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  <TITLE>ASCENTIAL SOFTWARE CORPORATION</TITLE>
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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">As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September&nbsp;12, 2003
  </FONT>
  
  
  <P align="right"><FONT size="2">Registration No.&nbsp;333-
  </FONT>
  
  <HR size="4" noshade color="#000000" style="margin-top: -5px">
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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"><HR size="1" width="20%" noshade>
  
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="5"><B>FORM S-8
  </B></FONT>
  
  
  <DIV align="center"><FONT size="3"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B>
  </FONT></DIV>
  
  
  <DIV align="center"><FONT size="3"><B>UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B>
  </FONT></DIV>
  
  
  <P align="center"><HR size="1" width="20%" noshade>
  
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="6"><B>ASCENTIAL SOFTWARE CORPORATION
  </B></FONT>
  
  
  <DIV align="center"><FONT size="2">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
  </FONT></DIV>
  
  
  <P align="center"><HR size="1" width="20%" noshade>
  
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD width="50%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="45%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>Delaware</B><BR>
  (State or other jurisdiction of<BR>
  incorporation 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>
  </TABLE>
  </CENTER>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>50 Washington Street<BR>
  Westborough, MA 01581</B><BR>
  (Address of principal executive office) (zip code)
  </FONT>
  
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>TSI International Software Ltd. 1993 Stock Option Plan</B>
  </FONT>
  
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>1996 Novera Software Inc. Stock Option Plan</B>
  </FONT>
  
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Mercator Software, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan</B><BR>
  (Full title of the Plans)
  </FONT>
  
  
  <P align="center"><HR size="1" width="20%" noshade>
  
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">Peter Gyenes<BR>
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
  Ascential Software Corporation<BR>
  50 Washington Street<BR>
  Westborough, MA 01581<BR>
  (Name and address of agent for service)
  </FONT>
  
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">(508)&nbsp;366-3888<BR>
  (Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
  </FONT>
  
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">Copies to:
  </FONT>
  
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD width="50%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="45%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Scott N. Semel, Esq.<BR>
  Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary<BR>
  Ascential Software Corporation<BR>
  50 Washington Street<BR>
  Westborough, MA 01581</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Louis A. Goodman, Esq.<BR>
  Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &#038; Flom LLP<BR>
  One Beacon Street<BR>
  Boston, MA 02108<BR>
  (617)&nbsp;573-4800</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  </CENTER>
  
  <P align="center"><HR size="1" width="20%" noshade>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>
  
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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">CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
  </FONT>
  
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD width="60%">&nbsp;</TD>
  
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
  
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
  
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
  
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD colspan="17" align="left"><HR size="4" noshade></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <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><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed Maximum</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed Maximum</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>Title of 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</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Aggregate Offering</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Registration</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 (1)</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>per Share
  (1)(3)</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Price (3)</B></FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Fee (4)</B></FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD colspan="17" align="left"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD><FONT size="2">TSI International Software Ltd. 1993 Stock
  Option Plan<BR>
  Common Stock, par value $.01 per share</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">41,195</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">18.34</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">755,516.3</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">61.12</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  
  <TR>
      <TD colspan="17" align="left"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD><FONT size="2">1996 Novera Software Inc. Stock Option Plan
  Common<BR> Stock, par value $.01 per share</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">147</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">13.6</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">1,999.2</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">0.16</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD colspan="17" align="left"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD><FONT size="2">Mercator Software, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan<BR>
  Common Stock, par value $.01 per share</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">1,791,852</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">23.46</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">42,036,847</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">3,400.78</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD colspan="17" align="left"><HR size="4" noshade></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 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;), par value $.01
  per share (the &#147;Common Stock&#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 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
  (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;), this Registration Statement also includes an
  indeterminate number of shares that may be subject to issuance as a result
  of anti-dilution and other provisions of the TSI International Software
  Ltd. 1993 Stock Option Plan, the 1996 Novera Software Inc. Stock Option
  Plan, and the Mercator Software, Inc. 1998 Equity Incentive Plan (the
  &#147;Assumed Option Plans&#148;).</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">Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
  pursuant to Rule&nbsp;457(h) under the Securities Act, the maximum offering
  price per share for each of the Assumed Option Plans is based on the
  weighted average exercise price of the options outstanding under the
  Assumed Option Plans.</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">The registration fee has been calculated pursuant to Section&nbsp;6(b) of the
  Securities Act and Fee Advisory #11 for Fiscal Year 2003 issued by the
  Securities and Exchange Commission on February&nbsp;21, 2003 by multiplying
  ..00008090 by the proposed maximum aggregate offering price (as computed in
  accordance with Rule&nbsp;457 under the Securities Act solely for the purpose
  of determining the registration fee of the securities registered hereby).</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">2</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>
  
