LinkAge announces major new release of market-leading directory exchange software, LDE 3.0; Software provides enterprise-wide directory synchronization and management in an open systems environment; LDE 3.0 receives Microsoft BackOffice certification.

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 15, 1996--LinkAge Software Inc., the leading supplier of enterprise-wide electronic mail connectivity solutions, today announced LinkAge Directory Exchange Version 3.0 (LDE 3.0).

Targeted at commercial organizations, the new software is an enterprise-wide solution to the problem of synchronizing disparate messaging directories. LDE 3.0 is a client/server application that enables organizations to synchronize directories more reliably, efficiently and cost-effectively than previously possible.

Based on the Microsoft BackOffice family of server applications, LDE 3.0 carries the "Designed for Microsoft BackOffice" logo. This signifies that it runs as a service on a Windows NT Server, independent of network protocols, and can be installed unattended using Microsoft Systems Management Server.

"The certification of LinkAge's directory exchange software with Microsoft Exchange and the BackOffice family means that users can easily administer disparate messaging applications and directories throughout the enterprise," said Rob Shurtleff, general manager Exchange Server Connectivity at Microsoft.

"From a management perspective, LDE 3.0 provides a solution to the growing problem of keeping accurate and up-to-date directory information across the three major tiers of networked technology: desktop, midrange and mainframe servers. It's an important piece in the complete solution being offered by Microsoft BackOffice."

Retailer Toys `R' Us has successfully used the new version of LDE to unify its Microsoft Mail and OfficeVision/400 communications systems. Joe Giamelli, vice president, International MIS for Toys `R' Us noted, "We wanted a product that was tightly integrated with Windows NT, and LDE 3.0 definitely met that qualification.

"More importantly, though, we needed something that would connect our current messaging systems, while providing us with the ability to migrate our OV/400 users to MS Mail as our business requirements dictate. We think we've found that with LDE."

According to Bob Jull, LinkAge's president, "LDE enables corporations to significantly reduce their operating costs by reducing the administrative effort and eliminating errors in the directory synchronization process.

In addition, LDE 3.0 easily and reliably scales to accommodate increasing user populations and directory complexity, including inter-company synchronization, providing a solid foundation for future growth.

"Our design goal was to provide the easiest, most efficient, comprehensive and cost-effective directory synchronization solution for the enterprise market. We've accomplished that -- and more -- with this release of LDE."

Complementing LDE 3.0 will be the LinkAge Message Exchange (LME 3.0), to be unveiled at EMA later this month. LME is a robust message switch that runs under Windows NT in conjunction with Microsoft BackOffice. LME will provide connectivity among Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft Mail, Lotus Notes, Lotus cc:Mail, SMTP, X.400, SNADS and PROFS systems.

LDE 3.0 Particulars

LDE consists of two types of software components: the Directory Exchange Manager and a suite of Directory Exchange Agents, one for each messaging system. The enhanced Directory Exchange Manager is delivered as a value-added application based on Microsoft BackOffice. It uses Microsoft SQL Server and, if appropriate, SNA Server.

Systems management facilities are available through a new user interface that operates on either Windows NT or Windows 95-based workstations.

Administrators can stop, start and reconfigure system Agents remotely, and request or send directory updates at any time. In addition, administrators can monitor and manage the entire directory exchange process from a single point, enabling them to quickly see the status of all Directory Exchange Agents in their network.

LDE 3.0 provides synchronization for a wide variety of directories, including Microsoft Mail, Microsoft Exchange Server, Lotus Notes, Lotus cc:Mail, HP OpenMail, Fischer TAO, Verimation MEMO, IBM OfficeVision and X.500. Support for Novell NDS will follow later in Q3 '96.

LDE 3.0 supports the synchronization of both Internet and X.400 addresses by importing them directly into the Directory Exchange Manager.

The Directory Exchange Manager then translates these addresses into the appropriate proprietary formats and propagates them throughout the enterprise. This new capability provides users of standard LAN- or host-based messaging products unprecedented access to Internet and X.400 addressing information.

LDE is transport-independent -- supporting the customer's "backbone of choice" -- allowing it to fit into any existing, or future, corporate messaging infrastructure. The Directory Exchange Manager can communicate with Directory Exchange Agents via SMTP and X.400 as well as SNADS and RSCS.

LDE also provides the user with a critical database, the Master Mapping Directory. This directory serves as a reliable information source for directory synchronization and other business applications, including human resource databases and scheduling applications. This "corporate master" directory can also be administered centrally to ensure security and confidentiality.

Included in this release is a Customer Support Access Application (CSAA). This application provides customers with an electronic connection to LinkAge customer support. This new service will allow customers to report problems, ask questions, track the status of problems under review and access problem solution information.

Later in 1996, LinkAge will add access to its technical notes, tips, problem resolution knowledge base, press releases and white papers.

LDE 3.0 is available immediately directly from LinkAge. For a minimum PC-based configuration supporting 2,000 users and synchronization of two directory types, the price for the LDE 3.0 software is USD $36,800.

LinkAge Software Inc. is a leading supplier of electronic mail connectivity products and services to over 1,000 companies. The company's portfolio of messaging connectivity products is marketed and supported worldwide through distributors and select Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), as well as directly by LinkAge.

LinkAge is headquartered in Toronto, with a sales and marketing operation located in Ottawa at: 141 Laurier Avenue, West, 9th floor, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5J3, Canada. Telephone: [phone]. FAX: [phone]. Internet: [e-mail] or http://www.linkage.com. -0-

Note to Editors: Microsoft, BackOffice, Microsoft SQL Server, Windows NT and Windows are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. All other service marks and trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: LinkAge Software Inc., Ottawa

Paul Gravel, 613/594-9244

Internet: [e-mail]

or

Sterling Communications Inc.

Carol Nash, 408/441-4100

Internet: [e-mail]