SINGAPORE (22/10/01) – Genovate Solutions today announced a newly expanded role in its partnership with XML (extensible markup language) technology leader, Software AG of Germany. Software AG has appointed Genovate Solutions to be the first authorized XML Academy partner in Singapore, leveraging Genovate's extensive experience in delivering high-end technically-related training.

Genovate Solutions an e-services solution provider that specializes in training enterprises and individuals on cutting-edge enterprise-scale technologies including XML, SAP, Java, Oracle, Linux, Web Logic and several others.

"The XML Academy is entering Singapore at a critical stage for local companies who are currently spending 30-40% of their annual IT on data exchange technologies according to one report by the Gartner Group. XML has the potential to considerably streamline the data exchange process, and overcome most of the common data exchange problems experienced by businesses today, including incompatible data formats, isolated information system infrastructures, and proprietary software. With the dramatically increasing acceptance of the XML standard throughout the Internet economy, the need for professionally-oriented XML training is paramount to its successful implementation, stated Mr. J. Anton Ravindran, CEO and co-founder of Genovate Solutions".

The Gartner Group also projects that by the end of 2003, 80% of all B2B Internet traffic will be passed in XML format, which strongly implies the growing importance of the XML standard to businesses in both Singapore and globally. Singaporean companies which implement XML will be in need of the professional expertise that The XML Academy will produce. Genovate plans to train and certify a minimum of few hundred XML engineers within the first few quarters.

The XML Academy will offer intensive XML training that is business-oriented, product specific, and standards-based in its approach. This training will equip students with the skills to solve real-world business challenges with practical hands-on know-how. The academy will offer students the opportunity to obtain certification as a Certified XML Engineer by taking an examination at the completion of their studies.

Mr. Clive Tilbrook, Managing Director of Software AG Singapore said, "In the world of information technology (IT), academic learning is more than mastering a new technology, technical know-how and skills to implement critical business processes. It is also about choosing a provider of training and development needs. Together with Genovate, we will review the business and IT challenges IT professionals face in the Digital Age and come up with relevant training programs in the area of XML and other emerging technologies.

Our relationship with Genovate will allow it to leverage on our experience and expertise in delivering IT training at a global level so that only quality training will be provided."

Genovate will add significant value to The XML Academy through its extensive experience managing enterprise-scale technical training programs such as its highly successful SAP Academy, Java, Oracle, and e-commerce related programs in Singapore and Malaysia. Expectations are that the academy will be highly embraced by the Singapore XML community.

The initial XML Academy run by Genovate is slated to be launched on 5 November 2001 at Genovate's training facilities located at Springleaf Tower.

Founded in 1997, Genovate Solutions Pte. Ltd. is a leading regional provider of information technology training for individuals, companies, and government organizations. Genovate is also active in e-learning, consulting, and product development areas.

The company is headquartered in Singapore, and maintains country offices in Malaysia, Australia, and India. Genovate is partners with SAP, IBM, Sun, Oracle, Software AG, CIW, AU System, ProSoft, ASPLinux, VUE, JCertify, and Netrust.

Software AG, Darmstadt, Germany, is Europe's largest system software provider and a major global player offering cutting edge technology for data management and electronic business. Since 1998 the company has focused its development activities on XML products for the Internet. With some 3,500 employees and representatives in over 70 countries, Software AG expects revenues to exceed euros 600 million in 2001. Its distribution and technology partners include market leaders such as IBM, Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard as well as innovative IT solutions providers like Extensibility, Softquad and Sequoia. Software AG's products control the central IT processes of thousands of renowned companies worldwide. Some examples of these are Lufthansa, British Sky Broadcasting, ZDF, Dresdner Bank AG, Swiss Post, DaimlerChrysler, Deutsche Bahn AG (German Rail), BP and VIAG Interkom. Software AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (MDAX, Security identification number 724264 / SOWGn.F).