Point Richmond, CA., - January 5, 2004 - Systat Software, Inc., a leading developer and supplier of statistical analysis and visualization software, today announced that it has acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to distribute the Sigma Series line of products from SPSS Inc. (NASDAQ: SPSS). Sigma Series products are used by scientists and engineers for data presentation and analysis, including the flagship SigmaPlot® offering, SigmaStat® statistical analysis package, and SigmaScan® image analysis software. In addition to the distribution license, the agreement also involves the acquisition of all related customers, personnel, and fixed assets. The combination of existing Systat Software products and Sigma Series software allows the company to serve all the research needs of scientists seamlessly-experimental design, data analysis and visualization, and now technical graphing and presentation-giving scientists more time to focus on their research.

Providing specialized scientific software and services for research scientists and engineers in industries including life sciences, medical research, pharmacology, chemistry, environmental sciences and manufacturing, Systat Software currently offers leading products and services in the areas of statistical analysis, modeling, visualization and presentation. To further solidify its position in the market, Systat Software immediately assumes responsibilities for marketing and sales of the Sigma Series products as well as ongoing development and technical support. Systat Software fully intends to purchase all related intellectual property, including brand names and trademarks, after three years. As a result of the acquisition, Systat will effectively grow its customer base and increase revenue with expanded product offerings.

“Demand for Sigma-series products is as solid today as it was when we acquired them in 1996,” said Jack Noonan, president and chief executive officer of SPSS Inc. “Yet these offerings are now peripheral to our previously stated strategy of establishing leadership in the predictive analytics market by leveraging our core expertise in the analysis of people’s attributes, actions, and attitudes. This agreement both tightens our strategic focus and strengthens our balance sheet for the task ahead.”

“The acquisition of SPSS Sigma Series products will make Systat’s vision a reality as we continue to develop and supply the industry standard in statistical analysis and visualization software and services,” said Asif Khader, president of Systat Software. “The expanded product line illustrates our commitment to providing high-quality, cutting-edge software to scientific researchers and engineers around the world. We will continue to invest in our products and technologies so we can best serve the needs of our customers.”