Data Blueprint and Virginia Commonwealth University Leverage Sypherlink Software

To be used for training and educating data architects 

DUBLIN, Ohio, July 12, 2004 -- Sypherlink, a leading technology firm that enables information sharing across multiple data sources, has licensed its Sypherlink: Harvester software to Data Blueprint, a professional services company focused on the use of data and metadata as valuable assets.

The Institute for Data Research, the research arm of Data Blueprint, will leverage Sypherlink: Harvester for the training and education of future data architects and engineers at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Department of Information Systems.

"At VCU, we strive to provide students with practical experience," said Dr. Peter Aiken, Associate Professor of Information Systems, VCU, and Founding Director of Data Blueprint. "The best way to do this is to offer the latest tools from the industry in the classroom."

"We evaluate many software packages in the data architecture marketplace," said David Allen, Chief Executive Officer of Data Blueprint. "Sypherlink offers interesting new features to this space. Evaluating, teaching and using this technology are key to meeting the needs of our clients. We want to remain able to make the right recommendations in each situation."

Sypherlink: Harvester is a suite of tools that utilizes a patent-pending technology to significantly reduce the time, cost and manual effort associated with data-sharing initiatives.

"Data Blueprint offers a wealth of experience to the field of data architecture," said James Paat, Sypherlink President and CEO. "We are pleased that this group, which is renowned for their insight, has chosen to leverage Sypherlink: Harvester for their work and training."

About VCU
Located on two downtown campuses in the heart of Richmond, Va., Virginia Commonwealth University is ranked nationally by the Carnegie Foundation as a top research institution and enrolls 26,000 students in more than 170 certificate, undergraduate, graduate, professional and doctoral programs in the arts, sciences and humanities in 11 schools and one college. Forty of the university's programs are unique in Virginia, and 20 graduate and professional programs have been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as among the best of their kind. For more, see www.vcu.edu.

About Data Blueprint
Data Blueprint (www.datablueprint.com) is a professional services company focused on the use of data and metadata as valuable assets. Data Blueprint applies innovative data engineering and management techniques in the process of understanding, improving, and re-using data assets. Pairing experienced data professionals with state-of-the-art data management practices means that Data Blueprint can deliver cost effective large-scale data projects.