News

New Generation Computing, TradeCard Form Strategic Alliance to Link Physical and Financial Supply Chains
Manage full processes from sourcing through settlement

MIAMI, May 17, 2004 - New Generation Computing Inc. (NGC) and TradeCard, Inc. announced that they have formed a strategic alliance creating an integrated solution which enables customers to link their physical and financial supply chains using the same data for both processes.

NGC offers physical supply chain software including a web-based strategic-sourcing software package that enables sourcing executives and vendors to exchange information and manage the production process in real time via the Internet. TradeCard automates the financial processes in the supply chain via a paperless web-based platform to which buyers, sellers and their partners are connected for electronic management, settlement and financing of their transactions. By linking the two, NGC and TradeCard enable companies to automate and track accounts payable and receivable based on packing and procurement information already being captured in the fulfillment process. This provides a fast way for CFOs and treasurers to gain more control over their working capital, while helping operations to reduce paperwork and speed transactions.

Haggar Clothing Co., a major global apparel brand, has acquired the systems to optimize its supply chain.

With the integration, TradeCard's financial supply chain platform will automatically receive documents from NGC. For example, the purchase order, once completed in the buyer's NGC system, will be sent to the TradeCard platform, allowing the buyer and seller to invoke a variety of financial services. Once the seller documents the shipment in NGC, an advance shipping notice will be sent to TradeCard and converted to an invoice and packing list. TradeCard then electronically compares these documents against the terms of the purchase order, using its patented data compliance engine. Based on the buyer's payment decision rules, agreed in advance with the seller, a payment can then be scheduled and processed on the planned payment date. All authorized parties can track the status of the transaction, including discrepancies and payment statuses.

This alliance eliminates the paper documents involved in a financial transaction, while allowing data created at the point of procurement and packing to be used for multiple purposes. In addition to reducing the time and inaccuracies associated with re-keying such data, the NGC-TradeCard alliance increases the visibility that CFOs and treasurers have into their working capital.

"So many companies have made major investments in managing their physical supply chains," said Kurt Cavano, chairman and CEO of TradeCard. "Widely-used software like NGC is a great source of important supply chain data - the kind TradeCard can use to automate manual financial processes. What's also exciting about this alliance is the grip CFOs get over their working capital. With extended visibility into your accounts and operations, you can really improve your working capital position with smart financial services."

Alan Brooks, president of New Generation Computing, added: "We're excited about our partnership with TradeCard and our ability to offer our customers a solution that takes the time and paper out of financial transactions."

About TradeCard
TradeCard is a leading financial supply chain services provider with a Web-based platform that automates the financial processes in supply chains that have been plagued with decades-old paper-based solutions. By using TradeCard, buyers and sellers can manage their transactions with complete visibility to initial orders through final settlement. TradeCard's global network of partners provides additional automated services on the platform including supply chain financing, credit protection, money movement and inspection. In addition to process improvements, customers realize immediate cost savings, optimized cash flow, reduced reliance on credit lines and improved supply chain relationships. Headquartered in New York City, TradeCard, Inc. has offices in San Francisco, Hong Kong, Brussels, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo and Shenzhen. TradeCard is a registered trademark in the United States and elsewhere throughout the world. TradeCard is located online at www.tradecard.com.

About New Generation Computing
New Generation Computing Inc. (NGC) has 25 years of experience developing software for the apparel and sewn products industries. Manufacturers, brand managers, retailers and importers use NGC's business applications to manage the design, sourcing and production of finished products. NGC's business applications include the NGC SQL Series, the only integrated product development, global sourcing and ERP system that is available today to sewn products enterprises. The NGC SQL Series consists of e-PDM, a product lifecycle management tool; e-SPS, a global sourcing and production system; and REDHORSE, a comprehensive ERP system. NGC's other products are EZ-Ship, a labeling, scan/pack and shipping system; e-RMM, a raw-material management system; TPM a shop-floor control and manufacturing execution system; AMAS, a specialized apparel business control, accounting, import management and MRP system; and Full Package. Headquartered in Miami, NGC has sales offices worldwide and more than 500 clients, including VF Corporation, Haggar Clothing Company, Dick's Sporting Goods Inc., Wilsons Leather, Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc., Kellwood Company, Hugo Boss, Gold Toe Brands Inc., Russell Corp., Ralph Lauren Childrenswear, Maidenform Inc. and William Carter Co. For more information, call NGC at (305) 556-9122, e-mail sales@ngcsoftware.com or visit www.ngcsoftware.com.



*****

This press release contains a number of matters that constitute forward-looking statements. The presentation reflects the current views of TradeCard's management with respect to future events and is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements.