February 1998 - FileNET Corp. (Nasdaq: FILE)has introduced FileNET Panagon IDM Desktop, a new set of component software applications that provides access to an organisation's documents across the enterprise. Panagon IDM Desktop software can be deployed on Microsoft Windows and Web client desktops, and significantly reduces deployment time for document-enabled line-of-business and general-access applications.

Panagon IDM Desktop is a suite of integrated document management (IDM) component software that allows users to cost-effectively access any document from any desktop and then put those documents to work using document-centric, graphical workflow processes.

"Starting today with FileNET Panagon IDM Desktop, a new era in integrated document management has begun," said Lee Roberts, president and COO for FileNET. "For all applications across the enterprise, customers can reduce cost-of-ownership by deploying a single software product from one vendor while retaining best-of-class attributes for production applications and broad general access to documents and workflow processes."

Integration with Enterprise Applications

Panagon IDM Desktop is the first software product that allows users to effortlessly access all documents stored in scaleable, networked document libraries from within a Microsoft Windows Explorer or Web browser interface. Panagon IDM Desktop delivers seamless, "out-of-the-box" integration with Microsoft Windows NT and Windows NT Workstation environments and applications, allowing users to easily manage and view more than 200 document formats, including images, text, video and fax.

"No longer is an enterprise document management solution a collection of separate and distinct technologies. Today, we deliver on the vision of integrated document management that is transparent to the user but integral to business solutions that meets the demand for instant access to information," added Roberts. "FileNET Panagon IDM Desktop looks and works like the user's normal Microsoft application interface - making it easy to learn and use."

Dual Deployment

FileNET Panagon IDM Desktop can be deployed in "thin client" Web browser environments, providing users such as remote offices, customers, business partners and suppliers with easy access to corporate document libraries and allowing them to participate in document-centric workflow processes. Additionally, Panagon IDM Desktop can be implemented using the same software components in a "thick client" Microsoft Windows environment.

The software's dual deployment capability enables organisations to develop applications that meet specific business needs and decide on the appropriate implementation vehicle - Windows, Web browser or a mix of both client types independent of underlying technology. This approach increases user flexibility and enables organisations to react quicker to customer demands in traditional and electronic commerce business environments.

The software enables large-scale deployments through support for Microsoft's globalisation standards to speed-up worldwide roll-outs of new systems using the Internet or intranets and reduce training and support costs. When FileNET Panagon IDM Desktop is first shipped, it will be available simultaneously in English, French and German, with support for additional languages to follow soon after.

Component Software

FileNET Panagon IDM Desktop offers the first truly scaleable integrated document management (IDM) solution for the enterprise. Based on Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM), ActiveX and Active Server Page (ASP) technology, the product leverages customers' existing investment in Microsoft technology.

"Panagon IDM Desktop's COM-based architecture allows enterprise customers to unleash the power of document-based information, creating new business opportunities and improving business processes," said Charles Stevens, vice president of the Application Developers Customer Unit at Microsoft Corp. "Panagon IDM Desktop seamlessly integrates with Microsoft applications and tailored line-of-business applications, because COM, Windows NT and the BackOffice family of products provide a complete platform for the sharing of digital information across the enterprise."

According to Bruce Waddington, senior vice president of engineering at FileNET, "Within minutes of installing FileNET Panagon IDM Desktop, a user can be querying enterprise document libraries, retrieving, viewing and updating more than 200 formats of documents, and creating workflow processes in real-time to put the documents to work in workgroups, departments or across the globe. The component software architecture makes these applications intuitive for Microsoft Windows users, while providing a powerful application development environment with ActiveX component technology to meet mission-critical, line-of-business needs."

Benefits

"A customer's return-on-investment equation will be greatly improved using FileNET Panagon IDM Desktop. We already have over 100 business partners worldwide creating vertical and add-on applications for this new product line - partners that know how government and commercial organisations work and are developing a wide range of industry-specific applications," said Roberts.

Initial feedback from early Panagon IDM Desktop developers demonstrates a tenfold improvement in application development speed.

Pricing/Availability

First customer shipments of Panagon IDM Desktop are scheduled to begin in February 1998. Several versions of the product will be available, including Web client and client/server options. The Web version will be offered free of charge when purchased with FileNET Panagon IDM Services server applications and the client/server versions are anticipated to range from US$300 to US$800 per user. The new Panagon pricing structure provides customers with volume pricing benefits through enterprise license options for installations with more than 1,000 seats.

About FileNET

FileNET Corp. (http://www.FileNET.com) is a proven leader in delivering integrated document management (IDM) software to unleash the power of information for corporate and government organisations. 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 organisation, including its ValueNet® partner program of resellers, system integrators and application developers.

FileNET and ValueNet are registered trademarks and Panagon is a trademark of FileNET Corp. All other named products mentioned in this release may have been identified by trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Explorer and ActiveX are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Point your browser to the Microsoft document management and workflow home page at www.microsoft.com/docman/.