Timberline Introduces Bid Management Software

BEAVERTON, OR, April 18, 2003 -- Timberline Software Corp. (Nasdaq: TMBS) has introduced Bid Management, a Web-based application that speeds up and better manages the invitation-to-bid process in the estimating phase of work for building construction.

Developed by Redwood Shores, Calif.-based BuildPoint Corp., Bid Management is marketed, sold, and supported by Timberline as part of Timberline(R) Office, a suite of integrated financial and operations software for professionals in construction and real estate. Overall, BuildPoint has shown that general contractors can complete their invitation-to-bid process in one-third the time with Bid Management, when compared to other methods. The application also processes faxes at more than 65 times the volume compared to PC-based modems.

BuildPoint will maintain the application's hosted website and database storage for Bid Management users. In addition to marketing and sales, Timberline will handle customer support for the application through its Client Services department, which is certified for its quality performance under the Support Center Practices (SCP) Certification program.

"The relationship between the two companies sheds an enormous light on the Bid Management product," said David Dutton, manager of estimating systems for Cutler Associates, Inc., a Worcester, Mass.-based design-build contractor.

"We found that the Timberline - BuildPoint alliance offered us the best value, features, and long-term benefits. Our decision (to purchase) was not based on the lowest cost solution, but rather on the value of the product's ability to help us reach our goal."

In addition, Dutton noted that Timberline's client service reliability was also a factor in the company's selection. Plus, "Because subcontractors are able to use Bid Management free of charge, they have a strong incentive to join with us in using this new technology," he said.

Offered in both Standard and Extended versions, Bid Management is a Web-based system developed specifically for general contractors. Bid Management enables a contractor's staff to create and distribute a customized invitation-to-bid package in minutes. Users can send these packages to their subcontractors online, or by fax or e-mail. Plus, any user with password permission can log on from any secure PC to access bid status and view information.

An online bidder's sheet and public database, of subcontractor contacts and qualifications, help estimators ensure they have the bid coverage they need by bid day. Bid Management also keeps interested bidders updated with the latest plans and bid information. Subcontractors responding online to invitations to bid can readily view and download requisite plans and information for their bid preparation.

About BuildPoint Corporation

BuildPoint is the leader in provider relationship management (PRM) for the construction industry. The company's PRM2 solution enables general contractors to cut cost, reduce risk, and win more profitable contracts through the creation of a centralized source of subcontractor data and the standardization of the pre-qualification, performance assessment, and bidding processes. BuildPoint is a private company whose investors include J.P. Morgan Chase Partners, RMC Group, SAP Ventures, NorthStar, Techfund Capital, Thomas Weisel Partners, Vortex Partners, and construction.com, part of McGraw-Hill Construction. The company is headquartered in Redwood Shores, Calif. For more information, visit http://www.buildpoint.com.

About Timberline Software Corporation

Founded in 1971, Timberline provides integrated financial and operations software for professionals in construction and real estate. With its network of direct sales professionals, solution providers, consultants and authorized training centers, Timberline serves more than 20,000 customers worldwide. The company's Client Services department has received national recognition for its customer support. Timberline was the first construction and real estate software provider to have earned Support Center Practices (SCP) Certification for excellence in providing technical support to its clients. http://www.timberline.com. 1-800-628-6583.

SOURCE Timberline Software Corporation

Web Site: http://www.timberline.com