  <P><CENTER>
  <TABLE border="0" width="90%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
  <TR>
  	<TD width="3%"></TD>
  	<TD width="3%"></TD>
  	<TD width="3%"></TD>
  	<TD width="3%"></TD>
  	<TD width="3%"></TD>
  	<TD width="3%"></TD>
  	<TD width="3%"></TD>
  	<TD width="3%"></TD>
  	<TD width="76%"></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000">EXPLANATORY NOTE</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#001">PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#002">PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#003">Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#004">Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#005">Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#006">Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#007">Item&nbsp;7. Exemption from Registration Claimed</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#008">Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#009">Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#010">SIGNATURES</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#011">Exhibit&nbsp;Index</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="b47765asexv4w5.txt">EX-4.5 TSI INT SOFTWARE LTD 1993 STOCK OPTION PLAN</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="b47765asexv4w6.txt">EX-4.6 NOVERA SOFTWARE INC 1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="b47765asexv4w7.txt">EX-4.7 MERCATOR SOFTWARE INC 1997 EQUITY INC PLAN</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="b47765asexv5w1.txt">EX-5.1 OPINION OF SKADDEN ARPS LLP</A></TD></TR>
  <TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="b47765asexv23w2.txt">EX-23.2 CONSENT OF KPMG LLP</A></TD></TR>
  </TABLE>
  </CENTER>
  <!-- /TOC -->
  <P><HR noshade><P>
  <H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
  
  
  
  
  <!-- link1 "EXPLANATORY NOTE" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>EXPLANATORY NOTE</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger Agreement dated as of August
  2, 2003 between the Registrant, Greek Acquisition Corporation (&#147;Greek
  Acquisition&#148;) and Mercator Software, Inc. (&#147;Mercator&#148;), Greek Acquisition
  commenced a tender offer for all the outstanding shares of Mercator at $3.00
  per share. Following the acceptance of the shares for payment and the exercise
  of a common stock option granted to Greek Acquisition by Mercator, Greek
  Acquisition effected a short-form merger and was merged (the &#147;Merger&#148;) with and
  into Mercator with Mercator becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the
  Registrant. All outstanding options to purchase common stock of Mercator, par
  value $0.01 per share, granted pursuant to the Assumed Option Plans prior to
  the Merger have been converted into options to purchase Common Stock, subject
  to the following adjustment:
  </FONT>
  
  
  <P>
  <TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option is
  equal to the number of shares of Mercator common stock subject to the
  option, multiplied by the Exchange Ratio (as defined in the Merger
  Agreement) which is equal to 0.1795, rounded down to the nearest
  whole number; and
  </FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">the per share exercise price for such converted option shall be
  equal to the exercise price of the option prior to the conversion,
  divided by the Exchange Ratio, which is equal to 0.1795, rounded up to
  the nearest whole cent,</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD colspan="3" width="96%"><FONT size="2">such converted option is otherwise exercisable upon the same terms and
  conditions as were applicable immediately prior to the Merger.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
  Registration Statement is intended to register an aggregate of
  1,833,194 shares of Common Stock, and the Rights associated therewith, that have been or
  may be issued under the Assumed Option Plans.
  </FONT>
  
  <!-- link1 "PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>PART I</B>
  </FONT>
  
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The documents containing the information specified in Part I will be sent
  or given to employees as specified by Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1). Such documents are not
  being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;Commission&#148;)
  either as part of this Registration Statement or as prospectuses or prospectus
  supplements pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424. Such documents and the documents incorporated
  by reference in this Registration Statement pursuant to Item&nbsp;3 of Part II of
  this Form, taken together, constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements
  of Section&nbsp;10(a) of the Securities Act.
  </FONT>
  
  <!-- link1 "PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="002"></A></DIV>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>PART II</B>
  </FONT>
  
