Press Releases - 1998

TORONTO, CANADA, September 15, 1998 — DataMirror Corporation, (TSE:DMC), the leading provider of data transformation and replication software, announced today that it has exercised a warrant to acquire 2,066,667 Series B shares of PointBase, a developer of 100% pure Java SQL database technology. On a common share equivalent basis, DataMirror has increased its position in PointBase to approximately 40% on a fully diluted basis.

PointBase, with headquarters in San Mateo, California, has developed an embedded dynamic footprint relational database written completely in Java. The PointBase database is deployable on multiple platforms, from small footprint embedded devices to mobile clients to Java application servers. PointBase's dynamic footprint maximizes resource efficiency on any platform, allowing it to run in the same memory constrained environments where Java applications run. With customization, PointBase can be deployed in as little as 300KB of memory to meet the needs of a particular application.

PointBase recently delivered the first beta version of its database engine to customers well ahead of schedule. The beta software has already been shipped and tested by approximately ten customers who are using PointBase for local data storage and access with their Java applications. These early adopters report that the footprint of the database is smaller than expected and its performance is excellent. PointBase's dynamic footprint architecture enables it to be readily embedded within existing software applications. It provides efficient and accessible local storage of operational data and metadata within enterprise applications.

In March, DataMirror provided an initial capital investment and entered into a strategic co-development agreement with PointBase to embed DataMirror replication technology into the PointBase pure Java database. Imbedded DataMirror software will provide seamless and easy-to-use data replication to and from enterprise databases, ensuring seamless data sharing between PointBase and corporate database systems. Integrating DataMirror replication and transformation technology with PointBase will help customers extend the reach of their enterprise data and enable new classes of Java-based mobile and distributed applications.

DataMirror has already developed a Beta version of its award winning Transformation Server product that enables transparent replication to PointBase databases from DB/2, Sybase, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server databases on IBM AS/400, UNIX, and Windows NT based systems. In the fourth quarter of 1998, DataMirror expects that Transformation Server will be enhanced to provide high performance data replication from DB/2 MVS to PointBase. As well, in the near future, DataMirror technology will enable bi-directional transformation and replication from PointBase databases.

"We had no difficulty making the decision to purchase additional shares of PointBase," said Nigel Stokes, Chairman, President and CEO of DataMirror. "We are extremely pleased with the company's progress and excited by its tremendous market potential. The world-class database development team at PointBase has worked hard to develop a new Java relational database in record time."

About PointBase
PointBase develops and markets an embedded Java database for the new world of networked applications. These applications use Java and Internet-based networks to deliver new customer functionality including Java servers for e-commerce, mobile clients that enable sales force automation, and Internet appliances such as web set-up boxes. PointBase provides the lowest cost of ownership by delivering robust, multi-platform data storage with breakthroughs in ease of use, integration with corporate databases, extendable functionality and adherence to mainstream industry standards. PointBase was established in 1998 by a former founder of Oracle Corporation and Gupta/Centura software, and is comprised of industry veterans from IBM, Oracle and Sybase.

About DataMirror Corporation
DataMirror Corp., founded in 1993, is the leading provider of data transformation and replication software that moves data from where it is, to where it needs to be. DataMirror has helped more than 600 customers meet their IT requirements for moving, transforming and sharing data throughout their organizations. Customers across a range of industries, including Harley-Davidson, Oshkosh B'Gosh, Duracell, GE Capital, Seagram's, Toys "R" Us and Sony, use award-winning DataMirror software. They harness the high performance of Transformation Server for enterprise-wide business solutions such as building and replenishing data marts and warehouses, high systems availability, data and workload distribution, Y2K and Euro conversions, electronic business, and ERP system integration. DataMirror software is a proven solution for rapidly and seamlessly distributing data among heterogeneous systems and databases including IBM AS/400, UNIX, and Microsoft Windows NT based servers running DB/2, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle and Sybase databases.

DataMirror, with headquarters in Markham, Ontario, Canada, has offices throughout North America and Europe and distribution in over 30 countries. DataMirror is a publicly traded Canadian company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: DMC).