PROPLANNER Named a Microsoft Business Solutions Partner

AMES, Iowa--Oct. 1, 2003--Proplanner announced today that it has been named a Microsoft(R) Business Solutions ISV partner. Proplanner provides solutions that complement Great Plains software developed by Microsoft Business Solutions, a leading provider of business applications designed to help small and mid-market businesses connect with customers, employees, partners and suppliers.

Proplanner is the leader in net-centric and subscription-based MPM applications. MPM is an emerging market space consisting of tools that allow manufacturing companies to create, document, manage and access detailed manufacturing process information. According to a 2002 Frost&Sullivan report, the MPM market is expected to reach $3 billion in 2010 with 35% annual growth.

Proplanner provides Manufacturing Process Engineering, Management and Collaboration capabilities, thus integrating many of the disparate tasks performed by process and industrial engineers in manufacturing plants. Spreadsheets, layout drawings, FMEAs/control plans, ergonomic assessments, time studies (observed, MTM, MODAPTS), costing and line balancing documents used by engineers are easily created, managed and accessed over the internet, intranet, and/or client-server systems through a Windows Explorer-like interface.

"The partnership with Microsoft will further solidify Microsoft's position in the manufacturing sector," says Dave Sly, president of Proplanner. "By developing in Microsoft's Visual Studio.NET, we've made our software match the feel and look of Microsoft Office, which greatly enhances the usability of our software to our clients."

"We are pleased to have Proplanner join the ranks of Microsoft Business Solutions ISV partners," said Don Nelson, general manager of channel development for Microsoft Business Solutions. "The Proplanner team's extensive experience in Manufacturing Process Management Software (MPM) will provide our joint customers with increased functionality that will maximize the return on their investment."

Proplanner develops web-based process planning software solutions for small and medium sized manufacturers from its headquarters at the ISU Research Park in Ames, Iowa. These applications automate, streamline and integrate engineering activities for industrial and manufacturing engineers who design and plan production systems for new and modified products. Built around the techniques of Lean Manufacturing and Total Quality Improvement and deployed via the Internet, Proplanner solutions reduce the time required to take newly designed products and launch them into manufacturing, with better product quality and fewer product launch mistakes. Company offices are located at 2321 North Loop Drive, ISU Research Park, Ames, IA. Phone: 515-296-7526. Web: http://www.proplanner.com