Business Objects announces support for new Microsoft Data Warehousing Framework

Business Objects, the world`s leading provider of integrated enterprise decision support tools, has announced that it endorses Microsoft`s new Data Warehouse Framework. Business Objects, as a member of Microsoft`s Data Warehouse Alliance, will support the new data warehousing technologies found in Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 with the next major release of its full-client system for query, reporting, and online analytical processing (OLAP).

BusinessObjects is the company`s full-client decision support solution that enables people to access, analyze, and share information. The product`s next release will support Microsoft technical standards including OLE DB for OLAP, OLAP Services functionality, and Microsoft Repository for sharing data.

"Business Objects is a charter member of the Microsoft Data Warehousing Alliance and continues to be a leading proponent of Microsoft`s work for data warehousing interoperability standards," said Steve Murchie, data warehousing product manager for Microsoft. "We welcome the company`s support for our new technical specifications and look forward to working with it to deliver joint BusinessObjects/SQL Server 7.0 solutions to our customers."

"Business Objects joined the Data Warehouse Alliance two years ago because we are committed to delivering advanced decision support solutions for Microsoft and its customers," said Alex Moissis, senior director of product line marketing for Business Objects. "With the coming release of SQL Server 7.0, we see our tight integration with Microsoft technology becoming even more important as we help businesses gain quick and easy access to business intelligence from their enterprise data sources such as Microsoft OLAP Services."

About Business Objects

Business Objects is the world`s leading provider of integrated enterprise decision support tools. Business Objects products provide non-technical business users with access to information stored in data warehouses, data marts, and packaged business applications. Business Objects provides a complete suite of decision support tools including query, reporting, online analytical processing, data mining, and DSS administration for both client/server and internet environments. Business Objects has sold more than 870 000 licenses to over 6 700 organizations in more than 60 countries worldwide.

Business Objects may be reached by phone at (011) 807-0777 or on the world wide web at http://www.businessobjects.com. The Company`s stock is publicly traded under the ticker symbol BOBJY.