Press release August 10, 2005

Conisio 6.2 Web Client Functionality Enables Collaborative PLM

GCS Scandinavia has launched Version 6.2 of Conisio software, the first and only commercial engineering document management system entirely integrated within Windows Explorer. The system supports any application running on a Windows-based computer including CAD and all Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Outlook. The software is tightly integrated with the most popular design packages: SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD, SolidEdge and MicroStation.

The latest version includes web client functionality that connects users directly to the file vault and SQL server over the Internet using the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser. In this way, Conisio 6.2 provides live, real-time access to files and the ability to work directly with stored data in contrast to view-only web servers that only let users look at PDFs and other displays of documents. Conisio web client routines are automatically installed when accessing the web-shared vault, so users are not required to load Conisio software on their computers. This enables people at any location to manage files remotely and readily share information with other authorized users.

As with Conisio's other modes of operation, users work with files using Windows Explorer and a set of straightforward commands. New files and folders can be added to the file vault simply by dragging and dropping them into the web client window. Existing files stored in the vault are managed and updated with commands such as Get, Lock and Unlock. A secure check-in/check-out system controls versions and revisions while preventing more than one person at a time from modifying a particular file.

Workflow functions in Conisio 6.2 enable users at distributed locations to become active participants in product development, design reviews, engineering change orders, quote approval and other product-related processes. Workflow diagrams show paths of documents and related information through the various processes along with responsible individuals and their access rights (read, modify, approve, etc.). Workers are prompted by automatic notifications on actions required at specific stage gates while mangers are given an overview of project status showing where bottlenecks might be developing.

"With its web client and workflow functionality, Conisio 6.2 enables people in separate facilities around the world to have direct, real-time access to data files over the Internet so they can work together more efficiently and collaboratively," says GCS President Kenneth Hallberg. "By leveraging these file management, web-client and workflow capabilities, companies can readily institute concurrent product development and other collaborative approaches based on product data management (PDM) and product lifecycle management (PLM)."

According to Hallberg, Conisio is readily used as a foundation for these initiatives because of its affordability and ease of use in engineering and throughout the company in marketing, manufacturing, testing, inspection, procurement, field service, customer support and other groups needing product-related information. Users perform all functions either through Windows Explorer or one of its other integrations, so Conisio has no proprietary interface to learn and blends in smoothly with the way people are accustomed to working.

"The software is quick and inexpensive to implement, and license fees typically are about half those of other systems, so overall cost of ownership is significantly lower," Hallberg explains. "While high costs, extensive training and lengthy deployment times prevent many companies from using traditional tools, Conisio 6.2 provides a practical, affordable and straightforward way for firms to manage files, share information, and facilitate PLM-related initiatives and collaborative processes that are critical for companies in today's competitive global markets."

About GCS

Conisio is developed and supported by GCS Scandinavia AB (www.conisio.com), a Swedish-based software provider. First released in 1999, Conisio has been enhanced with additional capabilities and is used for document management by companies around the world including Tetra Pak, SAAB, Toshiba, W.L. Gore and F.L. Schmidt. To achieve seamless integration between Conisio and world-class software, GCS has long-term partnerships with leading software companies such as Microsoft, SolidWorks and Autodesk. For more information, contact Kenneth Hallberg, President of GCS Scandinavia at 011 46 8 744 4300 kenneth.hallberg@gcscad.se. The contact in North America is Kelly Smith, Channel Communications GCS US at 775 786 6034 kelly@gcscad.se.