SoftQuad Now Shipping XMetaL 1.0 -- Setting the Standard for XML Content Creation.

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 25, 1999--

SoftQuad Software Inc., a leading provider of standards-based content publishing tools, has started shipping XMetaL 1.0, a full-featured, easy-to-use XML authoring tool.

XMetaL is an advanced, simple to deploy XML authoring tool that delivers unprecedented ease of use to customers working with XML and SGML. Modeled on common word processing applications, it offers a familiar, easy-to-use, authoring environment that virtually eliminates unnecessary learning curves and training costs. By easily creating XML content, XMetaL eliminates the need to convert documents authored in traditional word processors, streamlines the publishing process and substantially reduces conversion expenses.

"XMetaL will set the standard for XML content authoring," says Roberto Drassinower, President and CEO, SoftQuad Software Inc. "XMetaL shatters the barriers to wide-scale acceptance of structured content authoring, redefines the current cost model and delivers unprecedented value and performance."

XMetaL's extensive customization features enable the authoring environment to be optimized for any DTD, in many instances without programming. Its COM-based architecture and support for any Windows scripting language ensure that XMetaL can be extended and integrated into any existing publishing infrastructure. Its comprehensive support of SGML and web technologies makes XMetaL the ideal tool for any hybrid SGML/XML environment.

Content creators will benefit from XMetaL's ease of use and IT professionals will appreciate its simple deployment capabilities. XMetaL is ideal for creating content for technical publications, knowledge management, on-line publishing or any other application that benefits from XML.

According to James Clark, the internationally recognized XML/SGML authority, part of the vision of XML is to enable a new generation of structured content applications for the Web. "These new applications will require easier-to-use, less expensive and more broadly deployable tools and editors, like XMetaL," says Clark. "SoftQuad Software is uniquely positioned to fulfil that vision, and XMetaL 1.0 is an excellent first step."

DataChannel and ISOGEN are excited to be able to offer XMetaL to their corporate clients. "Our customers are looking for a content authoring solution that will help them become more efficient and productive," says Carla Corkern, Vice President, Professional Services and Training for the combined DataChannel and ISOGEN teams. "XMetaL is flexible, easily deployable and reduces the need for extensive end user training. Our goal is to provide XML solutions that will streamline our customers' business processes while contributing to their overall business objectives. XMetaL helps us do that."

XMetaL is shipping today and is available at a cost of U.S. $495 per single user license. The product will be sold both directly and through VARs and OEMs. Volume discounts, site licenses, partner programs and on-site training are all available.

SoftQuad Software Inc. is a leading provider of standards-based content publishing tools. Through its expertise in HTML, XML and SGML technologies, SoftQuad Software Inc. provides electronic document solutions -- from large-scale structured document authoring and distribution to web site development and application delivery.

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with European operations in London, SoftQuad is a founding member and active participant in the World Wide Web consortium, the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS) and the Internet Engineering Task Force.

Note to editors: If you're interested in viewing additional information about XMetaL, HoTMetaL PRO 5.0 or SoftQuad Software Inc., including technical specs, downloads, screen shots and box pictures, please visit the SoftQuad web page at http://www.softquad.com.

For further information, contact: David Terry President ITPR 416/361-6110 [e-mail]