Computer Associates (NYSE: CA) announced that the company has become the first multinational software vendor in 2004 to be certified as an officially sanctioned "Software Enterprise" by the Chinese government.

As a result, Computer Associates will benefit from a variety of preferential policies regarding taxation, purchasing and human resources as set forth in China State Council Document Number 18.

The certification underscores the company's long-term strategic commitment to China, where the company has enjoyed ongoing market success for nearly three decades.

"It is very gratifying to have our investments in China's software industry rewarded with this certification," said Cliff Yung, senior vice president of Asia North at Computer Associates. "We will continue to expand that investment as

China's rapidly evolving IT market presents new opportunities for the country's economic development."