IFS Applications 2003 delivers even faster payback

Based on input from customers, IFSApplications 2003 takes Packaged for Payback to the next level, providing companies with greater opportunities to cut costs and increase profitability.

At the company`s World Conference in Orlando, Florida, IFS announced a new software release, IFS Applications 2003, that helps companies significantly reduce the hidden costs of business applications and combines greater performance with add-on industry-specific functionality and a next-generation mobile framework. As part of the IFS focus on providing customers with rapid payback, IFS also highlighted its unique, total lifecycle management concept that includes customers, products and assets.

President and CEO, Bengt Nilsson, commented: "Surveys with companies throughout the industry show several key concerns: the hidden costs in business applications, reliability in terms of performance, security and real-time integration, and easy add-on of industry-specific functionality. With IFS Applications 2003 we continue to address these concerns, taking customers to the next step.

"For example, it is not unusual for business applications customers to have significant portions, perhaps up to 50%, of the applications they purchased still on the shelf. With IFS component technology a company only installs the applications they need, leaving nothing on the shelf. And now, with IFS Applications 2003, we`ve included vertical functionality that provides even more rapid industry-specific ROI."

By introducing a library of add-on industry-specific components, IFS Applications 2003 responds to customer requests for strengthened vertical market functionality without increasing complexity. Developed from customer input, the industry-specific components offer companies faster access to new business opportunities as well as improved margins.

In addition to industry-specific functionality, IFS Applications 2003 also provides a cost-efficient platform for companies with worldwide operations. Global companies can run one single code-base that includes all country-specific requirements for key markets. This results in greater flexibility, smoother global implementation and easier expansion into new markets.

Another key concern for companies purchasing business applications today is upgrading to new releases. IFS Applications 2003 is packaged for fast and efficient upgrading, and IFS will continue to measure and benchmark new offerings to provide even greater speed and efficiency. IFS also introduced a new global support concept that provides customers with state-of-the-art support in all phases of their IFS Applications` lifecycle.

IFS Applications 2003 offers fully integrated Web services that align IFS`s component architecture with J2EE and the .Net initiative, ensuring customers a step-by-step evolutionary transition to important new technologies. Additionally, IFS Applications 2003 incorporates a new mobile framework to keep pace with the trend toward greater use of mobile applications and to support a large variety of mobile devices.

With shorter product lifecycles and mass-customisation impacting companies around the world, IFS offers unique, integrated lifecycle management that provides real-time access to information and processes for customers, products and assets - both physical and human - throughout their lifecycles. Some examples include:

Customer retention and expansion into new markets. More accurate predictions of customers` needs and refined customer qualification that results from capturing information from all parts of the company.

Enhanced speed and quality in areas such as customer service and product development through enterprise-wide access to product information including taking customers needs from after-sales and service directly into the product development process.

More cost-effective production resulting from integrated asset management that covers the complete lifecycle from investment through operations to de-commissioning. The IFS lifecycle management approach helps IFS customers know what markets to serve, when, with what products, and using which resources.