PRESS: THE BBC DEMONSTRATES POTENTIAL OF DIGITAL CONTENT

THE BBC DEMONSTRATES POTENTIAL OF DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGEMENT Advanced Database Technology from Informix Enables Leading-Edge Production Editing, Scheduling and Tracking MENLO PARK, Calif. (February 27, 1998) -- The BBC and Informix Corporation have joined forces to create one of the most revolutionary multimedia projects in the BBC=92s history. Informix=AE selected by the BBC as the= prime contractor, has provided its database technology to help the BBC develop the Pilot Operating Center (POC), which highlights the future potential for broadcasters to quickly view, edit and manipulate all forms of data associated with an in-production or existing program. Informix Dynamic Server(TM) with Universal Data Option(TM) manages digital content by storing metadata, such as scripts, contracts and associated program information, attached to specific frames so that all the information about a particular program is kept in one place. This makes it easier for broadcast companies to locate specific information about almost anything associated with a particular production. "This is one of the most exciting projects we have ever undertaken," said Rodney Baker-Bates, director of finance and information technology at the BBC. "It is unique. It shows a potential future in which the viewer decides what they want to watch, how they want to watch it and when they would watch it. We are living in a society where choice is paramount and it is vital that we explore new and innovative technology that is out there to help us." Universal Data Option database technology highlights the potential of digital content management to alter current working practices. Even before filming has taken place digital-based research on film locations, particular props or actors in particular genres, such as comedy or drama, could be retrieved saving substantial time and money over traditional working practices.=20 While shooting a television program, Universal Data Option could enable producers to review footage shot off-site that day and make instant decisions about which scenes need to be re-shot. Scenes can be stored in a variety of different resolutions using a video cataloger to simplify the job of editing. "The BBC was quick to execute a vision of how program production could work in the future using the unique technology from Informix that is available today," said Carolyn Layne, executive director, media business unit at Informix. "Our database technology offers media companies many new business opportunities, and is also well suited to other industry sectors, such as the telecommunications, financial and retail sectors, where easy access to different data types could completely change the way they work." Several of Informix=92s key partners were involved in the project including: Bose Corporation, Bulldog Inc, Cabletron Systems, Communications Engineering Inc., EMC2, Helium3 Limited, Hewlett Packard, Instant Video Technologies, Muscle Fish LLC, Optibase Ltd., Sony Corporation, Sun Microsystems Inc., Toshiba Information Systems, Totem Technology Ltd., Virage Inc., and Vxtreme Inc. About Informix Informix Corporation, the world's database technology leader, based in Menlo Park, California, provides innovative database products that assist the world's major corporations to attain competitive advantage. Informix is widely recognized as the technology leader for corporate computing environments ranging from small workgroups to very large parallel processing applications. Informix's database servers, application development tools, superior customer service, and strong partnerships enable the company to be at the forefront of major information technology solution areas including data warehousing, OLTP, and Web/content management. For more information, visit our Web site at http://www.informix.com.=20