Alentis and Progress Software Partner to Expand Marketing of ASP Applications

Business Wire, July 11, 2000

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 11, 2000

Business Customers Access Comprehensive, Objective Information

For In-Depth Analysis of Progress-based

ASP Applications and Services

Alentis Corporation and Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq:PRGS) today announced that they will partner to extend the marketing and selling of Progress-based ASP applications via the Alentis Web site.

Through its ASP ENablement (ASPEN(tm)) 2000 Program, Progress Software provides business planning assistance, technology, services, partnerships and industry recognition to help ISVs quickly and easily transform Progress-based applications into ASP-enabled applications.

The partnership between Alentis and Progress Software provides an additional channel for ASPEN 2000 Program members to leverage Progress' branding in the ASP space and reach more prospective end-users.

The Alentis Web site, www.alentis.com, serves as an independent source of content, expertise and insight that potential ASP customers need to make informed decisions, improve efficiencies and build profitable relationships with application service providers (ASPs). Alentis guides ASP customers through a selection process, then provides qualified leads to ASP firms, including Progress' ASPEN 2000 Program members, for follow-up and potential closure.

"As a leader in the ASP market, Progress Software is continuously exploring opportunities for getting Progress-based ASP applications to market quickly. We view this partnership as an important step in expanding the market for Progress-based software solutions," said William Trail, director of marketing for the ASP Business Unit at Progress Software. "It provides additional value to the members of our ASPEN 2000 Program by giving their applications more visibility with prospective buyers."

Trail explained that the ASPEN 2000 program is designed as a mutually beneficial situation: for end-user businesses that need, but can't afford to purchase, critical business applications; for ASPs that supply those applications, who, once enrolled, become the application provider of choice; and for Alentis that provides the information end-user businesses need to choose the right ASP.

"Through Progress Software's partnership with Alentis, ASPEN 2000 Program members will receive quality leads, reach new customers, and ultimately, capture new revenue," said Guenter H. Krauss, Alentis president and chief executive officer. "Progress Software and its ASPEN 2000 Program members can leverage their branding with Alentis. Our partnership with Progress Software will assist us in building relationships with leading independent software vendors."

According to Dataquest, the ASP market will reach $23 billion by 2003. The technology research firm IDC expects ASP-related spending worldwide to grow from an estimated $150.4 million in 1999 to more than $2 billion by 2003, as competitive and economic pressures compel companies to adopt the ASP model of "leasing" rather than purchasing business software.

About Progress Software Corporation

Progress Software Corporation is a global supplier of software products and services for developing, deploying and managing business applications moving to the Internet. The company offers messaging servers, application servers, databases, and application development and management products. Its partners include more than 2,000 application service providers (ASPs) and independent software vendors (ISVs) who supply annually over $5 billion in Progress(R)-based applications and related services. Progress Software products are used by more than 10,000 organizations across 100 countries worldwide, including 60 percent of Fortune 100 companies. For more information, visit www.progress.com or call 1-781/280-4000.

About Alentis Corporation

Established in January 2000, Alentis Corporation is an independent source for ASP customers who need objective information, unbiased answers and in-depth analysis about ASP solutions. Alentis provides the content, expertise and insight businesses need to make informed decisions, improve efficiencies and build profitable relationships with ASPs. A privately held, venture-backed company, Alentis' principal offices are located at 3305 Northland Drive, Suite 500, Austin, TX 78731-4962. For more information, visit the Alentis Web site at www.alentis.com, or call 512/349-9151.

Alentis is a trademark of Alentis Corporation.

Progress is a registered trademark and ASPEN is a trademark of Progress Software Corporation.

Any other trademarks and/or servicemarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.