NetManage to License StarQuest`s StarSQL ODBC Driver

NetManage Inc, a leading supplier of eBusiness access and application integration solutions, and StarQuest Software Inc, a leading provider of Internet infrastructure solutions linking IBM enterprise customers to the Web, announced a strategic agreement aimed at providing NetManage ViewNow customers with fast access to large quantities of data residing on IBM AS/400 host databases.

According to the agreement, NetManage will license StarQuest`s StarSQL ODBC driver with the NetManage ViewNow product line. ViewNow is part of NetManage`s eBusiness framework and is designed to provide organizations with the tools they need to easily bridge the gap between their existing network infrastructure and the new requirements of the Internet economy. The ViewNow product family provides Windows users with a complete set of connectivity applications for access to mainframe, AS/400, and UNIX hosts. In addition to licensing StarSQL for inclusion in the NetManage ViewNow product line, NetManage will sell separately StarQuest`s StarSQL server version. The new ODBC driver from StarQuest will enable ViewNow end users to connect with IBM AS/400 host databases and access massive quantities of data.

"This agreement was driven by the needs of our enterprise customers," said Zvi Alon, CEO of NetManage. "Our tests show that StarQuest delivers at least twice as fast performance as existing solutions. The tremendous speed and reliability of the StarQuest driver will greatly benefit our ViewNow customers when they need to access time-critical or real-time information."

"We are pleased to be selected as a part of the NetManage offering to the AS/400 connectivity market," states StarQuest president Paul Rampel. "StarQuest has always been recognized for its technical expertise and now we can extend that reputation to new markets with the help of the NetManage sales force."

ViewNow and StarSQL Product Features NetManage ViewNow 400 is a complete, high-performance solution for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT connectivity to IBM AS/400 systems. This versatile solution meets end-user needs for fast, reliable access to AS/400 information, while providing administrators with powerful management facilities for centralized configuration, deployment, and control.

StarSQL provides fast, direct access to IBM`s DB2 relational databases from UNIX applications or any Open Database Connectivity (ODBC)-compliant desktop application. Seamless data access is made available to demanding server applications, such as IIS, Netscape LiveWire, NetDynamics, and applications developed to work with Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS).

Availability

ViewNow is currently available from NetManage. StarQuest StarSQL is currently being shipped by NetManage with the ViewNow Suite for IBM AS/400.

About StarQuest

Software Headquartered in Berkeley, California, StarQuest Software Inc provides Internet infrastructure solutions linking IBM enterprise customers to the Web. StarQuest develops and markets software products for seamlessly connecting Windows and UNIX systems to DB2 data and CICS transactions on mainframe and midrange systems.

StarQuest has a strategic relationship with Cisco Systems. StarQuest and Cisco jointly developed Cisco Transaction Connection. StarQuest is a founding member of The Open Group`s Database Interoperability Workgroup, responsible for the adoption of DRDA as an industry standard for data access interoperability. The company is privately held. News and information are available at www.starquest.com.

About NetManage

Founded in 1990, NetManage Inc is a leading provider of a complete portfolio of host access software, applications integration software, centralised management, and real-time support solutions that transform corporate information assets into powerful eBusiness solutions. NetManage offers enterprise organizations a practical and easy migration path to enable their eBusiness initiatives and compete effectively in the growing Internet economy. NetManage sells and services products worldwide through its direct sales force, international subsidiaries and authorised channel partners. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.netmanage.com.