Chicago - March 3, 2003 - Best Software today introduced Abra Suite® 7.1, the latest version of its award-winning HR management system (HRMS), which offers several feature enhancements, including the new Abra Secure Query™ tool, secure data reporting capabilities, and a new library of more than 100 standardized Crystal Reports™. The new release, which will be generally available in March 2003, also includes VETS-100 (Veterans' Employment and Training Service) reporting changes to facilitate compliance with the Federal Contractor Program.
“We’re constantly improving our technology, support, and services to better serve our customers, ensuring each one receives a maximum return on investment from Abra,” said Abra General Manager Mary Doizé. ”Version 7.1 is the latest enhancement to the major Abra Suite 7.0 release in October 2002. From Web-based compliance training and Crystal Reports integration, to its new secure query tool, Abra remains the HRMS market leader for small and mid-sized businesses – especially in the manufacturing sector, which represents 30 percent of our Abra customer base.”

To facilitate HR, payroll, benefits administration, and regulatory compliance, Abra Suite 7.1 includes Abra Secure Query, a new, easy-to-use tool that allows customers to quickly retrieve data to answer ad hoc questions. In addition to featuring several pre-built sample queries, the tool also enables users to create, edit, and save their own queries.
“Abra Secure Query is a tremendous feature for customers,” said Ira Levine, director of the HR and Payroll Practices Group at One Solution, Inc., an Abra authorized business partner. “I’m amazed at how easy it makes ad hoc report creation, and think it’ll bring a level of comfort for end users who frequently share data and prepare reports.”

“The new query tool in Abra Suite 7.1 gives users full access to valuable HR/payroll data, so they can more easily answer impromptu data questions,” said Dennis Easter, operations manager at Edge Consulting Group, an Abra authorized business partner. “They’ll no longer have to develop full reports for one-time inquiries.”

Crystal Reports Professional version 8.5, which ships with Abra Suite 7.1, provides users with secure data reporting capabilities. The de facto standard for high-productivity reporting, Crystal Reports provides Abra customers with a powerful, new business analysis tool.

Version 7.1 includes a new library of more than 100 standardized Crystal Reports, covering all Abra modules, in addition to the robust Standard Reports library featuring more than 220 reports.

Additional Abra Suite 7.1 technology enhancements include:

· Abra OrgPlus™ module – Through the integration of Human Concepts’ OrgPlus, a complete end-to-end organizational charting system, Abra customers can easily develop and communicate up-to-date org charts across their organization. An additional add-on module, Abra OrgPlus Professional™, allows users to publish org charts on their Intranet, and distribute charts via any web browser.

· Windows XP user interface – Abra Suite 7.1 features a user-friendly interface, with fresh colors and icons that leverage the look and feel of Microsoft Windows XP.

· TimeSheet Professional® integration – Version 7.1 integrates with TimeSheet Professional, Best Software’s project-oriented time and activity tracking system for workgroups of any size.

Best Software will also offer Abra LearningAction® as an add-on service module for Abra Suite 7.1 users. A hosted e-Learning solution, with content developed by legal and educational experts, Abra LearningAction enables companies to efficiently provide sexual harassment and diversity courses remotely, without the need for expensive trainers and travel costs.