Business Objects Plans Support for New Microsoft Windows-Powered Pocket PC 2002.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 4, 2001

Business Objects (Nasdaq:BOBJ), a leading provider of business intelligence (BI) solutions, today announced it plans to support the Microsoft Windows-Powered Pocket PC 2002 Software, the technology that will power the next generation of Pocket PCs. Business Objects today offers BusinessObjects(TM) InfoView Mobile, the first interactive, mobile BI portal that enables business users anywhere to access, analyze, and share critical business information. This is an example of how Business Objects continues to work with industry leaders to help further extend the availability of real enterprise mobile applications to professionals on the move around the world.

By working strategically with Microsoft, Business Objects will extend InfoView Mobile to support Pocket PC 2002 thus expanding the number of platforms and ways that mobile business users can access corporate data. With InfoView Mobile, users can access key corporate information from their cellular phone and personal digital assistant (PDA) devices and view and analyze this information in several formats using rich color and charting displays.

Combining InfoView Mobile BI applications with the Pocket PC 2002 platform will further extend the availability of mobile applications to professionals. Having this access to real business applications will enable field workers to improve their overall performance and success. For example, a sales manager heading to an important sales meeting could use InfoView Mobile BI to quickly access the customer's past purchasing patterns, current support issues and status, and pre-negotiated discount rates. Business intelligence, integrated with mobile software like the Pocket PC 2002 platform, broadens the access of mobile applications that can provide field representatives with the same up to date business information as they have in the office, while on the road.

"With Pocket PC 2002, Microsoft is making a real commitment to satisfy the needs of the corporate user," said Vidur Luthra, group product manager for the Mobility Division at Microsoft Corp. "We are pleased that Business Objects is working with us to offer the new feature functionalities of Pocket PC 2002 with InfoView Mobile. We look forward to offering professional solutions that enable better business decisions anywhere and in real time."

Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 will deliver new features and enhancements to provide a more powerful, secure, and expandable device with additional wireless connectivity. This means that more users across the enterprise will have access to powerful Windows-based mobile devices that can run critical business applications such as business intelligence.

"We are seeing Microsoft make great progress in mobile technology for the enterprise," said Mark Tice, group vice president of global alliances for Business Objects. "We view business intelligence as one of the most compelling applications for mobile platforms as it can greatly enhance a field professionals ability to react to crucial business information regarding customers, changes in the supply chain, or updates in sales revenues. When you are constantly on the go, business intelligence helps to keep workers at their best."

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 13,500 customers in over 180 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 in the United States and, or other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.