OASIS MEMBER NEWS: Tamino for Hand-Held Devices: Software AG andBirdstep Sign Strategic Agreement

["Laura Walker: OASIS" <laura.walker@oasis-open.org>]

-----Original Message-----
From: Katie Ahrenhoersterbauemer [mailto:katie@bohle.com]
To: laura.walker@oasis-open.org

Contact:
Lisa Saven/Katie Ahrenhoersterbauemer
The Bohle Company
Tel: (310) 785-0515
Lisas@bohle.com  / Katie@bohle.com



TAMINO FOR HAND-HELD DEVICES

 Software AG and Birdstep Technology ASA Sign Strategic Cooperation
Agreement


SAN RAMON, Calif. and OSLO, Norway - Nov. 16, 2000 - Software AG and
Birdstep
Technology ASA today announced a strategic partnership.  It will enable
Software AG's Tamino XML Database to exchange information with Birdstep's
DataBase Engine on hand-held platforms such as Linux, QNX, VxWorks, WinCe,
Pocket PC, Epoc, pSOS and Palm/OS.

The partnership is based on cooperation in the fields of technological
development and marketing.  A key aim is to communicate the benefits of
using Software AG products in conjunction with solutions from Birdstep.

"The demand for powerful computing functionality on hand-held devices is
increasing rapidly.  Individuals and companies alike want rich content,
flexible applications and the ability to manipulate large amounts of data
on local devices," Henning Klemp, CEO of Birdstep Technology said.  "We
are delighted to be collaborating with Software AG, the leading vendor
of XML-database software for server-based computing, to extend their
technology
to the mobile wireless market."

The Birdstep DataBase Engine has an ultra small footprint database of just
60K and uses a patented atomization technique to store and manage XML
structures
within the database itself.  This technology differs from that offered
by most vendors, who provide relational or flat file databases that are
unable to support native XML.  Birdstep supports XML as an integral part
of the device's database system, unlike other systems that only provide
an XML layer on top of the flat file or relational technology.

"Collaborating with Birdstep gives us access to a whole new segment of
the e-business market," Andreas Zeitler, head of marketing and services,
Software AG said.  "The prospect of native XML in hand-held systems such
as organizers, Palm Tops or other m-commerce devices opens up a whole range
of new applications for the Tamino XML Database."

Tamino processes and stores documents in XML.  Unlike relational databases,
there is no need to break down the data into its constituent parts and
reconstruct it again.  This considerably increases the speed of electronic
data exchange in the new Internet standard.

About Software AG Inc.

Based in San Ramon, Calif., Software AG, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Software AG, actively pursuing XML business in the U.S.   For more
information,
visit the company's Web site at http://www.softwareagusa.com/ or call (925)
242-3700.

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 more than 2,600
employees
and representatives in 60 countries, Software AG achieved sales revenue
of more than $350 million in 1999.   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 Instranet.
Software
AG's products control the central IT processes of thousands of renowned
companies worldwide.   Software AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock
Exchange.

About Birdstep Technology ASA

Birdstep Technology ASA is the developer of Birdstep DataBase Engine, a
patented award-winning ultra small footprint data and storage engine for
all data structures.  It runs on operating systems such as Win32, Windows
CE, Pocket PC, Linux, VxWorks, Epoc, QNX, pSOS and Palm/OS.   The Birdstep
DataBase Engine targets devices such as mobile phones,
PDAs/PWAs and embedded systems.  In addition to database technology, the
company is also a world leader in solutions for wireless technology and
related infrastructures.  Birdstep was founded in August 1996 and has
offices
in Oslo, Norway and San Jose, California, USA.  www.birdstep.com

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