PRESS: SIX MAJOR RETAILERS SELECT INFORMIX DATABASE TECHNOLOGY

SIX MAJOR RETAILERS SELECT INFORMIX DATABASE TECHNOLOGY FOR NEW APPLICATIONS Circuit City, Gap, Inc., Kinko's, Longs Drug Stores, Neiman Marcus, and Service Merchandise New York, NY (January 14, 1997) -- Informix Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:IFMX), the leading provider of innovative database technology, today announced at the National Retail Federation's (NRF) 86th Annual Convention and Expo that six major retailers have selected Informix database technology as a foundation for new applications. The six retailers include Circuit City, Gap, Inc., Kinko's, Longs Drug Stores, Neiman Marcus, and Service Merchandise. "Each of these retailers is an innovator in using technology to make better decisions, manage processes, and manage data in an enterprise approach," stated Nadjya Ghausi, senior marketing manager of retail industries at Informix. "Clearly, Informix's continuing momentum in the retail industry is demonstrated by the votes of confidence from some of the leading players joining a long list of established Informix users." Informix database management technology, including INFORMIX-OnLine Dynamic Server and INFORMIX-OnLine Workgroup Server, has been chosen to support a broad range of enterprise applications, including accounting, decision support, distribution, merchandising, and warehousing. Specifically, Circuit City, the nation's largest retailer of brand-name consumer electronics, will be standardizing on Informix database servers, starting with PeopleSoft applications in human resources and financials. GAP, Inc., a specialty retailer with 1,906 stores worldwide, will be standardizing all of its enterprise applications, including its Web site, on the Informix database platform, using INFORMIX-OnLine Dynamic Server centrally and INFORMIX-OnLine Workgroup Server in its stores. Kinko's, a business services provider with 900 stores, has signed with Informix as a new customer to run INFORMIX-OnLine Dynamic Server to support its accounting applications, and INFORMIX-MetaCube Product Family for data warehousing. Longs Drug Stores, a drug store chain of 335 stores, is in the process of implementing Informix database servers as the corporate standard to support all of its new client/server applications. Neiman Marcus, a specialty retailer with 30 stores, is currently converting its applications from Ingres to INFORMIX-OnLine Dynamic Server, as well as developing new applications, under an enterprise wide agreement to standardize on Informix technology. Service Merchandise, a jewelry, gift, and home retailer, recently purchased merchandising decision support and planning application from Informix partner, Intrepid/Kelly Systems. These applications are part of a centralized data warehouse based on Informix. These major firms join Informix's growing list of customers in the retail industry, such as Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein, Home Depot, Sears, and Walmart. About Informix Informix Software, based in Menlo Park, Calif., provides innovative database technology that enables the world s leading corporations to manage and grow their business. Informix is widely recognized as the technology leader for corporate computing environments ranging from workgroups, to very large OLTP and data warehouse applications. Informix's database servers, application development tools, superior customer service, and strong partnerships enable the company to be at the forefront of many leading-edge information technology solution areas. More information about Informix is available via the World Wide Web at http://www.informix.com and http://www.illustra.com. ### (C)1997. The following are worldwide trademarks of Informix Software, Inc., Informix Corporation, or their subsidiaries, registered in the United States of America as indicated by AE and in numerous countries worldwide: Informix, INFORMIX-OnLine Dynamic Server and Informix-MetaCube Product Family. All other names or marks may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.