BURLINGTON, MA, October 3, 2001—Cognos (Nasdaq:COGN; TSE:CSN), the leading global provider of business intelligence solutions, today announced it is providing Serono, a global Biotechnology leader, with a business intelligence for CRM solution to consolidate, analyze, and report on critical business data. This optimized system is complemented by an eBusiness platform from Siebel to better understand customer needs.

After using Cognos for advanced reporting against Financial, Human Resources (Oracle) and Clinical (Clinarium) applications, Serono again chose Impromptu Web Reports^® for its CRM project.

Serono also developed a Key Account Management (KAM) project that enabled their sales force to access complete customer information, helping them to set objectives and plan activities that maximize their key account relationships. Serono worked with Integrated Solutions, a Geneva company, to create a fully customized reporting environment using Cognos' software, which is fully integrated with Serono's multichannel eBusiness platform based on Siebel ePharma 2000.

"There are two parts to the program," said Giulio Vannini, Director of Marketing & Sales e-Solutions at Serono. "Siebel as the database platform for CRM applications and Cognos for analyzing and reporting. This harmonized customer information gives Serono's sales managers a key strategic overview of their customer base and helps further strengthen customer relationships."

"Cognos business intelligence provides a deep technology platform that, combined with Siebel, supports the customer relationship management needs of the entire enterprise," said Alan Rottenberg, Cognos senior vice president, E-Business Applications Business Unit. "By integrating all critical customer-facing functions, Cognos and Siebel are ensuring that organizations like Serono are prepared to maximize customer value, while delivering superior service."

About Serono
Serono is a global biotechnology leader. The Company has six recombinant products on the market, Gonal-F^®, Luveris^®, Ovidrel^®, Rebif^®, Serostim^® and Saizen^®. In addition to being the world leader in reproductive health, Serono has strong market positions in neurology, metabolism and growth. The Company's research programs are focused on growing these businesses and on establishing new therapeutic areas. Currently, there are eleven molecules in development.

In 2000, Serono achieved worldwide revenues of US$1.240 billion, and a net income of US$301 million, making it the third largest Biotech Company in the world based on revenues. The Company operates in 45 countries, and its products are sold in over 100 countries. Bearer shares of Serono are traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (SEO) and its American Depositary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (SRA).