SeeBeyond and Matsushita Computer Systems Strengthen Alliance

Business Wire, Feb 20, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. & TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 20, 2001

Leading Japanese IT Solution Provider Builds on Partnership

with SeeBeyond to Further Promote, Resell and Implement

Integrated Customer Relationship Management Solutions

SeeBeyond (Nasdaq:SBYN), the leading global provider of eBI (eBusiness Integration) solutions, today announced it will strengthen alliance relations with Matsushita Computer Systems Co., Ltd. As a part of the expanded alliance, the companies agreed to further strengthen cooperative relations, providing more comprehensive customer deployment support of information infrastructures, including solution assessment, technical training and operational support.

With an increased focus on the introduction of eBusiness and business-to-business (B2B) integration to its current and prospective client base, Matsushita's need to build a strong relationship with a recognized leader in the eBI space was critical. The two companies engaged in an agency-contract relationship early last year, and in conjunction with the recent SeeBeyond (formerly STC) company name change in October 2000, expanded the alliance to include a solution-partnership contract.

"In order to improve customer satisfaction and company profitability, customer relationship management (CRM) solutions have taken on an increased focus across global companies," said Mr. Shimo, Vice President of Matsushita Computer Systems. "Realization of true CRM, however, requires the seamless integration of disparate systems, such as databases holding valuable marketing information, as well as standalone ERP, Sales Force Automation or Supply Chain Management applications. Together with SeeBeyond, we look forward to leveraging the joint solution offerings and growing our position in the eBusiness marketspace through the supply of comprehensive solutions and related services."

As the basis for Matsushita's integration solution offering, SeeBeyond's e*Gate(TM) Integrator currently provides the connectivity between Siebel System's CRM applications and SCAW, a Japanese-based ERP application developed by NTT Data Communications Systems. The solution offers Matsushita's customers a scalable, open and distributed platform for enterprise application integration. In addition, SeeBeyond recently announced that it has extended the functionality of its e*Xchange eBusiness Integration(TM) Suite with a new version localized for the Japanese market, reducing the risk and cost of deployments in Japan. With this enhancement, the alliance between the two companies offers the essential components for the successful deployment of eBI solutions in Japan, encompassing not only the basic connection of applications, but also a fully distributed, secure and centrally managed platform, along with business process management.

"With global eBusiness environments characterized by constant and unavoidable change, both speed and flexibility are becoming essential components to any successful corporate eBusiness strategy," said Mari Hiromoto, Managing Director of Japan for SeeBeyond. "As a leading solutions provider in Japan, Matsushita understands the important need for the rapid and seamless flow of information on a global basis, and through the usage, promotion and resale of SeeBeyond products, is fortifying both Matsushita's and SeeBeyond's market competitiveness by providing more comprehensive solutions to its clients."

About Matsushita Computer Systems

Matsushita Computer Systems Co., Ltd. provides solutions that combine server and network hardware, and mainstay and information system applications, towards businesses centered on computers and networks, in the Matsushita Electric Group. Matsushita Computer Systems also provides comprehensive IT services, from system planning, design, and introduction, to system education, operation, maintenance, and management, and its consistent, full support is highly regarded.

Matsushita Computer Systems conducts showcase management, being its own user and provider. Based on know-how in system introduction and operation at its own company, the company feeds back, to customers, specific solutions proved by actual implementation, and its speedy integration, which significantly reduces the development period, and its level of system completion, to realize fighting strength immediately after introduction, are highly evaluated. For detailed information, refer to http://www.panasonic.co.jp/mac/

About SeeBeyond

As a market leader in eBusiness solutions, SeeBeyond (Nasdaq:SBYN) provides the platform to assist companies worldwide in eliminating the boundaries and simplifying the complexities of sharing information among applications, both within their enterprises and among their suppliers, partners, and customers in real time. The SeeBeyond e*Xchange eBusiness Integration(TM) Suite provides an infrastructure that is rapidly deployable and infinitely scalable to meet customers' growing needs. SeeBeyond has successfully enabled the seamless flow of information at more than 1,400 organizations worldwide, including ABB, ABN Amro, Allstate Insurance Company, Barnes & Noble.com, Bausch & Lomb, BHP, Daimler-Chrysler, Florida Power & Light, Fluor Daniel, DuPont, Hewlett-Packard, Nike, Pfizer and Sprint.