Release Details

Aspen Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: AZPN) today announced that BASF, one of the world's leading chemical companies, has selected AspenTech's information management solution for its worldwide manufacturing plants. The AspenTech solution will provide a foundation for BASF's new Manufacturing Execution System (MES) strategy, which is based on the deployment of a standard set of business and plant technologies. The information management systems will play a key role in enabling users to visualize and analyze real-time data from the manufacturing process, providing the basis for continuous improvement and more effective operational decision-making.

The adoption of an AspenTech information management system will enable BASF to establish a common platform for all MES functions, with a consistent process for both the implementation and support of the solution. This will allow BASF to share best practices across its organization and reduce the cost and complexity of maintaining its manufacturing systems. The solution is built on the Aspen Operations Manager Integration Infrastructure, which provides the integration platform to connect with BASF's enterprise resource planning system and other plant applications.

Providing plant managers and engineers with access to accurate, reliable real-time process information coupled with relevant business information is a fundamental requirement for improving manufacturing performance. AspenTech's solution will give BASF a standard framework to analyze and optimize its plant operations. AspenTech is a recognized leader in MES technologies for the process industries, based on a clear understanding of the business drivers and operational needs.

The process data captured by the information management system will be used for a range of functions including batch monitoring and analysis, engineering analysis, management information, and quality control. AspenTech's information management solution was selected after a comprehensive evaluation of competing business and plant solution providers.

"BASF is a long-standing user of AspenTech's engineering and manufacturing solutions, and we welcome this opportunity to further strengthen our partnership," said David McQuillin, President and CEO of AspenTech. "By using AspenTech's information management systems, BASF has demonstrated its commitment to achieving operational excellence across its global manufacturing network. The adoption of our information management solution, leveraging our Aspen Operations Manager infrastructure, is an important first step in meeting those objectives."

About BASF

BASF is the world's leading chemical company. Our goal is to grow profitably and further increase the value of our company. We help our customers to be more successful through intelligent system solutions and high-quality products. BASF's portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. Through new technologies we can tap into additional market opportunities. We conduct our business in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. In 2003, BASF had sales of more than EUR33 billion (circa $42 billion) and over 87,000 employees worldwide. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), Paris (BA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

About AspenTech

Aspen Technology, Inc. provides industry-leading software and implementation services that enable process companies to increase efficiency and profitability. AspenTech's engineering product line is used to design and improve plants and processes, maximizing returns throughout an asset's operating life. Its manufacturing/supply chain product line allows companies to increase margins in their plants and supply chains, by managing customer demand, optimizing production, and streamlining the delivery of finished products. These two offerings are combined to create solutions for enterprise operations management (EOM), integrated enterprise-wide systems that provide process manufacturers with the capability to dramatically improve their operating performance. Over 1,500 leading companies already rely on AspenTech's software, including Aventis, Bayer, BASF, BP, ChevronTexaco, Dow Chemical, DuPont, ExxonMobil, Fluor, GlaxoSmithKline, Shell, and Total. For more information, visit www.aspentech.com.

Certain paragraphs of this press release contain forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, particularly the subheading and first paragraph. For this purpose, any statement using the term "will," "should," "could," "anticipates," "believes" or a comparable term is a forward-looking statement. Actual results may vary significantly from AspenTech's expectations based on a number of risks and uncertainties, including: AspenTech's ability to make its revenue goals; AspenTech's lengthy sales cycle which makes it difficult to predict quarterly operating results; fluctuations in AspenTech's quarterly operating results; AspenTech's dependence on customers in cyclical industries; adverse global economic conditions; AspenTech's ability to raise additional capital as required; the FTC's investigation of the Hyprotech acquisition; the outcome of AspenTech's restructuring plans; intense competition; AspenTech's need to develop and market products successfully; and other risk factors described from time to time in AspenTech's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AspenTech cannot guarantee any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Moreover, neither AspenTech nor anyone else assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any forward-looking statements. AspenTech undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

CONTACT: Aspen Technology, Inc.
For Media:
Robin Swanger, 281-504-3256
robin.swanger@aspentech.com
or
For Investors:
Joshua Young, 617-949-1274
joshua.young@aspentech.com

SOURCE: Aspen Technology, Inc.