IBM and OpenDemand Systems Work Together to Deliver Performance Optimization Solution Powered By WebSphere and DB2 Universal Database

IBM and OpenDemand Systems Work Together to Deliver Performance Optimization Solution Powered By WebSphere and DB2 Universal Database
Users of World’s Leading Middleware and Database Platforms Now Have Access to Leading e-business Performance Optimization Solution

Newark, New Jersey - March 17, 2003

OpenDemand Systems, Inc. today announced that it is working with IBM Solution Partner Centers to port, enable, and test its OpenLoad™ performance optimization solution on the most widely used middleware, database and hardware platforms on the market today—IBM WebSphere, DB2 Universal Database and eServer xSeries. OpenLoad™ V3.5 will be officially launched at IBM developerWorks Live! conference in April 2003 and be generally available from OpenDemand and select IBM Business Partners.

OpenLoad™ V3.5 is the world’s first easy-to-use, browser-based, rapid performance optimization solution powered by IBM WebSphere and DB2 Universal Database. OpenLoad™ V3.5 minimizes the time and skill set required to optimize the performance of Web-based applications by simplifying the process of building test scripts, verifying expected functional behavior and pinpointing performance bottlenecks within Web applications and IT infrastructure. By leveraging open industry standards, OpenLoad™ V3.5 allows companies to exploit the combined power and scalability of WebSphere, DB2 Universal Database and eServer xSeries platforms in a single integrated optimization solution. In addition, the combined solution will provide a powerful foundation for millions of business application developers seeking a way to optimize the performance of their J2EE and Web services applications.

"OpenLoad™ is a perfect complement to the WebSphere Express platform, as both are built to address the increasing demand of mid market customers for simplified and cost-effective deployment of dynamic websites and portal solutions,” said Donald Doane, President and CEO of OpenDemand Systems, Inc. "This relationship expands the reach of OpenLoad™ into the mid market and offers customers a way to better leverage their investments in the WebSphere platform and more rapidly deploy business solutions with unprecedented levels of performance, availability and reliability.”

IBM and OpenDemand will co-market the combined solution as a bundled software package, eServer appliance and On Demand hosted solution, which will include the following offerings:
• OpenLoad Express – designed for application developers and testers optimizing applications with small to medium size workloads.
• OpenLoad Advanced – designed for application development and testing teams optimizing applications with large workloads in multi-tier environments.
• OpenLoad On Demand – hosted solution designed for one off or subscription-based testing from outside the firewall.
• OpenServices – designed to supplement OpenLoad solution with value-added professional optimization services from OpenDemand and select IBM Business Partners.

About OpenDemand
OpenDemand specializes in helping companies to quickly uncover opportunities to improve performance, availability and reliability of applications and IT infrastructure in order to increase revenue, reduce costs and improve productivity. Our suite of Rapid Process Optimization (RPO) products and services are built upon a foundation of proven success and customer-driven innovation. Some of the world’s leading corporations have selected our solutions to optimize the performance of their automated business processes.

OpenDemand Systems was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Newark, New Jersey. For more information on how OpenDemand can help your company maximize IT potential, visit www.opendemand.com or contact us at 973-735-0547x2.

About OpenLoad
OpenLoad™ is the world’s first easy-to-use, browser-based, rapid performance optimization solution powered by IBM WebSphere and DB2 Universal Database. OpenLoad™ minimizes the time and skill set required to optimize the performance of Web-based applications by simplifying the process of building test scripts, verifying expected functional behavior and pinpointing performance bottlenecks within Web applications and IT infrastructure.

About WebSphere**
WebSphere is Internet infrastructure software -- known as middleware -- that enables companies to develop, deploy and integrate e-business applications, such as those for business-to-business e-commerce. WebSphere supports business applications from simple Web publishing through enterprise-scale transaction processing. WebSphere transforms the way businesses manage customer, partner and employee relationships. More information about the WebSphere software platform is on the Web at http://www.ibm.com/websphere.

About IBM DB2
The DB2** Universal Database** is the industry's first multimedia, Web-ready relational database management system strong enough to meet the demands of large corporations and flexible enough to serve medium-sized businesses. DB2 Universal Database combines power for business intelligence (data warehousing and data mining) capabilities with industry-leading performance and reliability to drive demanding, transaction-intensive industry solutions.

About IBM eServer xSeries
IBM is the largest server company in the world. The xSeries is an IBM eServer, a new generation of servers that feature mainframe-class reliability and scalability, broad support of open standards, and capacity on demand for managing the unprecedented demands of e-business. For more information, please visit www.ibm.com/xSeries.

About IBM
IBM has been a leader in the Internet revolution from the beginning. No company understands the process of becoming an e-business better. IBM invented the term e-business and has experienced firsthand its own successful transformation. With more than 18,000 successful e-business engagements to its credit, no other company has more experience or is better equipped with the technology, services and Web-enabled product offerings to help you extend your business value. IBM is a trusted partner that has the skills, resources and services to design, implement and maintain superior solutions that deliver on the promise and potential of e-business. For more information on IBM e-business, visit www.ibm.com/ebusiness.

OpenDemand Systems, the OpenDemand Systems Company logo, OpenLoad and OpenLoad V3.5 are registered trademarks or trademarks of OpenDemand Systems, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

IBM, , WebSphere, DB2 and DB2 Universal Database are trademarks or registered trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

WebSphere and DB2 are products of IBM; OpenLoad is a product of OpenDemand Systems. Neither party has any responsibility for, or makes any representations or warranties about the other's products.

PRESS CONTACT: Claire Beauharnais, OpenDemand Systems - 508 Hamburg Turnpike, 105D - Wayne, NJ 07470 - Tel. 973.494.8064 - E-mail: claire@opendemand.com - Website: www.opendemand.com