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Systems & Software, Inc.
www.ssiutilitysuite.com

BURLINGTON, VT., March 8, 2001 - Systems & Software, Inc., a provider of comprehensive information management solutions for utilities, announced today that the Arlington Water Utilities Department of Arlington, Texas has selected them to help the department enhance service toArlington’s growing population of over 320,000, operate more efficiently, and use customer and operational data toplan effective, competitive business strategies.

Systems & Software’s integrated suite of applications automates CIS & Billing, asset management, service order/work order management and costing, and includes an Oracle-based Decision Support Solution, comprised of data warehouse/data mart components. The system also includes Interactive Voice Response, electronic bill payment/processing, web-based customer self-service capabilities (turn on/turn off of service, credit card payment, etc.), and sophisticated reporting and decision support tools.

According toArlington’s Assistant Director of Utilities Tim Barbee, “After an extensive evaluation of build vs. purchase options and vendor offerings, it was clear that Systems & Software is the best choice for us because of the functionality of their system and the company’s unmatched reputation for its commitment to its customers."

Customer Service Manager Daphne McCleery says having an integrated system will help the utility significantly improve their customers' experiences with Arlington Water. "Today, responding to service requests is very inefficient. With the new system this will all take place in one call, at one time, in one database, by one service representative -- for important cost savings. Our staff will be more productive and need less training. These are real benefits in today’s job market.”

Barbee is looking forward toutilizing the decision support capabilities of Systems & Software's data warehousing and business intelligence components. "Although we currently have huge amounts of data in existing systems, it is not used effectively for business planning because of the difficulty of retrieving it in a timely manner and useful format. With our new system, any manager will be able toreview cross-functional data and immediately generate a report without waiting for IT support.”

Systems & Software’s General Manager Burt Willey comments, "We're very pleased to be working with the Arlington Water Utilities team. In addition to their investment in information technology to address changing customer expectations, increased competition, and privatization, they recognize the long-term value of an outsourced Total Solution Provider (TSP) implementation. They will be a model for utilities in similar communities in the U.S. who are facing the same challenges, and who need proven partners to Handle the information services aspect of their business. This partnership with AWU is about so much more than CIS and Billing.”

More about Arlington Water Utilities Department
The Arlington Water Utilities Department supplies water and wastewater services toArlington’s citizens. Additionally, the department provides billing and collections services to the City of Arlington for garbage, storm water, and street maintenance services that the City provides. The department manages monthly accounts for more than 92,000 customers, is responsible for water quality, and maintains water treatment and distribution facilities and wastewater collection facilities.(www.ci.arlington.tx.us)

More about Systems & Software
Systems & Software, Inc., a Vermont-based company, provides comprehensive integrated management information systems for water, wastewater, refuse, storm, electric, gas, and multi-service utilities. It offers a unique model of outsourcing that allows utilities to focus on business operations and rely on Systems & Software for complete technology, maintenance, and software support. Since it was founded in 1973, the privately held company has focused exclusively on the utility industry. Customers include public and investor-owned utilities throughout the United States. (www.ssiutilitysuite.com)

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