Applications:

"Command & Control" Solution Enables Proactive Analytics

iSpheres Corporation, pioneer of software infrastructures for powering the agile enterprise, and Hyperion, a leader in business analysis software, announced a joint partnership to drive a new class of analytics called event-driven On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP). Event-driven OLAP incorporates deep historical analysis with real-time events to proactively manage risk in real-time, enabling decision makers to analyze and react to relevant business events the moment they occur. Early prototypes have been built for the financial services sector to proactively manage risk associated with global cash positions, and for the manufacturing industry to dynamically adapt to disruptions across the extended supply chain.

"Traditional OLAP provides deep insight into historical data, but when this historical context is applied to real-time data, corporate decision makers can optimize their financial and operational processes," said Robert Gersten, general manager, Hyperion Essbase Solutions. "This partnership can dramatically expand the reach of Hyperion Essbase by incorporating real-time analytical events from enterprise applications and external data sources."

How it works

Together, Hyperion and iSpheres have integrated Hyperion Essbase with the iSpheres MetaApp Framework to provide a real-time, event-driven OLAP infrastructure for joint customers. When iSpheres detects an event, it is routed to Hyperion Essbase along with a command to initiate a Hyperion Essbase analysis model. The output -- which can be the result of either an automated, closed-loop analysis or manual manipulation -- is monitored by iSpheres MetaApp Framework and may be used to invoke other distributed services such as functions inside ERP systems, transactions at online marketplaces, and wireless alerts to PDAs. The end result is a proactive, event-driven OLAP solution for managing risk in real-time.

Hyperion Essbase provides the tools for:

• Defining the analytical events for iSpheres MetaApp Framework
• Transparently applying historical data context to real-time events fed back into Hyperion Essbase from iSpheres MetaApp Framework
• Providing mature reporting, analysis, modeling and planning to support the appropriate business response

iSpheres MetaApp Framework provides the fabric for:

• Detecting target events across internal and external systems and populating Hyperion Essbase for analysis
• Detecting subsequent events based on the Hyperion Essbase analysis and invoking necessary distributed services in response

"Before critical business events can be responded to, their impact must first be synthesized which is accomplished by Hyperion Essbase providing the important decision support layer," said Santosh Alexander, CEO, iSpheres Corporation. "By aligning with the Hyperion Essbase team, iSpheres is able to demonstrate our ability to enable event-driven meta applications that empower decision makers with the information and analysis they need, precisely when they need it, much like the military's command and control system."

As part of this extended relationship, Hyperion has selected iSpheres to participate in its executive Web seminar series scheduled for September 20, 2001 from 2-3 pm EST where it will demonstrate the event-driven OLAP solution. More information on the partnership and integration is also available at: www.essbase.com/partners/ispheres.

About Hyperion

Hyperion is a global leader in business analysis software. Hyperion helps managers succeed by helping their companies achieve greater performance and profitability. Business leaders use Hyperion products and services to plan, manage and execute on strategies by analyzing information on e-business initiatives, supply chain execution, customers, operations and finance. The company's market-leading Hyperion Essbase technology, packaged business analysis applications and tools are used by more than 6,000 organizations worldwide, including 86 of the Fortune 100, 64 of the Nikkei Top 100 in Japan and more than 40 of the Financial Times European Top 100. In addition, more than 400 Hyperion alliance partners deliver technology, applications and services to increase the flexibility and choice for customers. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company has offices in 22 countries. More information is available at www.hyperion.com, info@hyperion.com, or 1-800-286-8000.

About iSpheres

iSpheres Corporation provides a framework for building event-based, distributed meta applications that manage business in real-time. iSpheres-enabled meta applications provide companies with a dynamic layer of visibility into their business processes by detecting high volumes of complex events across internal and external systems, and automatically invoking distributed application services in response to those events. With iSpheres' framework, companies can build highly scalable applications that extend the value of their investments by leveraging existing IT assets. Founded in 1998, iSpheres is headquartered in Oakland, California and has research facilities in Pasadena, California. For more information visit www.ispheres.com or call 510-302-6700.

Contact Sharon Zovod, Public Relations Initiatives, 650-548-2468, or sharon@pr-initiatives.com, for Hyperion.