Avanquest Software Selected by Microsoft as One of the 50 Partners Worldwide to Be Part of the "Ready Set 7" Campaign

PARIS--(Marketwire - October 20, 2009) - Avanquest Software (EPA: AVQ), a leading global software developer and publisher, today announced its selection to participate in Microsoft's "Ready Set 7" campaign and its introduction of a series of Avanquest software titles in the coming weeks that are compatible with Windows 7.

As a participant in Microsoft's "Ready Set 7" program, Avanquest has closely worked with Microsoft teams in order to make available a number of Windows 7-compatible applications in its portfolio of software products for the global PC market, leveraging new features introduced in the newest Microsoft OS that will enhance the PC user experience of Avanquest Software applications and solutions.

Significant advancements in the Windows 7 graphical user interface (UI), delivering greater consistency in both UI design and workflow across applications, have enabled Avanquest Software to deliver a more elegant, advanced and feature-rich experience to users of Windows 7 through its Windows 7-compatible software solutions.

Among other innovations, Windows 7 provides a significantly enhanced connectivity platform, a key asset for Avanquest, as combined online and offline solutions represent an essential component of Avanquest's product development strategy going forward.

At the same time, this enhanced platform has facilitated development of Avanquest connectivity and networking solutions in support of the Windows 7 OS that will provide an end-user experience that is more satisfying and compatible with the growing number of devices being used with PCs today.

"The arrival of Windows 7 offers an unprecedented opportunity for a richer and more satisfying user experience, across Avanquest Software's broad range of personal, family and business applications," said Roger Politis, CTO and Co-founder of Avanquest Software. "The consistency and stability of Windows 7, complemented by an exceptionally fluid and user-friendly design, is effectively supported by Microsoft's comprehensive set of easy-to-use application development tools. This combination will greatly facilitate our capacity to deliver faster and more efficiently to our customers the best-of-breed software they have come to expect from us."

Additionally, Green IT being now a global concern, Windows 7 marks an important milestone in energy savings by providing a unique set of tools allowing Avanquest to support the initiative without any loss in efficiency.

This month, Avanquest Software will introduce a line of Windows 7-compatible software products that will be added to during fourth-quarter 2009, including but not limited to: AutoSave Essentials 3; Digital Picture Frame; Expert PDF (Europe) and Lightning PDF (USA); Mobile PhoneTools v6; Connection Manager 7.0; Print Artist; Perfect Image; PowerDesk 7; SendPhotos; WebEasy 8.0, WebEasy 8 Professional and WebEasy 8 Pro platinum edition.

For more information about Avanquest Software products and solutions and their compatibility with Windows 7, please visit: www.avanquest.com/usa/windows7.

About Avanquest Software

Avanquest Software is one of the world's leading software developers and publishers, with operations on three continents, providing consumers and businesses with award-winning software for PC tune-up, office productivity, mobility and multimedia. Avanquest Software maintains a strong presence in North America through Avanquest Software USA and Avanquest North America, enjoying solid positioning in the OEM and SMB markets and combined retail sales that place the company among the top ten retail software publishers in the United States. With more than 100 software titles, the combined companies offer one of the industry's largest and most diversified product portfolios, available at more than 10,000 North American retail locations and on the Web. Avanquest Software is listed on Euronext (ISIN FR0004026714) since December 1996. Additional information is available at http://www.avanquest.com or http://about.avanquest.com.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Michael Tangeman Alan Penchansky The Pen Group (305) 529-1944 alan@thepengroup.com