Bellevue, WA -- Onyx Software Corporation (NASDAQ: ONXS), a leading provider of Web-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, today announced that it was awarded Best Internet Application for delivering a complete e-business system (online marketing, sales, e-commerce and service) to Lightware Corporation at the 1999 Industry Solution Awards for Customer Relationship Management. Sponsored by DCI, Microsoft, (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Sales and Marketing Automation and independently judged by a panel of industry experts, the awards recognize technical excellence for CRM solutions leveraging Microsoft technology. Onyx's customer Lightware, the fastest-growing developer of cutting edge LCD projectors in the industry, converted their business from a traditional reseller-based distribution channel to a direct Web-based distribution and full service channel in less than 12 weeks using Onyx Front Office.
"Onyx is suited for rapid implementation of e-business software at companies of all sizes," said Onyx Software President and CEO, Brent Frei. "Onyx Front Office has been instrumental in redefining age-old business processes to help bring companies to the Web, and this prestigious award recognizes the tangible benefits our customers are receiving from Onyx Front Office in real world scenarios."
"Onyx Software demonstrated a very powerful e-business story and won an award for Best Internet Application as a result," said Frederica Carpenter, Industry Manager for Customer Relationship Management at Microsoft. "Onyx and Lightware have maximized the Internet and optimized Microsoft's technology to ensure Lightware's customers are getting superior response and Lightware's employees are empowered to be more effective and productive using Onyx Front Office. This is a very compelling example of how a company can quickly enhance its brick- and- mortar operations and compete aggressively via the Web."
Lightware integrates CRM and e-commerce
Before implementing Onyx Front Office, Lightware Corporation was faced with a significant e-business challenge. Their business was completely based on a traditional reseller distribution channel, and in the growing age of the Internet they felt the need to adopt a more efficient, cost-effective method for customer interactions. Lightware needed to showcase new products and deliver them directly to their end-user using the Web.
Lightware used Onyx Front Office to automate their business processes, create a direct sales model in 12 weeks and provide their customers with the first e-business solution in their industry. Lightware is now able to capture sales leads directly from their web site, respond to sales and service requests instantaneously, provide customers self-service capabilities via the Internet, increase employee efficiency and see an increase in revenue opportunity due to the creation of their Web-based sales channel. Onyx Front Office was implemented at Lightware by equarius, an Onyx systems integration consulting partner with extensive e-business experience.
"Onyx Front Office laid the foundation for the integrated e-business solution that Lightware needed to stay ahead of the competition," said Lightware President, Al Patz. "Onyx provided both the technology and expertise of how to change our business model to become the Internet-enabled company our customers were demanding."
About Lightware Corporation
Lightware is a leading developer of cutting edge LCD projectors, used for computer and video presentations in business, training and educational applications. The company distributes its products through leading resellers of electronics and presentation systems in the U.S., Canada and worldwide as well as direct through a telephone sales force and the new e-commerce website. For product information, contact Lightware, Inc., 9875 SW Sunshine Court, Suite 200, Beaverton, OR, 97005. Telephone: 800-211-9001. E-mail: sales@lightware.com.
About equarius
equarius, a privately held company headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, is a systems integration consulting firm focused on providing integrated e-business solutions utilizing Microsoft BackOffice to take full advantage of the power of the Internet. equarius is a Certified Microsoft Solutions Provider and partners with Onyx Software, Great Plains and Concur Technologies, developers of three best-of-market enterprise applications. For more information on equarius, please call at 888-462-6605, visit the Web site at www.equarius.com or email information@equarius.com.
About Onyx Software
Onyx Software Corporation (NASDAQ: ONXS) is a leading provider of Web-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. The company's innovative e-business software combines comprehensive CRM functionality, third party applications and Internet content into personalized digital workplaces for marketing, sales and service employees, business partners and customers. The company's systems are scalable, flexible, reliable and deploy quickly resulting in a rapid return on investment and industry leading customer satisfaction. Onyx Software operates worldwide, supporting large, medium and small companies such as American Express, Cognos, Credit Suisse, FirstWorld Communications, Giga Information Group, InfoSpace, Interactive Intelligence, NTL Internet, Plumtree, Portland Trailblazers, Prudential, Sharp Electronics, Sierra Health Services, Singapore Press Holdings and US Bancorp Piper Jaffray. For more information call 1-888-275-6699, or email info@onyx.com.
