Business Objects and IBM Team to Provide Web-based Analysis of OLAP Data; New Version of WebIntelligence Provides Advanced Support for IBM DB2 OLAP Server

Business Wire, April 3, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 3, 2002

Business Objects (Nasdaq:BOBJ), the leading provider of business intelligence (BI) solutions, today announced improved access to and analysis of IBM DB2 OLAP Server with WebIntelligence 2.7. Announced today, WebIntelligence 2.7 is the newest version of the industry's leading query, reporting, and analysis tool for the web and includes new features that provide web access to all major relational and online analytical reporting (OLAP) sources, intelligent navigation between OLAP and relational data, and additional query options. (Editor's note: Please see related press release titled "Business Objects Announces WebIntelligence 2.7," dated April 3, 2002).

Business Objects and IBM worked closely together on WebIntelligence 2.7 to provide enhanced access to and more robust analysis of OLAP servers, including IBM DB2 OLAP Server. Business Objects has for many years supplied full-client access to IBM OLAP data. Now with WebIntelligence 2.7, it goes a step further to provide organizations with the best web-based OLAP tool that meets the needs of a broad range of users in enterprise-wide deployments. WebIntelligence 2.7 provides an improved OLAP interface that is optimized for intuitive use and simplicity, giving users a web-based OLAP front end that enables speed-of-thought analysis and other powerful OLAP capabilities, including:

-- Unique drill through capabilities to go seamlessly from any OLAP report to
any relational report

-- True ranking, value filtering, sorting, and sophisticated OLAP dimensional
navigation and data selection

-- Synchronized view of drillable grids and charts

"We worked very closely with Business Objects on WebIntelligence 2.7 to ensure tight integration with DB2 OLAP Server and to meet the demands of our customers," said Marc Dupaquier, vice president of data management sales, software group, at IBM. "By including what our OLAP experts considered to be critical user requirements, Business Objects has ensured that IBM customers will have a solid web-based BI front end to access their OLAP data and meet the needs of the majority of data analysts throughout the enterprise."

"We have worked very closely with IBM for many years and they proved to be an invaluable partner for us as we built WebIntelligence 2.7," said Mark Tice, group vice president of global alliances at Business Objects. "By providing an integrated full client and web solution, one that gives users the flexibility of easily moving from OLAP to relational sources, we enable our joint customers to get more from their IBM data. Customers can empower even more users with access and analysis of corporate data and provide a complete solution that fits the diverse requirements of the enterprise."

Availability

WebIntelligence 2.7 is generally available.

About Business Objects

Business Objects is the world's leading provider of business intelligence (BI) solutions. Business intelligence lets organizations access, analyze, and share information internally with employees and externally with customers, suppliers, and partners. It helps organizations improve operational efficiency, build profitable customer relationships, and develop differentiated product offerings.

The company's products include BusinessObjects 2000, the industry's leading integrated business intelligence toolset and platform; and BusinessObjects Analytics, an integrated suite of enterprise analytic applications.

Business Objects pioneered the modern BI industry in 1990 by inventing a patented "semantic layer" that insulates users from the complexity of databases. In 1995, the company was first to focus on enterprise-scale BI deployments and today supports customers with more than 20,000 users. The company moved aggressively to the internet in 1997 by pioneering the market for BI extranets, a market that it continues to lead today. In 2000, the company delivered the industry's first interactive mobile BI solution. Today, Business Objects continues to innovate, creating and delivering a unique vision for enterprise analytic applications.

Business Objects has more than 15,000 customers in over 80 countries. The company's stock is publicly traded under the ticker symbols NASDAQ: BOBJ and Euronext Paris (Sicovam code 12074). It is included in the SBF 120 and IT CAC 50 French stock market indexes. Business Objects can be reached at 408/953-6000 and www.businessobjects.com.

Note to Editors: BusinessObjects and WebIntelligence are trademarks or registered trademarks of Business Objects SA. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

A full-text copy of this announcement may be downloaded from the web; access http://www.businesswire.com/cnn and search on "Business Objects." Business Objects product inquiries should contact 800/527-0580.