The Bekins Company Selects Data Connectivity Components from DataDirect Technologies to Mobile-Enable its Business.

BEDFORD, Mass. -- Transportation and Logistics Leader Accelerates Deployment of Wireless Application, Streamlines Operations and Saves Money with DataDirect Connect(R) for JDBC(TM)

DataDirect Technologies, the leading provider of components for connecting software to data, today announced the HomeDirectUSA division of The Bekins Company, one of the largest transportation businesses in North America, has implemented DataDirect Connect(R) for JDBC(TM) for its data access needs. DataDirect Connect for JDBC is a critical component of HomeDirectUSA's Service Tracking and Routing System (STARS), a wireless solution that provides pinpoint accuracy of shipments and event information. DataDirect Technologies has enabled Bekins to expedite the deployment of STARS, streamline operations with real-time data access and drive cost savings by reducing development and product support expenses.

STARS is the backbone of HomeDirectUSA distribution operations, providing route-optimized delivery information and real-time inventory tracking. The key to STARS success was the ability to allow delivery agents to use Intermec handheld computers to connect to data stored on an IBM DB2 database located at the company's mainframe data center. After evaluating its data connectivity options, including third-party database drivers and middleware sync servers, Bekins selected DataDirect Technologies because no other solution provided the speed, reliability and real-time data exchange that DataDirect Connect for JDBC offered. Simplifying the deployment of STARS with DataDirect Connect for JDBC, HomeDirectUSA will outfit 70 of its distribution centers and more than 500 truck drivers with the wireless devices this year.

"Embedding DataDirect Connect for JDBC into the STARS application removed a significant layer of complexity from this project," said Randy Valentino, CTO at Bekins. "Not only was the solution quick and easy to deploy, between the development time we've saved to the functionality and performance that DataDirect Connect for JDBC provided upon implementation, the benefits have been priceless."

In contrast to the other solutions it tested, HomeDirectUSA was able to double the performance of its STARS service with DataDirect Connect for JDBC and seamlessly integrate the drivers into the system, eliminating the need to hire new IT staff to support the application. Performance and developer productivity combined, HomeDirectUSA estimates DataDirect Technologies' database drivers save the company more than $30,000 in development and maintenance costs per year.

"DataDirect Connect for JDBC is ideally suited for projects like STARS, where data connectivity is truly strategic," said John Goodson, vice president of product operations at DataDirect Technologies. "We are always gratified when we are able help a company like Bekins to increase its competitive advantage and to save money while doing it."

DataDirect Technologies' involvement in the development and evolution of JDBC specifications has allowed it to consistently be the first to market with the fastest and most comprehensive suite of JDBC drivers for all major databases. Designed specifically for the development of applications where response time and efficient use of network resources is critical, DataDirect Connect for JDBC enables developers to build database-independent applications on a common application infrastructure, making it easier to support multiple databases and simplifying upgrades to new versions. Corporate IT departments rely on DataDirect Technologies' products to save them time and money when developing and deploying critical business applications.

About Bekins

The Bekins Company, Hillside, IL, includes Bekins Van Lines, LLC (BVL) and Bekins Worldwide Solutions (BWS). Since 1891, BVL has maintained a leading position in the household goods moving business for individuals, corporations and the U.S. Government. BVL provides its services through a vast network of over 325 independently owned agents. As one of the largest North American integrated networks, BWS is a pioneer in providing logistics services and solutions related to the customized transportation and distribution of high-value products to the business-to-business, business-to-consumer, manufacturer, distributor and retailer market segments. More recently, it has dominated the high-end portion of the business-to-consumer home delivery market under the product name, HomeDirectUSA. Both BVL and BWS are ISO-9002 registered companies. For more information on Bekins, please visit its websites at: www.bekins.com, www.homedirectusa.com and www.bekinsmoving.com

About DataDirect Technologies

DataDirect Technologies is focused on standards-based data connectivity, enabling software developers to quickly develop and deploy business applications across all major databases and platforms. DataDirect Technologies offers the most comprehensive, proven line of data connectivity components available anywhere. Developers worldwide at more than 250 leading independent software vendors and thousands of corporate IT departments rely on DataDirect(R) products to connect their applications to an unparalleled range of data sources and using standards-based interfaces such as ODBC, JDBC and ADO.NET. DataDirect Technologies is an operating company of Progress Software Corporation (Nasdaq: PRGS), a US$300+ million global software industry leader. Headquartered in Bedford, Mass., DataDirect Technologies can be reached on the Web at http://www.datadirect.com or by phone at [phone].

DataDirect and DataDirect Connect are trademarks or registered trademarks of DataDirect Technologies Corp. in the U.S. and other countries. Java and all Java based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Any other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.