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SPL WorldGroup
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SPL has also expanded its existing Open Access capabilities to include support for the exchange of electronic information between distributors and third party energy providers via the Internet. As a result, consumers can switch energy providers and still receive one bill from the distributor. This new feature enables utilities to comply with deregulatory requirements and provides a function that many legacy CIS applications cannot natively support. An early release of the new Open Access interface is already in production at Tucson Electric Power (TEP). With the increasing impact of deregulation on the utilities industry, providing a wide range of tools to Support electronic business in a deregulated environment has become a ‘must' for leading CIS vendors.

Business-to-consumer
Taking advantage of the fact that consumers are increasingly more enthusiastic about using the Internet to transact payments, check account information and make service changes, SPL has added Web access for utility customers. These features, which can be accessed through standard Internet browsers, enables utilities to Offer customers a wide range of services on-line. They include bill presentation, on-line bill payment, access to account history and the ability to make on-line account changes. Because SPL is offering a completely integrated E-Business solution, utility companies do not need to turn to other third parties to help them manage Internet transactions. They own the customer's experience with their Web site and both the customer and the company can have real-time access to Billing and account information without the time lag and complexities involved in batch oriented, out-sourced Web interfaces.

“SPL's goal is to constantly push the envelope on CIS PLUS,” said Ken Rybka, vice president of product strategy at SPL WorldGroup. “With this new version we have given priority to the top two competitive concerns in the utilities industry today – deregulation and Internet integration. Our initial success with TEP suggests that we are on track with those priorities and our plans to build upon this framework to provide additional E-Business options central to utility operations.”

Business-to-business
CIS PLUS 's new framework for E-Business enables utility companies to easily add Internet capabilities. This new upgrade provides an interface for transactions between energy and service suppliers and distributors who are using the Internet to exchange information electronically. Billing data and other information can be transferred seamlessly between third party providers and the distributor, thereby speeding-up customer services and reducing risk of error and information loss. That information can then be integrated and presented in a single cohesive manner to all parties. This automatic, electronic exchange of information for Open Access service requests is being mandated in many deregulated states. The E-Business framework in CIS PLUS gives companies a leg-up on complying with the new regulations.

Delivery and implementation
SPL offers a proven track record of successful, large-scale implementations of CIS PLUS. The company offers their Fast Strike methodology for efficient implementations in time-critical situations, driven by the rapid deregulation of the energy industry. Fast Strike balances the need for rapid integration of a new or upgraded solution with the challenges of converting an entire customer base to a new system. Using it, utilities companies can choose to Upgrade customers to CIS PLUS progressively, rather than having to switch over the entire customer base simultaneously.

CIS PLUS scales to Support more than eight million accounts. It can be implemented in both MVS/DB2 and Unix/Oracle environments. The upgrade is expected to be available in the third quarter of 1999, though an early version is currently available.

About CIS PLUS
SPL's CIS PLUS is a customer information system designed to automate and support all aspects of customer service and management in a utility market that is both regulated and deregulated. It integrates customer information – such as billing, contact management, marketing, outage management and service data - in an easy-to-use, real-time system that enables utilities to create and build customer satisfaction as a competitive advantage. It is currently installed at eighteen of the most progressive utilities in the world. The product is designed to accommodate both utility and non-utility services from within a single or multi-company environment and is easily configured for global enterprises.

About SPL WorldGroup
SPL WorldGroup, established in 1994, is a leading international provider of information technology (IT) consulting and enterprise solutions to organizations with mission critical information needs. With over 1000 professionals in 10 countries and 30 years of experience through its subsidiaries, SPL delivers IT solutions to Global 2000 companies in utilities, financial services, healthcare, higher education and the public sector industries.

In the early 1990's, SPL formed the Utility Solutions Practice comprised of dedicated product development, sales, marketing and support staff to help address the specific needs of utilities, in particular those facing deregulation. SPL WorldGroup is on the World Wide Web at www.splwg.com or call (888) 775-8191.

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SPL WorldGroup and CIS PLUS are registered trademarks of SPL WorldGroup B.V. or one of its subsidiaries. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. c1998 SPL WorldGroup, B.V.