FileNET and Microsoft Strengthen Strategic Alliance to Deliver Integrated Document Management Solutions to Enterprise Computing Customers
REDMOND, Wash., and COSTA MESA, Calif., March 11, 1998 — FileNET Corp. and Microsoft Corp. today jointly announced plans to implement a major series of new global marketing, development and support programs. The initiative builds on the companies’ strategic relationship to utilize Microsoft® technologies in the integrated document management (IDM) segment. To that end, FileNET announced that it has selected the Microsoft Windows NT® operating system and the Microsoft BackOffice® family as the preferred development platform for future products.
The joint programs reflect FileNET’s position as one of Microsoft’s top global independent software vendors (ISV). FileNET has experienced dramatic growth in demand for its Microsoft Windows NT-based solutions that provide access to an organization’s documents throughout the enterprise. More than 70 percent of FileNET software systems sold in 1997 were on the Microsoft Windows NT operating system.
“The Internet has created a huge opportunity for organizations to build a true digital nervous system, and document systems such as FileNET Panagon
™will help customers deliver access to any document from any Windows® operating system-based desktop,” said Steve Ballmer, executive vice president of sales and support for the worldwide business strategy group of Microsoft. “Given FileNET’s leadership role in integrated document management, its choice of Windows NT and BackOffice shows the growing success of the Microsoft platform in this arena. ISVs such as FileNET will play a major role in delivering a complete solution to customers, with Microsoft providing a great technology infrastructure and ISVs such as FileNET providing value-added document systems applications.”
The expanded alliance will focus on delivering FileNET Panagon IDM solutions, built on Microsoft technologies, as the preferred platform for organizations seeking to rapidly deploy cost-effective, enterprisewide IDM solutions that easily integrate with line-of-business and personal productivity applications. The multifaceted program will involve increased joint marketing activities at all levels, involving senior executives and product managers from both companies, and will include vertically focused advertising, technical training, joint seminars, trade show participation and ROI-benchmark studies.
“Our customers and partners are increasingly selecting Microsoft Windows NT as their enterprise computing platform of choice, providing a clear signal of their support for our strategy,” said Lee Roberts, president and COO of FileNET. “Today’s announcement highlights to our customers and partners that Microsoft values FileNET’s role as a strategic and global leader in integrated document management.”
FileNET recently began shipping its new Panagon IDM Desktop software built on Microsoft Component Object Model (COM) technology. The software is designed to enable corporate and government customers to quickly realize significant benefits from efficient and widespread access to business documents. FileNET Panagon IDM Desktop is the first scalable software product that allows users to effortlessly access all documents stored in various networked document libraries from within Microsoft Windows Explorer, Microsoft Office productivity applications, line-of-business applications and Web browsers.
Strengthening the alliance underscores FileNET’s leadership in offering best-of-breed Microsoft Windows NT-based applications that increase organizational productivity and provide a low cost of ownership. It also reflects the growing customer demand for Windows NT-based solutions that can be deployed quickly and easily with reduced user-training time and support costs.
In response to this demand, the initiative will include training to certify additional FileNET ValueNET® partners as Microsoft Certified Solution Providers. The ValueNET program brings together nearly 700 top value-added resellers, systems integrators, consulting partners, application developers and ISVs, many of whom are already Microsoft Certified Solution Providers, to deliver a vast range of industry-specific solutions and services to customers worldwide.
Relationship Management
Microsoft’s programs in this strategic relationship will be managed through the company’s application developers customer unit. This division was formed in July 1997 to globally expand Microsoft’s evangelism and technical support for ISVs and key influencers in the business applications-buying process. The joint initiative will provide customers with greater access to a broad range of Microsoft platform-based software from FileNET, including those designed to maximize the benefits of the upcoming Windows NT 5.0 and Microsoft SQL Server
™
7.0 products, and supported by the largest Microsoft-trained service and support teams among IDM vendors.
The announcement further strengthens the longstanding relationship between the two companies. Since FileNET and Microsoft first unveiled their enterprise relationship in 1996, FileNET has introduced a series of new products that leverage new Microsoft technologies. Previous product efforts between the two companies have resulted in BackOffice certification for FileNET server products, FileNET product support for advanced Microsoft technologies including COM, ActiveX® and Active Server Pages, and participation in numerous Microsoft early product release programs.
Business and government organizations that want to take advantage of this expanded program between FileNET and Microsoft to enhance their enterprise computing solutions can contact FileNET at (800) FileNET (345-3638) in North America or visit FileNET’s corporate Web site (http://www.filenet.com/) for worldwide offices and additional information about the program offerings.
About FileNET
FileNET Corp. (Nasdaq “FILE”) is a proven leader in delivering integrated document management software to unleash the power of information for corporate and government organizations. FileNET’s Internet and client/server solutions provide standards-based workflow, document imaging, electronic document management and report management (COLD) software for managing information and enhancing productivity. Costa Mesa, Calif.-based FileNET markets its innovative products in more than 60 countries through a global FileNET sales, services and support organization, including its ValueNET partner program of resellers, system integrators and application developers.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
FileNET and ValueNET are registered trademarks and Panagon is a trademark of FileNET Corp.
Microsoft, Windows NT, BackOffice, Windows and ActiveX are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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