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April 21, 2004

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SYBASE UNLOCKS INFORMATION THROUGH SIMPLIFIED ACCESS FROM ANY COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE

Agreement to acquire assets of Dejima adds patented technology to simplify access to backend data, applications and information using mobile messaging and natural language technologies

SYNOPSIS:
Sybase today signed an agreement to acquire the assets of Dejima, Inc. The assets will be integrated into Sybase's iAnywhere Solutions subsidiary.

  • Provides even non-technical users with easy, convenient access to critical information using nearly any communications method or device
  • Enhances Sybase's leading enterprise infrastructure and mobile software with the addition of patented mobile messaging and natural language interface technologies

    Dublin, CA, April 21, 2004 - Sybase, Inc. (NYSE: SY), a leading provider of enterprise infrastructure and mobile software, today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of privately held Dejima, a leading provider of mobile access solutions using natural language interface technology. Sybase intends to integrate the assets of Dejima into its iAnywhere Solutions subsidiary, and expects to complete the cash transaction in the second quarter of 2004.

    "This move extends our Unwired Enterprise strategy and positions Sybase to play a pioneering role in the next technology wave - empowering users to easily leverage sophisticated enterprise and other information systems no matter what their level of technical expertise," said Terry Stepien, president of iAnywhere. "With this proven, patented technology, Sybase will simplify information access, enabling companies to increase user adoption and productivity by making it easier for workers and consumers to get the right information at the right time."

    The Dejima product portfolio includes a total of 16 granted or pending patents and leverages natural language processing and adaptive agent technologies to allow end users to interact with information sources using common, colloquial language. Inquiries can be made using nearly any communications method (email, SMS, voice, instant messaging, etc.) or device (landline or mobile phone, PDA, laptop, PC, etc.). Sybase plans to leverage the Dejima technology to add natural spoken and text access through common messaging interfaces to backend systems such as databases and enterprise applications - revolutionizing the way business is conducted and freeing critical information for easy access by non-technical end users.

    "We have very strong partnerships with both Sybase and Dejima and feel that this is a match made in heaven," said Marc Benioff, chairman & CEO, salesforce.com. "Joining Dejima's innovative, patented natural language technology with Sybase's robust data management, decision support and mobile solutions lays the foundation for the next killer app … a real home run."

    "Sybase shares Dejima's vision that natural language technology is an essential component of effective mobile solutions," said Antoine Blondeau, CEO at Dejima. "We are impressed by the commitment of the Sybase and iAnywhere Solutions management teams to drive opportunities for our Dejima products around the world."

    Partner companies (ISVs, OEMs, SIs, etc.) and customers can leverage the Dejima technology to power a number of innovative solutions, including:

  • SFA and CRM Applications - companies such as salesforce.com employ Dejima technology to provide wireless Web and wireless email access to detailed sales and customer information, making it easier for business professionals to find the information they need, when they need it.
  • Applications for Wireless Carriers - carriers can provide consumers with access to a wide variety of location-specific information using everyday language. For example, a subscriber using a wireless carrier's Yellow Pages service can simply request, "Get me an Italian restaurant with a nice view."
  • Telematics Applications - Dejima technology provides an effective, easy to use interface for a wide variety of telematics applications including vehicle-based electronic systems, online navigation, information services and emergency assistance.


    About Sybase:
    Celebrating 20 years of innovation, Sybase enables the Unwired Enterprise for customers and partners by delivering enterprise and mobile solutions for information management, development and integration. The world's most critical data in commerce, communications, finance, government and healthcare runs on Sybase. For more information, visit the Sybase Web site: http://www.sybase.com/.

    About Dejima:
    Dejima delivers revolutionary software solutions that enable people to interact with computerized content using their own words - freed from using codes, commands and menus. - Dejima Direct™ solutions provide the ability to request information and execute productivity tasks in their own words over email, wireless messaging, web or speech. Founded in 1998, Dejima is headquartered in San Jose, California, and operates subsidiaries in Paris and Tokyo. For more information, visit Dejima's website at http://www.dejima.com/.

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    iAnywhere, iAnywhere Solutions and Sybase are registered trademarks of Sybase, Inc. or its subsidiaries. ® indicates registration in the United States of America. All other company and product names mentioned may be trademarks of the companies with which they are associated.

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: Statements concerning the benefits of Sybase's agreement to acquire the assets of Dejima, future growth, the completion of the acquisitions and Sybase's plans following completion of the acquisitions are by nature "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve a number of uncertainties and risks and cannot be guaranteed. Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially include the risk that the acquisitions may not be consummated in a timely manner, if at all, risks regarding employee relations, risks relating to shifts in customer demand, rapid technological changes, competitive factors and unanticipated delays in scheduled product availability and other risks concerning Sybase and its operations that are detailed in the period filings with the SEC of Sybase, including its most recent filings on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q.

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