EXHIBIT 99(a)(17)
Viasoft, Inc. and Compuware Agree to Terminate the Agreement And Plan of Merger
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Jan. 18 -- Compuware Corporation (Nasdaq: CPWR) announced today that
Compuware and Viasoft, Inc. (Viasoft) have agreed to terminate the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July
14, 1999, as amended.
The parties have terminated the Agreement due to uncertainty associated with the civil action filed by the U.S.
Department of Justice on Friday, October 29, 1999 to enjoin Compuware's planned acquisition of Viasoft, as
well as the substantial costs associated with the litigation. Accordingly, the parties determined that it was in the
best interests of both companies to terminate the Agreement, effective today.
Shares of Viasoft common stock tendered during the Offer Period will be returned promptly to Viasoft
shareholders.
Compuware Corporation
Compuware productivity solutions help 14,000 of the world's largest corporations more efficiently maintain and
enhance their most critical business applications. Providing immediate and measurable return on information
technology investments, Compuware products and services improve quality, lower costs and increase the speed
at which systems can be developed, implemented and supported. Compuware employs approximately 15,000
information technology professionals worldwide. With trailing 12-month revenues of more than $1.9 billion,
Compuware is a world leader in the practical implementation of enterprise and e-commerce solutions. For more
information about Compuware, please contact the corporate offices at 800-521-9353. You may also visit
Compuware on the World Wide Web at www.compuware.com.
Viasoft, Inc.
Headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz., Viasoft provides sales and professional services through regional offices in the
United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and a growing network of international subsidiaries, distributors and
resellers. For more information on Viasoft's services and technologies, please visit the company's World