Ventura, CA -- April 29, 2002 -- Cebiz, LLC today announced the launch of a completely web-based project management software system that is designed to help companies increase productivity, manage projects more effectively, and provide a central information and communication point for virtual teams.

TeamSync™ Pro can be used by project-oriented companies, or teams separated by distance, time zones, work cultures, or administrative structures. It brings scheduling, budgeting, asset management, communications, and other functions together into a powerful yet easy-to-use system that offers benefits for virtually every type of company -- including those in the CE space: manufacturers, rep and distributor firms, project-oriented retail and system integrators, and their vendors and subcontractors.

"It's really about keeping everyone on the same page," said Cebiz vice president Kevin St.John Leja. "TeamSync really was borne out of our own situation. Each member of our management team is in a different location. We needed an efficient way to coordinate our day-to-day work and keep on top of ongoing projects. So we developed a web-based file transfer area where we could upload and download visual and textual assets for ourselves and for our clients. We found we were saving hundreds of dollars immediately in overnight delivery charges alone! It grew from there."

Leja continued, "How companies control a project -- its costs, its people, its electronic assets -- is a good barometer of how well they are run and whether they'll make a profit at the end of the day. Some companies do better than others when controlling project parameters. Unfortunately, the more people involved, the more non-linear the communication and information stream, and the more things can get off track. It's not always easy making sure all the players are on track. For a lot of companies, it's a wonder they ever get anything done. TeamSync brings it all together."

With TeamSync, project teams can access, update, and use critical information quickly and easily -- from anywhere, at anytime -- through a browser and an Internet connection. It features an uncluttered and highly intuitive interface, allowing department heads, project managers, and teams to start using it immediately -- even if they've never before used a project management program.

A multi-level permission structure allows administrators to selectively give access to companies, groups, or individuals, all the way down to the file level. The program also includes an AutoAlert e-mail system that automatically notifies team members of additions or changes to any project information, including task assignments, scheduling, discussions, and posted files.

Practical Applications
Leja gave several examples of how CE industry companies could benefit from TeamSync: "A manufacturer might have several product development projects going on at once, with engineering, R&D, operations, and sales and marketing all contributing to several projects at the same time. Additionally, the manufacturer might have in a few or in dozens of locations, a field sales force with which they must constantly communicate and share information. They also might want to give the press and dealers online access to an electronic storehouse of company collateral and visual assets. TeamSync can do all that and more.

"A rep or distributor could use TeamSync to track field sales reps' activities and reports, or give customers access to online catalogs or knowledgebases. These are easily created with TeamSync."