Informatech Group announces the availability of the app-e.com ASP service

app-e.com offers Quebec SMBs reliable access via the Internet to accounting, human resources and payroll management applications without upfront capital investment.

Montreal (Quebec), March 15, 2000 - Informatech Group, a group of technological companies established in 1977 in Quebec, announces the availability of the app-e.com application service. This new company offers Quebec SMBs reliable access via the Internet to management applications, without upfront investment. app-e.com's reliability, security and performance are guaranteed by using Maestro software and the most recent technologies (i.e. network equipment, firewall, software and servers). This is the first offer on the Quebec market to target SMBs who want to maintain advanced technology at all times, without worrying about software updates or technological changes.

"SMBs face fierce competition stemming from globalization and consolidation, lightning-quick technological evolution and a shortage of technical personnel. How can they stay competitive if they must invest their limited financials resources in their IT infrastructure rather than in the core of their business?" asks Alain Boudreault, president of app-e.com. "The app-e.com service enables SMBs to focus on reaching their business objectives and increasing their sales and profits rather than on managing their IT infrastructure."

A simple access to the Internet from a workstation is enough to benefit from app-e.com's sophisticated management applications. A highly secure mechanism enables each user to obtain exclusive access to their own functions and data. This is done by using an Internet browser and a SecurID key fob.

Maestro software is the basis of the app-e.com solution. Maestro is an accounting, payroll and human resources management integrated software that has proven itself for over 10 years throughout North America, in several activity sectors and types of organizations. Maestro also provides inventory and procurement management software. The software has constantly evolved in the last 10 years and also offers access via the Internet, EIS systems, data warehouses integrated with analysis tools as well as the eClients and eHr electronic commerce components that use Java technology.

The app-e.com concept offers a high performance and reliability rate (above 99%) by using the sturdiest servers on the market and by ensuring a complete redundancy of the infrastructure and of the network access.

To better meet the needs of the various vertical markets, a range of value added services was developed and continues to be adapted according to the needs of the new clients. These services include discussion groups, help desk, creation of Internet corporate pages, etc. Informatech Forestry Software (an affiliate) provides the app-e.com service to the North American small lumber mill market under the name of eScoopsoft.com. This solution includes an industry-specific ERP (enterprise resource planning) and favors an approach that aims to share the best industry practices.

Price structure
A monthly price structure that varies according to the amount of transactions, number of users and their expected use of app-e.com enables the adaptation of the service to the needs of each company and allows savings of 30% to 50% when compared to the traditional license model. The client obtains access to these sophisticated applications as well as to all the required infrastructure including its operation, support and evolution for a fixed and predictable monthly cost, that will follow the company's growth.

About app-e.com
Created in 1999, app-e.com is a company that offers accounting, payroll and human resources management applications via a reliable Internet link, without upfront investment. This company is a member of Informatech Group, a group of large-scale Montreal-based technological companies founded in 1977. They developed a range of products and services that resulted in the creation of distinct legal entities. Informatech Group's clientele is vast and works in various domains (i.e. distribution, service, health, public and private sectors). app-e.com benefits from this client base as well as from the group's expertise in project management, company management and marketing. For more information on app-e.com, visit our Web site at www.app-e.com/eng or www.escoopsoft.com for the forestry sector.

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