VSNT Versant Corp. (MM)

370,000 ContactOffice Subscribers Supported by Versant FastObjects FREMONT, Calif., April 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Versant Corporation (NASDAQ:VSNT), an industry leader in specialized data management and data persistence software, today announced that its FastObjects database is deployed in the ContactOffice application services, with a subscriber base exceeding 370,000. ContactOffice is a leading provider of virtual office groupware and online tools based in Brussels, Belgium. ContactOffice uses Versant's data management technology Fast Objects 9.5 as the only database for its virtual office product. FastObjects provides ContactOffice with high-performance data storage and access, increased scalability, easy development, and cost-effective maintenance. ContactOffice relies on Versant's FastObjects database to support its growing list of customers, such as the Lyon II University in France. The university's implementation supports over 30,000 users and stores as many as 15 million email messages, with 100,000 incoming messages per day. With customer requirements such as this, ContactOffice selected a database that could provide extraordinary performance for its Java-based application. "We carefully evaluated several database management technologies before launching our new product," said Luc Claes, research and development manager at ContactOffice. "Because our application has a complex conceptual scheme, we could not use a traditional, relational database. We needed an object-oriented database that could fully support a navigational approach. Versant provides the performance and scalability we require for these complex, real-time applications. We couldn't have achieved our fast and scalable virtual office without FastObjects." Available directly from the ContactOffice Web site and through private label integration on approximately 100 additional Web sites, the ContactOffice virtual office product stores organization, communication, and collaboration data, such as business contacts, documents, and e-mail in a user-friendly framework that can be accessed via multiple channels, including the Web (using a PC or PDA), WAP enabled mobile devices, and synchronized software. "ContactOffice is a very important global customer with a productive, subscription-based business. I am pleased to see our businesses grow together," said Nick Ordon, president and chief executive officer of Versant. "ContactOffice delivers an invaluable resource for enterprises and organizations that want to speed collaboration and organization. The fact that ContactOffice selected and continues to rely on Versant technology to support its innovative business application demonstrates the company's commitment to and satisfaction with Versant. We are pleased to be playing a role in ContactOffice's long-term success." About ContactOffice Group ContactOffice Group is a software editor specializing in virtual office solutions that permit multi-terminal access: Web, GPRS, WAP, SMS, fax, and synchronization with PDA's. ContactOffice is available in ASP (Application Service Provider) or by license. The product integrates completely in the interface and in the functionality of the user's Web site or intranet. Founded in 1999 by Belgian Internet pioneers, ContactOffice has clients such as Mobistar (Orange Group), Universities (Lyon II, Bordeaux II and III, Reunion Island), Sciences Po, TNT, Intermedia-Sud, L'Echo, le Forem, Oriflame, the Academy of Poitiers, and many more, totaling more than 370,000 subscribers. For more information, visit http://www.contactoffice.com/. About Versant Corporation Versant Corporation is an industry leader in specialized data management and open data access software. Using Versant's solutions, customers cut hardware costs, speed and simplify development, significantly reduce administration costs, and deliver products with a strong competitive edge. Versant's solutions are deployed in a wide array of industries including telecommunications, financial services, transportation, manufacturing, and defense. With over 50,000 installations, Versant has been a highly reliable partner for over 15 years for Global 2000 companies such as British Airways, US Government, Financial Times, IBM, and MCI. For more information, call 510-789-1500 or visit http://www.versant.com/. Forward Looking Statements Involve Risks and Uncertainties This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the use of Versant's data management technology in ContactOffice's products. Investors are cautioned that any such forward- looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, these forward- looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and there are important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, statements regarding Versant's expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding Versant and ContactOffice's business relationship, the competitive environment in the software industry, the risk that customers will not continue to perceive material benefits from these products, and the continued use of Versant's technology in ContactOffice products. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause results to differ can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recent Reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. NOTE: Versant is a registered trademark or trademark of Versant Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other products are a registered trademark or trademark of their respective company in the United States and/or other countries. DATASOURCE: Versant Corporation CONTACT: press, Susan Payne of O'Grady Communications, LLC, +1-919-929-5992, or ; or investors, Scott Liolios of Liolios Group, Inc., +1-949-574-3860, or , both for Versant Corporation Web site: http://www.versant.com/

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