Activant Solutions to Buy Speedware Corporation

Activant(TM) Solutions Inc., a leading provider of vertical ERP solutions, and Speedware Corporation Inc. (Toronto: SPW) today announced that they have entered into an agreement
in which Activant intends to acquire Speedware, including its operating
divisions Enterprise Computer Systems (ECS) Inc., Prelude Systems Inc.,
OpenERP Solutions, and Speedware Ltd. Under the terms of an agreement signed
on January 24, 2005, an Activant subsidiary will, subject to certain
conditions, make a tender offer to purchase all of the issued and outstanding
shares of common stock of Speedware Corporation, including all shares of
common stock issuable upon exercise of currently outstanding options and
warrants, for CDN$3.91 per share in cash.

The acquisition of Speedware would expand Activant's customer base,
vertical industry coverage and technology suite. In addition, the anticipated
acquisition would grow Activant's installed base to over 20,000 customer
locations.

Activant has identified four key vertical segments for the company's
growth, which are lumber and building materials (LBM), automotive aftermarket,
wholesale trade, and hardware and home center retailing. By incorporating the
Speedware product line, Activant bolsters its offerings in these segments.
Both Activant and Speedware have well-received solutions for LBM customers and
will leverage the deep technology expertise and combined 50 years of industry
experience to deliver increased innovation and service to LBM customers.
Prelude's Advanced Distribution System (ADS) will expand Activant's presence
and momentum serving wholesale trade customers.

In addition, OpenERP will introduce Activant to small and mid-size
manufacturing customers with next-generation ERP and supply chain applications
built on open source platforms. Speedware Ltd. delivers business intelligence
and system migration tools, which complement the product offerings of both
companies.

"Activant is focused on growth and acquisitions to become the premier
technology provider of vertical ERP software and solutions to select
industries," said Larry Jones, CEO of Activant Solutions. "The acquisition of
Speedware is our first big step in this new direction and lays the foundation
for revenue growth, technology innovation and increased thought leadership in
key vertical segments."

"Activant's deep vertical expertise, large installed customer base and
solid technology are a natural fit with Speedware's business," said Andrew
Gutman, CEO of Speedware Corporation. "We believe the combined entity will
give our customers additional world-class service and best-of-breed products
for driving their business growth."

The offer, which will be subject to customary closing conditions, is
expected to close within 45 to 60 days. As permitted under US securities law,
the offer will be conducted as a take-over bid in accordance with applicable
Canadian securities law.

Activant has also entered into an agreement with certain securityholders
of Speedware who have agreed to tender securities representing approximately
48% of the outstanding common shares of Speedware (on a fully diluted basis)
to the offer.

The statements contained in this document which are not historical facts
are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including statements as to industry
trends, future products or services, and products or service line growth or
performance. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are
inherently uncertain and subject to risks. Actual results may differ
materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a
difference include but are not limited to unrealized market demand for our
services, the ability to retain the people performing services, and those
risks and uncertainties identified in Activant's most recent Annual Report on
Form 10-K which has been filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission. Activant assumes no duty to update information contained in this
document at any time.

Press Contacts:
Jane Gideon
Incendio International for Activant Solutions
Tel: 1-415-682-9292
jane@incendiopr.com

Nick Cristiano
Speedware Corporation
Tel: 1-514-747-7007
ncristiano@speedware.com