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  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">As filed with the Securities and
  Exchange Commission on December&nbsp;5, 2003
  </FONT>
  
  <DIV align="right"><FONT size="2">Registration No.&nbsp;333-_____</FONT></DIV>
  
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  <P align="center"><FONT size="4"><B>UNITED STATES<BR>
  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <DIV align="center"><FONT size="3"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549</B>
  </FONT></DIV>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="5"><B>FORM S-8</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="3"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER<BR>
  THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="6"><B>Ascential Software Corporation</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
  </FONT>
  
  <CENTER>
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      <TD width="50%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="45%">&nbsp;</TD>
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  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>Delaware</B><BR>
  (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation<BR>
  or Organization)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  <B>94-3011736</B><BR>
  (I.R.S. Employer<BR>
  Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>50 Washington Street<BR>
  Westborough, Massachusetts</B><BR>
  (Address of Principal Executive Offices)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  <B>01581</B><BR>&nbsp;<BR>
  (Zip Code)</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  </CENTER>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Second Restated 1994 Stock Option and Award Plan<BR>
  Second Restated 1989 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan<BR>
  Second Restated 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan<BR>
  Amended and Restated 1998 Non-Statutory Stock Option and Award Plan<BR>
  1997 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan</B><BR>
  (Full Title of the Plans)
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Peter Gyenes<BR>
  Chairman and Chief executive Officer<BR>
  Ascential Software Corporation<BR>
  50 Washington Street<BR>
  Westborough, Massachusetts 01581</B><BR>
  (Name and Address of Agent For Service)<BR>
  <B>(508)&nbsp;366-3888</B><BR>
  (Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">COPIES TO:
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Scott N. Semel, Esq.<BR>
  Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Secretary<BR>
  Ascential Software Corporation<BR>
  50 Washington Street<BR>
  Westborough, Massachusetts 01581<BR>
  (508)&nbsp;366-3888</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Philip P. Rossetti, Esq.<BR>
  Hale and Dorr LLP<BR>
  60 State Street<BR>
  Boston, Massachusetts 02109</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>
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  <!-- TOC -->
  <A name="toc"><DIV align="CENTER" style="page-break-before:always"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U></DIV></A>
  
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  </TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000">PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#001">Item&nbsp;1. Plan Information</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#002">Item&nbsp;2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#003">PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#004">Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#005">Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#006">Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#007">Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#008">Item&nbsp;7. Exemption From Registration Claimed</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#009">Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#010">Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#011">POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#012">INDEX TO EXHIBITS</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="b48201asexv5w1.txt">Ex-5.1 Opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="b48201asexv23w2.txt">Ex-23.2 Consent of KPMG LLP</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="b48201asexv23w3.txt">Ex-23.3 Consent of KPMG LLP</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="b48201asexv99w1.txt">Ex-99.1 1994 Stock Option and Award Plan</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="b48201asexv99w2.txt">Ex-99.2 1989 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="b48201asexv99w3.txt">Ex-99.3 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="b48201asexv99w4.txt">Ex-99.4 1998 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan</A></TD></TR>
  </TABLE>
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  <H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
  
  
  
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>(617)&nbsp;526-6000</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD width="34%">&nbsp;</TD>
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      <TD width="14%">&nbsp;</TD>
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      <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
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      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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      <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Title of</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Maximum</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Maximum</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Securities</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Amount to be</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Offering Price Per</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Aggregate</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Amount of</B></FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>to be Registered</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Registered(2)</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Share</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Offering Price</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Registration Fee</B></FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">Common Stock, $0.01
  par value per share
  (including the
  associated Common
  Stock Purchase
  Rights)(1)</FONT></DIV></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD colspan="3" align="center"><FONT size="2">6,050,000 shares(3)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">23.075</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap><FONT size="2">(4)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">139,603,750</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap><FONT size="2">(4)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">11,294</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  </CENTER>
  <P>
  
