KTI Partners With Theorem Solutions to Provide Open CAD Exchange.

Business/Technology Editors

LEXINGTON Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 2000

Knowledge Technologies International's technology

to work closer with leading CAD systems via Theorem Solutions

In a move that will provide the closest CAD integration yet, Knowledge Technologies International (KTI) has announced a new partnership with Theorem Solutions, recognized as one of the world leaders in the field of Product Data Exchange. KTI will co-develop tighter integration tools and resell Theorem products; CADverter, CADhealer and Data eXchange Navigator (DXN) as built-in CAD/CAM translators and integrators for its suite of knowledge-based software, The KBO Environment(TM) with `ICAD(R) Built In'. The KBO Environment is the advanced Knowledge-Based Organization (KBO) software tool for the intuitive management of complex processes. It has been proven to consistently provide time and cost savings of the order of 90%, allowing companies to get `right first time' products to market in record time.

KTI's largely aerospace and automotive customers use its KBO Environment to design complex components and assemblies simply by specifying function and by using dynamic embedded rules such as materials and manufacturing constraints and best-practice to produce the best solution. Once a product design has been derived from the knowledge base, manufacturers frequently need to transfer the model into various other systems in their downstream processes including CAD systems. Until now, integration with proprietary CAD systems has been dependent on the various CAD vendors sharing code and product updates with KTI. This latest solution provides KTI's customers with the leading, industry standard route to product data exchange.

By integrating via Theorem Solutions' product line, KTI's customers will enjoy the closest CAD collaboration yet achieved. Theorem provides a robust family of data exchange tools for all major CAD vendors. For instance, CADverter is Theorem's range of Direct Database converters, STEP AP203 and AP214 based conversion Products. They offer solutions for a wide range of proprietary formats including ACIS, CADDS, CATIA, ICEM, I-DEAS, Mechanical Desktop, Parasolid, Pro E, SolidEdge, SolidWorks and Unigraphics as well as STEP. Theorem's focus is to develop programs to solve the problem of Product Data Exchange using both Direct Database conversion and International Standards based conversion methods, with the goal being to significantly improve the ease and quality of Product Data Exchange.

Announcing the deal, Garreth Evans, CEO, KTI, `This new relationship not only allows KTI to focus on its core competency of knowledge-based process automation solutions it also exploits some perfect synergies between our two business models. Theorem's translators are tried and trusted and will allow KTI's customers to expand their use of the most advanced knowledge-based design and process automation products on the market.'

Stuart Thurlby, Managing Director, Theorem added: `We are delighted to be partnering KTI, and that KTI recognize Theorem as producing "best in class" Product Data Exchange technology and products'.

About The KBO Environment

KTI's The KBO Environment(TM) with `ICAD(R) Built In' is the advanced Knowledge-Based Organization (KBO) software tool for the intuitive management of complex processes. It enables a KBO to harness product definitions along with the knowledge base of its experts, product rules, performance data, legislative and safety codes and design best practices. It automates product development from concept to production. KTI's KBO technology has been proven in countless process automation applications for world-leading companies in automotive, aerospace and manufacturing industries providing the most advanced knowledge deployment environment and regularly provides returns on investment of over 100% and productivity gains in excess of 50%. The KBO Environment is a new family of KTI's Knowledge-Based Products comprising several inter-operative elements:

-- Knowledge-based Process Modeler (KPM): Comprehends, initiates, controls and dynamically monitors complex and even fragmented enterprise-wide processes

-- Knowledge Server: Easily captures and serves knowledge with (`ICAD Built In')

-- Knowledge Portal: Intelligently searches for, delivers and archives knowledge

-- Knowledge Browser: An intuitive environment to access and integrate your KBO applications

-- Knowledge Backbone: Integrates distributed heterogeneous knowledge sources

About KTI

KTI is the technology powerhouse behind the knowledge revolution and the world's most successful provider of software and services empowering the Knowledge-Based Organization (KBO). KTI's technology allows enterprises to capture their Intellectual Capital and deploy it intuitively to control complex processes. The benefits are massively compressed time scales, huge cost savings, enhanced creativity and optimized products, resulting in `audited', documented, repeatable and fully understood processes and best practices. KTI's technology is now considered by many companies to be a vital asset in the drive to constantly improve their offer and keep ahead of the competition. Using KTI's software, global market-leading companies in aerospace, automotive and other manufacturing industries have become pioneers in creating customer-driven products, right first time - every time.

Registered in Luxembourg the company operates from offices across the United States, Europe and Asia. KTI's world-wide client base includes Airbus Industrie, AP Parts, Benetton Formula 1, Airbus, Airbus UK, Corus, Daelim, Fiat, Ford, GM, IPTN, Jaguar Cars, Lotus Cars, Pratt & Whitney, Ricardo, Rolls-Royce, Sikorsky, Tata, Trico and many others. For more details see: www.KTIworld.com. Note: KTI initiated and is prime sponsor of the KBO conference. Sponsors have included Sun, Hewlett-Packard and Silicon Graphics. For details on the recent European KBO conference in Paris, February 2-3rd 2000 and the next International KBO Conference in Florida 7-9th November, 2000, see: www.KBOworld.com.

About Theorem Solutions

Theorem Solutions is a UK based company incorporated in 1990, with offices in the USA. Today the company is recognized as one of the world leaders in the field of Product Data Exchange. Theorem was formed with the mission of developing application programs to solve the problem of Product Data Exchange using both Direct Database conversion - CADverter and International Standards based conversion methods - STEP, the goal being to significantly improve the ease and quality of Product Data Exchange for CAD/CAM users.

This technical requirement, and the need for corporations world-wide to cut costs by sub contracting design and manufacturing, combined with the need to develop more integrated information systems has contributed to the growth and development of Theorem and its products.

Today Theorem has a very broad suite of products, offering both direct converters and STEP based converters. In the field of STEP, Theorem actively participates in the forums of the International Standards Organizations and is a member of both PDES Inc. and ProSTEP.

Theorem Solutions is a totally independent company, but maintains good relationships with the CAD vendors including, Autodesk, IBM (Dassault), Parametric Technology, SDRC, SolidWorks, Spatial Technology and Unigraphics Solutions, and is as such, a user in house of CAD products from these companies. The use in house of the CAD systems supplied by these vendors is for development, testing and product support, support being an essential and on-going element of Theorem's business.

Theorem's users cover the entire mechanical design sector, but primarily fall into the Automotive and Aerospace industries. Numerous organizations benefit from Theorem's products, for high quality and accurate data exchange. Within these two industries, the company's users include many world class corporations. website: www.theorem.co.uk