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference." -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="003"></A></DIV>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2"><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 Commission. The following documents,
  which are on file with the Commission, are incorporated in this Registration
  Statement by reference:
  </FONT>
  
  
  <P>
  <TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31,
  2002;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">Quarterly Reports on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarterly periods
  ended June&nbsp;30, 2003 and March&nbsp;31, 2003;</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 valign="top">
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(3)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">Current Reports on Form&nbsp;8-K filed with the Commission on
  August&nbsp;5, 2003, June&nbsp;13, 2003, April&nbsp;17, 2003 and April&nbsp;3, 2003;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(4)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">The description of Common Stock contained in the Registration
  Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A, filed by the Registrant under Section&nbsp;12 of
  the Exchange Act and declared effective by the Commission on January
  21, 1987, including any amendment or report updating such
  description of Common Stock; and</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(5)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">The description of the Common Stock Purchase Rights
  contained in the amendment to the Registration Statement filed with
  the Commission on Form&nbsp;8-A/A on September&nbsp;3, 1997, as amended on
  December&nbsp;3, 1997 and May&nbsp;1, 2002.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  <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 shares of Common Stock
  offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all shares of Common Stock
  then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
  and to be part hereof from the date of the filing of such documents.
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
  incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superceded
  for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement
  contained herein or in any subsequently filed document which also is or is
  deemed to be incorporated herein by reference modifies or supercedes such
  statement. Any statement so modified or superceded shall not be deemed, except
  as so modified or superceded, to constitute part of this Registration
  Statement.
  </FONT>
  
  <!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="004"></A></DIV>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2"><B>Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not Applicable.
  </FONT>
  
  <!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="005"></A></DIV>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2"><B>Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not Applicable.
  </FONT>
  
  <!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="006"></A></DIV>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2"><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; 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.
  </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="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="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 shall be indemnified to the
  fullest extent not prohibited by Delaware Law, against all expenses, liability
  and loss (including, without limitation, attorneys&#146; fees, judgments, fines,
  ERISA excise taxes or penalties amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and
  advancement of expenses) 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. The indemnification provided by the Registrant includes
  advancement of expenses provided that if required by the DGCL and
  subject to the Bylaws, such advancement is subject to the director or
  officer undertaking to repay all amounts so advanced if it is
  ultimately determined that such director or officer was not entitled
  to indemnification. 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="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="007"></A></DIV>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2"><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="008"></A></DIV>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2"><B>Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <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>
  <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="009"></A></DIV>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2"><B>Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
  </FONT>
  
  
  <P>
  <TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">To file, during any period in which offers or sales
  are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration
  Statement:</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  
  <P>
  <TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="8%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(i)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="87%"><FONT size="2">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>
  </TABLE>
  
  <P>
  <TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">That, for the purpose of determining any liability
  under the Securities Act of 1933, 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.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="top">
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(3)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">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;b.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
  determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
  Registrant&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
  Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
  plan&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
  of 1934) 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;c.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
  Act of 1933 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 Securities and Exchange
  Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
  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 Act and
  will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
  </FONT>
  
  <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 "SIGNATURES" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="010"></A></DIV>
  
  <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 the City of Westborough, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on
  September&nbsp;12, 2003.
  </FONT>
  
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD width="50%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="41%">&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/ Robert McBride</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
      <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 size="1" 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">Robert McBride</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 Financial Officer</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  </CENTER>
  
  <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 Peter Gyenes, Robert McBride and Peter
  Fiore, and each of them individually, 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 behalf in our capacities
  as officers and directors to enable Ascential Software Corporation to comply
  with all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby
  ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be signed by 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, this Registration
  Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities
  indicated on this 12th day of September, 2003.
  </FONT>
  
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD width="37%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="58%">&nbsp;</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<BR>
  of the Board of Directors</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Robert McBride<BR>
  </FONT>
  <HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
  Robert McBride</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Chief Financial Officer</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ David Ellenberger<BR>
  </FONT>
  <HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
  David Ellenberger</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Director</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ John Gavin<BR>
  </FONT>
  <HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
  John Gavin</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Director</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Robert Morrill<BR>
  </FONT>
  <HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
  Robert Morrill</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Director</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  <TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ William Weyand<BR>
  </FONT>
  <HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
  William Weyand</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Director</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  </CENTER>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">7</FONT>
  
