MathSoft unveils family of statistical data mining products; leading developer of data analysis software highlights new product line, announces strategic alliance with Informix at DCI Data Warehouse World.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 1997--MathSoft, Inc., a leading provider of advanced calculation and analysis software, today introduced its family of powerful statistical data mining products and announced a new strategic partnership with Informix Software, Inc.

The product line addresses the growing need of corporate users for more effective tools to analyze the data driving critical business and technical decisions. MathSoft has laid the groundwork for further support of corporate statistical data mining needs by joining the INFORMIX DataBlade(R) Developers Program to develop the S-PLUS DataBlade(R) module.

Success in today's data-intensive business environment hinges on the ability to uncover trends and insights concealed in archived data and to compare knowledge of historical events with current information, creating predictive knowledge. The key to unearthing this type of knowledge from corporate data is the analytical abilities of the tools.

MathSoft's new product family is the first in the data mining market to directly address the need for practical, effective analytics. The product family is based on MathSoft's flagship data analysis tool, S-PLUS(R), and MathSoft StatServer(TM), a new product announced today that distributes statistical analytics across the enterprise. The product line will be further enhanced when MathSoft combines forces with Informix's innovative database, providing custom-tailored knowledge solutions that address complex business analysis requirements.

"MathSoft is a recognized leader in data analysis technology," explained Charles Digate, president and CEO of MathSoft, Inc. "Our product line puts our analytical expertise to use in the important arena of data mining and provides users with the type of tools they need to analyze data interactively and reach more effective conclusions. This new product line and partnership with Informix underscores MathSoft's commitment to delivering integrated, best-of-breed combinations of analytic and database solutions to our customers."

"The adaptability of Informix's and MathSoft's technology will allow us to provide a seamless solution together," said Bruce Golden, vice president and general manager of Informix's data warehousing business development unit. "MathSoft is a recognized innovator of data analysis tools, and we are excited to be working together to produce statistical analysis products, the first of which will be earmarked for the financial services industry."

MathSoft's Statistical Data Mining Product Family

MathSoft's product family delivers a comprehensive set of data analysis and statistical data mining products that are easy to use and encourage professional users and knowledge workers at all organizational levels to tap into the power of data contained in corporate warehouses and data marts for more effective decision making. The product line currently includes S-PLUS, a popular statistical analysis package used by professionals in finance, biomedicine and university research, and StatServer, a new product announced today that distributes statistical analytics across the enterprise to business executives and researchers at all levels.

In the future, it will include the next generation of S-PLUS, as well as the S-PLUS DataBlade module, both of which will be available this summer and will support MathSoft's goal to provide the most powerful, easy-to-use tools for advanced data exploration and visualization.

DataBlade Technology

A DataBlade module is a software component that extends the relational database to manage new kinds of data. DataBlade modules add domain-specific expertise and key functionality required for user-defined data types such as points, lines, polygons, etc. DataBlade modules plug-in directly to the database, making the newly defined types and functions first-class citizens in the database. Informix customers use a single DataBlade module or a number of DataBlade modules simultaneously to create unique, integrated information management solutions customized for their business needs. Customers can choose from a growing portfolio of packaged DataBlade modules from Informix and third parties, or define and create their own with the DataBlade Developers Kit.

The Power of S

All of MathSoft's data mining products are based on S, an object-oriented language developed at Lucent Technologies (formerly AT&T Bell Labs) specifically for data visualization and exploration. MathSoft has exclusive worldwide rights to develop and distribute products which incorporate the S technology.

About Informix Software, Inc.

Informix, based in Menlo Park, Calif., provides innovative database technology that enables the world's leading corporations to manage and grow their business. Informix is widely recognized as the technology leader for corporate computing environments ranging from workgroups to very large OLTP and data warehouse applications. Informix's database servers, application development tools, superior customer service, and strong partnerships enable the company to be at the forefront of many leading-edge information technology solution areas. More information about Informix is available via the World Wide Web at http://www.informix.com .

About MathSoft, Inc.

Founded in 1984, MathSoft is the leading provider of knowledge discovery software for students and technical professionals. The company has more than 1,000,000 users of its Mathcad, StudyWorks, S-PLUS and Axum software worldwide. Users include technical professionals at more than half the Fortune 1,000 companies and over 500 government installations, and students and faculty at over 2,000 colleges and universities.

StatServer and S-PLUS product information can be obtained via MathSoft's Web site located at http://www.mathsoft.com, by phone at 1-800/569-0123, by fax at 206/283-8691 or via mail at 1700 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98109. MathSoft's corporate headquarters can be reached by phone at 1-800/628-4223, by fax at 617/577-8829 or via mail at 101 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142. -0-

Note to Editors: To view a live demo of MathSoft StatServer over the Web, please visit the company's Web site at http://www.mathsoft.com .

The MathSoft logo, Axum, S-PLUS, Mathcad and StudyWorks are trademarks of MathSoft, Inc.

The following are worldwide trademarks of Informix Software, Inc., Informix Corporation, or their subsidiaries, registered in the United States of America as indicated by (R) and in numerous countries worldwide: Informix(R), The Informix logo(R), DataBlade(R), etc. All other names or marks may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

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