HORSHAM, Pennsylvania, October 20 /PRNewswire/ --

- Leveraging Astea's FieldCentrix Solution to Improve Field Technician Productivity, Drive Service Consistency Standards, and Elevate Customer Satisfaction

Astea International Inc. (Nasdaq: ATEA), the leader in service lifecycle management and mobility solutions announced that UTC Fire Security (UTCFS), a global provider of fire safety and security solutions, has recently completed the first phase of an international deployment of Astea's FieldCentrix solution -- including the FX Service Center(R), FX Mobile(R) and FX e-Service(TM) applications.

Prior to implementing Astea's FieldCentrix solution, UTCFS's office and field personnel relied on paperwork and manual processes. The UTCFS Mobile Field Service Automation initiative has wirelessly enabled the field work force thereby reducing the amount of paperwork and manual processes.

Astea's FieldCentrix solution suite offers three primary benefits:

-- Astea's extensive and proven experience providing global field service and mobility solutions to enterprise companies.

-- The FieldCentrix solution suite provides a single, centralized data repository to support global operations enabling UTCFS to deliver a consistent, standardized level of service regardless of location.

-- The solution provides complete service management mobility functionality, incorporating industry best practices, and ease of integration.

UTCFS was looking for a customer-centric solution that would facilitate the standardization of its service delivery processes, support various types of work assignments, such as installations and inspections, and be capable of both reactive and proactive service. The team also needed the solution to provide the ability to continuously measure key performance indicators around the business and customers, said John Tobin, President, Astea International.

The Astea FX Service Center and FX Mobile solution provides unprecedented command over field service operations and helps effectively manage call taking, entitlement verification, field personnel scheduling and dispatching, customer service, work orders, time sheets, service agreements, inventory and equipment tracking, pre-invoicing, and reporting. Field service technicians are able to receive work orders electronically and complete their work uninterrupted, regardless of wireless coverage.

UTCFS is planning for subsequent phases for the future with potential rollout totaling between 6,000 to 8,000 field technicians.

UTC Fire Security is an innovative, forward-looking company and when evaluating solutions it was clear they wanted a partner that would be able to support their growth and acquisition strategy, yet be flexible to adapt to their ongoing business needs, said Tobin. We're delighted that UTC Fire Security chose Astea to help them achieve the highest levels of service and we look forward to continue working closely with them to drive maximum benefits for their implementation.

Astea helps companies worldwide achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction with faster response times and proactive communication, creating a seamless, consistent and highly personalized experience at every touch point. The company can be reached at +1-215-682-2500.

About UTC Fire Security

UTC Fire Security is a global provider of fire safety and security solutions serving more than one million customers throughout the world. It is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries worldwide. For more information please visit www.utcfireandsecurity.com.

About Astea International

Astea International (Nasdaq: ATEA) is a global provider of service management software that addresses the unique needs of companies who manage capital equipment, mission critical assets and human capital. With the acquisition of FieldCentrix, Astea complements its existing portfolio with the industry's leading mobile field service execution solutions. Astea is helping companies drive even higher levels of customer satisfaction with faster response times and proactive communication, creating a seamless, consistent and highly personalized experience at every customer relationship touch point. Since its inception in 1979, Astea has licensed applications to companies, around the world, in a wide range of sectors including information technology, telecommunications, instruments and controls, business systems, HVAC, gaming/leisure, imaging, industrial equipment, and medical devices. www.astea.com. Service Smart. Enterprise Proven.

Astea International Inc. Astea and Astea Alliance are trademarks of Astea International Inc. All other company and product names contained herein are trademarks of the respective holders.

Web site: http://www.astea.com http://www.utcfireandsecurity.com

Debbie Geiger, Vice President, Marketing of Astea International, +1-215-682-2500, dgeiger@astea.com