  <!-- PAGEBREAK -->
  <P><HR noshade><P>
  <H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
  <!-- link1 "Exhibit&nbsp;Index" -->
  <DIV align="left"><A NAME="011"></A></DIV>
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Exhibit&nbsp;Index</B>
  </FONT>
  
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD width="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="85%">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR valign="bottom">
      <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit</B></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>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">3.1 (1)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Restated Certificate of Incorporation 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">3.2 (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">4.1 (3)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Specimen Common Stock Certificate;</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 (4)</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">4.3 (5)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Amendment No.&nbsp;1 to the First Amended and Restated Rights
  Agreement, dated as of November&nbsp;17, 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 (6)</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Amendment No.&nbsp;2 to the First Amended and Restated Rights
  Agreement, dated as of April&nbsp;26, 2002, between the Registrant and
  EquiServe Trust Company, 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</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  TSI International Software Ltd. 1993 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">4.6</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  1996 Novera Software Inc. 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">4.7</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Mercator Software, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive 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">5.1</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &#038; Flom 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">23.1</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &#038; Flom LLP (included in
  Exhibit&nbsp;5.1);</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">24.1</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
  Power of Attorney (included in the signature pages of this
  Registration Statement).</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">Incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Registrant&#146;s Annual Report
  on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2001, filed with the
  Commission on April&nbsp;1, 2002.</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">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.2 to the Registrant&#146;s Annual
  Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2002, filed
  with the commission on March&nbsp;27, 2003.</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">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;I.1. to the Registrant&#146;s
  Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A, filed on January&nbsp;21, 1987.</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">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;5 to an amendment to the Registrant&#146;s
  Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A/A, filed on September&nbsp;3, 1997.</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">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;5.1 to an amendment to the
  Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A/A, filed on December&nbsp;3,
  1997.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">8</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">(6)</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4.4 to an amendment to the
  Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A/A, filed on May&nbsp;1, 2002.</FONT></TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  
  
  <P align="center"><FONT size="2">9</FONT>
  
  
  
