Compuware Selects Enterprise Administrator to Control Highly Distributed Windows NT-Based Enterprise Network.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 13, 1998--

Leading Provider of Enterprise Software Solutions and

Professional Services Relies on EA to Manage Decentralized 

Corporate IT Infrastructure

Mission Critical Software Inc., a leading provider of enterprise-scale Windows NT systems management solutions, today announced that Compuware Corporation, one of the largest independent software providers in the world, has selected Enterprise Administrator (EA) to perform strategic management of its global Windows NT-based systems. Enterprise Administrator will play a key role in Compuware 2000, a comprehensive program designed to create a more decentralized corporate information technology (IT) infrastructure at Compuware.

"One of the key goals of Compuware 2000 is to ensure our information systems provide the flexibility and user access to support a highly mobile staff, without sacrificing security and increasing administration costs," said Chris Bockhausen, CIO, Compuware. "Enterprise Administrator provides a strategic set of enabling technologies that allow us to maintain a controlled Windows NT environment, while giving our business units more authority over their computing resources. With the advent of Windows NT 5.0 and its increased complexity, we expect Enterprise Administrator to provide even greater return on investment for our IT organization."

Compuware is using EA to restructure and manage its 8,000 user global Windows NT network. Because it features a rules-based architecture, EA allows Compuware to centrally set access privilege and security policies, and delegate many administrative functions to individual business units. EA automatically enforces administrative policies, and logs all successful and unsuccessful administrative actions to ensure comprehensive reporting and clear audit trails. EA's power tools and command line interface also automate costly and time consuming activities such as moving user accounts and maintaining correct user access privileges. With EA, Compuware has reduced the time it takes to move a user account between domains from hours to just minutes.

"Enterprise Administrator is playing a key role in Compuware's efforts to decentralize our IT infrastructure by allowing us to manage our distributed Windows NT enterprise systems locally," said John Bellow, MIS Director, Compuware. "EA gives us the ability to confidently and securely push routine administration out to the business units so they can have better control over their operating environment, and we can free our administrators to focus on more value added activities."

"We are very proud of the fact that Compuware, a world leader in client/server development technology, has chosen Enterprise Administrator to manage its global Windows NT network," said Tom Bernhardt, President and CEO, Mission Critical Software. "This win is a powerful endorsement for the strength and superiority of our solution."

Enterprise-Class Windows NT Administration

Enterprise Administrator 4.50 provides an advanced administration environment for large-scale, distributed Windows NT networks. The EA Server is a rules-based proxy administrator that enables granular delegation of administrative authority over user accounts, groups, and distributed resources. The EA rules-based system reduces administrative workload, saves valuable administrator time, and allows enterprises to integrate policy enforcement and automation with administrative actions. EA improves network security, automates repetitive tasks, produces detailed reports, and creates clear audit trails.

About Mission Critical Software

Mission Critical Software, Inc., a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider, is the leading provider of enterprise systems management solutions for the Windows NT market. The company develops and markets products that provide simpler, faster, less costly, more secure administration and operation of enterprise networks. Mission Critical Software is based in Houston and operates seven regional offices in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The company's products are available directly and through a worldwide network of distributors. Mission Critical Software is privately held, and supported by venture funding from New Enterprise Associates, International Capital Partners, Inc., Austin Ventures, and JMI Equity Fund. To contact Mission Critical Software call 888-323-6768 or 713-548-1700, write to [e-mail], or visit us on the web at http://www.missioncritical.com.

About Compuware

Compuware Corporation is a leading worldwide provider of software products and professional services that help information technology professionals efficiently develop, implement and support the applications that run their businesses. Founded in 1973, Compuware today ranks as one of the largest independent software providers in the world. The Company's products have been licensed by nearly 11,000 organizations worldwide. The Company's professional services organization has a staff approaching 5,000 people. Compuware, with calendar 1997 revenues in excess of $1 billion dollars, is the world leader in client/server development technology. For more information on Compuware, please contact the corporate offices at 800-521-9353. Compuware also can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.compuware.com.

CONTACT: Compuware Corporation

Chris Norris, 248-737-7300

[e-mail]

or

Mission Critical Software

Marc Gendron, 617-333-9665

[e-mail]