VSNT Versant Corp. (MM)

Genomatica Deploys Versant Open Access JDO, Endorses Versant-Proposed Eclipse JSR220-ORM Project Further Validation of Versant's Open Source Strategy as Key Leveraging Component of Overall Business Growth Goals FREMONT, Calif., April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Versant Corporation (NASDAQ:VSNT), an industry leader in specialized data management and data persistence software, today announced that Genomatica, a leading computational systems biology company, has deployed Versant Open Access JDO as a key component of SimPheny, their software platform for systems biology. Genomatica also endorses the proposed Eclipse JSR220-ORM project, which will be led by Versant. Versant Open Access JDO forms the initial code base of the proposed Eclipse JSR220-ORM project, resulting in a standards-based, open source, object-relational mapping (ORM) technology. Versant Open Access JDO was Genomatica's top choice for object-relational mapping, beating out several other standards-based solutions, and replacing an existing non-standard, object-relational mapping product. Genomatica also selected Versant to provide professional services to help convert their application. Genomatica believes that the Eclipse JSR220-ORM project is the best strategy for further developing this technology and expanding its use. Object-relational mapping is a software infrastructure that translates the data formats used in the object-oriented languages preferred by programmers to the relational structure of common databases. SimPheny is a software platform that enables the development of predictive computer models of organisms, from bacteria to humans. With cellular metabolism at its core, SimPheny can build virtual cells from their basic molecular components, and can simulate the activity of the cell's complete reaction network. SimPheny delivers a new range of efficiency to commercial biotechnology. "Versant Open Access JDO gives us the ability to transparently support complex mapping patterns and existing relational schema," explained Evelyn Travnik, chief software designer at Genomatica. "After our dissatisfaction with our previous object-relational mapping solution, the prospect that the technology will be part of a standards-based, open source solution in the Eclipse family is a big positive for us. The Eclipse community is one of the leading open source communities in Java, and brings a record of quality and success. Versant's professional services where also very helpful in getting our application converted to JSR220-ORM." "Genomatica is a true leader in the emerging field of computational systems biology, and we are pleased to support the vital functionality of Genomatica's industry-leading solutions," said Robert Greene, vice president of product strategy at Versant. "Genomatica's experience with a non-standard ORM solution illustrates the benefits of standards-based, open source technology like Eclipse JSR220-ORM." "This business relationship with Genomatica is further validation of our open source strategy, and an example of leveraging the broader base of customer contact we expect as a result of this strategy for business growth," said Nick Ordon, president and chief executive officer of Versant. "Without the open source offering, it would be very difficult to gain access to companies such as Genomatica." About Genomatica Genomatica is a leading innovator of biological modeling and simulation technologies transforming biological research and the way microorganisms are engineered and drugs are discovered. Using validated technology, Genomatica delivers industry-leading solutions for the modeling and simulation of metabolism. These solutions drive a powerful new paradigm, called Model-Driven Metabolic Research, wherein computer models are used to accelerate biological research and discovery across the life sciences. Genomatica is advancing the frontiers of biological discovery and the development of innovative products in medical and industrial biotechnology, while streamlining existing product development and enhancing the overall business efficiency of its clients. Genomatica has developed SimPheny, a client-server application that enables the development of predictive computer models of organisms, from bacteria to humans. With cellular metabolism at its core, SimPheny can build virtual cells from their basic molecular components, and can simulate the activity of the cell's complete reaction network. Genomatica is currently pursuing commercial relationships with major bioprocessing, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies seeking to leverage the power of model-driven systems biology for rapid biological discovery. For more information, please visit us on our website at http://www.genomatica.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 technology by Genomatica, Versant's relationship with Eclipse, and the role and placement of Versant's Open Access JDO product within the Eclipse community. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and 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: that Versant may not achieve or maintain a leadership role within the Eclipse community; that any such role obtained may not remain intact in the future; possible changes in the direction and emphasis within the Eclipse community; the possibility of additional companies entering into this market segment; the possible emergence of other standards-based, open source technologies; the risk that others may not obtain similar results; the possibility that Genomatica may discontinue the use of Versant's technology; and the possibility that the business resulting from the open source strategy may not match expectations. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release; 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 either 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: public relations, Susan Payne of O'Grady Communications, LLC, +1-919-929-5992, or ; or investor relations, Scott Liolios of Liolios Group, Inc., +1-949-574-3860, or , both for Versant Web site: http://www.versant.com/ Web site: http://www.genomatica.com/

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