  </BODY>
  </HTML>
metadata_documents: [{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "b47765assv8.htm", "description": "ASCENTIAL SOFTWARE CORPORATION", "secsgml_size_bytes": 51217}]
metadata_filer: {"company-data": {"conformed-name": "ASCENTIAL SOFTWARE CORP", "cik": "0000799089", "assigned-sic": "7372", "irs-number": "943011736", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-108782", "film-number": "03894507"}, "business-address": {"street1": "50 WASHINGTON STREET", "city": "WESTBOROUGH", "state": "MA", "zip": "01581", "phone": "6509266300"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "50 WASHINGTON STREET", "city": "WESTBOROUGH", "state": "MA", "zip": "01581"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "INFORMIX CORP", "date-changed": "19920703"}}
text: ASCENTIAL SOFTWARE CORPORATION
  Table of Contents
  As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 12, 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, MA 01581
  (Address of principal executive office) (zip code)
  TSI International Software Ltd. 1993 Stock Option Plan
  1996 Novera Software Inc. Stock Option Plan
  Mercator Software, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan
  (Full title of the Plans)
  Peter Gyenes
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
  Ascential Software Corporation
  50 Washington Street
  Westborough, MA 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, General Counsel and Secretary
  Ascential Software Corporation
  50 Washington Street
  Westborough, MA 01581
  Louis A. Goodman, Esq.
  Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
  One Beacon Street
  Boston, MA 02108
  (617) 573-4800
  Table of Contents
  CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
  Proposed Maximum
  Proposed Maximum
  Amount of
  Title of Securities
  Amount to be
  Offering Price
  Aggregate Offering
  Registration
  to be Registered
  Registered (1)
  per Share
  (1)(3)
  Price (3)
  Fee (4)
  TSI International Software Ltd. 1993 Stock
  Option Plan
  Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
  41,195
  $
  18.34
  $
  755,516.3
  $
  61.12
  1996 Novera Software Inc. Stock Option Plan
  Common
  Stock, par value $.01 per share
  147
  13.6
  1,999.2
  0.16
  Mercator Software, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan
  Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
  1,791,852
  23.46
  42,036,847
  3,400.78
  (1)
  This 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"), par value $.01
  per share (the "Common Stock"). Any value attributable to the Rights is
  reflected in the market price of the Common Stock.
  (2)
  In accordance with Rule 416 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
  (the "Securities Act"), this Registration Statement also includes an
  indeterminate number of shares that may be subject to issuance as a result
  of anti-dilution and other provisions of the TSI International Software
  Ltd. 1993 Stock Option Plan, the 1996 Novera Software Inc. Stock Option
  Plan, and the Mercator Software, Inc. 1998 Equity Incentive Plan (the
  "Assumed Option Plans").
  (3)
  Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
  pursuant to Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act, the maximum offering
  price per share for each of the Assumed Option Plans is based on the
  weighted average exercise price of the options outstanding under the
  Assumed Option Plans.
  (4)
  The registration fee has been calculated pursuant to Section 6(b) of the
  Securities Act and Fee Advisory #11 for Fiscal Year 2003 issued by the
  Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2003 by multiplying
  ..00008090 by the proposed maximum aggregate offering price (as computed in
  accordance with Rule 457 under the Securities Act solely for the purpose
  of determining the registration fee of the securities registered hereby).
  2
  TABLE OF CONTENTS
  EXPLANATORY NOTE
  PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
  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
  SIGNATURES
  Exhibit Index
  EX-4.5 TSI INT SOFTWARE LTD 1993 STOCK OPTION PLAN
  EX-4.6 NOVERA SOFTWARE INC 1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN
  EX-4.7 MERCATOR SOFTWARE INC 1997 EQUITY INC PLAN
  EX-5.1 OPINION OF SKADDEN ARPS LLP
  EX-23.2 CONSENT OF KPMG LLP
  Table of Contents
  EXPLANATORY NOTE
  Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger Agreement dated as of August
  2, 2003 between the Registrant, Greek Acquisition Corporation ("Greek
  Acquisition") and Mercator Software, Inc. ("Mercator"), Greek Acquisition
  commenced a tender offer for all the outstanding shares of Mercator at $3.00
  per share. Following the acceptance of the shares for payment and the exercise
  of a common stock option granted to Greek Acquisition by Mercator, Greek
  Acquisition effected a short-form merger and was merged (the "Merger") with and
  into Mercator with Mercator becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the
  Registrant. All outstanding options to purchase common stock of Mercator, par
  value $0.01 per share, granted pursuant to the Assumed Option Plans prior to
  the Merger have been converted into options to purchase Common Stock, subject
  to the following adjustment:
  •
  the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option is
  equal to the number of shares of Mercator common stock subject to the
  option, multiplied by the Exchange Ratio (as defined in the Merger
  Agreement) which is equal to 0.1795, rounded down to the nearest
  whole number; and
  •
  the per share exercise price for such converted option shall be
  equal to the exercise price of the option prior to the conversion,
  divided by the Exchange Ratio, which is equal to 0.1795, rounded up to
  the nearest whole cent,
  such converted option is otherwise exercisable upon the same terms and
  conditions as were applicable immediately prior to the Merger.
  This
  Registration Statement is intended to register an aggregate of
  1,833,194 shares of Common Stock, and the Rights associated therewith, that have been or
  may be issued under the Assumed Option Plans.
  PART I
  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
  The documents containing the information specified in Part I will be sent
  or given to employees as specified by Rule 428(b)(1). Such documents are not
  being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
  either as part of this Registration Statement or as prospectuses or prospectus
  supplements pursuant to Rule 424. Such documents and the documents incorporated
  by reference in this Registration Statement pursuant to Item 3 of Part II of
  this Form, taken together, constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements
  of Section 10(a) 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 Commission. The following documents,
  which are on file with the Commission, are incorporated in this Registration
  Statement by reference:
  (1)
  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
  2002;
  (2)
  Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods
  ended June 30, 2003 and March 31, 2003;
  3
  Table of Contents
  (3)
  Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on
