Great Plains Software Provides Information for Partners Via Online
Communication Service

Great Plains Heightens Partner Communications with PlainsOnline Solution

New York, June 20, 1995 -- Great Plains Software announced today further
commitment to its Partner channel by providing PlainsOnline, an electronic
communication service that provides an effective avenue for the exchange
of timely information. Developed using Lotus Notes, PlainsOnline offers
on-demand access to information and provides a forum for communications
between Great Plains and Great Plains Partners. PlainsOnline utilizes
electronic databases to help Partners become more productive and efficient
when conducting day-to-day business tasks- including researching technical
information and placing orders by providing up-to-date technical Q&A,
current price lists, and information about programs and promotions.

"Great Plains has truly capitalized on the benefits of Lotus Notes with the
development of PlainsOnline," said Don Bulens, director Business Partner
Programs, Lotus Development Program. "They have developed an application
that provides an efficient line of communication with their Partners. This
allows them to share knowledge and expertise in an effective manner."

"Through the development of PlainsOnline, Great Plains is reinforcing the
commitment to their channel," said Bulens. "This tool will allow their
Partners to stay ahead of the competition by providing a consistent source
of accurate and concise information that is critical to Partner success."

Using Databases to Provide References and Interaction

Twelve databases are available for Partners to derive information for
themselves and their customers. This service also provides Partners with
the ability to communicate about issues and programs that affect them.

"PlainsOnline allows us to provide our Partners with more timely
information at their fingertips. Interaction between Great Plains and our
Partner channel is greater than it's ever been, helping us move forward as
a team," said Don Nelson, director of Channel Marketing at Great Plains
Software. "This online, up-to-date information will enhance the business
productivity of our Partner channel which, in turn, will improve service
to their customers.

Key PlainsOnline Databases

Partner Exchange -- is an electronic mail system designed to enhance
Partner communications and typical processes with Great Plains. Partners
can pose questions to the Technical Support team, place orders and
communicate with other Partners.

"Using Partner Exchange to send and receive messages with attached word
processing and graphic files to other Partners and developers has been a
very efficient way to communicate," said Great Plains Partner Bill
Sorenson of Automated Accounting Solutions, Dallas, Texas. "An example is
coordinating details related to capturing a Dynamics sale with associates
in Lubbock, Texas and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. We were able to
review aspects of the sale and reply within minutes."

Partner Source -- displays the most current news from Great Plains
including information pertaining to each of the product lines, current
Partner and customer programs and services, press releases, literature,
and product price lists. Information is available in a high quality, ready
to print format, allowing Partners to copy information and paste
information into a word processing application for instantaneous use and
distribution.

TechKnowledge Databases -- provide current, up-to-the minute technical
information for the Great Plains Accounting, Dynamics Product Family and
Dexterity products. Partners use this channel of communication to collect
and inquire about technical product information compiled by Technical
Support team members. This critical information provides Partners with the
information needed to supply their customers with superior technical
support.

Currently, more than 5,900 technical answers and solutions exist and the
numbers continue to grow by an average of 75 entries per week. Partners
can pinpoint particular subjects or entries using search capabilities
within PlainsOnline.

Developer Links -- contains information about independent software
developers and their products. This database focuses on business solutions
that complement the Dynamics Product Family and Great Plains Accounting.

Discussion Boards -- provide a forum for Partners to communicate with each
other and with Great Plains Software. Product-specific discussion boards
are available through PlainsOnline, including information about: Dynamics,
Great Plains Accounting, Dexterity, Profit and PlainsOnline.

Each database provides multiple view options and specific information can
be found quickly and easily using a "keyword" or full text search option.

PlainsOnline utilizes CompuServe's Enterprise Connect to provide the
ability to replicate the databases using a local telephone call. This
service is available 24 hours a day seven days a week. The alpha version
of PlainsOnline was first available August 1994; Great Plains Partners are
now using PlainsOnline Version 3.2.

Great Plains Software develops, markets, and supports accounting and
financial management software worldwide. The company offers solutions
ranging from corporate client/server systems to small business integrated
accounting software. Great Plains was founded in 1981 and is privately
owned.

Great Plains Software
1701 Southwest 38th St
Fargo, ND 58103
701-281-0550,  fax 701-281-6600

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