Mission Critical Software to Centralize Windows NT Administration for Cross Platform Environments.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 21, 1998--

Integration of Tivoli Enterprise Software and

Enterprise Administrator Delivers Single View for

Administration of Windows NT and Legacy Systems

Mission Critical Software, Inc. -- a leading provider of Windows NT systems management solutions, Microsoft Certified Solution Provider and ADSI(1) partner -- today announced that it will integrate its market-leading Enterprise Administrator (EA) product with Tivoli Enterprise software from Tivoli Systems, Inc. (NYSE:IBM) to deliver seamless and centralized administration of Windows NT networks deployed in distributed, heterogeneous enterprise environments. The combined solution will provide simpler, more secure management and lower total cost of administration by creating a single interface for monitoring account, group and resource event information from both Windows NT-based and legacy systems.

The integration of EA, an advanced administration environment for large-scale Windows NT networks, with Tivoli Enterprise software will allow administrators to quickly and easily view, run reports, and audit all Windows NT administrative actions using the Tivoli Enterprise Console. EA's rules-based delegation model, which allows users to manage Windows NT-based networks the same way they think and work, enhances network security, lowers total cost of ownership and allows administrators to focus on strategic network issues.

"The ability to centralize the administration of Windows NT-based networks in heterogeneous computing environments is a key requirement for increasing security and lowering total cost of ownership," said Chris Christiansen, Program Director, Internet Security, International Data Corporation. "By making detailed, native Windows NT data gathered by Enterprise Administrator available at the Tivoli Enterprise Console, Mission Critical Software and Tivoli are significantly reducing the complexity of cross-platform management." Mission Critical-Tivoli Alliance

Under terms of the agreement, Mission Critical Software will integrate EA with the Tivoli Enterprise Console for seamless deployment in Tivoli environments. With this integration, Mission Critical is recognized as a Product Partner in the Tivoli Partner Association. Upon certification of EA by Tivoli, Mission Critical will have access to a number of marketing programs through the Tivoli Partner Association.

"As customers deploy Windows NT networks along side existing enterprise systems, they are demanding integrated solutions for tying Windows NT administration into their overall systems management strategy," said Tom Bernhardt, Chief Technical Officer, Mission Critical Software, Inc. "The partnership between Mission Critical Software and Tivoli will allow our customers to centralize Windows NT and Non-Windows NT administration for improved network security and lower total cost of ownership." About Enterprise Administrator

EA 4.5 provides an advanced administration environment for large-scale, distributed Windows NT networks. The EA Server is a rules-based proxy administrator that enables granular delegation of administrative authority over user accounts, groups, and distributed resources. The EA rules-based system reduces administrative workload, saves valuable administrator time, and allows enterprises to integrate policy enforcement and automation with administrative actions. EA improves network security, automates repetitive tasks, produces detailed reports, and creates clear audit trails. Pricing and Availability

The Enterprise Administrator module for Tivoli will be available from Mission Critical in the fourth quarter of this year. US pricing for the stand-alone module is $25,000. Company Background

Mission Critical Software, Inc. -- a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider, ADSI Partner, Microsoft Security Partner, and a member of the Tivoli Partner Association -- is the leading provider of enterprise systems management solutions for the Windows NT market. The company develops and markets products that provide simpler, faster, less costly, more secure administration and operation of enterprise networks. Mission Critical Software is based in Houston and operates seven regional offices in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The company's products are available directly and through a worldwide network of distributors. Mission Critical Software is privately held, and supported by venture funding from New Enterprise Associates, International Capital Partners, Inc., Austin Ventures, and JMI Equity Fund. To contact Mission Critical Software call 888-323-6768 or 713-548-1700, write to [e-mail], or visit us on the web at http://www.missioncritical.com.

(1) ADSI is Active Directory Service Interfaces, an open initiative for creating directory-enabled applications that is endorsed by many key industry vendors