DUBLIN, Calif., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sybase, Inc. , a leading provider of enterprise infrastructure and mobile software, today announced the latest version of its enterprise-class relational database management system, Adaptive Server Enterprise (ASE) 15. Sybase ASE has established itself as one of the most cost-effective data management platforms for business-critical computing, and builds on that reputation with key enhancements that give IT managers an operational advantage.

Sybase ASE 15 includes patented query processing technology that has shown increased performance and reduced hardware resource consumption. Additionally, it provides enhanced query performance through the use of smart partitions, which target just the information required.

Sybase ASE 15 extends management of unstructured and semi-structured data with advanced XML capabilities, and improved ease of XML document generation and schema validation. ASE 15 also includes extended services for directly accessing unstructured data in operating system files, and is now bundled with the core server -- in previous versions it was sold separately.

"Organizations are finding that the quantity of data is increasing more and more every day -- most to the point of 'explosion' -- and with the rise in data volume, costs associated with maintaining that data are multiplying," said Jerry Kerr, Standish Group. "We have built and maintain over 2,000 system and database cases within 1,200 organizations and have concluded that Sybase ASE is a low total cost of ownership leader -- ASE simply costs less to operate than other major DBMSs."

"As our business grows, so do our storage and performance needs. When we create new products, the data volume and query complexity grow," agreed Ira Klein, vice president, Production Systems for TNS Media Intelligence. "We are in the information business, so our databases must be available 24/7. We're keenly interested in ASE 15's performance and total cost of ownership benefits." As the leading provider of strategic advertising information in the U.S., TNS Media Intelligence monitors 190 million advertising occurrences and $140 million in advertising expenditures for more than 2.2 million brands across 19 media. This data is available in syndicated and custom data products that are used by advertisers, advertising/marketing agencies and media companies.

As businesses and their data systems continue to grow in size and complexity, so does the operational risk associated with those systems. ASE 15 has a complete, easy-to-implement, encryption-based privacy system that does not require application modifications. It ensures data is protected when in transit, when accessed, and when stored on media. New capabilities enhance the system's availability, whereby partitioning allows placement of data partitions on independent physical devices so that if one device fails, the remaining partitions are still available for use.

"Data is the lifeblood of our organization. We process terabytes of data in house and make data available to the world through our website, and ASE's high performance is critical to our ability to accomplish this," said Michael Heaney, database manager for The Institute for Genomic Research. "In addition, ASE 15's patent-pending encryption enhancements will provide the level of security needed to preserve the privacy of our genetic research data." The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR) is a not-for-profit center dedicated to deciphering and analyzing genomes -- the complex molecular chains that constitute each organism's unique genetic heritages. This extensive research requires substantial data management and, as a result, TIGR's Genome Projects are a collection of curated databases containing DNA and protein sequence, gene expression, cellular role, protein family, and taxonomic data for medicine, agriculture, energy, the environment and biodefense.

Additional Enhancements in Adaptive Server Enterprise 15

The new features in ASE 15 are optimized for IT operational advantage to improve performance, reduce complexity and risk, and contain costs. Other new features in this version include:

-- Computed columns for easier application design -- Function indexes for increased query and field handling performance -- Messaging services that allow application developers to easily build event-driven applications -- Very large server support (VLSS) to manage very large data sets -- Advanced XML technology to natively store and process XML documents -- Scrollable cursors that make it easier to build applications that deal with large result sets -- Auto update statistics to lessen the administration load -- Enterprise view that makes it easier to administer many servers from the same workstation -- Job wizards that are ideal for novice administrators -- Advanced system metrics that provide easier tuning, better system visibility and improved monitoring of the system -- Plan viewer that makes it easier for DBAs and developers to diagnose and tune query plans

"ASE 15 substantially enhances a database platform already known for its superior performance, reliability, and low total cost of ownership, adding unique security options and a host of new features that boost performance while reducing operational cost and risk," said Dr. Raj Nathan, senior vice president and general manager, Information Technology Solutions Group, Sybase, Inc. "The newest versions of ASE 15 add the enhanced on-disk encryption, XML processing, smart partitions, unstructured data management, and new query processing engine that our customers want and need."

Pricing and Availability

ASE 15 editions range from a free Express Edition to the Enterprise Family of products -- all of which are available now. The Express Edition is available for Linux users and supports up to 5GB of data supported by 2GB of memory and 1CPU. The Small Business Edition starts at $1,495. Adaptive Server Enterprise 15 runs on Linux, Windows, Solaris, HP-UX and AIX operating systems.

For more information, or to place an order, please call 1-800-8-SYBASE or visit http://www.sybase.com/ase15 .

About Sybase, Inc.

Sybase is the largest global enterprise software company exclusively focused on managing and mobilizing information from the data center to the point of action. Sybase provides open, cross-platform solutions that securely deliver information anytime, anywhere, enabling customers to create an information edge. 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/ .

NOTE: Sybase and Adaptive Server Enterprise are registered trademarks of Sybase, Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other company and product names mentioned may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

Statements concerning Sybase's future growth, prospects and new product releases are, by nature, forward-looking statements that involve a number of uncertainties and risks, and cannot be guaranteed. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "will" and similar expressions relating to Sybase and its management may identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are intended to reflect Sybase's current views with respect to future events and may ultimately prove to be incorrect or false. Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially include shifts in customer demand, rapid technology changes, competitive factors and unanticipated delays in scheduled product availability. These and other risks are detailed from time to time in Sybase's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q (copies of which can be viewed on Sybase's Web site).

CONTACT: Julie Connolly of Sybase, Inc., +1-925-236-8696, or
julie.connolly@sybase.com; or Jenny White of Citigate Cunningham,
+1-916-984-6039, or jwhite@citigatecunningham.com, for Sybase, Inc.

Web site: http://www.sybase.com/