New Update to Free Geospiza FinchTV Trace Viewing Software Adds Sequence Edit and Search Capabilities.

SEATTLE -- Software downloads nearing 10,000 unique users after just six months of availability

Geospiza, an industry-leading developer of software for DNA sequencing data management, analysis and visualization, today announced an update to Geospiza FinchTV, a free, cross-platform trace viewing software utility for use in DNA sequencing analysis. The newly enhanced version of the freely downloadable FinchTV software now incorporates sequence editing, insert and delete capabilities, selection and copying of bases for use in another application, and the groundbreaking ability to search for a given sequence. The newest version, dubbed FinchTV 1.2, now also runs on the Sun Solaris platform, in addition to Mac OS X, Windows and Linux. It is available for download at no cost at www.finchtv.com.

Bill Farmerie, Ph.D., director of the ICBR Genomics Core Lab at the University of Florida, uses FinchTV in his lab today. "FinchTV's compelling combination of features and cross-platform compatibility makes it simple and straightforward for our lab customers to visualize the results of their sequencing experiments. With the new version's ability to change base calls, insert and delete bases, and search for a given sequence, FinchTV continues to deliver genuinely useful functions which scientists really need. As a result, we recommend Geospiza's FinchTV software as a 'must have' application for all our sequencing data customers."

Todd M. Smith, Ph.D., chairman and CEO of Geospiza, added, "The ever-increasing number of FinchTV downloads has exceeded our expectations ... hitting the 10,000 unique downloads mark underscores the pent-up demand for high-functionality trace viewing software. We're gratified to see this very real recognition of Geospiza's commitment to delivering professional life sciences software that makes DNA sequencing analysis easier and more efficient, which in turn helps researchers do higher quality work faster. This commitment to quality, interoperability and usability is at the foundation of all Geospiza Finch Suite DNA sequencing products and services."

About Geospiza FinchTV Software

Geospiza's FinchTV is a free, downloadable utility for viewing DNA sequence files. For the first time, research teams and scientists have at their disposal a single piece of software that reads the common AB1 and SCF sequencing formats, while providing interoperability across Windows, Linux, Solaris and Macintosh OS X operating systems. FinchTV offers scientists the unique ability to visually display an entire trace in a multipane view or in a single horizontal pane. For more detailed analysis, scientists can dynamically adjust vertical and horizontal scales. FinchTV will display more than 30 chromatogram file details, such as format, sample ID, plate label, run start and stop times, spacing, mobility, lane and more. In response to user feedback, the latest release of FinchTV adds to this list printing, editing and searching capabilities as well as the ability to export a chromat sequence to a FASTA file. The latest release of FinchTV can be downloaded at no charge from www.finchtv.com.

About Geospiza

Geospiza combines life sciences and IT expertise to deliver low-cost, high-productivity software systems to research teams and core labs worldwide. Geospiza's integrated Finch system for DNA sequencing laboratory workflow, data management and analysis turns complex scientific processes into reliable, upgradable and scalable everyday practices scientists and technicians can use to get their real work done. Geospiza was founded in 1997 and serves more than 10,000 researchers in both established and emerging biotechnology, academic, government and bio-pharmaceutical companies worldwide. More information is available at www.geospiza.com.