The company's purpose is a) to develop, broker, purchase, sell and manufacture software, tools and related products that enable access to and use of databases of all kinds, b) to provide financial services using modern computer technologies, specifically collecting, archiving and evaluating data, c) to operate information and trading systems as well as internet exchanges, d) to broker, manage, purchase and sell systems, patents and licenses as well as other intangible property rights, particularly in the field of software and hardware, e) to provide trade, consulting, project, representation and marketing services, f) and to perform other related services and investment activities in all of the aforementioned areas. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, and conduct all business that is directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, hold, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. The company may provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as enter into security transactions, including guarantees, sureties, pledges, global assignments, security transfers and indemnification agreements, and other securities for the benefit of subsidiaries, affiliated companies or third parties, even if these are in their exclusive interest.