ALGOR ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCT LINE TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE ON WINDOWS 2000

PITTSBURGH, PA – March 17, 2000 -- Algor, Inc., a leading maker of software for mechanical engineers, today announced that its entire Windows product line is Windows 2000 compliant. Algor is currently in the process of obtaining Microsoft Windows 2000 Certification and will obtain independent validation of compliance as part of the certification process. 

“As part of our Developer's Agreement with Microsoft, we stay current with information and releases of Windows 2000,” said Michael L. Bussler, president of Algor. “We have completed software validation tests with Windows 2000 and are confident that our line of software products provide the same level of user-friendliness and usability under Windows 2000 as users have grown to expect.” Algor's product line is available for the Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 operating systems.

Windows 2000 provides a platform with the robustness and reliability of Windows NT, but with the user-friendliness of Windows 98. The most dramatic change brought about by Windows 2000 is the introduction of 64-bit applications. By adding support for some of the more advanced capabilities of the OpenGL graphic visualization tools, these improvements provide for faster dynamic visualization of complex CAD parts or assemblies prior to and after performing an FEA analysis within Algor software. Algor’s product line will benefit from this change by allowing users to quickly analyze complex parts and assemblies within a simplified environment that eliminates the user’s need to have extensive computer system knowledge.

Due to tighter integration of Internet Explorer within the operating system of Windows 2000, Algor software products that already benefit from context-sensitive help and online documentation will now utilize newer technology, such as Microsoft HTML Help, for enhanced search capabilities, more compact file sizes, and improved navigation. This system provides a complete set of searchable documentation with full index information and the ability to set bookmarks to desired sections so that users can return to useful information at a later time.

Windows 2000 also provides for improved installation of Algor software and its associated Windows functionality without affecting the functionality of other Windows products. These tools also provide for easier upgrading of Algor products. As with all Algor software updates, users are able to obtain updated software containing the latest enhancements through a simple request system that is available electronically from the Algor web site (http://www.algor.com). The user will then receive a CD-ROM that not only contains any updated software but all of the software to which they are entitled.

Algor’s Release 12 product line starts at $975 for the InCAD DesignPak CAD/CAE interoperability tool and is available in other value-priced core packages based on the CAD integration, modeling, and analysis capabilities that are needed by the end user.

Algor has been a leader in the engineering software industry since introducing FEA for PCs in 1984 and interfacing with CAD systems in 1985. The company provides innovative, affordable and easy-to-use software products that have enabled 20,000 engineers in 60 countries to create safe, efficient, cost-effective designs. Algor also offers superior educational support and customer service that includes the use of state-of-the-art Internet audio/video technology for live “Web Courses” and free public “Webcasts,” which provide step-by-step Algor software instruction. Algor’s software also interchanges data with products from ANSYS, Inc. (Nasdaq:ANSS), Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), MSC.Software Corporation (NYSE:MNS), Parametric Technology Corporation (Nasdaq:PMTC), Structural Dynamics Research Corporation (Nasdaq:SDRC), Unigraphics Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:UGS), SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq:DASTY) company, and others.