Automation Leader Harris Corporation Integrates Informix Media360 to Provide Complete Media Asset Management Solution.

Business Editors

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 11, 2000

Harris Corporation, the leader in broadcast automation and management, and Informix(R) Software, the technology leader in software infrastructure for the i.Economy(TM), today announced a partnership to pursue broadcasters' goal of integrating global asset management with news and transmission facilities. Through the partnership, Harris Automation Solutions (formerly Louth) and Informix will provide customers with a complete solution to better manage their media assets.

Harris is using its Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) product to expand its solution set for customers worldwide by allowing integration of ODBC standard database solutions of our customers choosing. Harris is now the first broadcast automation company to fully integrate Media360(TM) technology and is an authorized worldwide system integrator for Media360, Informix's enterprise media asset management application. Media360 is a complementary addition to Harris Automation Solution's product set, which provides seamless orchestration in the broadcast enterprise from on-air presentation to post-air verification.

Harris Automation Solutions and Informix are developing a powerful, robust interface to provide a true end-to-end automated production, broadcast, archive and retrieval system enabling unprecedented user control and power. The combined solution set will eliminate the manual processes typically associated with asset management by intelligently automating the handling of video, audio and data from initial acquisition of satellite feed through remixing and transmission of the signal. Harris Automation customers will be able to leverage their media assets with the Harris/Informix solution to create new revenue streams and distribution channels for their business.

"Our customers have expressed their need for a sophisticated and powerful system to manage all of their broadcast assets," said Jim Woods, vice president of Harris Automation Solutions. "Media360 meets and exceeds that requirement. When combined with Harris Automation Solutions' ability to control devices, manage play-out of multiple channels, and move media with its GMT (Global Media Transfer) product, the broadcast industry will have a complete end-to-end system to acquire, database, manage, move and play out their media assets."

"As a worldwide market leader in broadcast automation systems, Harris Automation Solutions' embrace of Media360 will significantly enhance our standing as the industry's solution for managing enormous amounts of rich media in a fast and simple manner," said Pamela Vitale, director, media partners worldwide, Informix Media and Web Publishing Group. "Informix is delighted to be partnering with a world-class company like Harris Automation Solutions who offers a wealth of knowledge and proven experience in the broadcast industry."

Founded in 1988, Louth Automation was acquired by Harris Corporation in January 2000. Now Harris Automation Solutions, this independent business unit of Harris' Broadcast Communications Division is the premier supplier of media management and automation systems worldwide. These systems control over 3,000 broadcast and cable channels and support a broad range of broadcast devices, including video disk servers, VTRs, cart machines, switchers, still stores and other devices. Harris provides innovative automation solutions to meet the complex needs of today's DTV, multi-channel and global network environments, as well as the mandate for seamless and scalable automation.

Informix's Media360 solution is an end-to-end media asset management solution for loading, digitizing, indexing, editing, storing, retrieving, browsing, playing, protecting, distributing and archiving any type of media and content asset. It offers maximum flexibility to users with no limits on the size of database, number of users, type or complexity of media assets to be managed.

Informix's expertise in the media sector has been gained from numerous projects for large media and communications organizations such as BBC, British Telecom, CNN, DirecTV, Disney, MCI WorldCom, Time Inc., Wam!Net, RAI, TeleCinco, and WETA.

Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) is an international communications equipment company focused on providing product, system and service solutions that take its customers to the next level. The company provides a wide range of products and services for communications markets such as wireless, broadcast, government systems, and network support. The company has sales and service facilities in nearly 90 countries. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.

Informix Software is the technology leader in software infrastructure and solutions for the Internet. Informix brings a focused set of products and services that integrate e-business and business intelligence on an Internet infrastructure. The Company's highly scalable database engines, in addition to its business intelligence, content management and e-commerce solutions, enable customers to succeed in the new economy. For more information, contact the nearest sales office or visit the Web site at www.informix.com.

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), Media360(TM).