  
  <TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">This registration statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 (the &#147;Registration Statement&#148;)
  also covers Common Stock Purchase Rights (the &#147;Rights&#148;) which are
  presently attached to and trade with the common stock of Ascential
  Software Corporation (the &#147;Registrant&#148;). Any value attributable to the
  Rights is reflected in the market price of the Common Stock.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">In accordance with Rule&nbsp;416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
  (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;), this Registration Statement shall be deemed to
  cover any additional securities that may from time to time be offered or
  issued to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or
  similar transactions.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(3)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Consists of (i)&nbsp;2,250,000 shares issuable under the Second Restated 1994
  Stock Option and Award Plan, (ii)&nbsp;250,000 shares issuable under the Second
  Restated 1989 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan; (iii)&nbsp;250,000 shares
  issuable under the Second Restated 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; (iv)
  3,000,000 shares issuable under the Amended and Restated 1998
  Non-Statutory Stock Option and Award Plan; and (v)&nbsp;300,000 shares issuable
  under the 1997 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(4)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
  pursuant to Rules&nbsp;457(c) and 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, as
  amended, and based upon the average of the high and low prices of the
  Registrant&#146;s Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ National Market on
  December&nbsp;4, 2003.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>
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  <P><HR noshade><P>
  <H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
  
  
  
