ASCENTIAL SOFTWARE CORPORATION

                         SECTION 16(a) POWER OF ATTORNEY


     This statement confirms that the undersigned has authorized and designated
Peter L. Fiore, Robert C. McBride, Scott N. Semel and Barbara Dirsa as
attorney-in-fact to execute and file on the undersigned's behalf all Forms 3, 4
and 5 (including any amendments thereto) that the undersigned may be required to
file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a result of the
undersigned's ownership of or transactions in securities of Ascential Software
Corporation. The authority of such a person under this Statement shall continue
until the undersigned is no longer required to file Forms 3, 4 and 5 with regard
to the undersigned's ownership of or transactions in securities of Ascential
Software Corporation, unless earlier revoked in writing. The undersigned
acknowledges that such person is not assuming any of the undersigned's
responsibilities to comply with Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.



Date: February 20, 2004                         /s/ David Ellenberger
                                                David Ellenberger