Applications:

Ascential DataStage/DataStage 390 for DB2 Warehouse Manager

Ascential Software Corporation, a leading provider of Information Asset Management (IAM) solutions, announced the availability of two new versions of its industry-leading DataStage solution optimized for IBM's DB2 Warehouse Manager. DataStage for DB2 Warehouse Manager and DataStage 390 for DB2 Warehouse Manager integrate data from virtually any environment into an IBM DB2-based data warehouse, allowing companies to get maximum value from their business intelligence, enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain management (SCM) and other enterprise-wide information technology projects.

IBM is now selling and marketing the new offerings, which complement IBM's existing e-business solutions. In addition, IBM Global Services will provide implementation and support services for the combined offering. Today's news comes as a result of the companies' global strategic alliance announced in April 2001.

"As companies continue to choose DB2 to host large CRM, e-commerce, and other enterprise applications, it is increasingly important for IBM to offer our clients strong technology solutions to manage and integrate their information assets," said Jim Kelly, vice president of marketing, IBM Data Management Solutions. "Through our partnership with Ascential we are extending our ability to integrate massive volumes of data into scalable DB2-based enterprise applications."

DataStage and DataStage 390 for DB2 Warehouse Manager -- Product Details

DataStage is a complete, enterprise data integration infrastructure solution that enables companies to more efficiently manage and utilize their valuable business information. DataStage consolidates, collects and centralizes information from various systems and platforms, enabling a business decision-maker to create customized, useful information based on data regardless of whether it is stored locally or across the enterprise.

DataStage and DataStage 390 for DB2 Warehouse Manager combine DataStage's data integration capabilities with DB2 Warehouse Manager's data warehouse generation and management capabilities. The combination creates a robust warehouse management solution that handles complex, heterogeneous environments.

Product features of the new solutions include:

• simplified, more efficient and faster warehouse prototyping, development and deployment;
• greater warehouse scalability and high-performance in heterogeneous data environments;
• the ability to find, understand and access business and technical information from a Windows or Web browser interface; and
• an empowered data center that can govern queries, analyze costs, manage resources and track usage.

"By combining the strengths of DataStage and DB2 Warehouse Manager, IBM and Ascential have provided businesses a comprehensive solution that enables them to gain strong competitive advantages from the data located within their enterprise," said Daniel Sapir, Ascential Software's vice president of business development. "These new solutions allow our customers to integrate data from virtually any source to any target in their DB2 environment, giving them a powerful and scalable platform for building their enterprise-wide e-business projects, such as CRM, e-commerce and ERP projects."

Product Availability DataStage and DataStage 390 for DB2 Warehouse Manager are available immediately through the IBM Data Management sales force.

About Ascential Software

Ascential Software Corporation is a leading provider of Information Asset Management solutions to the Global 2000. Customers use Ascential products to turn vast amounts of disparate, unrefined data into reusable information assets that drive business success. Ascential's unique framework for Information Asset Management enables customers to easily collect, validate, organize, administer and deliver information assets to realize more value from their enterprise data, reduce costs and increase profitability. Headquartered in Westboro, MA, Ascential has offices worldwide and supports more than 1,800 customers in such industries as telecommunications, insurance, financial services, healthcare, media/entertainment and retail. More information on Ascential Software can be found on the Web at www.ascentialsoftware.com.

Contact Ascential Software, Dan Foley, 508-366-3888 x3302, dan.foley@ascentialsoftware.com.