NetManage, Inc., specialists in host access and integration solutions, on Aug. 6 announced that Bentley Motors, a manufacturer of luxury performance automobiles, has chosen NetManage's OnWeb to provide its 150 dealers around the world with a method of retrieving host-based customer information over the Internet.

According to NetManage, the new Web-based solution supports customer service by providing dealers with instant access to service, parts and warranty records; boosts dealer satisfaction by eliminating time-consuming dial-up connections to remote systems; and reduces Bentley's communication and training costs.

Bentley is a legendary brand in the automotive industry, recognized for its unrivaled levels of craftsmanship combined with luxury and performance.

The company runs dealer warranty, parts and service applications on an IBM AS/400 host. Prior to the implementation of OnWeb, remote users including domestic and international dealers had to perform a multi-step process to access core applications. The process involved connecting to the Internet using dial-up connections to one of a limited number of service providers, and performing several sign on and authentication procedures that increased the time required to process transactions.

While the system worked reasonably well, the company saw an opportunity to further streamline the process and enhance dealer satisfaction. The new OnWeb implementation offers dealers instant Web-based access, eliminates the need for dial-up, and reduces the multiple authentication steps, providing them with faster, easier access to AS/400 applications. As a result, dealers can more effectively serve customers and process warranty claims, according to NetManage.

"Dealers are key to our success and we endeavor to provide them with the same high quality service as we provide to our customers," said Mike Mayer, technical support manager for Bentley Motors. "To help achieve our goal, we needed a simple Web-based solution that could be rolled-out quickly and cost-effectively but would also be easy to maintain and modernize as we grow. We have an excellent relationship with NetManage and the OnWeb solution has been perfect for delivering a fast, easy solution for our dealer network."

Bentley dealers can now use local ISPs, which are more convenient and less costly than dial-up connections and bypass front-end servers for immediate access to host-based applications. Additionally, browser-based systems are easier to maintain and dealers do not require specialized training to access key customer information.

"With OnWeb, companies such as Bentley Motors are making smart choices to leverage existing systems to deliver core business results," said Zvi Alon, chairman, CEO and president of NetManage. "Successful implementations around the world demonstrate that OnWeb consistently delivers unmatched speed of implementation and fast ROI."

About OnWeb

NetManage's OnWeb is a server-based, host integration solution designed to allow companies to quickly access and extend host information, applications and business processes to customers, partners and employees in the presentation format and device of their choice.

Using a drag-and-drop environment, OnWeb allows the integration of legacy data into Web applications from an extensive range of data sources, including IBM mainframes; AS/400, UNIX, VT, and Unisys systems; and major databases. Host publishing features enable companies to rapidly transform host screens into graphical Web pages with no programming. Companies can also integrate multiple data sources and powerful new business logic into a single user presentation.

About NetManage

Founded in 1990, NetManage, Inc., specialist in host access and integration solutions, provides software and consulting services to extend and maximize a company's investment in existing legacy systems and applications.

NetManage offers application integration, Web publishing and host access software for mid-size and Global 2000 enterprises. NetManage has more than 30,000 customers including 480 of the Fortune 500.

NetManage sells and services it products worldwide through its direct sales force, international subsidiaries, and authorized channel partners. NetManage is headquartered in Cupertino, California and has offices worldwide.

For more information, visit www.netmanage.com.