Software AG Unveils TIEMA for Microsoft's Host Integration Server 2000; Product Initiative Ties Windows to the Mainframe

Business Wire, June 21, 2000

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 21, 2000

Software AG has taken the wraps off TIEMA, its newly named IBM mainframe CICS adapter for Microsoft's Host Integration Server 2000.

Specifically built to work with Microsoft's COM Transaction Integrator (COMTI), TIEMA effectively ties mainframe transaction systems to Windows.

TIEMA enables instant access to 3270 terminal-based CICS transactions from Windows 2000- and Windows NT-based systems. Eliminating the need for a 3270 terminal or terminal emulator, TIEMA provides a direct interface for 3270-based CICS transactions, making it easy and economical to integrate new technologies with existing 3270-based applications. IT users can still access the applications from 3270 terminals or workstations, however, allowing for coexistence of the systems and phase-in of Web-enabled applications.

"Together, TIEMA and COMTI provide the first flexible way to integrate existing CICS applications with the Windows-based application and technologies, all with the least possible change to existing business processes," Helmut Wilke, president and chief exectutive officer, Software AG Inc., said.

The immediate benefit for Software AG and Microsoft customers is the ability to "plug" terminal-oriented applications from mainframe platforms into applications running on a Windows 2000-based or Windows NT server-based operating system. This enables users to combine the strengths of existing mainframe applications with the huge business potential of new technologies.

TIEMA's other benefits include:

--  Easy and low-risk way to integrate new Windows-based and Web
    technologies with existing host investments, extending the life of
    these investments.

--  Minimal mainframe configuration requirements compared to other
    alternatives.

--  Can use an application on the mainframe without the need to modify
    the application.

--  Much more robust interface to mainframe applications compared with
    screen-scraping solutions.

--  Scalable to thousands of concurrent host sessions through request
    multiplexing.

"With TIEMA, Software AG is really proving its expertise in enterprise integration technology," Vesa Suomalainen, director of business development, Microsoft HIS 2000, said. "Based on our needs for Host Integration Server 2000, we saw this partnership as a `natural.'"

Recently unveiled at Microsoft's Tech Ed 2000 in Orlando, Fla., the TIEMA/COMTI initiative received a highly positive response from key Windows developers; more than eight out of ten representatives surveyed felt that the combined technologies offer huge advantages for both current and future projects.

"Gaining such strong support for TIEMA from the prestigious Tech Ed 2000 attendees is a real vote of confidence for the product and its future," noted Wilke.

Software AG's TIEMA will also be showcased at Microsoft's Tech Ed show in Amsterdam, July 4 - 7, 2000. The product will be available worldwide in August 2000.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.

For more information on Microsoft Host Integration Server 2000, visit http://www.microsoft.com/hostintserver.> About Software AG Inc.

Based in San Ramon, Calif., Software AG, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Software AG, actively pursuing XML business in the U.S. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.softwareagusa.com, the TIEMA Web site at http://www.tiema2000.com or call 925/242-3700.

With headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany, Software AG is Europe's largest system software provider and a major global player offering leading edge technology for data management and electronic business. Since 1998 the company has focused its development activities on XML products for the business-to-business market segment. Software AG achieved sales revenue of more than $350 million in 1999 and has more than 2,600 employees and representatives in more than 60 countries. The company's distribution and technology partners include market leaders such as IBM, Microsoft and SCO and innovative IT solutions providers such as Extensibility, Softquad and InStranet.

Software AG's products control the central IT processes of thousands of renowned companies worldwide, including FedEx, Citibank, MCIWorldcom, Shell Oil and Delta Airlines.