  
  <!-- link1 "PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>PART I<BR>
  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;1. Plan Information" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;1. Plan Information.</B>
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The information required by Item&nbsp;1 is included in documents sent or given
  to participants in the plans covered by this Registration Statement pursuant to
  Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities
  Act&#148;).
  </FONT>
  <!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="002"></A></DIV>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.</B>
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The written statement required by Item&nbsp;2 is included in documents sent or
  given to participants in the plans covered by this Registration Statement
  pursuant to Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1) of the Securities Act.
  </FONT>
  <!-- link1 "PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="003"></A></DIV>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>PART II<BR>
  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="004"></A></DIV>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</B>
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Registrant is subject to the informational and reporting requirements
  of Sections&nbsp;13(a), 14, and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
  amended (the &#147;Exchange Act&#148;), and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy
  statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission
  (the &#147;Commission&#148;). The following documents, which are on file with the
  Commission, are incorporated in this Registration Statement by reference:
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp; The Registrant&#146;s latest annual report filed pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a)
  or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or the latest prospectus filed pursuant to Rule
  424(b) under the Securities Act that contains audited financial statements for
  the Registrant&#146;s latest fiscal year for which such statements have been filed.
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp; All other reports filed pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the
  Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal year covered by the document referred
  to in (a)&nbsp;above.
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp; The description of the securities contained in the Registrant&#146;s
  Registration Statements on Form&nbsp;8-A filed under the Exchange Act, including any
  amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections
  13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a
  post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby
  have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall
  be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to
  be part hereof from the date of the filing of such documents. Any statement
  contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
  herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purposes of this
  Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in
  any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
  incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
  statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
  or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.
  </FONT>
  <!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="005"></A></DIV>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities.</B>
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.
  </FONT>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">- 1 -</FONT>
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  <!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="006"></A></DIV>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</B>
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hale and Dorr LLP has opined as to the legality of the securities being
  offered by this Registration Statement.
  </FONT>
  <!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="007"></A></DIV>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</B>
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the &#147;DGCL&#148;) provides
  that a corporation has the power to indemnify a director, officer, employee or
  agent of the corporation and certain other persons serving at the request of
  the corporation in related capacities against amounts paid and expenses
  incurred in connection with an action or proceeding to which he is or is
  threatened to be made a party by reason of such position, if such person shall
  have acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
  opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, in any criminal
  proceeding, if such person had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was
  unlawful; <I>provided that,</I> in the case of actions brought by or in the right of
  the corporation, no indemnification shall be made with respect to any matter as
  to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation
  unless and only to the extent that the adjudicating court determines that such
  indemnification is proper under the circumstances.
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ARTICLE EIGHT of the Registrant&#146;s Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
  as amended (the &#147;Restated Certificate&#148;), provides for the indemnification of
  any director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant and certain other
  persons serving at the request of the Registrant in related capacities to the
  fullest extent permissible under Delaware law, except that the Registrant is
  prohibited against the indemnification of any person from or on account of
  conduct which was finally adjudged to have been knowingly fraudulent,
  deliberately dishonest or willful misconduct.
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ARTICLE EIGHT further provides that, to the fullest extent permissible
  under Delaware law, no director of the Registrant shall be personally liable to
  the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
  duty as a director.
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ARTICLE VI of the Registrant&#146;s Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (the
  &#147;Bylaws&#148;), provides for the indemnification of each person who was or is made a
  party or threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit or
  proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or
  appellate (&#147;Proceeding&#148;), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a
  director or officer of the Registrant and certain other persons serving at the
  request of the Registrant as a director or officer of another corporation, or
  of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service
  with respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such Proceeding is
  alleged action in an official capacity as a director or officer or in any other
  capacity while serving as a director or officer, against all expenses,
  liability and loss (including, without limitation, attorneys&#146; fees, judgments,
  fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in
  settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection
  therewith or in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or
  appeal of such Proceeding, to the full extent not prohibited by the DGCL. Such
  indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director
  or officer and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heir, executor and
  administrators.
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ARTICLE VI further provides that, the Registrant may, to the extent
  authorized from time to time by its Board of Directors, grant rights to
  indemnification, and to the advancement of expenses, to any employee or agent
  of the Registrant to the fullest extent indemnification and advancement of
  expenses is permitted to directors and officers of the Registrant.
  </FONT>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">- 2 -</FONT>
  <!-- PAGEBREAK -->
  <P><HR noshade><P>
  <H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ARTICLE VI of the Bylaws further provides that the indemnification
  provided therein is not exclusive of any other right which such person may have
  or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Restated Certificate
  or Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors,
  insurance policy, or otherwise. Nothing shall limit in any way any right which
  the Registrant may have to make additional indemnifications with respect to the
  same or different persons or classes of persons.
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with each of
  its directors and executive officers, and intends to enter into indemnification
  agreements with any new directors and executive officers in the future. These
  agreements may require the Registrant, among other things, to indemnify such
  directors and officers against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of
  their status or service and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of
  any Proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The general effect of the foregoing provisions may be to reduce the
  circumstances in which an officer or director of the Registrant may be required
  to bear the economic burden of the foregoing liabilities and expenses.
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Registrant has purchased directors&#146; and officers&#146; liability insurance
  which would indemnify the directors and officers of the Registrant against
  damages arising out of certain kinds of claims which might be made against them
  based on their negligent acts or omissions while acting in their capacity as
  such.
  </FONT>
  <!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;7. Exemption From Registration Claimed" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="008"></A></DIV>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;7. Exemption From Registration Claimed.</B>
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.
  </FONT>
  <!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="009"></A></DIV>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits.</B>
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Exhibit&nbsp;Index immediately preceding the exhibits is incorporated herein by reference.
  </FONT>
  <!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="010"></A></DIV>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings.</B>
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<I>Item&nbsp;512(a) of Regulation&nbsp;S-K</I>. The undersigned Registrant hereby
  undertakes:
  </FONT>
  <P>
  <TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
  <TR>
      <TD width="3%"></TD>
      <TD width="97%"></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
  made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;To include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the
  Securities Act;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
  the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
  post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
  aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
  the Registration Statement; and</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;To include any material information with respect to the plan
  of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or
  any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2"><I>provided, however, </I>that paragraphs (i)&nbsp;and (ii)&nbsp;do not apply if the
  information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by
  those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">- 3 -</FONT>
  <!-- PAGEBREAK -->
  <P><HR noshade><P>
  <H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
  
  
  
