IT support is one of the most important research and development areas for our company. That is why Bulgarpress started with the development of a strong IT division back in 1995. A main task of DMA (Distribution and Management Services) back then was the describing of the distribution process in algorithms. The latter are used for both creation of software products and for optimization of workflow alone. Now a little history: Back in 1996, the first version of Bulgarpress' distribution software was implemented. It was based on Microsoft Excel and included: Distribution module, Printouts module and Cash flow module. In 1997 was implemented the first MS Access version of the software and a module for Store management was added. In 1998, the IT division was expanded and started developing software for mobile devices (Palm Pilot). By cooperation with some Sofia University scientists, a new device was created for on-location sales data input. Later on, Bulgarpress implemented Palm devices for on-location sale processing. The possibility for a timely collection of sales data enabled Bulgarpress to start automated forecast creation for the suppliers. In 1999, the full conversion to MS Access based software was completed. With some new additions to the IT team, the concept of automated forecast of sales took its final shape. The sales data from previous years allowed for long-term forecasting procedures to be implemented. Starting in 2000, Bulgarpress became the sole supplier for foreign press and books for Shell Bulgaria. For the purpose of increasing the effectiveness when supplying gas-station chains, DMS has developed a low-priced Palm system with a barcode scanner (based on Symbol's SPT1500) accompanied by the corresponding software. This allows for fast inventory checks when visiting gas stations. This was a revolutionary solution for not only press distribution in Bulgaria but also for East and Central European (ECE) press distribution companies. Our software tools were presented to the companies abroad and there was a significant interest in purchasing the solutions. The software was purchased by Antalyapress, Turkey and fully implemented within a month. During 2201 and 2002, because of the flawless performance of the tools, many new modules were developed: subscription module, automatic distribution module, delivery note printout module, etc. At this time, the first web pages of Bulgarpress were created. In 2002, Globalpress, Serbia contracted us for software and expertise support. For Globalpress we developed new structure of the software and new modules, with two new version of the database. At the same time, the software was implemented in "Milena 154", Moscow - a company performing export of Russian periodical and books to Bulgaria. The expansion of the group of companies that Bulgarpress is a part of, along with the apparent need of software support, led to the next enlargement of the software team. In the beginning of 2003, we started the development of software for our truck repair activities. The same year we implemented the Multiservice software product, based on Java technology for our workshop in Slivnitza. Later we hired professional java programmers to rewrite the Bulgarpress software in Java. Another purpose of the newly hired Alpha team was to start creating software tools for our transportation activities of Transpress. The goals are to finish Bulgarpress software by the end of 2004, and the Transpess one by mid 2005. Currently the IT division has a unit for hardware support and development, looking after the flawless performance of the computer hardware and following on the IT developments that may be in benefit of our activities. Bulgarpress, alike many other companies in Bulgaria, give emphasis to new technologies in order to increase workflow effectiveness. The benefit of having an IT division is not only the prompt and effective solving of day-to-day problems, but rather the creation of a product that is at the cutting-edge world business level. The IT division is engaged in a constant improving of software support of the company, based on custom-made software products. The latter being based on the vast experience of Bulgarpress IT professionals. We are proficient not only in the press distribution activities and workflow, but also in a number of other business activities. The large number of IT professionals employed in our IT division guarantees delivering of a product with a constantly increasing quality.