CONTACT INFORMATION

SPL WorldGroup
www.splwg.com

SAN FRANCISCO, CA., - November 17, 1999 - SPL WorldGroup B.V. (SPL), a leading international provider of information technology (IT) consulting and enterprise solutions, today announced that the German systems software group, Software AG is acquiring the North American and Australian operation of SPL's Enterprise Support division (ESD). The transaction is expected to close December 1, 1999.

Included in the acquisition are all the staff supplementation activities in North America, and Australia and all of the Software AG agency activities in Australia and New Zealand. SPL and Software AG have planned a transition that is smooth and beneficial for the employees of Enterprise Support.  "SPL and Software AG have enjoyed a close, long-term relationship. We view this deal as a win-win situation for everyone involved," explains Moshe Mor, President and CEO of SPL WorldGroup. "Software AG acquired a staff of top-quality professionals and blue chip customers, while employees of our Enterprise Support division now have exciting new business opportunities by their involvement at the forefront of Software AG's growth strategy. Of critical importance is that the acquisition allows SPL to further invest in its core business initiatives and accelerate the company's growth."

In the global utilities market, where SPL is a leading provider of solutions and services, the company is focusing on expanding its offerings and enhancing its geographical reach with a special emphasis on the European market. SPL recently won a multi-million dollar contract with France's largest utility, and added two new offices in London and Paris. In addition, SPL plans to expand the breadth and depth of the "e-solutions" services it provides through its Consulting division, continuing to leverage its early successes in that fast-growing market.

"Software AG has taken a decisive step toward directly positioning our new electronic business products in the most important and innovative IT market in the world," said Dr. Erwin Königs, Software AG Chairman and CEO. " With the acquisition of ESD, Software AG will gain an outstanding infrastructure in California and other major commercial centers in the US. We are planning rapid expansion of our services, particularly in the area of electronic business applications, and fast development of a sales organization in the US."

A majority of Enterprise Support's business focuses on the Software AG technology - either selling it, supporting it or providing professional services around it. While the Software AG business has always been an important part of SPL's business activities, it has been "one step removed" from the source, which is Software AG itself. By coming under the Software AG umbrella, the Enterprise Support operations and its people will have the available investment and opportunity to come into the mainstream and participate in the exciting push of Software AG into new strategic directions (like e-business products). Furthermore, since Software AG does not currently have established operations in any of the territories Enterprise Support is active in, Enterprise Support will become the "launch pad" for many new activities and growth initiatives that Software AG plans for those markets.

About SPL WorldGroup
SPL WorldGroup, established in 1994, is a leading international provider of information technology (IT) consulting and enterprise solutions. With over 800 professionals in 10 countries and 30 years of experience through its subsidiaries, SPL delivers IT solutions to its clients in utilities, financial services, healthcare, higher education, and the public sector industries. Visit SPL WorldGroup at www.splwg.com or call (415) 541-9462 or within the US and Canada at (800) 275-4775.

About Software AG
Software AG, based in Darmstadt, Germany, with more than 2,300 employees and sales amounting toDM 626 million (euro 320 million) in 1998, is one of the largest system software companies worldwide. Software AG is the premier provider of integration technology. Both products and services, used in more than 90 countries, are focused on mission-critical electronic business applications spanning heterogeneous platforms, from mainframe, OpenVMS, AS/400, Unix and Windows NT to the Web. About one third of the company's revenue is achieved through professional services. Software AG has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Main Market) since April 1999 (Security identification number 724260 / SOWG.F)

# # #

SPL WorldGroup and CIS PLUS are registered trademarks of SPL WorldGroup B.V. or one of its subsidiaries. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. c1998 SPL WorldGroup, B.V.