  
  <P>
  <TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
  <TR>
      <TD width="3%"></TD>
      <TD width="97%"></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section
  13 or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by
  reference in the Registration Statement.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
  Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
  a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
  and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
  the initial <I>bona fide </I>offering thereof.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
  amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at
  the termination of the offering.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<I>Item&nbsp;512(b) of Regulation&nbsp;S-K</I>. The undersigned Registrant hereby
  undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
  Act, each filing of the Registrant&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or
  Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in the
  Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
  relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
  at that time shall be deemed to be the initial <I>bona fide </I>offering thereof.
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<I>Item&nbsp;512(h) of Regulation&nbsp;S-K</I>. Insofar as indemnification for
  liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors,
  officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
  provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion
  of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
  the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim
  for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
  Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
  person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
  proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
  connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
  the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
  precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
  such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
  Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
  </FONT>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">- 4 -</FONT>
  <!-- PAGEBREAK -->
  <P><HR noshade><P>
  <H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>SIGNATURES</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
  certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
  requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
  Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
  authorized, in Westborough, Massachusetts, on this
  5th day of December, 2003.
  </FONT>
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="50%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD colspan="3" valign="top" align="left"><FONT size="2">ASCENTIAL SOFTWARE CORPORATION</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  By:</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Peter Gyenes</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><HR align="left" size="1" width="50%" noshade></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Peter Gyenes</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Chief Executive Officer and</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Chairman of the Board of Directors</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  </CENTER>
  
  <!-- link1 "POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="011"></A></DIV>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We, the undersigned officers and directors of Ascential Software
  Corporation, hereby severally constitute and appoint Peter Gyenes, Robert C.
  McBride and Scott N. Semel, and each of them singly, our true and lawful
  attorneys with full power to them, and each of them singly, to sign for us and
  in our names in the capacities indicated below, the Registration Statement on
  Form&nbsp;S-8 filed herewith and any and all subsequent amendments to said
  Registration Statement, and generally to do all such things in our names and on
  our behalf in our capacities as officers and directors to enable Ascential
  Software Corporation to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of
  1933, as amended, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange
  Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be
  signed by our said attorneys, or any of them, to said Registration Statement
  and any and all amendments thereto.
  </FONT>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
  Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
  capacities and on the dates indicated.
  </FONT>
  
  
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD width="33%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="42%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top" align="center"><FONT size="2">Signature<BR>
  </FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2"></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Title<BR>
  </FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
  </FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Date<BR>
  </FONT><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Peter Gyenes<BR>
  </FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
  Peter Gyenes</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of<BR>
  the Board of Directors (Principal Executive<BR>
   Officer)
  </FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  
  <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">December&nbsp;5, 2003</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Robert C. McBride<BR>
  </FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
  Robert C. McBride</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer<BR>
  (Principal Financial and Accounting<BR>
  Officer)
  </FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  
  <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">December&nbsp;5, 2003</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Robert M. Morrill<BR>
  </FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
  Robert M. Morrill</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Director
  </FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  
  <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">December&nbsp;5, 2003</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ John J. Gavin, Jr.<BR>
  </FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
  John J. Gavin, Jr.</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Director
  </FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  
  <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">November&nbsp;11, 2003</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  
  </TABLE>
  </CENTER>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">- 5 -</FONT>
  <!-- PAGEBREAK -->
  <P><HR noshade><P>
  <H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD width="33%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="42%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top" align="center"><FONT size="2">Signature<BR>
  </FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2"></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Title<BR>
  </FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
  </FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Date<BR>
  </FONT><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ David J. Ellenberger<BR>
  </FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
  David J. Ellenberger</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Director
  </FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  
  <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">December&nbsp;5, 2003</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ William J. Weyand<BR>
  </FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
  William J. Weyand</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Director
  </FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  
  <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">December&nbsp;5, 2003</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  
  </TABLE>
  </CENTER>
  
  
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">- 6 -</FONT>
  <!-- PAGEBREAK -->
  <P><HR noshade><P>
  <H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
  
