Informix Responds to IBM's Patent Infringement Allegations and Asserts Eight Patent Infringement Claims Against IBM

Business Wire, March 29, 2000

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 29, 2000

Informix(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:IFMX) the technology leader in the software infrastructure for the i.Economy, today announced its response to the complaint by International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) for patent infringement in the United States District Court in Delaware.

Informix's response denies infringement of the IBM patents, asserts that the IBM patents are invalid and unenforceable, and claims that IBM has infringed four Informix patents. In a separate action filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Informix asserts claims against IBM for infringement of four additional Informix patents.

Informix alleges in both actions that, among other IBM products, IBM's DB2 database products infringe several of the Informix patents. Informix seeks substantial damages from IBM as a result of IBM's infringement of Informix's patents as well as an injunction relating to IBM's manufacture and sale of IBM's infringing products, including IBM's DB2 products.

Informix's Chief Executive Officer Jean-Yves Dexmier said, "Not only do we believe that IBM's claims are without cause or merit, but the technological advantage that Informix has in the new i.economy must be protected. The immediate market acceptance of our products especially designed for the Internet demonstrates the clear superiority of our technology. We are dedicated to continued technology leadership and providing solutions to our customers' e-business needs, partnering with the best global teams, and enhancing stockholder value."

About Informix

Based in Menlo Park, Informix Software is the technology leader in software infrastructure solutions for the Internet. Informix is the first and only company to integrate e-commerce and business intelligence on a true Internet infrastructure. We provide a complete, fast and simple way to bring businesses to the Web, personalize content management, and analyze information real-time. This, with our highly scalable Web engines and media asset management capabilities, gives our customers a unique competitive advantage. For more information, contact the sales office nearest you or visit our Web site at www.informix.com.

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Note to Editors: The following are trademarks of Informix Corporation or its affiliates, one or more of which may be registered in the U.S. or other jurisdictions: Informix(R)