring business to the organization. It will also estimate and forecast revenues or deal potential, monitor the opportunity pipeline and produce meaningful management reports.

"By combining opportunity data with other Relationship Intelligence, InterAction Opportunities provides a comprehensive perspective on potential engagement and deal revenues, and visibility into the people, companies and relationships that are playing key roles in a firm's profitability," added Solomon.

InterAction Engagements
InterAction Engagements is designed to provide accounting, management consulting and financial services firms with a 360-degree view of the their collective experience and expertise by connecting valuable information about past and present engagements or deals with the people, companies and relationships associated with them. The module also enables organizations to streamline communications to all parties involved in an engagement, maximizing client service and information flow across client teams and reducing the potential for embarrassing errors and miscommunications.

"InterAction 5.1 is the only CRM platform in the industry that equips professional services firms with all the tools they need to create a comprehensive centralized database built upon clean, reliable data that professionals will use," commented Solomon. "With these modules we are building upon this solid foundation by delivering advanced functionality to help firms in various vertical markets accomplish specific strategic goals unique to their industries."

About Interface Software
Interface Software is the leading provider of CRM solutions enabling professional services firms and similar relationship-based organizations 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 organization, 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.

 
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InterAction, InterAction Engagements, InterAction Matters, InterAction Projects, 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.