President of DataDirect Technologies Joins Defywire Board of Directors; Software Industry Veteran Edward Peters to Help Wireless Software Provider to Steer Growth

Business Wire, May 24, 2004

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 24, 2004

Defywire Inc., a leading wireless and mobile software provider, today announced that Edward Peters has joined the company's board of directors. Mr. Peters, president of DataDirect Technologies, an operating company of Progress Software Corporation, brings extensive operational and technology experience to Defywire, having most recently led the formation, funding and eventual sale of DataDirect Technologies to Progress Software Corporation (NASDAQ:PRGS), a publicly traded technology company.

Mr. Peters led the management buy-out of DataDirect Technologies from Merant in November 2001, with Golden Gate Capital as the equity sponsor. DataDirect Technologies was acquired in December 2004 by Progress Software Corporation. Prior to Merant, Mr. Peters spent 20 years in a range of senior executive roles within the software and IT industry. Mr. Peters was recently recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year 2004 by the Maryland Technology Council, and is a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2004.

"Ed brings a track record of enhancing operational success and building shareholder value that will be invaluable to Defywire's investors," said Don Rainey, a partner of Intersouth Partners, the lead investor in Defywire. "As we began looking for an additional board member to help grow Defywire, it quickly became clear that Ed's background would be a perfect fit."

"For the management team, having a mix of experience on the board is important as we develop. Ed has already become a valued sounding board as we manage our continued growth," said Jill Stelfox, chief executive officer of Defywire. "Ed's extensive experience in the middleware market and insights into managing growth will be a tremendous help as we take Defywire to the next level."

"I met Jill and Defywire through the Mindshare program here in Northern Virginia, and it is great to have an opportunity to work closely with another company from this region, particularly one that shows so much promise," said Mr. Peters. "Defywire has assembled a great team with a unique product in a growing market and they are supported by dedicated investors. The next 12-18 months should be an exciting time in the wireless market for a company as well-positioned as Defywire."

ABOUT DEFYWIRE

Defywire is a leading wireless and mobile solution provider. The company's flagship product, Defywire Mobility Suite, extends the enterprise by providing mobile employees with secure, real-time access to corporate information systems. Defywire offers its software directly and through reseller channel partnerships. Headquartered in Herndon, Va., Defywire is led by a seasoned management team with in-depth knowledge of wireless offerings. For more information, visit http://www.defywire.com.