DataDirect Technologies Brings Superior Data Connectivity to MySQL Database.

New Products Give Customers High Performance, Standards-Based Data Access to Leading Open Source Database

BEDFORD, Mass. -- DataDirect Technologies, the unparalleled leader in data connectivity and mainframe integration and an operating company of Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq: PRGS), today announced its award-winning database drivers now support the MySQL Enterprise Server, the commercial version of the most widely used open-source database and an emerging force in business-critical software deployments. The DataDirect Connect([R]) for ODBC drivers for MySQL Enterprise, DataDirect Connect64[R] for ODBC drivers for MySQL Enterprise and DataDirect Connect for JDBC[TM] drivers for MySQL Enterprise are the only data connectivity products that support every leading commercial and open-source operating system, application server and database.

The DataDirect drivers for MySQL Enterprise are designed on a well-established and proven common architecture that is the foundation for a unique SQL leveling capability, which provides interoperability between all major databases as well as a consistent base for database access across multiple data connectivity programming interfaces (APIs), like ODBC or JDBC. This interoperability simplifies MySQL deployments for both enterprises and independent software vendors (ISVs).

"We are delighted to have partnered with DataDirect to bring greater enterprise-class data access to the MySQL database," said Nicolas Pujol, senior director of worldwide alliances and channels at MySQL AB. "DataDirect has long been regarded as a superior data access provider and their support for MySQL will be a very valuable option for customers using our database in business-critical environments."

Additional information about the DataDirect drivers for MySQL Enterprise follows:

* Unique combination of features: Not only does DataDirect provide standards-based JDBC and 32-bit and 64-bit ODBC access, but there are also additional features that are available only through DataDirect, such as performance wizards to help speed development and deployments.

* 100% specification compliance for all MySQL database features: Applications coded to ODBC and JDBC specification can leverage MySQL functionality without proprietary extensions or code.

"We have seen the interest level for open-source databases, such as the MySQL database, growing among our customers," said Todd Rentschler, director of product management at MessageGate. "By offering JDBC drivers for MySQL Enterprise, DataDirect has ensured that our products can continue to offer the broadest database support for our customers no matter what database they use in their environment."

DataDirect has long supported integration of open-source software products into enterprise-class software architectures. In addition to supporting the MySQL open-source database, DataDirect provides the only third-party driver certified on Hibernate for object-relational mapping; the first JDBC drivers to be certified for JBoss application servers; and comprehensive support for applications running on the Linux operating system. DataDirect Connect for ODBC has also been tested with the PERL and PHP scripting languages and DataDirect Connect for JDBC can be used with the Apache Tomcat JSP engine.

"MySQL is the first open-source database to achieve prominence as a viable option for application developers and as such, we are committed to providing users with reliable, high-performance drivers," said John Goodson, vice president of product operations at DataDirect Technologies. "Independent software vendors (ISVs) and corporate IT departments using MySQL will now have the opportunity to get the same best-in-class data access that commercial database users have enjoyed for nearly 20 years."

For more information, visit the product homepage at http://www.datadirect.com/products/mysql/index.ssp

About DataDirect Technologies

DataDirect Technologies is the software industry's only comprehensive provider of software for connecting the world's most critical business applications to data and services, running on any platform, using proven and emerging standards. Developers worldwide depend on DataDirect[R] products to connect their applications to an unparalleled range of data sources using standards-based interfaces such as ODBC, JDBC[TM] and ADO.NET, XQuery and SOAP. More than 300 leading independent software vendors and thousands of enterprises rely on DataDirect Technologies to simplify and streamline data connectivity for distributed systems and to reduce the complexity of mainframe integration. DataDirect Technologies is an operating company of Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq: PRGS). For more information, visit www.datadirect.com.

"MySQL" and "MySQL Enterprise" are registered trademarks of MySQL AB in the United States and other countries. DataDirect, DataDirect Connect and DataDirect Connect64 are trademarks or registered trademarks of DataDirect Technologies Corp. in the U.S. and other countries. Java and all Java based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Any other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.