Announcing software rental support to eliminate redundant licenses; empowering employees to self‐serve the software and services they need, saving helpdesk time

LAS VEGAS, NV – MICROSOFT MANAGEMENT SUMMIT ‐ APRIL 28, 2008 – 1E, a leading provider of software and professional services for Windows Management, today announced the release of Shopping 3.0, a software solution that allows enterprise desktop users to request and receive software items without helpdesk intervention. The self‐service provisioning solution fully integrates with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007/SMS 2003 and Active Directory. A software license rental feature, new to Shopping 3.0, enables period‐based application rental, which optimizes license usage and availability, while significantly reducing licensing costs.

Shopping's fully featured API enables seamless integration with in‐house or third‐party applications. A familiar "shopping cart" –style web‐based interface puts the user in control of obtaining applications or non‐software items such as security access. Simple Shopping requests can be delivered in minutes without the need for contacting the helpdesk. The automated process ensures requests are authorized and audited in the fastest possible time. As requests are completed in less time, this increases worker productivity and satisfaction.

"I am excited by the launch of Shopping 3.0, particularly by the rental feature and its ability to dramatically reduce license costs. Shopping avoids perpetual license purchasing by intelligently redistributing software applications, thereby maximizing the value gained from the license base," said Sumir Karayi, CEO and Founder of 1E, "This self‐service solution reduces helpdesk calls significantly and empowers the user to choose what they need, when they need it, and control the delivery time to minimize disruption."

Cost Savings

Shopping 3.0 enables unprecedented levels of visibility and control over software licenses, enabling IT staff to remotely install, modify or remove software as necessary, and avoid licenses going to waste when users change location or leave the organization.

The Shopping "rental" model allows enterprises to derive maximum value from their software purchases and eliminate the unnecessary cost associated with un‐used licenses or short‐term application requirements. This model also has minimal affect on the end‐user by giving the user an option to extend the lease.

Ease of Use

For IT managers, Shopping 3.0 is easy to install and maintain. Designed to support enterprise organizations, Shopping 3.0 is a low impact solution that does not require any business process engineering.

The automated solution is ideal for all large‐scale environments, including branch offices. Shopping 3.0 allows for localized approval, enabling approvers and deputy approvers to be defined and associated with computers in a specific location. Furthermore, the tiered security process enables a wider distribution of lower risk administration tasks while maintaining centralized control over sensitive tasks, allowing local administrators to make local decisions without affecting overall security. Shopping 3.0 provides automated email notification at every significant stage, keeping all stakeholders informed of request, approval and delivery status.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Joey Marquart (Edelman
(212) 704‐8133  joey.marquart@edelman.com