  August 5, 2003, June 13, 2003, April 17, 2003 and April 3, 2003;
  (4)
  The description of Common Stock contained in the Registration
  Statement on Form 8-A, filed by the Registrant under Section 12 of
  the Exchange Act and declared effective by the Commission on January
  21, 1987, including any amendment or report updating such
  description of Common Stock; and
  (5)
  The description of the Common Stock Purchase Rights
  contained in the amendment to the Registration Statement filed with
  the Commission on Form 8-A/A on September 3, 1997, as amended on
  December 3, 1997 and May 1, 2002.
  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 shares of Common Stock
  offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all shares of Common Stock
  then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
  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 herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superceded
  for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement
  contained herein or in any subsequently filed document which also is or is
  deemed to be incorporated herein by reference modifies or supercedes such
  statement. Any statement so modified or superceded shall not be deemed, except
  as so modified or superceded, to constitute part of this Registration
  Statement.
  Item 4. Description of Securities
  Not Applicable.
  Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
  Not Applicable.
  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.
  4
  Table of Contents
  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 shall be indemnified to the
  fullest extent not prohibited by Delaware Law, against all expenses, liability
  and loss (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, judgments, fines,
  ERISA excise taxes or penalties amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and
  advancement of expenses) 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. The indemnification provided by the Registrant includes
  advancement of expenses provided that if required by the DGCL and
  subject to the Bylaws, such advancement is subject to the director or
  officer undertaking to repay all amounts so advanced if it is
  ultimately determined that such director or officer was not entitled
  to indemnification. 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.
  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
  5
  Table of Contents
  The Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits is incorporated
  herein by reference.
  Item 9. Undertakings
  a.     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 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.
  (2)
  That, for the purpose of determining any liability
  under the Securities Act of 1933, 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.
  b.     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
  determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
  Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
  Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
  plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
  of 1934) 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.
  c.     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
  Act of 1933 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 Securities and Exchange
  Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
  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 Act and
  will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
  6
  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 the City of Westborough, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on
  September 12, 2003.
  ASCENTIAL SOFTWARE CORPORATION
  By:
  /s/ Robert McBride
  Robert McBride
  Chief Financial Officer
  Power of Attorney and Signatures
  We, the undersigned officers and directors of Ascential Software
  Corporation hereby severally constitute Peter Gyenes, Robert McBride and Peter
  Fiore, and each of them individually, 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 behalf in our capacities
  as officers and directors to enable Ascential Software Corporation to comply
  with all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby
  ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be signed by said
  attorneys, or any of them, to said Registration Statement and any and all
  amendments thereto.
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration
  Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities
  indicated on this 12th day of September, 2003.
  /s/ Peter Gyenes
  Peter Gyenes
  Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
  of the Board of Directors
  /s/ Robert McBride
  Robert McBride
  Chief Financial Officer
  /s/ David Ellenberger
  David Ellenberger
  Director
  /s/ John Gavin
  John Gavin
  Director
  /s/ Robert Morrill
  Robert Morrill
  Director
  /s/ William Weyand
  William Weyand
  Director
  7
  Table of Contents
  Exhibit Index
  Exhibit
  Number
  Description
  3.1 (1)
  Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant;
  3.2 (2)
  Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant;
  4.1 (3)
  Specimen Common Stock Certificate;
  4.2 (4)
  First Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of August
  12, 1997, between Informix Corporation and BankBoston N.A.;
  4.3 (5)
  Amendment No. 1 to the First Amended and Restated Rights
  Agreement, dated as of November 17, 1997, between Informix
  Corporation and BankBoston N.A.;
  4.4 (6)
  Amendment No. 2 to the First Amended and Restated Rights
  Agreement, dated as of April 26, 2002, between the Registrant and
  EquiServe Trust Company, N.A.;
  4.5
  TSI International Software Ltd. 1993 Stock Option Plan
  4.6
  1996 Novera Software Inc. Stock Option Plan
  4.7
  Mercator Software, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan
  5.1
  Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP;
  23.1
  Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included in
  Exhibit 5.1);
  23.2
  Consent of KPMG LLP;
  24.1
  Power of Attorney (included in the signature pages of this
  Registration Statement).
  (1)
  Incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report
  on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the
  Commission on April 1, 2002.
  (2)
  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Annual
  Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed
  with the commission on March 27, 2003.
  (3)
  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit I.1. to the Registrant's
  Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on January 21, 1987.
  (4)
  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5 to an amendment to the Registrant's
  Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A, filed on September 3, 1997.
  (5)
  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5.1 to an amendment to the
  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A, filed on December 3,
  1997.
  8
  Table of Contents
  (6)
  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to an amendment to the
  Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A, filed on May 1, 2002.
  9