Fujitsu Software Corporation Announces Release Plans for Next Version of NetCOBOL for .NET.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 2003

Version 2.0 Will Include Support for Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003

and Incorporate Significant Enhancements

Fujitsu Software Corporation announced today that in July it will release Version 2.0 of NetCOBOL(R) for .NET, the only COBOL compiler currently available for the Microsoft .NET Framework. Version 2.0 will support the just released version of Visual Studio .NET 2003. This version of NetCOBOL for .NET will also have numerous enhancements, including features to enable better integration with other products and enhanced programmability of the .NET Framework.

"Fujitsu has a great track record of providing COBOL programmers with all of the advantages of the Microsoft .NET Framework," said David Lazar, director for the Developer and Platform Evangelism Division at Microsoft Corp. "This release demonstrates Fujitsu's continued commitment to provide enterprise customers who have heavy investments in COBOL with the latest features available in Visual Studio .NET 2003."

In addition to support of Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003, NetCOBOL for .NET Version 2.0 will include numerous new features. A significant milestone in Version 2.0 will be the addition of a compiler option that will allow users to generate verifiable code when compiling their COBOL source code. Verifiability is a property of code targeting the .NET Framework common language runtime that guarantees greater security and reliability. To enhance programmability under the .NET Framework, the compiler will include features such as the ability to define interfaces, enumerations, and write Unicode source code.

NetCOBOL for .NET Version 2.0 will also include enhancements to its Visual Studio .NET support. Some existing features that will benefit from this work are the Windows Forms and ASP.NET designers. Some of this new work is also designed to benefit legacy migration solutions. NetKicks(TM), for example, is Fujitsu Software Corporation's solution for enterprise customers who want to migrate their CICS applications to the .NET Framework.

"Having worked closely with Visual Studio .NET and the .NET Framework as early adopters, we have developed a tremendous amount of expertise that results in a better product," added Basim Kadhim, chief architect, Fujitsu Software Corporation. "The features and design decisions we are making today also put us in a position to take advantage of future innovations."

NetCOBOL for .NET Version 2.0 will be the fourth release of the NetCOBOL for .NET product in 16 months that targets the Microsoft .NET Framework. NetCOBOL for .NET has included support for all of the major features of the .NET Framework, including the ability to develop Web services in COBOL.

For more details about NetCOBOL for .NET go to: http://www.netcobol.com/products/windows/netcobol.html.

About Fujitsu Software Corporation

Fujitsu Software Corporation, based in San Jose, California, is part of the Fujitsu Limited family. Fujitsu Software Corporation leverages Fujitsu's international scope and expertise in developing and providing information technology solutions. Fujitsu Software Corporation's products include NetCOBOL and Interstage(TM), e-business infrastructure software. NetCOBOL is a COBOL development environment and suite of tools to build fast, mission-critical business systems on open platforms, including Microsoft's .NET Framework. For more information, visit http://www.fsw.fujitsu.com.

About Fujitsu Limited

Fujitsu is a leading provider of customer-focused IT and communications solutions for the global marketplace. Pace-setting technologies, high-reliability/performance computing and telecommunications platforms, and a worldwide corps of systems and services experts make Fujitsu uniquely positioned to unleash the infinite possibilities of the broadband Internet to help its customers succeed. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 5 trillion yen (about US$38 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002. For more information, please see: http://www.fujitsu.com/.

Note to Editors: Fujitsu Limited, Interstage, NetKicks, and NetCOBOL are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fujitsu Limited of Tokyo.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.