  <!-- link1 "INDEX TO EXHIBITS" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="012"></A></DIV>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>INDEX TO EXHIBITS</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="91%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Number</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Description</B></FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.1(1)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended of the Registrant</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.2(2)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.3(3)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  First Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of August
  12, 1997, between Informix Corporation and BankBoston N.A.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.4(4)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Amendment No.&nbsp;1 dated as of November&nbsp;17, 1997 to the First
  Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of August&nbsp;12,
  1997, between Informix Corporation and BankBoston N.A.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.5(5)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Amendment No.&nbsp;2 dated as of April&nbsp;17, 2002 to the First Amended
  and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of August&nbsp;12, 1997,
  between Informix Corporation and BankBoston N.A.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">5.1</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP, counsel to the Registrant</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.1</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Consent of Hale and Dorr LLP<BR>
  
  (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5)</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.2</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Consent of KPMG LLP</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.3</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Consent of KPMG LLP</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">24</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Power of attorney (included on the signature pages of this
  Registration Statement)</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">99.1</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Second Restated 1994 Stock Option and Award Plan</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">99.2</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Second Restated 1989 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">99.3</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Second Restated 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">99.4</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Amended and Restated 1998 Non-Statutory Stock Option and Award Plan</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">99.5(6)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  1997 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  </CENTER>
  <P>
  <HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>
  
  <TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
  Exhibit to the Registrant&#146;s Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter
  ended June&nbsp;30, 2003 (File No.&nbsp;000-15325) and incorporated herein by
  reference.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
  Exhibit to the Registrant&#146;s Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter
  ended March&nbsp;31, 2003 (File No.&nbsp;000-15325) and incorporated herein by
  reference.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>
  <!-- PAGEBREAK -->
  <P><HR noshade><P>
  <H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
  
  
  
  
  <TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(3)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
  Exhibit to an amendment to Informix Corporation&#146;s registration statement
  on Form&nbsp;8-A/A, filed on September&nbsp;3, 1997 and incorporation herein by
  reference.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(4)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
  Exhibit to an amendment to Informix Corporation&#146;s registration statement
  on Form&nbsp;8-A/A, filed on December&nbsp;3, 1997 and incorporation herein by
  reference.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(5)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
  Exhibit to an amendment to Informix Corporation&#146;s registration statement
  on Form&nbsp;8-A/A, filed on May&nbsp;1, 2002 and incorporation herein by reference.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(6)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
  Exhibit to the Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year
  ended December&nbsp;31, 1997 (File No.&nbsp;000-15325) and incorporated herein by
  reference.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">- 2 -</FONT>
  
  
  
