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Future Three, Inc. and Summit Partners Finalize New Partnership

20 January 1999

Future Three, Inc. and Summit Partners Finalize New Partnership

    NORTHVILLE, Mich., Jan. 20 -- Future Three, Inc., developers
of integrated release accounting and shipping control applications for
automotive suppliers, announces a new partnership with Summit Partners, a
Boston-based professional technology investor.  Summit Partners recently
finalized their agreement to take a significant equity position in Future
Three.
    Future Three also announces that Dave Maiorana will serve as President of
Future Three, Inc.  Maiorana has been with the company since 1984, previously
serving as Future Three Executive Vice President.  Founder and former
President Walter Keyes will continue to hold an ownership position in the
company, and will remain an active member of the board of directors.
    States Maiorana, "We're pleased to begin our association with this leading
technology private equity investor.  Future Three will not only receive the
means to expand product and service offerings, we also align with a financial
partner of considerable knowledge and leadership within the software
industry."
    Adds Michael H. Balmuth, Principal of Summit Partners, "Summit is
extremely excited to partner with Future Three given their automotive
expertise, and their position as a leading technology innovator.  We invest in
proven industry leaders and, without question, Future Three's current flagship
products, AutoRelease and VendorRelease, are considered the automotive
industry standards for integrated EDI and Supply Chain Management. "
    The partnership with Summit Partners should assist Future Three with
preparations for an initial public offering.  Summit Partner principals have
extensive experience with portfolio companies completing initial public
offerings in the software, technology, and information services industries.
    In 1998, Future Three reached an agreement with Summit Partners to pursue
a partnership with Summit taking a significant equity position in the company.
As a result of the association, Future Three retains the flexibility and
autonomy to provide customers with the highest quality software and services
and to maintain the support of joint sales efforts with valued industry
software marketing partners.
    Northville, Michigan-based Future Three develops Y2K-compliant, fully
integrated release accounting software systems that enable automotive
suppliers to manage their complete supply chain.  Since 1983, Future Three has
emerged as a leading organization in the integration of data throughout the
manufacturing systems of North America.  Today, Future Three's AutoRelease,
VendorRelease, AutoScan and related software systems and services are an
integral part of fully integrated supply chain management solutions designed
for high-volume automotive suppliers.  For further information regarding
Future Three, Inc., visit http://www.future3.com.