INDUSTRY

SOMERS, NY-- IBM (NYSE: IBM - news) today announced new IDS database software that demonstrates its commitment to enhance and maintain the product for customers and Business Partners. New features of IDS 9.3 include advanced spatial analysis capabilities, increased ease of use with bundled tools, and enhanced enterprise replication. These features enable IDS customers to increase database efficiency and reduce administration costs. In addition, IBM has accelerated the delivery of DB2 Relational Connect support for IDS 9.3, making it easier for IDS customers to select DB2 for their next generation applications. Now customers developing new DB2-based applications can access information stored in IDS databases. "Today's announcement underscores IBM's commitment to support customers investments in IDS, " said Janet Perna, general manager, IBM Data Management Solutions. "We will continue to support and enhance IDS in the future while at the same time make it easier for IDS customers to take advantage of DB2 for their next generation of applications through products like DB2 Relational Connect." "IBM has clear and compelling business reasons to maintain the Informix customer base through the continued development of Informix products," said Carl Olofson, Program Director for Information and Data Management Software market research at IDC. "This release of IDS is clear evidence of IBM's commitment to do just that." New capabilities of IDS 9.3 include: Spatial DataBlade 8.11: The industry's most advanced spatial analysis tool is a no-cost function that enables IDS to take account of geographical locations. This datablade utilizes a "nearest neighbor" function that helps users find the nearest points to any location, such as finding the nearest taxi-cab to a cell phone user. Exclusive tools bundled for IDS 9.3: Increased ease of use with bundled ServerStudio JE, Dynamic Logs and IBM/Informix System Administrator reduce system down time and total operational costs. This bundle is ideal for global medium business customers because it requires fewer database administrators to keep systems running 24x7. Advanced Enterprise Replication: This enables data to move seamlessly between multiple sites and machines. For example, multinational corporations, can quickly and easily extract and move data to and from local or regional offices, international locations and company headquarters according to organizational hierarchy. DB2 Relational Connect: IDS customers can now easily develop new applications on DB2, while continuing to support their existing IDS environments. DB2 Relational Connect allows DB2 applications to access IDS 9.3 function and data as if it were in DB2. "With the latest release of IDS, our company is experiencing performance increases," said David Link, database administrator, West Interactive. "We are now able to process transactions twice as fast as before, providing an immediate benefit to our customers." For further information visit www.ibm.com