OTTAWA, ON July 17, 2002—Cognos Incorporated (Nasdaq: COGN; TSX: CSN) today announced pricing of the secondary offering of 3,600,000 of its common shares at US$17.50 (Cdn. $26.86). The common shares being sold have been offered by entities affiliated with Michael U. Potter. In addition, the underwriters have an option for the next 30 days to purchase up to an additional 540,000 common shares from the selling shareholders. Cognos will not derive any proceeds from the offering nor will the offering have any dilutive effect. Goldman, Sachs & Co. is acting as lead manager and Morgan Stanley & Co. is acting as co-manager in the offering.

The common shares are being offered only by means of a prospectus, and this press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the common shares in any state, province or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state, province or jurisdiction.