Visual Numerics Announces SmartTable and SmartTable Pro for Distributing Dynamic Spreadsheets for the Web; Easily Convert Spreadsheets into Java Applets Without Programming

Business Wire, April 1, 1997

DANVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 1, 1997--The Web Products Division of Visual Numerics, Inc., a developer of Visual Data Analysis (VDA) software and application development tools, today announced the release of SmartTable and SmartTable Pro. SmartTable and SmartTable Pro enable spreadsheet developers to convert and distribute secure spreadsheets and workbooks for the Web. The SmartTable family of products convert these spreadsheet applications into Java applets without programming. Then, the SmartTable applets, with their computation functionality, can be embedded into HTML pages.

SmartTable and SmartTable Pro make it possible to distribute secure versions of spreadsheets and workbooks over the intranet, extranet, or the Internet and to maintain control over current versions. The products support client or server processing and the browser is used by end users to view dynamic spreadsheets. Using Java stubs and the spreadsheet as the user interface, the SmartTable family of products provide access to company legacy data and existing algorithms, making information accessible to more people.

SmartTable includes the following key features:

-- SmartTable applets are 100% Pure Java making them platform, version, and application independent.

-- Cell formulas and data can be locked ensuring security.

-- With client configuration, centralized control of spreadsheets can be maintained.

-- The spreadsheets reside on the server for complete current version control.

SmartTable Pro includes these additional features:

-- SmartTable Pro allows you to distribute complex spreadsheets and workbooks.

-- Advanced analysis toolkit functionality is included.

-- Through JavaScript and JScript, you can query and retrieve cell data.

-- Control and callback functions such as buttons and check boxes are available.

-- Access from or write calls into legacy data and proprietary algorithms.

Pricing and Availability

SmartTable and SmartTable Pro currently support Microsoft Excel and support is planned for other leading spreadsheets. SmartTable and SmartTable Pro will be available in April in North America for introductory street prices of $99 and $499, respectively. To order, please call (510) 552-1299 or (800) 825-1446. For more information on the company's products, please visit the Web Products section of the Visual Numerics Web site at www.vni.com . -0-

Note to Editors: SmartTable, SmartTable Pro, JNL & IMSL are trademarks of Visual Numerics, Inc. All other product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of others.

CONTACT: Visual Numerics, Inc.

Cheryl Traverse, 510/552-1293

traverse@houston.vni.com

www.vni.com