Visual Numerics, developer of industry leading computational, visualization and Internet software solutions, today reinforced its strategy to distribute dynamic spreadsheets over an intranet or the Internet.

SmartTable™ and SmartTable Pro™ enable spreadsheet developers to convert and distribute secure spreadsheet and workbook solutions over the Web. SmartTable applets retain existing formulas, while SmartTable Pro offers support for scripting through JavaScript™ as well as a comprehensive Java API for Web application developers. Through both Microsoft(R) Excel and Microsoft(R) Excel 97, users can enhance their applications with hyperlinks, new statistical functions, and easy-to-use Web publishing features that allow all information to be stored in one place for easy retrieval.

"Currently, publishing Java applets on the Web can be very difficult," said Jim Phillips, chief technologist, Visual Numerics, Inc. "The latest release of SmartTable and SmartTable Pro include enhancements that have greatly simplified this process."

Visual Numerics began shipping SmartTable and SmartTable Pro 1.0 in 1997. This new technology solves configuration, platform, update and security problems associated with organizational deployment of enterprise applications. Both products support client or server processing, and the browser allows users to view dynamic spreadsheets, making information more accessible.

SmartTable includes the following key features:

-- SmartTable applets are pure Java, making them platform, version, and application independent

-- Cell formulas and data can be locked, ensuring security

-- Centralized control of spreadsheets can be maintained though client configuration

-- Spreadsheets reside on the server for complete version control

SmartTable Pro includes these additional features:

-- Complex spreadsheets and workbooks

-- Advanced analysis toolkit functionality

-- Query and retrieve cell data through JavaScript™ and JScript™

-- Control and callback functions such as buttons and check boxes

-- Access from or write calls into legacy data and proprietary algorithms

About Visual Numerics, Inc.

Visual Numerics has been providing industry leading software for more than 25 years. Founded in 1970 as IMSL, Inc. Visual Numerics was formed in December 1992 as a result of the merger between Houston-based IMSL and Boulder, Colorado-based Precision Visuals, Inc. The company provides mission-critical decision support software tools for enterprise solutions in business, engineering, research and education worldwide.

Visual Numerics is a privately held company with headquarters in Houston, Texas and offices in France, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, Korea and the United Kingdom, in addition to an extensive distributor network. Additional information about Visual Numerics and its products is available on the Web site at www.vni.com .