Software Generation and Ascential Software, Integrate to Provide Media Asset Archive Management Solution
OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 6, 2001--Software Generation, Ltd. (SGL) and Ascential Software, Inc., the leading provider of Information Asset Management solutions today announced a partnership to integrate the market-leading media asset management Media360 system with SGL's FlashNet archive management software to provide an end-to-end solution. The two products working in concert will allow content providers to exploit virtually limitless amounts of digital content without having to convert and re-convert material multiple times.
Content providers around the world currently have millions of hours of video, audio, and multimedia content which is underused. This content can range from yesterday's newscast to some of the earliest sound recording. Not only is this content underutilized, but also some is in danger of disappearing altogether as the medium on which it was recorded deteriorates over time. The Media360 system is a revolutionary step in providing the digitization and management tools needed to tackle the enormous task of digitizing, cataloging and accessing all this content.
The Media360 and FlashNet combination will take this one step further by allowing the content, once digitized, to remain in its digital format for both the catalog version and the full resolution version. The implication is that once an asset is brought under control of the Media360 system, it can be distributed in full resolution without having to retrieve either the source material or a converted physical copy. This saves time and avoids the inevitable "artifacts" introduced in multiple encodings and re-encodings.
"Our experience has shown us that teaming with industry leaders like Ascential Software brings greater value to our customers," said Bernie Walsh, Director of Sales and Marketing, SGL. "Our ability to effectively store and retrieve digital assets is significantly enhanced by a powerful application like Media360. Our customers in the past have been able to manage assets through the textual representation of their content; the ability to see a visual representation of that content and the tools associated with it is a huge step forward."
"Ascential Software is pleased to be partnering with SGL," said Pamela Vitale, Director, Media Partners Worldwide, Ascential Software. "Its innovative FlashNet technology will make it possible for Ascential's Media360 customers to easily access their various hierarchical storage management systems and other peripheral devices to create a powerful, end-to-end media asset archive management system."
Ascential's Media360 is a comprehensive media asset management solution for loading, digitizing, indexing, editing, storing, retrieving, browsing, playing, protecting, distributing and archiving any type of media asset. It offers maximum flexibility to users with no limits on the size of the database, number of users, type or complexity of media assets to be managed.
Software Generation, Ltd. is a privately held archive management software company headquartered in Southampton, England. SGL has been in business since 1989 and its flagship FlashNet product is installed in over 3,500 customer sites around the world. More information can be found at www.sgluk.com.
About Ascential
Ascential Software, Inc. is the leading provider of Information Asset Management solutions to the Global 2000. Customers use Ascential products to turn vast amounts of disparate, unrefined data into reusable information assets that drive business success. Ascential's unique framework for Information Asset Management enables customers to easily collect, validate, organize, administer and deliver information assets to realize more value from their enterprise data, reduce costs and increase profitability. Headquartered in Westboro, Mass., Ascential has offices worldwide and supports more than 1500 customers, including Fujitsu-Siemens; Towers Perrin; Pfizer, Inc.; BizRate.com and Subaru of America, Inc., in such industries as telecommunications, insurance, financial services, healthcare, media/entertainment and retail. Ascential is an independent operating company of Informix Corporation (NASDAQ: IFMX) and can be found on the Web at www.ascentialsoftware.com.
(c)2001 Ascential Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Ascential(TM)is a trademark of Ascential Software, Inc. and may be registered in other jurisdictions. The following are trademarks of Informix Corporation or its affiliates, one or more of which may be registered in the U.S. or other jurisdictions: Media360(TM).
Safe Harbor Statement
This public announcement contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include those as to:
--The extent to which the company can maintain its status as a
leading provider of software products to particular segments
of the software market,
--The extent to which the company's software products will enable
its customers to realize more value from their enterprise data,
reduce costs and increase profitability,
--The extent to which the CRM, financial services,
telecommunications, media/entertainment and healthcare markets
for the company's software products continue to experience high
growth rates, and
--The extent to which the company can maintain and grow its
current group of product and service partners.
Any statements that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results and events to differ materially from historical or anticipated results and events. Investors and potential investors should review carefully the description of the risks and uncertainties which, together with other detailed information about Informix Corporation, is contained in the periodic reports that Informix Corporation files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This public announcement contains information that is accurate as of January 16, 2001, the date of the public announcement. The company disclaims any obligation to update or correct the information as a result of financial, business or any other developments occurring after January 16, 2001.
CONTACT:
SGL Contact Information
Bernie Walsh, +44 2380 233 322
bernie@sgluk.com
or
Ascential Software
Barbara Petrocelli, 508-366-3888
barbara.petrocelli@ascentialsoftware.com
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
BW2404 FEB 06,2001
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