Maxwell Systems, Inc., a leading provider of integrated construction business management software solutions, announced the release of Maxwell Systems(TM) American Contractor(TM) 8.0. This version of Maxwell Systems' business management software solution for contractors features a new user interface and includes significant enhancements for improved productivity.

Features of American Contractor 8.0 include:

-- New look and functionality - A Microsoft Outlook(R) user interface improves use and navigation with features in a logical order and always at user's fingertips, which enhances productivity and efficiency. Functions are organized in a new architecture that allows multiple records open at once, so, for example, a user may analyze a job budget while viewing a customer explorer record and opening a subcontractor record.

-- Lists - Users may now sort lists by simply double-clicking a column heading and move columns by clicking and dragging a selection. These lists also introduce helpful filters and a "Find" feature.

-- Estimating - RFIs, transmittals, submittals, etc. are now available for proposals, which further allows for a seamless process and improved communication.

"We designed a new user interface for American Contractor 8.0 so the solution would mimic the look and feel of Microsoft Outlook," said Jim Flynn, President and CEO, Maxwell Systems. "By incorporating a popular visual and navigational style that our customers can relate to and understand, we have further improved the usability of our software for our 15,000 American Contractor users as well as for future customers who will more quickly learn the software. Doing so provides significant value to our customers who will be able to better speed workflow for improved productivity and operational efficiencies. This release has been highly anticipated by our customers and was a focus of much buzz and attention at the Maxwell Systems 2008 Annual Conference where they first viewed this new version of American Contractor."

"Using American Contractor 8.0 helps me work with more efficiency and ease," said Andy Daigneau, Controller, Scherer Construction & Engineering of West Florida. "It is great doing research using American Contractor version 8.0, because the new interface makes navigation a breeze and I can easily view accounts, history, and reports without having to close other windows. Doing more in less time, that's what business is about."

Maxwell Systems American Contractor is a feature-rich, comprehensive business management software solution for the construction industry that helps companies achieve operational efficiencies, cost reductions, and increased profits. American Contractor's versatility makes it the right fit for any size construction or service business, and robust estimating capabilities -- from digital takeoff through invoice creation -- help contractors manage projects more efficiently.