Adra announces industry's first Java-based PDM Web client; gives users enhanced access, affordability and openness.

CHELMSFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 10, 1997--

Java-based Matrix Web User, with full CORBA and DCOM 

compliance, new Business Object Server, ADK and other

capabilities, begins era of open, Web-accessible PDM 

Adra Systems, Inc., the technology leader in mainstream solutions for information management and computer-aided design, today announced Matrix Web User, the industry's first Java-based, fully open system for product data management (PDM). Adra also announced the new Business Object Server, Application Developers Kit and a range of new user-requested functions. With this announcement, Adra's Matrix System extends its technology lead by providing enterprises with the widest access to their most valuable product, project and business-process information.

Matrix Web User is a Java-based client interface that connects over the Internet or an intranet to Adra's Matrix PDM system. The interface provides any person in an enterprise, from any location, with secure access to vital information through a standard Web browser. This extends the technology capabilities of Matrix, the first PDM system based completely on object technology, by delivering the first true object-oriented PDM to be based on Java and to offer CORBA- and DCOM-compliant object brokering. This superior technology ensures that Matrix is the most open, scalable and affordable product information management system on the market.

Typically, Matrix Web User customers are business professionals engaged in complex, demanding product design and development activities in such markets as electronics, plant design, automotive, consumer products and aerospace. Through Matrix Web User, any Matrix customer can access and view critical enterprise information, such as product designs and workflow, from any standard Web browser. Because the underlying information is updated in real-time and managed through Matrix, users have instant access to accurate enterprise information.

"The Matrix Web User is dynamite," said Greg Corwin, manager of information technology at Zenith Electronics Corporation. "At Zenith, Matrix is our total enterprise system. It manages our design processes from the marketing concept to industrial design to product assurance. Only 15 percent of our staff are heavy-duty information creators and require direct access to the Matrix database. We use Matrix Web User to link the remaining 85 percent who need immediate, easy access to the valuable information contained in the database, but do not need some of the more advanced Matrix capabilities. Matrix Web User enables us to do this in a way that optimizes our financial investment and preserves the integrity of our knowledge base."

"For three years, Matrix has been turning information into knowledge for leading-edge companies around the world," said Mark O'Connell, president of Adra Systems, Inc. "Matrix has the designed-in ability to understand the relationships between information from a wide variety of sources and to distribute this knowledge to an equally wide range of information users. Now, by adding Web capabilities and full Java support to Matrix, Adra extends its lead as the provider of the most advanced PDM solution."

"Adra Systems is a pioneer in the wide-ranging use of component-based software for information management systems," said Chris Stone, president and CEO of the Object Management Group. "PDM systems, by nature of the way they work, are a natural fit for CORBA-based technology. An enterprise application like Matrix will add tremendous value to an organization as it integrates with more applications."

"Matrix Web User demonstrates the power of `Java enterprise computing' for mission-critical industrial applications," said Mark Tolliver, vice president of market development for Sun Microsystems Computer Company. "Adra is leading a fundamental change in the economics and accessibility of PDM systems. With Java, Matrix Web User turns PDM into a true enterprise information management system."

Advanced Manufacturing Research, a Boston-based research firm, recently reported that 80 percent of manufacturers intend to use the Internet to link with customers and suppliers. Matrix Web User leads this growing movement by providing an economical, easy-to-install solution that works with any Java-compatible browser such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer. Matrix Web User vastly improves information sharing while safeguarding data integrity within the central Matrix vault. Vital corporate resources are immediately available to companies' internal and external information consumers, improving overall productivity and communication with employees and customers.

Product Summary

Adra provides these new Internet and intranet capabilities for PDM users through the following new products and capabilities:

Matrix Web User Interface: Delivers Matrix functionality through commercial Web browsers via the highly regarded Matrix graphical user interface. Information consumers can use universal search, navigate and view functions to access information, much as they would surf a Web site.

Business Object Server: Distributes objects over the network and securely connects Matrix Web User and other client applications to the Matrix database. The CORBA- and DCOM-compliant Matrix server provides context management for users, maintaining working space and authenticating all requests.

Application Development Kit (ADK): Enables developers to create and deliver customized applications. The toolkit components provide the ability to access objects contained in a Matrix database. It contains a set of documented class libraries, combined with sample programs that demonstrate the key features. Developers can tailor the look and behavior of Matrix, integrate external applications and systems with Matrix, and extend the native capabilities of Matrix to provide application-unique functionality.

Database Partitioning: Replicates and distributes object database services by organizing the database into groups, or partitions. Provides fault isolation and improved transaction performance. Users within each partition can transparently share information across LAN and WAN environments and are insulated from network or system failures.

Feature Enhancements: Improved control in manipulating product structures and configurations.

Pricing and Availability

Matrix Web User, Business Object Server and Application Development Kit (ADK) will be available on April 3, 1997. The U.S. list price for the Matrix Web User is $295. The list price for the ADK is $20,000. The Business Object Server price ranges up to $3,000 per server session based on the number of server sessions desired. The Matrix Web User requires a Matrix Business Object Server V4.1.

Adra Systems, Inc.

Adra Systems, Inc., based in Chelmsford, Mass., is the technology leader in mainstream solutions for information management and computer-aided design. Adra creates next-generation distributed information and process management solutions for managing and navigating through complex data and organizations. Adra's flagship product, Matrix, is an object-oriented product data management system focused on information lifecycle management. Additionally, Adra offers several CAD/CAM/CAE solutions under the Cadra trade name, including Cadra Design Drafting, Cadra NC, Cadra E, CadraWorks and MatrixWorks.

Adra serves some 1,600 customers in 20 countries, among them AT&T, CERN, Draper Laboratory, Fermilabs, Fujitsu, General Electric, Goodyear, Hyundai, Motorola, Polaroid, Toshiba, TRW, Volkswagen and Westinghouse. Information on Adra and its products is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.adra.com . -0-

Matrix and the Cadra suite of products are trademarks of Adra Systems. Java is a trademark or registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Other products and company names mentioned may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

CONTACT: Adra Systems, Inc. Schwartz Communications

Paul Gilmartin Christine Gannon or Shanti Nigam

508/937-3700 617/684-0770

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