EXHIBIT 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For additional
information, contact:
AT CITRIX: AT THE FINANCIAL RELATIONS BOARD:
Scott Davidson (954) 267-2388 MEDIA INQUIRIES - Marty Gitlin (212) 661-8030
Jeff Lilly (954) 267-2886 INVESTOR INQUIRIES - Julie Creed (312) 640-6724
CITRIX TO ACQUIRE VIEWSOFT, INC.
Acquisition to Enhance Citrix's Role in Web-based
Application Deployment and Management
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - July 12, 1999 - Citrix Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CTXS) today
announced a merger agreement pursuant to which ViewSoft, Inc. will become a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Citrix. ViewSoft is a Utah-based firm specializing in
software for multi-tier and Web-based application development and deployment.
The transaction is valued at approximately $32 million. Both the Citrix and
ViewSoft boards have approved the transaction, and the companies plan to
complete the transaction during the third quarter of 1999, subject to customary
closing conditions. Citrix will use the proprietary technology to extend the
flexibility and cost benefits of server-based computing to Web-enabled and
multi-tier applications including applications based on Microsoft's DCOM and DNA
component architectures as well as those containing Java and HTML front ends.
A portion of the purchase price is expected to be allocated to in-process
research and development for which Citrix expects to incur a one-time charge to
its operations, amounting to approximately $2 million in the quarter ending
September 30, 1999.
"Today's emerging Web-based applications often force a choice between
application thinness and richness," said Mark B. Templeton, president and chief
executive officer of Citrix. "This new software will deliver a rich user
experience and a new level of interactivity to Web-based applications with a
thin-client footprint."
The technology allows customers to add greater interactivity to Web-based
applications, similar to the interactivity that users enjoy with Windows-based
applications. Citrix will leverage this proprietary technology to build its
leadership in the rapidly growing market for deploying and managing Web-based
applications, an arena in which the company has pioneered such capabilities as
Application Launching and Embedding (ALE). Citrix's ALE technology enables full-
function Windows-based applications to be launched from or embedded into HTML
pages providing instant online access to any existing application from any Web
browser without application rewrites. For a demo of Citrix ALE technology, users
can visit www.citrix.com/demoroom/default.asp
-more-
ADD
Citrix/ViewSoft
Page 2
Packaging, pricing and availability of new products based on the
acquisition will be announced at a later date.
About Citrix
Founded in 1989, Citrix Systems, Inc. is the nation's 13th largest software
company and a world leader in system software for server-based computing. The
MetaFrameTM and WinFrame(R) product lines and Independent Computing Architecture
(ICA(R)) technology give organizations the independence, speed and flexibility
needed to extend any application to anyone, anywhere. The company's server-
based computing solutions are marketed through a worldwide business alliance of
value-added resellers, system integrators, OEM licensees and industry
associates. Citrix is based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and is traded on the
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol CTXS. For more information, please
visit the Citrix website at
http://www.citrix.com.
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ABOUT VIEWSOFT
ViewSoft, Inc., was incorporated in April, 1991 to commercialize Semantic
Connection Technology, (SCT) a new approach to object-oriented programming and
Internet development.
FOR CITRIX INVESTORS
Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe
harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release which are not
strictly historical statements, including, without limitation, statements
regarding current or future financial performance, management's plans and
objectives for future operations, product plans and performance, management's
assessment of market factors, as well as statements regarding the strategy and
plans of the company and its strategic partners, constitute forward-looking
statements which involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation,
risks associated with the company's reliance upon its strategic relationships
with Microsoft and other strategic partners, dependence upon broad-based
acceptance of the company's ICA protocol, management of growth, the possibility
of undetected software errors, and dependence on proprietary technology, as well
as risks of downturns in economic conditions generally, and in the software
industry specifically, and risks associated with competition and competitive
pricing pressures, year 2000 compliance efforts of the company and third parties
on which the company is dependent, and other risks detailed in the company's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Citrix(R), WinFrame(R) and ICA(R) are registered trademarks of Citrix Systems,
Inc. MultiWinTM and MetaFrameTM are trademarks of Citrix Systems, Inc. for
which there are pending applications for registration in the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are property of
their respective owners.