Segue Software And HCL Technologies Partner to Optimize Software Quality for Outsourced Projects With SilkElite, HCLT Customers Who Outsource IT and Software Development Benefit from Quality-Tested, Reliable Business Applications LEXINGTON, Mass., and CHENNAI, Tamil Nadu, April 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Segue Software (Nasdaq-SCM: SEGU), the application reliability experts, today announced that New Delhi-based HCL Technologies (HCLT), a global provider of IT solutions and services, has joined Segue's SilkElite consulting partner program. HCLT's Testing Center of Excellence (CoE) will utilize Segue's technology to expand its independent testing and quality assurance services for outsourced IT and software development projects. HCLT's CoE tests outsourced custom, Web and enterprise applications for ERP, CRM, SCM, workflow and other business systems. Through Segue's SilkElite partner program, HCLT will have access to Segue's quality assurance and testing technology, allowing HCLT to pass on the benefits of quality-tested, reliable products to its customers. "Testing, when outsourced, demands a 'bullet proof' level of quality," said T. S. Krishnakumar, head of HCLT's Business Solution Centre. "Besides the clear benefit ofsoftware quality and precision, savings in time and cost contribute a significant part of the test deliverables that can be addressed using Segue's advanced technology. We intend to leverage Segue's expertise in testing technology to optimize software quality for our customers in the banking and financial services sectors, as well as in CRM, ERP and EAI markets." The CoE has a proven methodology, which is well knit with IEEE, ISO and CMM frameworks and processes. Further, the CoE provides a variety of testing services, including test consultancy, portfolio assessments and end-to-end testing -- which includes functionality testing, performance testing, system testing and UAT, in both manual and automated modes. There is well-documented research to show that CMM-certified companies like HCLT not only produce higher quality software, but also do so within a lower cost structure than non-CMM service providers. As a member of Segue's SilkElite program, HCLT now has access to technologies that provide its customers with quick returns from an improved end-product and faster time to market. The SilkElite program includes access to all of Segue's products, including: *SilkTest for functional and regression testing; *SilkPerformer to determine how an application performs under expected usage conditions and scales under load. "The effective roll out of any business application depends on proper planning, testing and management of applications, both before and after deployment," said Rohit Gupta, vice president of Alliances, Segue Software. "HCLT's CoE can now rely on Segue to further enhance its service offerings and ensure the reliability and quality of its IT and software development projects before those projects are deployed to HCLT customers. Segue's solutions help optimize software quality, thus enhancing the quality branding many Indian offshore service providers have attained throughout global markets." HCLT boasts of a global customer base, with a majority of its projects coming from customers located in the United States and Europe. About HCL Technologies HCL Technologies is one of India's leading global IT services and product engineering companies, providing value-added, software-led IT solutions and services to large and medium-scale organizations. Founded in 1991, HCL Technologies focuses on technology as well as R&D outsourcing, with the objective of working with clients in areas at the core of their business. HCL Technologies delivers these services through anextensive offshore software development infrastructure and a vast global marketing network that enables scalable, flexible and cost-effective delivery. The company's well-defined business strategy has enabled it to build domain expertise across a host of chosen verticals including banking and financial services, insurance, retail, life sciences, aerospace, automotive and semi-conductors. As of 31 December 2003, HCL Technologies Limited along with its subsidiaries had 13,065 employees. The HCL Technologies team today has operations spanning 26 offices in 14 countries -- covering over 80% of the world IT market. Together with its knowledge of embedded systems, core technologies and application development expertise, HCL Technologies is positioned, as a composite solution provider equipped to cater to the entire gamut of IT needs. For more information, visit HCL Technologies at http://www.hcltech.com/. About Segue Software Segue (Nasdaq-SCM: SEGU) is a world expert in delivering software and services that ensure accuracy and performance in enterprise applications. Segue provides comprehensive scalability, performance, monitoring and verification solutions -- all aimed at ensuring reliable and predictable outcomes for fundamental business processes. A technology innovator setting new standards for higher levels of application reliability, Segue helps companies reduce risk and increase their return on investment associated with deploying new applications. By ensuring performance, accuracy, reliability, scalability and usability of core business applications, Segue helps protect all that today's companies have at stake: their enormous investments in IT infrastructure, competitive edge and brand reputation. Headquartered in Lexington, Mass., with offices across North America and Europe, Segue can be reached at +1-781-402-1000 or http://www.segue.com/. Segue, SilkPerformer and SilkTest are registered trademarks of Segue Software, Inc. Editorial Contacts: Heidi Gilmore Erica McShane Segue Software, Inc. PAN Communications 781/402-1000 978/474-1900 DATASOURCE: Segue Software CONTACT: Heidi Gilmore of Segue Software, Inc., +1-781-402-1000, ; or Erica McShane of PAN Communications, +1-978-474-1900, Web site: http://www.segue.com/

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