SHIFTING GEARS FROM QUICKBOOKS TO GREAT PLAINS

DATASYS CUSTOMER INTERVIEWED BY WEB CPA

Marlborough, MA – December 1, 2003 – The following excerpt appeared in an article entitled “Shifting Gears” in Web CPA’s online publication of Accounting Technology. The article in its entirety can be accessed at www.webcpa.com.

Beyond Spreadsheets

When Jeremy Anekstein came on board as controller in 1998, Boston-based LongView Group was still on QuickBooks. “We were very spreadsheet-driven in those days,” as Anekstein functioned as a one-man finance department, he recalls. But almost immediately, he recognized the company needed “something more robust.” No less important, “We needed something auditable because we were being acquired by a public company.”

A couple of owners later, LongView has evolved into the U.S. subsidiary of French parent Linedata Services, which specializes in asset management, leasing/credit finance, and employee saving plans. But the operation continues to run on the software it chose four years ago-Great Plains Dynamics (now Microsoft Great Plains Edition).

Anekstein, who was familiar with Great Plains from a previous job, was attracted by its ability to handle recurring-license invoices. He also liked its Multi-Dimensional Analysis tool for more sophisticated reporting. “This has been a blessing even after all these years,” he says. Corporate has been “particularly impressed by the kinds of reports we can generate.” He’s also making use of Great Plains’ project accounting capabilities.

Anekstein worked with a local Great Plains reseller, DataSys in Marlborough, Mass., to help him through the transition. He points out that he continues to work with them. “They are as much a key to the success of the software as the software itself,” he says.

About DataSys Corporation

DataSys Corporation provides integrated financial and business management solutions from Microsoft Business Solutions. Founded in 1981 and located in Marlborough, Massachusetts, DataSys has extensive expertise implementing the Great Plains suite of applications for more than 130 customers in New England. A two-time winner of the prestigious Pinnacle Award for Innovation and for Teamwork, and eight-time recipient of the President’s Club accolade, DataSys has earned distinction at the national level. DataSys’ implementation team includes certified experts in installation, training, project management, and custom development, as well as a dedicated sales, customer service, and marketing staff. DataSys Corporation is a SOMWBA Certified Women Business Enterprise. www.DataSysCorp.com

About Microsoft Business Solutions

Microsoft Business Solutions, which includes the businesses of Great Plains, Microsoft bCentral™ and Navision Software A/S, offers a wide range of business applications designed to help small and mid-market businesses become more connected with customers, employees, partners and suppliers. Microsoft Business Solutions’ applications automate end-to-end business processes across financials, distribution, project accounting, electronic commerce, human resources and payroll, manufacturing, supply chain management, business intelligence, sales and marketing management, and customer service and support. More information about Microsoft Business Solutions can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/businesssolutions/.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software—any time, any place and on any device.

About Linedata Services

Linedata Services provides financial IT services to the world’s leading financial institutions. The three main areas of their business are: asset management, leasing and credit finance, and employee savings. Founded in 1998, following a management buy-out, Linedata has been listed on the Nouveau March� of the Paris Stock Exchange since May 2000. More information about Linedata Services can be found at www.lindata.com.