Report Writer Released for Micro Focus COBOL

Cipher Systems' Companion links end user to business-critical Micro Focus
COBOL data

CALGARY, ALBERTA, May 30, 1995 - Cipher Systems of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
and Micro Focus, a leading developer of programmer productivity and
enablement tools for business application development, jointly announced
the release of Cipher Systems' Companion for Micro Focus, a report writer
designed for use with Micro Focus COBOL applications. Companion for Micro
Focus was developed to allow end users easy retrieval of data from Micro
Focus COBOL applications and output of this data to graphs, reports,
screen queries or spreadsheets.

Companion for Micro Focus reduces the burden on IS departments and
programmers to design reports for executive information requirements.
Instead, Companion for Micro Focus puts the capability into the hands of
end users, and gives them the flexibility to customize reports to their
exact specifications in a timely manner. Companion for Micro Focus is
written in Micro Focus COBOL; therefore, it runs faster and with lower
overhead than non-COBOL report writers. This efficiency is further
enhanced through the use of pop-up windows, point and pick and screen
painter capabilities that enable any level of user to quickly generate
individualized reports. Companion for Micro Focus is also designed with
many unique time-saving features beneficial to both the developer and end
user, such as the ability to operate in both compiled and interpretive
mode, and automatic data dictionary set-up. Companion for Micro Focus will
be shown by Cipher Systems at the PC EXPO in New York City, June 20 to 22,
1995, in the Micro Focus exhibit, booth 4070.

"Access to COBOL data has always been Cipher Systems' focus and Companion
for Micro Focus is designed to provide the easiest, most efficient access
to COBOL data, n said Jennifer McNeill, President of Cipher Systems.
"Users benefit from the increased convenience of being able to quickly
format and alter reports as needed, and there is no time lag between when
the information is required and when it is received."

"With increased demand for timely, relevant information for effective
business decision-making, Cipher Systems has responded with a tool that
improves this process," said Peter Katz, Vice President of Marketing for
Micro Focus. "Companion for Micro Focus relieves the demands on IS
professionals and allows end users to be more productive by providing them
with easy access to business-critical data they need for strategic
decision making."

The cost of Companion for Micro Focus starts at $450.00 and varies
depending on the number of users, whether the user wants Grafsman included
for graphing capabilities, and whether the operating system is UNIX or
MS/DOS. It is sold internationally through authorized Micro Focus
resellers, and can be run on UNIX, MS/DOS, Windows or any other system
that runs Micro Focus COBOL.

Micro Focus provides state-of-the-art programming tools and technology that
empower application developers while leveraging available resources. Micro
Focus is a leading provider of tools for right-sizing, cross-platform
development and deployment, client/server computing and off-loading
mainframe development and maintenance of mission-critical applications.

Since 1978, Cipher Systems Ltd. has been providing products to increase the
efficiency and effectiveness of over 6,500 customers in 65 countries.
Cipher Systems has built its reputation as a world class software producer
by creating intuitive products that understand what obstacles business
users face in trying to maintain a COBOL information advantage.

For more information:

Micro Focus Inc.                 Cipher Systems Ltd.
2465 East Bayshore Road          #110, 259 Midpark Way S.E.
Palo Alto, California 94303      Calgary, Alberta T2X 1M2
Tel: (415) 496-7175              Tel: (403) 256-8877
Fax: (415) 496-7217              Fax: (403) 256-8878

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