  </BODY>
  </HTML>
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text: Ascential Software Corporation
  Table of Contents
  As filed with the Securities and
  Exchange Commission on December 5, 2003
  Registration No. 333-_____
  UNITED STATES
  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
  Washington, D.C. 20549
  FORM S-8
  REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
  THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
  Ascential Software Corporation
  (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
  Delaware
  (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation
  or Organization)
  94-3011736
  (I.R.S. Employer
  Identification No.)
  50 Washington Street
  Westborough, Massachusetts
  (Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  01581
  (Zip Code)
  Second Restated 1994 Stock Option and Award Plan
  Second Restated 1989 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan
  Second Restated 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  Amended and Restated 1998 Non-Statutory Stock Option and Award Plan
  1997 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan
  (Full Title of the Plans)
  Peter Gyenes
  Chairman and Chief executive Officer
  Ascential Software Corporation
  50 Washington Street
  Westborough, Massachusetts 01581
  (Name and Address of Agent For Service)
  (508) 366-3888
  (Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
  COPIES TO:
  Scott N. Semel, Esq.
  Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Secretary
  Ascential Software Corporation
  50 Washington Street
  Westborough, Massachusetts 01581
  (508) 366-3888
  Philip P. Rossetti, Esq.
  Hale and Dorr LLP
  60 State Street
  Boston, Massachusetts 02109
  TABLE OF CONTENTS
  PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
  Item 1. Plan Information
  Item 2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information
  PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
  Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference
  Item 4. Description of Securities
  Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
  Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
  Item 7. Exemption From Registration Claimed
  Item 8. Exhibits
  Item 9. Undertakings
  POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES
  INDEX TO EXHIBITS
  Ex-5.1 Opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP
  Ex-23.2 Consent of KPMG LLP
  Ex-23.3 Consent of KPMG LLP
  Ex-99.1 1994 Stock Option and Award Plan
  Ex-99.2 1989 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan
  Ex-99.3 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  Ex-99.4 1998 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan
  Table of Contents
  (617) 526-6000
  CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
  Proposed
  Proposed
  Title of
  Maximum
  Maximum
  Securities
  Amount to be
  Offering Price Per
  Aggregate
  Amount of
  to be Registered
  Registered(2)
  Share
  Offering Price
  Registration Fee
  Common Stock, $0.01
  par value per share
  (including the
  associated Common
  Stock Purchase
  Rights)(1)
  6,050,000 shares(3)
  $
  23.075
  (4)
  $
  139,603,750
  (4)
  $
  11,294
  (1)
  This registration statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement")
  also covers Common Stock Purchase Rights (the "Rights") which are
  presently attached to and trade with the common stock of Ascential
  Software Corporation (the "Registrant"). Any value attributable to the
  Rights is reflected in the market price of the Common Stock.
  (2)
  In accordance with Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
  (the "Securities Act"), this Registration Statement shall be deemed to
  cover any additional securities that may from time to time be offered or
  issued to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or
  similar transactions.
  (3)
  Consists of (i) 2,250,000 shares issuable under the Second Restated 1994
  Stock Option and Award Plan, (ii) 250,000 shares issuable under the Second
  Restated 1989 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan; (iii) 250,000 shares
  issuable under the Second Restated 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; (iv)
  3,000,000 shares issuable under the Amended and Restated 1998
  Non-Statutory Stock Option and Award Plan; and (v) 300,000 shares issuable
  under the 1997 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan
  (4)
  Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
  pursuant to Rules 457(c) and 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, as
  amended, and based upon the average of the high and low prices of the
  Registrant's Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ National Market on
  December 4, 2003.
  Table of Contents
  PART I
  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
  Item 1. Plan Information.
  The information required by Item 1 is included in documents sent or given
  to participants in the plans covered by this Registration Statement pursuant to
  Rule 428(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
  Act").
  Item 2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.
  The written statement required by Item 2 is included in documents sent or
  given to participants in the plans covered by this Registration Statement
  pursuant to Rule 428(b)(1) of the Securities Act.
  PART II
  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
  Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
  The Registrant is subject to the informational and reporting requirements
  of Sections 13(a), 14, and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
  amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy
  statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission
  (the "Commission"). The following documents, which are on file with the
  Commission, are incorporated in this Registration Statement by reference:
  (a)  The Registrant's latest annual report filed pursuant to Section 13(a)
  or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or the latest prospectus filed pursuant to Rule
  424(b) under the Securities Act that contains audited financial statements for
  the Registrant's latest fiscal year for which such statements have been filed.
  (b)  All other reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
  Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal year covered by the document referred
  to in (a) above.
  (c)  The description of the securities contained in the Registrant's
  Registration Statements on Form 8-A filed under the Exchange Act, including any
  amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.
  All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections
  13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a
  post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby
  have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall
  be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to
  be part hereof from the date of the filing of such documents. Any statement
  contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
  herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purposes of this
  Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in
  any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
  incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
  statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
  or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.
  Item 4. Description of Securities.
  Not applicable.
  - 1 -
  Table of Contents
  Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
  Hale and Dorr LLP has opined as to the legality of the securities being
  offered by this Registration Statement.
  Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
  Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") provides
  that a corporation has the power to indemnify a director, officer, employee or
  agent of the corporation and certain other persons serving at the request of
  the corporation in related capacities against amounts paid and expenses
  incurred in connection with an action or proceeding to which he is or is
  threatened to be made a party by reason of such position, if such person shall
  have acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
  opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, in any criminal
  proceeding, if such person had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was
  unlawful;
  provided that,
  in the case of actions brought by or in the right of
  the corporation, no indemnification shall be made with respect to any matter as
  to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation
  unless and only to the extent that the adjudicating court determines that such
  indemnification is proper under the circumstances.
  ARTICLE EIGHT of the Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
  as amended (the "Restated Certificate"), provides for the indemnification of
  any director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant and certain other
  persons serving at the request of the Registrant in related capacities to the
  fullest extent permissible under Delaware law, except that the Registrant is
  prohibited against the indemnification of any person from or on account of
  conduct which was finally adjudged to have been knowingly fraudulent,
  deliberately dishonest or willful misconduct.
  ARTICLE EIGHT further provides that, to the fullest extent permissible
  under Delaware law, no director of the Registrant shall be personally liable to
  the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
  duty as a director.
  ARTICLE VI of the Registrant's Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (the
  "Bylaws"), provides for the indemnification of each person who was or is made a
  party or threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit or
  proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or
  appellate ("Proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a
  director or officer of the Registrant and certain other persons serving at the
  request of the Registrant as a director or officer of another corporation, or
  of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service
  with respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such Proceeding is
  alleged action in an official capacity as a director or officer or in any other
  capacity while serving as a director or officer, against all expenses,
  liability and loss (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, judgments,
  fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in
  settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection
  therewith or in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or
  appeal of such Proceeding, to the full extent not prohibited by the DGCL. Such
  indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director
  or officer and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heir, executor and
  administrators.
  ARTICLE VI further provides that, the Registrant may, to the extent
  authorized from time to time by its Board of Directors, grant rights to
  indemnification, and to the advancement of expenses, to any employee or agent
  of the Registrant to the fullest extent indemnification and advancement of
  expenses is permitted to directors and officers of the Registrant.
  - 2 -
  Table of Contents
  ARTICLE VI of the Bylaws further provides that the indemnification
  provided therein is not exclusive of any other right which such person may have
  or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Restated Certificate
  or Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors,
  insurance policy, or otherwise. Nothing shall limit in any way any right which
  the Registrant may have to make additional indemnifications with respect to the
  same or different persons or classes of persons.
  The Registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with each of
  its directors and executive officers, and intends to enter into indemnification
  agreements with any new directors and executive officers in the future. These
  agreements may require the Registrant, among other things, to indemnify such
  directors and officers against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of
  their status or service and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of
  any Proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.
  The general effect of the foregoing provisions may be to reduce the
  circumstances in which an officer or director of the Registrant may be required
  to bear the economic burden of the foregoing liabilities and expenses.
  The Registrant has purchased directors' and officers' liability insurance
  which would indemnify the directors and officers of the Registrant against
  damages arising out of certain kinds of claims which might be made against them
  based on their negligent acts or omissions while acting in their capacity as
  such.
  Item 7. Exemption From Registration Claimed.
  Not applicable.
  Item 8. Exhibits.
  The Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits is incorporated herein by reference.
  Item 9. Undertakings.
  1.
  Item 512(a) of Regulation S-K
  . The undersigned Registrant hereby
  undertakes:
  (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
  made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
  (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
  Securities Act;
  (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
  the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
  post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
  aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
  the Registration Statement; and
  (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan
  of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or
  any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;
  provided, however,
  that paragraphs (i) and (ii) do not apply if the
  information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by
  those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed
  - 3 -
