Symyx Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMMX) today announced it is realigning and restructuring its business operations to drive performance, improve operating efficiency and increase positive cash flow in 2009.

Specific steps include:

— Combining Symyx Tools and Symyx Research to create Symyx High Productivity Research (HPR). Richard Boehner, President of Symyx Research, will serve as President of HPR. HPR will be organized along industry lines (Life Sciences and Chemicals/Energy) to facilitate unified product and contract research go-to-market and customer support strategies. — Establishing dedicated sales forces within Symyx Software and Symyx HPR in 2009 to improve market focus and sales execution. — Measures to reduce 2009 expenses by an estimated $15 million compared to fiscal 2008, excluding restructuring charges. As part of these reductions, Symyx is implementing a worldwide workforce reduction of approximately 15%, primarily concentrated within Symyx’s Tools and Research operations and in the Company’s general and administrative areas. Symyx expects to substantially complete these actions by December 31, 2008. The Company is currently assessing associated restructuring and other charges, the substantial majority of which the Company expects to take in the fourth quarter of this year. The total cash impact is presently expected to be $3- 4 million. These restructuring and other charges were not contemplated in the Company’s earlier earnings and cash estimates for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2008.

By taking these steps, the Company intends to (1) strengthen the performance of core products and services within Symyx Software and Symyx HPR, (2) drive growth opportunities in Symyx Notebook, Symyx Isentris, and Life Sciences HPR Services, and (3) develop and establish new growth initiatives.

“In light of the broad economic and market instability our customers face, we are taking these necessary steps to focus our resources and streamline our operations,” said Isy Goldwasser, Symyx Technologies’ Chief Executive Officer. “We are committed to strengthening the Company in 2009 within a challenging market environment.”