VISUALIZATION

SAN RAMON, Calif. -- Visual Numerics Inc., a leading provider of numerical analysis and visualization software, today announced the general availability of the JMSL(TM) Numerical Library version 2.5 for Java(TM), which provides business analytics capabilities for Java-based data analysis applications for fast, reliable analysis across a broad set of industries including financial services, life sciences, manufacturing, retail and services industries. The JMSL Library extends the capabilities of Java, with the comprehensive mathematical, statistical and charting classes of the JMSL Library 2.5. In addition, the new version includes an Application Quick Start Pack for users to build and maintain their own visualization and numerical analysis applications even more quickly and cost-effectively. A Spreadsheet Is Not Enough Mainstream business users have long relied on spreadsheets to aggregate and analyze data. However, spreadsheets alone do not allow the user to see data in all possible dimensions. The combination of numerical analysis and visualization allows organizations to gain insight into valuable business data, and uncover unforeseen trends and unarticulated relationships. Coupled with the inherent benefits of Java, Visual Numerics' new product allows users to collaborate and share analysis results across the enterprise quickly. "Java is the ideal platform for providing a collaborative, interoperable development framework for a range of business applications," said Peter Denyer, Group Manager, Technical Markets, Sun Microsystems, Inc. "With the JMSL Numerical Library, Visual Numerics has actually extended the Java language to allow for in-depth numerical analysis on the Java platform. Developers can now quickly create high-performance business analysis applications for a deep understanding of mission critical information." "Executives today are constantly under pressure to make quick, well-informed decisions from mountains of data and much of it under analyzed. As a result, they need powerful and timely business analytics and reliable results," said Phil Fraher, COO of Visual Numerics. "We're bringing more than 30 years of advanced mathematics and statistics to users in high-profile industries where literally, time is money. With the JMSL Library, for example, developers can quickly create analysis applications so that brokers can perform portfolio analysis by inserting different stocks on the fly and visualizing various forecasts enabling them to provide their customers with the best portfolio assessment possible." According to Gartner Dataquest, IT buyers will spend $2 billion on business intelligence in 2003 and the sector is forecast to grow to $2.3 billion by 2005. Gartner Press Release "Gartner Delivers Business Intelligence Vendor Ratings for IT Buyers and Technology Investors" January 28, 2003. JMSL 2.5 For Online Analysis Visual Numerics, long recognized as the "gold standard" in numerical analysis and visualization solutions, has been developing in Java for more than six years. Until now, the Java language did not naturally allow for robust numerical analysis -- developers either had to write their own algorithms, or risk the use of public domain software. The JMSL Library 2.5 extends the capabilities of Java with added functionality from Visual Numerics' industry-leading IMSL(tm) algorithms to allow advanced numerical analysis. Pre-packaged custom language extensions in the JMSL Library 2.5 also make it possible for Java developers to quickly incorporate simple to complex numerical analysis capabilities in their applications. JMSL 2.5's new elements include: -- New Algorithmic Functionality -- Extended analysis and visualization capabilities including non-linear optimization, curve fitting functions, time series analysis enhancements, and new data mining and statistical algorithms. -- The JMSL Numerical Library Application Quick Start Pack -- Developers can build custom applications quickly based on demos and code samples that illustrate the combined usage of mathematical, charting and user interfaces to be embedded or customized as needed. -- New Education Program -- Special program and incentives for professors who wish to teach Java Numerical Analysis as a part of their curriculum