DataDirect Technologies Launches Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Early Access Program; Data Connectivity Leader Supplies High-Performance JDBC Driver and early access assistance for Microsoft SQL Server 2005 database Migrations.

BEDFORD, Mass. -- DataDirect Technologies, the software industry leader in standards-based components for connecting applications to data and an operating unit of Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq: PRGS), today announced that it provides early access assistance for JDBC(TM) data connectivity to the Microsoft SQL Server 2005 database with its DataDirect Connect(R) for JDBC driver. Building on its rich history of SQL Server support, DataDirect Technologies also offers in-depth migration guides and consultations for developers migrating to DataDirect Technologies' JDBC drivers on the Microsoft SQL Server 2005 database.

DataDirect Technologies' early access program allows customers to get an advance start on using and certifying their applications for SQL Server 2005 and enables developers to experience significant enterprise-class performance and scalability in the database. The company is also providing JDBC migration guides and limited telephone-based consultations to provide "how to" approaches to migrating to the DataDirect Connect for JDBC drivers on SQL Server 2005 - no matter what type driver is currently in use. The migration consultations are being provided by DataDirect Technologies' award-winning customer-support program.

"With the DataDirect Connect for JDBC driver, customers can enjoy Java(TM) connectivity in advance of SQL Server 2005's official release in November," said Shelby Goerlitz, JDBC program manager at Microsoft Corporation. "Through its early support of JDBC connectivity, DataDirect Technologies illustrates the importance that Microsoft's enterprise-class software deployments have in providing scalable, high-level system performance."

DataDirect Technologies offers the most comprehensive, proven line of data connectivity components. Linking applications to an unparalleled range of data sources, the DataDirect Connect for .NET, for JDBC and for ODBC suites support Microsoft SQL Server and other major databases, including IBM DB2, Informix, Oracle, Sybase and Progress(R). Developers worldwide at independent software vendors and corporate IT departments rely on DataDirect Technologies to connect their software applications to data, wherever it resides. From increased revenue and improved programmer productivity to faster evaluations and reduced customer support burdens, DataDirect Technologies' data connectivity components drive quantifiable results.

"At DataDirect, it's our mission to simplify complex data connectivity issues," said John Goodson, vice president of product operations at DataDirect Technologies. "As more organizations migrate to SQL Server 2005, compatibility between versions of the database will be a problem for many developers. As the leader in Java connectivity to SQL Server, we want to make it easy for Java developers to get the most from SQL Server 2005. Our early access program and migration support will do just that."

DataDirect Technologies' Microsoft SQL Server 2005 early-access program is available to all existing customers and prospects. Please visit http://www.datadirect.com for more information.

About DataDirect Technologies

DataDirect Technologies is the industry leader in standards-based data connectivity, enabling software developers to quickly develop and deploy business applications across all major databases and platforms. Developers worldwide at more than 250 leading independent software vendors and thousands of corporate IT departments rely on DataDirect(R) products to connect their applications to a wide range of data sources using standards-based interfaces such as ODBC, JDBC and ADO.NET. Developers also depend on DataDirect to radically simplify complex data integration projects using XML products based on the emerging XQuery and XQJ standards. DataDirect Technologies is an operating unit of Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq: PRGS), a global software industry leader. Headquartered in Bedford, Mass., DataDirect Technologies can be reached at www.datadirect.com or [phone].

DataDirect and DataDirect Connect are trademarks or registered trademarks of DataDirect Technologies Corp. in the U.S. and other countries. Progress is a registered trademark of Progress Software Corporation 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 in other countries. Any other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.