Business Objects Announces Universal Access Version of Industry Leading Business Intelligence Portal.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 2002

BusinessObjects InfoView 5.1 Universal Access Brings

Business Intelligence Benefits to Disabled Users,

Supports Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act

Further improving the accessibility of information for people with disabilities, Business Objects (Nasdaq:BOBJ), the world's leading provider of business intelligence (BI) solutions, today announced BusinessObjects(TM) InfoView 5.1 Universal Access, an enhanced version of the company's BI portal that provides BI functionality in accordance with Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act. Through the use of assistive technologies, BusinessObjects InfoView 5.1 Universal Access brings the extensive benefits of business intelligence software to users with disabilities. In conjunction with this version, Business Objects is also launching a specialized helpdesk for questions pertaining to Section 508 issues, called the Business Objects Assistive Technology Support Center.

BusinessObjects InfoView is a business intelligence portal that collects and consolidates an organization's BI information and presents it in a secure, focused, and personalized view to internal and external users. The Universal Access version announced today works with a number of screen reading and screen magnification software tools to enable visually- and mobility-impaired users to easily access, navigate, and refresh their BI report contents.

Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act mandates that US Federal employees with disabilities must be able to access and use the same data and software applications as individuals without disabilities. The legislation requires government agencies to purchase software solutions that are the "most compliant" with Section 508 guidelines.

"In our opinion, different companies analyze and interpret the Section 508 guidelines in widely varying ways. However, we have thoroughly tested BusinessObjects InfoView 5.1 Universal Access and have found that it addresses all known Section 508 issues," said Clark French, president of CIA Corporation, an independent advisor on Section 508 compliance.

Improved Accessibility to Information

BusinessObjects InfoView 5.1 Universal Access improves accessibility to business intelligence data through support for several industry leading assistive technology tools. InfoView 5.1 Universal Access enables users with disabilities to more easily navigate and access information as follows:

-- Blind Users -- reports provided by InfoView 5.1 Universal Access can be
"read" using screen and browser reading software that use a synthesized voice
to read text aloud, and through the use of Braille displays;

-- Low-Vision Users -- screen fonts sizes and color contrasts can be easily
adjusted, all InfoView 5.1 Universal Access user interface windows can be
viewed in high contrast mode, and selected areas of the screen can be enlarged
using screen magnifiers;

-- Color-blind Users -- all InfoView 5.1 Universal Access reports are
accessible in gray scale mode;

-- Mobility-Impaired Users -- InfoView 5.1 Universal Access, and all reports,
can be easily accessed and navigated without using a mouse.

"Business Objects is committed to breaking down the barriers that deprive many users of valuable information, and we will continue to enhance our product line in accordance with Section 508 guidelines," said Crispin Read, vice president of product marketing at Business Objects. "As government agencies increasingly implement business intelligence solutions, the ability to access information will become even more important for all employees in government organizations. Providing equal access to this information for users with disabilities is an important step towards equal opportunity in the workplace."

Assistive Technology Support Center

In conjunction with the launch of BusinessObjects InfoView 5.1 Universal Access, Business Objects will also launch a specialized customer helpdesk to handle questions pertaining to use of the product in conjunction with assistive technologies. Called the Business Objects Assistive Technology Support Center (ATSC), this helpdesk will be staffed by support engineers experienced in Section 508 issues. The Business Objects ATSC is accessible via the standard US technical support number.

Platforms and Availability

BusinessObjects InfoView 5.1 Universal Access is generally available in English. InfoView 5.1 Universal Access currently supports the Windows NT and Windows 2000 platforms, and is accessible through Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5.

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(TM) 2000, the industry's leading integrated business intelligence toolset and platform; and BusinessObjects(TM) 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 is a trademark of Business Objects SA. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.