February 21, 2006 - Minneapolis, MN – Open Systems, Inc., a single source provider of business management and accounting software for mid-sized companies, today announced that TRAVERSE version 10.2 has earned the company Front Runner status from Microsoft Corp. TRAVERSE uses SQL Server 2005, the next-generation data management and analysis software that will deliver increased scalability, availability and security to enterprise data and analytical applications while making them easier to create, deploy and manage.

“Microsoft has always been committed to the success of our broad ISV partner community and will continue to rely heavily on that community to drive innovative solutions to market,” said Pradeep Rathinam, general manager of U.S. ISV Strategy in the U.S. Partner Group at Microsoft. “The Front Runner program was designed to provide our partners with the best development environment possible and give them the technical and marketing tools they need to be successful over the long term.”

Microsoft wanted to ensure that ISVs had access to a full host of benefits to enable them to bring best-of-breed solutions to market more quickly and effectively. Giving ISVs the resources they need to fast-track the development of these applications enables customers to start taking advantage of the increased scalability, availability and security of the application built on top of SQL Server 2005 almost immediately, increasing their company’s productivity.

“Open Systems is excited to support SQL Server 2005 because it’s a great platform and a great leap forward,” said Steve Beckey, Vice President of TRAVERSE Development. “Achieving Front Runner status enables us to deliver applications to customers within the same timeframe as the launch of SQL Server 2005. As a result of the solution we have developed, we are uniquely positioned to help our customers get the most from their technology investment.”

TRAVERSE v10.2 capitalizes on the power of SQL Server 2005 to include new built-in analytics functionality on many inquiry functions. A new toolbar is provided on many of the TRAVERSE standard inquiry screens that provide the user with an ability to instantly transform selected inquiry data into Pivot Tables or charts. Default charting information is provided to show information in a logical manner such as sales history in a trending, bar-chart style and aging information in a logical pie chart style, but users can adjust the views to their needs.

Founded in 1976 on the premise of delivering powerful accounting software solutions to small and mid-market customers, Open Systems is a single-source provider of accounting, distribution, manufacturing, not-for-profit, CRM and eBusiness solutions. Products offered include: OPEN SYSTEMS Accounting Software (OSAS) for Windows, UNIX, and Linux users; TRAVERSE for the Microsoft platform; and TRAVERSE eBusiness Solutions. Source code for Open Systems products is provided at no additional cost.