Microsoft and Dassault Systèmes to Align XML Formats

REDMOND, Wash., and PARIS — April 14, 2005 — Microsoft Corp. and Dassault Systèmes (DS) (Nasdaq: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) today announced that, as part of their strategic alliance and commitment to jointly delivering value to their customers, they will collaborate to support Microsoft’s Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML) format in Dassault Systèmes’ 3D Extensible Markup Language (XML) format. XAML is the format for “Avalon,” the code name of the next presentation subsystem for the Microsoft® Windows® operating system.

“Avalon” provides the foundation for building applications and high-fidelity experiences, blending together user interfaces, documents and media content while exploiting the full power of users’ computers. “Avalon” provides native support for declarative, markup-based programming with XAML, making it simpler to build, customize and enrich Windows-based applications.

3D XML is a universal, lightweight XML-based format that enables users to capture and share live, accurate 3D data quickly and easily. Dassault Systèmes will use the 3D XML format in its entire line of products: CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SMARTEAM, SolidWorks and Spatial.

Compatibility between 3D XML and XAML will enable users of 3D solutions to view, modify and customize 3D objects in an environment of unmatched openness and take advantage of this 3D experience in any XAML-based application.

“Microsoft sees XML transforming all digital technologies,” said Sanjay Parthasarathy, corporate vice president of the Developer & Platform Evangelism Group at Microsoft. “Our deep relationship with Dassault Systèmes includes applying XML to usher in a new generation of 3D collaboration and visualization tools.”

“The alliance between Microsoft and Dassault Systèmes is a clear commitment to the industry for openness, innovation and technological excellence,” said Dominique Florack, executive vice president of Strategy, Research and Development at Dassault Systèmes. “Our work with Microsoft to ensure compatibility between 3D XML and XAML is a critical part of our openness strategy based on XML and is aimed at taking advantage of the Microsoft platform for 3D solutions as well as at providing applications with a rich user experience.”

About Dassault Systèmes

As world leader in 3D and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) solutions, the Dassault Systèmes group brings value to more than 80,000 customers in 80 countries. A pioneer in the 3D software market since 1981, Dassault Systèmes develops and markets PLM application software and services that support industrial processes and provide a 3D vision of the entire life cycle of products from conception to maintenance. Its offering includes integrated PLM solutions for product development (CATIA®, DELMIA®, ENOVIA®, SMARTEAM®), mainstream 3D design tools (SolidWorks®), and 3D components (Spatial/ACIS®). Dassault Systèmes is listed on the Nasdaq (DASTY) and Euronext Paris (#13065, DSY.PA) stock exchanges. More information can be found at http://www.3ds.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The success of the agreements and products described above and the future operating results of Dassault Systèmes may differ from the results discussed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements due to factors that include, but are not limited to, risks associated with new versions and new products, the availability of Dassault Systèmes’ products and services, implementation of products and services, existence of errors or defects in products, rapid technological change, dependence on the Internet, significant current and expected additional competition, and the need to continue to expand product distribution and services offerings. Further information on potential factors that could affect the financial results of Dassault Systèmes are included in Dassault Systèmes’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available at http://www.sec.gov. Dassault Systèmes assumes no obligation to update the information in this press release.

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