Avalara Embraces the Windows Azure Platform for SAAS Development Leading provider of on-demand sales tax automation actively developing on new platform

Bainbridge Island, WA — Nov. 17, 2009 — Avalara (www.avalara.com), the leading provider of Web- powered sales and use tax automation solutions for businesses of all sizes, is actively developing on the Windows Azure platform and is excited about the prospects of delivering its industry-leading tax automation service via the Windows Azure platform.

“We are very excited about the Windows Azure platform and we view cloud computing as an important element in delivering software as a service,” said Rory Rawlings, Avalara’s founder and chief tax automation officer.

Avalara has been an early adopter and developer of innovative technologies since its inception in 2004, when it became the first company to deliver highly accurate, instantaneous sales tax calculations over the internet.

“Microsoft has been a fabulous ally in our development effort,” Rawlings continued. “They have been extremely helpful in guiding our implementation of this exciting new technology. We use Microsoft technologies throughout our technology-driven business and expect to utilize the Windows Azure platform for our service.”

“We are excited to have Avalara’s tax automation solutions being developed on the Windows Azure platform,” said Doug Hauger, general manager of Windows Azure at Microsoft Corp. “With the Windows Azure platform, Avalara will be able to create a flexible financial solution that will scale to demand as well as create a seamless experience for its customers.”

Avalara also recently announced compatibility with Windows 7. The company’s service is delivered from Microsoft SQL Server and integrates seamlessly with major accounting and financial planning systems, including Microsoft Dynamics NAV, GP, AX, SL, and CRM. The company’s Software Development Kit is a .NET service used by thousands of Avalara customers across North America and abroad.

“We’ve always been committed to using Microsoft technologies,” Rawlings concluded. “Microsoft has recognized us as a leading example of its Software Plus Services (S+S) provider, and we are fully prepared to move ahead with Windows Azure.”

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About Avalara:Avalara is transforming the sales and use tax compliance process for businesses of all sizes by delivering advanced technology solutions that provide the fastest, easiest, most accurate, and affordable way for companies to address their statutory tax requirements. Chosen by nearly 10,000 businesses throughout the U.S., Canada, and abroad, and a trusted provider of over 100 million sales tax calculations annually, Avalara is the recognized leader in web-based sales tax services and solutions. For more information, please visit www.avalara.com

For more information, contact Althea Azeff at (206) 780-7000 x116 or althea.azeff@avalara.com.