OTTAWA, ON, October 20, 2000—Cognos^® (Nasdaq:COGN; TSE:CSN), the world's largest and most successful business intelligence company, was awarded the Community Pride Achievement Award last evening for outstanding contribution to the cleanliness and beautification of the City of Ottawa.

The award was accepted by representatives of the Cognos Employee Volunteer Committee (CEVC) in honour of the company's ongoing commitment to Ottawa-Carleton Parks and Recreation. Cognos was chosen as the recipient of this award for its adoption of Carleton Heights Park and the recent clean-up and restoration of several Hunt Club-area parks.

"Cognos has been an economic leader and community builder in Ottawa for more than 30 years. The company's success in business is matched by its unwavering dedication to the quality of life in our city," said Allan Higdon, acting mayor of the City of Ottawa. "A Canadian leader in corporate volunteerism, Cognos has demonstrated a clear commitment to the well-being of our city's children, charities, and environment. We are honoured to present them with this year's Community Pride Achievement Award."

"At Cognos we encourage our employees to build productive, mutually-beneficial relationships with the communities in which they live and work," said Ron Zambonini, Cognos president and chief executive officer. "The City of Ottawa has always supported Cognos' success, and we are committed to returning that support. We are pleased to accept this award in honour of the exceptional volunteer efforts of Cognos employees."

Last year, Cognos employees contributed more than 800 work hours to community involvement. In addition to its environmental endeavors, Cognos volunteers bring help to local schools, not-for-profit organizations, and charitable campaigns such as the United Way. Cognos also manages a program that feeds and cares for the Royal Swans. The swans are the descendants of six pairs of swans originally donated to the City of Ottawa by Queen Elizabeth II as part of Canada's centennial celebrations in 1967.