Ascend Software and Brainware Invoice Automation Implemented by Hot Topic

Retailer Streamlines Invoice Processing with Combined Automation Solution

February 10, 2011, Brea, CA and Ashburn, VA —Ascend Software and Brainware announced today that they have partnered to deliver Ascend’s SmartTouch AP™ application and Brainware Distiller™ to Hot Topic, Inc., a California-based chain of apparel and accessory retailers. This implementation will enable Hot Topic to optimize their invoice processing through imaging, intelligent data capture and workflow automation with real-time Lawson integration.

“Hot Topic selected Ascend’s SmartTouch AP Automation and the Brainware Distiller intelligent data capture solution to help with process improvement, reduce costs and promote green initiatives,” said Deborah Creek, Finance Systems Manager, Hot Topic, Inc.

“By combining our advanced workflow and document management applications with the most advanced data extraction technology on the market, Ascend and Brainware are able to offer companies like Hot Topic a complete solution for their invoice processing needs,” said Jacinta Tobin, EVP, Product Management of Ascend Software. “These solutions allow customers to achieve substantial productivity gains from their staff, and demonstrate the effective value proposition created by the partnership of Ascend and Brainware, both recognized leaders in the field of business process automation.”

“Intelligent data capture technology integrates with a host of business process applications to boost productivity to levels that were, until recently, only a pipe dream,” said Colin Kaye, Vice President of Strategic Alliances for Brainware. “With Brainware’s advanced data extraction capabilities and Ascend’s Workflow and Enterprise Content Management Solution, Hot Topic will be positioned to minimize the resources needed to pay bills, as well as increase transparency into financial metrics that inform strategic, effective cash management.”

About Hot Topic, Inc.

Hot Topic, Inc. is a mall and web based specialty retailer operating the Hot Topic and Torrid concepts, as well as the e-space music concept, ShockHound. Hot Topic offers music/pop culture-licensed and music/pop culture-influenced apparel, accessories, music and gift items for young men and women principally between the ages of 12 and 22. Torrid offers apparel, lingerie, shoes and accessories designed for various lifestyles for plus-size females principally between the ages of 15 and 29. ShockHound is a genre-spanning music website where people of all ages can purchase MP3s and music merchandise, share their music interests, read the latest music news and view exclusive editorial content. As of January 29, 2011, the company operated 657 Hot Topic stores in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada and 153 Torrid stores.

About Ascend Software

Since 1997, Ascend Software has developed business process management solutions which provide greater cost savings automation and are easy to implement. Ascend’s enterprise information management solution was designed from the ground up to archive all types of information (i.e., reports, documents, images and all file types). Additionally, Ascend developed their advanced workflow solution that provides greater automation and is the foundation for their SmartTouch Solutions. Ascend’s advanced automation overcomes challenges typically found in workflow solutions and is the reason for the implementation success. Ascend’s solutions are implemented in all industries and distributed in fourteen countries. Headquartered in Brea, California, the company has branch offices in Tennessee, Maine, and Virginia. Visit http://www.ascendsoftware.com for more information.