December 14, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Visual Numerics Announces the JMSL™ Numerical Library 3.0 with Neural Network Functionality for Tailored Data Mining and Predictive
Analytics Applications

New Features Include Expanded Mathematical and Statistical Classes, Enhanced Charting and Innovative Neural Network Algorithms for Advanced Java-based Forecasting of Complex Data in Finance, Business Intelligence, Bioinformatics and Life Sciences

San Ramon, CA - December 14, 2004 - Visual Numerics Inc., a leading provider of numerical analysis and visualization software, today announced the availability of the JMSL™ Numerical Library Version 3.0 for Java™ applications, the only comprehensive, 100% Java numerical analysis package available. JMSL 3.0 offers the broadest collection of mathematical, statistical, financial, and charting classes and is designed to provide a fast, scalable framework for tailored analytical applications, enabling users in the fields of finance, business intelligence, bioinformatics and life sciences to easily create customized applications for data mining and predictive analysis of complex data.

New features in the JMSL™ Library 3.0 include:

• Neural network engines for advanced forecasting and data mining
• Algorithms for easy pre- and post-processing of data
• Added multiple linear regression and non-linear regression algorithms for producing predictive models
• Hierarchical cluster analysis for classifying and analyzing data
• New heat map chart

"Our latest JMSL Library offering with the addition of neural network algorithms now provides analysts with the most powerful forecasting functionality available on the Java platform. It is ideal for a number of business analytics applications including portfolio optimization and risk management, manufacturing yield analysis and process control, as well as conducting customer and market analysis," said Phil Fraher, COO of Visual Numerics. "We also included a number of new features to assist researchers in the life sciences and bioinformatics fields. The only analytics package of its kind for Java programmers, the JMSL Library leverages the reliable mathematical and statistical functionality of our industry-leading IMSL® Numerical Library algorithms to provide a powerful predictive analytics solution that can easily be customized and deployed in a short timeframe."

"The Business Analytics software market comprises tools and applications for tracking, analyzing, and modeling data in support of decision making processes. This software market is expected to grow at the compound annual growth rate of 7.1% over the next five years," said Dan Vesset, Research Director of Analytics and Data Warehousing at IDC. "Advanced analytics for descriptive and predictive analytics are a key component of a complete business analytics solutions and the adoption of these software tools is expected to outpace that of query, reporting and OLAP tools."

Neural Network Technology Mimics Human Problem-solving Behavior

The JMSL Library 3.0 includes neural network technology that adds to the already broad selection of data mining, modeling and prediction technologies available across the IMSL family of products. The neural network technology was developed to mimic human problem-solving processes by applying knowledge gained from historical data to new situations, enabling businesses to build predictive models that increase in accuracy as more information is obtained. For example, companies can extract information such as historical cost data and apply this data to the neural network to forecast future costs with greater precision.

"We chose Visual Numerics' technology to develop a neural network forecasting application because of the company's longstanding history as a leading source of superior mathematical and statistical libraries, and because of the expertise and top-notch service provided by their professional services team," said Larry Northington, vice president of strategic planning and corporate development for Teksouth, and a retired U.S. Air Force Major General. "Thanks to our work with Visual Numerics, our system will significantly help our data-intensive customers by enhancing their ability to conduct computer modeling and predictive analysis, enabling them to better forecast and manage budgetary expenses."

Leading-edge Applications Leverage Powerful Charting Capabilities

The JMSL Library 3.0 is the only solution for Java programmers, which combines integrated charting capabilities with the reliable mathematical and statistical functionality of the industry-leading IMSL® Numerical Library algorithms. An important addition to the JMSL Library is the inclusion of the heat map chart type, which is most commonly used in life sciences to display two-dimensional arrays of color values. The heat map chart adds to an already strong and broad charting offering in the JMSL Library and helps analysts in a number of fields develop advanced numerical analysis applications in Java.

The JMSL Library 3.0 is platform independent, which makes it easy to embed in existing, standalone or networked applications. Additionally, the solution requires shorter development cycles than custom-created or home-grown systems and can offer companies cost and time savings of up to 95%.

The JMSL Library is supported by Visual Numerics' highly skilled Professional Services team, which is available to offer all levels of support - from custom algorithm development to helping customers understand their specific analysis and visualization needs. The Professional Services team is made up of technical experts who are available to provide customers with hands-on help to achieve the highest return on investment from their JMSL Library implementation.

Availability

The JMSL Library 3.0 is available immediately from Visual Numerics. Pricing for one floating development seat is $3,495 U.S. For more information, please visit www.vni.com.

About Visual Numerics

Visual Numerics has provided technical software solutions for numerical analysis and visualization for more than three decades. The company's software products help users understand complex data from a variety of sources and build business-critical applications. Visual Numerics offers two product lines: the IMSL Numerical Libraries for powerful mathematical and statistical analysis and the PV-WAVE^® visual data analysis development environment. Visual Numerics also offers customized consulting services for applications that involve mathematical, statistical, or visual data analysis to meet today's business analytical needs.

Major corporations, academic institutions, and research laboratories worldwide use Visual Numerics' software tools, including such high profile companies as: Bear, Stearns & Company; Barclays Global Investors; Priceline.com; The Dow Chemical Company; Humana, Sandia National Laboratories; and Boeing Company. This large and diverse customer base is supported through a direct sales force, wholly owned international subsidiaries, and international distributors. For more information about Visual Numerics, please visit www.visualnumerics.com.

Trademark Statement:

Visual Numerics and PV-WAVE are registered trademarks of Visual Numerics, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. IMSL, JMSL, JWAVE, TS-WAVE and Knowledge in Motion are trademarks of Visual Numerics, Inc. All other company, product or brand names are the property of their respective owners.