  Table of Contents
  with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section
  13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by
  reference in the Registration Statement.
  (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
  Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
  a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
  and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
  the initial
  bona fide
  offering thereof.
  (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
  amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at
  the termination of the offering.
  2.
  Item 512(b) of Regulation S-K
  . The undersigned Registrant hereby
  undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
  Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or
  Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in the
  Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
  relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
  at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
  bona fide
  offering thereof.
  3.
  Item 512(h) of Regulation S-K
  . Insofar as indemnification for
  liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors,
  officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
  provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion
  of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
  the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim
  for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
  Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
  person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
  proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
  connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
  the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
  precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
  such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
  Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
  - 4 -
  Table of Contents
  SIGNATURES
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
  certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
  requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
  Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
  authorized, in Westborough, Massachusetts, on this
  5th day of December, 2003.
  ASCENTIAL SOFTWARE CORPORATION
  By:
  /s/ Peter Gyenes
  Peter Gyenes
  Chief Executive Officer and
  Chairman of the Board of Directors
  POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES
  We, the undersigned officers and directors of Ascential Software
  Corporation, hereby severally constitute and appoint Peter Gyenes, Robert C.
  McBride and Scott N. Semel, and each of them singly, our true and lawful
  attorneys with full power to them, and each of them singly, to sign for us and
  in our names in the capacities indicated below, the Registration Statement on
  Form S-8 filed herewith and any and all subsequent amendments to said
  Registration Statement, and generally to do all such things in our names and on
  our behalf in our capacities as officers and directors to enable Ascential
  Software Corporation to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of
  1933, as amended, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange
  Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be
  signed by our said attorneys, or any of them, to said Registration Statement
  and any and all amendments thereto.
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
  Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
  capacities and on the dates indicated.
  Signature
  Title
  Date
  /s/ Peter Gyenes
  Peter Gyenes
  Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of
  the Board of Directors (Principal Executive
  Officer)
  December 5, 2003
  /s/ Robert C. McBride
  Robert C. McBride
  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial and Accounting
  Officer)
  December 5, 2003
  /s/ Robert M. Morrill
  Robert M. Morrill
  Director
  December 5, 2003
  /s/ John J. Gavin, Jr.
  John J. Gavin, Jr.
  Director
  November 11, 2003
  - 5 -
  Table of Contents
  Signature
  Title
  Date
  /s/ David J. Ellenberger
  David J. Ellenberger
  Director
  December 5, 2003
  /s/ William J. Weyand
  William J. Weyand
  Director
  December 5, 2003
  - 6 -
  Table of Contents
  INDEX TO EXHIBITS
  Number
  Description
  4.1(1)
  Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended of the Registrant
  4.2(2)
  Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant
  4.3(3)
  First Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of August
  12, 1997, between Informix Corporation and BankBoston N.A.
  4.4(4)
  Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 17, 1997 to the First
  Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of August 12,
  1997, between Informix Corporation and BankBoston N.A.
  4.5(5)
  Amendment No. 2 dated as of April 17, 2002 to the First Amended
  and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of August 12, 1997,
  between Informix Corporation and BankBoston N.A.
  5.1
  Opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP, counsel to the Registrant
  23.1
  Consent of Hale and Dorr LLP
  (included in Exhibit 5)
  23.2
  Consent of KPMG LLP
  23.3
  Consent of KPMG LLP
  24
  Power of attorney (included on the signature pages of this
  Registration Statement)
  99.1
  Second Restated 1994 Stock Option and Award Plan
  99.2
  Second Restated 1989 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan
  99.3
  Second Restated 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  99.4
  Amended and Restated 1998 Non-Statutory Stock Option and Award Plan
  99.5(6)
  1997 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan
  (1)
  Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
  Exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
  ended June 30, 2003 (File No. 000-15325) and incorporated herein by
  reference.
  (2)
  Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
  Exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
  ended March 31, 2003 (File No. 000-15325) and incorporated herein by
  reference.
  Table of Contents
  (3)
  Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
  Exhibit to an amendment to Informix Corporation's registration statement
  on Form 8-A/A, filed on September 3, 1997 and incorporation herein by
  reference.
  (4)
  Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
  Exhibit to an amendment to Informix Corporation's registration statement
  on Form 8-A/A, filed on December 3, 1997 and incorporation herein by
  reference.
  (5)
  Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
  Exhibit to an amendment to Informix Corporation's registration statement
  on Form 8-A/A, filed on May 1, 2002 and incorporation herein by reference.
  (6)
  Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
  Exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
  ended December 31, 1997 (File No. 000-15325) and incorporated herein by
  reference.
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