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With its Enterprise Resource Planning software, Epicor (formerly Platinum Software) provides companies with "blueprints" of their businesses. The program essentially maps out how a company's data and applications fit together on a network. These data items can include anything from purchase orders and inventories to marketing costs, customer service, and foreign currency transactions. History The company was founded in 1984, by Gerald Blackie, Timothy McMullen, and Kevin Riegelsberger, who developed the first financial accounting software for multi-user LAN-based environments (The Platinum Series). In 1992, the then-named Platinum introduced SQL, an accounting application for networks, designed to run with Microsoft products. One of Platinum's most successful products, SQL has won a number of awards, including the 1997 Microsoft Industry Solutions Award for "Best Functionality." New leadership The company brought in L. George Klaus as CEO in February 1996. He quickly hired 140 new sales and technical personnel and increased contacts with independent programmers for freelance assignments. Klaus also bolstered the company's sales operations by renewing relationships with a network of independent sales representatives and reinstated the company's in-house direct salesforce, which had been eliminated shortly before his arrival. Klaus is credited with bringing the company back to life. The company changed its name from Platinum Software to Epicor Software in 1999, ending trademark litigation with Platinum Technology. Branching out As the largest provider of performance software for mid-size companies, Epicor's next step is diversification. In 2000 the company introduced its Enterprise Applications Interface, an "enterprise-wide solution" that combines resource planning, sales force automation, and payroll and human resource programs to allow real-time information access throughout the enterprise. EAI acts as a gateway between applications run within a particular organization or among separate organizations in the value chain. This newest means for integrating front and back offices systems is part of the company's e-business applications, e by Epicore. In addition, the company has successfully broadened its market focus through partnerships with other companies as well as acquisitions and in-house development. It has partnerships with technology and hardware companies (including Compaq, HP, and Novell), software companies (including Microsoft, Best Software, and Paradigm Technologies), and related distribution vendors. Through one such alliance with EC Company, Epicor is developing an electronic invoice and secure payment-processing system for online shopping. Shopping spree In 1999, Epicor acquired Logic Works, manufacturer of the best-selling data modeling software in the industry. The addition of Logic Works' products makes Epicor a dominant force in the enterprise modeling market. Combined, their applications offer the most comprehensive technology for modeling application components, databases and business processes. This technology is used by application developers, database administrators, and data warehouse managers. The company is also looking to beef up its international presence by growing 50 percent annually in Asia, and 35 percent worldwide in the next three to five years. Plans for a merger? Despite its continued growth, industry analysts say Epicor is a prime acquisition target itself. This is reinforced by the fact that CEO Klaus has made a name for himself revamping and selling Silicon Valley companies. Prior to joining Epicor, he was called in to fix up San Jose-based Frame Technology Corp., where he led a massive restructuring before the company was snatched up by Adobe Systems in 1995. However Klaus denies that he has intentions of selling off Epicor anytime soon. Victim of Y2K Epicore was hit hard by the Y2K frenzy, as customers ceased spending and investing in anticipation of mass computer problems at the end of the century. In January 2000 Epicore announced that it will lay off 11 percent of its workforce and close several offices worldwide. The preceeding year did have positive points for the company though, as its Clientele won "Gold Best in Class" at the industry's first Users Choice Awards, which was based solely on customer call-in voting. At the end of 1999 Epicore introduced its Platinum ERA Business Performance Suite, the first complete prepackaged solution for mid-size companies.
Epicor posts openings for national and international jobs on its website, www.epicor.com. Resumes may be faxed, posted, or e-mailed to the Human Resources department at the Irvine, CA headquarters. According to one insider, "they screen you pretty good, though it varies for each department." He also adds that "referrals definitely help."
It's Santa Klaus! Overall, insiders are thrilled that George Klaus came aboard. Sources say the new CEO "has made a special effort to build a positive and pleasant corporate culture." In addition to improving the company's financial health, Klaus has been instrumental in improving morale, "which helps productivity," notes one employee. Since he arrived, the he has instituted an annual company picnic, and throws a party after each quarterly all-company meeting. "With our recent financial successes," adds one insider, "we have had a lot to party about." Cheap drinks Work hours are "40 to 45 hours a week, though people will work overtime and weekends as special needs come up." Employees say "the compensation is good," and are relatively pleased with insurance and other benefits. One source revealed a "small but interesting perk ? we can buy soft drinks [in the office] for 25 cents." "It may not seem like much," he continues, "but it's a good indicator of a change in company culture and even financial health." Dress requirements vary, based on position. Employees with regular client contact (marketing, executives, sales) "tend to dress up ? shirts and ties, nice dresses, and business suits for presentations or customer visits." In development and tech support, "people dress down ? polo shirts, jeans, and occasionally shorts." Outside of the "regular stress and deadlines," employees say Epicor is "a pleasant place to work," and "the people are great."
Nancy Orr Human Resources
Baan;Computer Associates;Computron Software;Oracle Corp.;PeopleSoft;Ross Systems;SAP AG;Tivoli Systems More Company Profiles For more career information, go to Vault.com ©2000, Vault.com Inc
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