Software AG and IVIS Get Personal

Software AG press release
Software AG's Tamino Platform Enables IVIS To Offer Integrated E-Commerce Solutions

Bracknell, UK, 10th June 2001: Software AG, Europe's largest systems software company, today announced it is partnering with specialist software developer Ivis, to design and implement mission critical e-commerce solutions, powered by XML-based technologies.

Ivis the UK based leader in mission-critical XML, uses XML to integrate traditional logistics systems to web based e-commerce applications. One example of Ivis' success is Tesco.com, for whom they wrote the business engine, which has since become the World's largest online grocery system.

Andrew Long, Senior VP for Sales and Marketing of Ivis, explains, "Most e-commerce implementations are built as proprietary solutions that integrate with their own logistic systems; often they are not extensible to new business or new suppliers. In the current economic climate, companies need to compete more efficiently. They need an open, extensible solution that allows their systems to communicate within a B2B and B2C environment, and XML provides advantages in both aspects. What we require is a scalable, hierarchical native XML repository and Software AG can provide this with Tamino."

Ivis and Software AG have worked together to identify and respond to the market drivers for e-Business. For example, online retailers have a strategic dilemma. They need to exploit their brand to increase transactions, which means offering a greater range of products, with more partners providing information and fulfilment, to consumers who demand personalised content and service. Yet they must do this with a tight control of costs if they are to sustain acceptable margins."

Geoff Cooke, Software AG's Country Manager for the UK, said, "Ivis is one of the most respected niche software developers and an early adopter of XML. This further validates XML as the technology that enables e-Business. This agreement is an excellent step forward for both companies and a further step towards providing the functionality and flexibility our customers demand."

Qusai Sarraf, CEO of IVIS Group is speaking at the XML One Conference in Munich 9th - 11th July on how XML improves implementation of B2B commerce and personalises the user experience. He is commenting on the importance of using a native XML repository, such as Software AG's Tamino database.

About XML
eXtensible Markup Language, XML, is an international standard for the interchange and storage of data. XML has a number of unique benefits: it is platform neutral and scalable, thereby providing the assurance that documents and data can be exchanged with absolute confidence. XML is self-describing, which means that data is tagged with a description of its content, making information understandable and useable when exchanged between parties. Finally, data encoded in XML is future proof and will withstand developments in software and hardware over time.

About IVIS Group www.Ivisgroup.com
IVIS Group, formed in May 1994, has been involved in some of the most successful and challenging eBusiness solutions in the world. The company designs and delivers mission-critical business solutions using leading-edge technologies and open standards. It is a member of the international standards consortia, W3C and OASIS. Ivis works throughout the enterprise to deliver better service to customers, empower employees and improve the effectiveness and cost performance of the supply chain. Ivis has been at the forefront of creating web services and business webs for its clients. More information at www.Ivisgroup.com Qusai Sarraf is an entrepreneur, business systems architect, management trainer and author. He runs IVIS Group, an eBusiness solution provider based in London, England. In addition to leading IVIS Group, Qusai is the author of the most popular Learning Tree course 542 Building XML Applications and frequently presents worldwide.

About Software AG
Software AG, Darmstadt, Germany, is Europe's largest system software provider and a major global player offering cutting edge technology for data management and electronic business. Since 1998 the company has focused its development activities on XML products for the Internet. With some 3,500 employees and representatives in over 70 countries, Software AG expects revenues to exceed euros 600 million in 2001. Its distribution and technology partners include market leaders such as IBM, Microsoft and SCO as well as innovative IT solutions providers like Extensibility, Softquad and Sequoia. Software AG's products control the central IT processes of thousands of renowned companies worldwide. Some examples of these are Lufthansa, British Sky Broadcasting, ZDF, Dresdner Bank AG, Swiss Post, DaimlerChrysler, Deutsche Bahn AG (German Rail), BP and VIAG Interkom. Software AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (MDAX, Security identification number 724264 / SOWGn.F). Software AG's UK offices are located in Bracknell and Derby. More information at http://www.softwareag.co.uk