BURLINGTON, MA, September 6, 2000—Executives from North America's most successful companies will gather in Anaheim, California, October 2-5, to exchange experiences and ideas on managing in the New Economy, as part of Enterprise 2000—the largest user conference ever held by Cognos^® (Nasdaq:COGN; TSE:CSN). Enterprise 2000 is expected to draw more than 5,000 attendees worldwide at conferences held in, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Cognos is the world's largest and most successful business intelligence company.

Don Tapscott, the best selling author of several popular books focusing on the application of technology in business, including Digital Capital: Harnassing the Power of Business Webs, will make the keynote address at Enterprise 2000 in Anaheim. Tapscott is described by Vice President Al Gore as "one of the world's leading cyber-gurus," and by the Washington Technology Report as "one of the most influential media authorities since Marshall McLuhan." Tapscott is chairman of Digital 4Sight and is considered one of the world's top authorities on digital technology. Tapscott's address will highlight the convergence of digital technology and Cognos business intelligence, and describe how people in the future will be empowered to have critical business information available to them any place, any time and on any device, via Cognos software.

Coinciding with this year's user conference, Cognos is sponsoring Strategy 2000, an exclusive symposium for "C" level executives and senior decision-makers. Industry experts will discuss the dynamics of doing business in the New Economy and proven business intelligence strategies and best practices. Strategy 2000 emphasizes the critical role of business intelligence in the effectiveness and success of e-business in the new millennium.

Attendees have the opportunity to participate in a Business Intelligence University Executive Seminar. Strategy 2000, sponsored by Compaq and Microsoft, will feature keynote speaker James Daly, editor-in-chief at Business 2.0, as well as speakers from companies such as NCR Corp., Send.com, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Enterprise 2000 is sponsored by IBM and Microsoft, as well as Compaq, Creative Computing, Inc., and NewSys Solutions.

"Together, products from Cognos and IBM offer a fully integrated data warehouse or data mart solution allowing customers to leverage an entire enterprise for critical information, reducing costs and increasing business value," said Nancy Williams, director of solutions, IBM Netfinity. "Enterprise 2000 is an excellent opportunity to showcase Cognos' multidimensional analysis and reporting with IBM's powerful Netfinity servers, and for customers to view and discuss the benefits of this powerful solution."

"The joining of two industry leaders—Compaq and Cognos—is a powerful market force," said Scott Musson, director of e-Commerce and e-Infrastructure for Compaq. "Compaq has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Cognos, and is pleased to support Strategy 2000, a symposium specifically focused on building better business-to-business relationships, and improving business processes."

"As a result of Cognos' membership in the Microsoft Data Warehousing Alliance, customers can choose a best-of-breed business intelligence solution for the digital economy," said Tracy Leonardo, industry manager for business intelligence at Microsoft. "Because of our partnership Cognos customers can use the full power of SQL 2000 and Analysis Services to analyze their business."

Also at Enterprise 2000 is the Ask a Guru Discussion Panel, where users have the opportunity to tap the brains of onsite Cognos gurus. Another conference favorite is the annual CognosWorld Partner Fair, an exclusive event providing direct access to Cognos' strategic partners in a tradeshow environment.

Enterprise 2000 caters to all levels of Cognos users, delivering more than 90 breakout sessions that are loaded with business intelligence and Web solutions, tips, techniques, and success stories.

"Enterprise 2000 provides an opportunity to promote the critical role enterprise business intelligence plays in connecting businesses to their customers and to their extended enterprise," said Joanne K. Masingill, Cognos senior vice president of marketing. "Enterprise 2000 is designed to give our customers insight into how to implement business intelligence and improve productivity and customer satisfaction at e-speed. The Cognos solution provides customers with the competitive advantage needed to thrive in today's fast-paced digital economy."