Use these links to rapidly review the document
TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No.     )

---

Table of Contents

ADVENT SOFTWARE, INC.

---

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

---

To Be Held on May 9, 2013

To the Stockholders of Advent Software Inc.:

        NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Advent Software, Inc. (the "Company" or "Advent"), a Delaware corporation, will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2013 at 9:30 a.m., local time, at Advent's principal executive offices located at 600 Townsend Street, San Francisco, California 94103 (the "Annual Meeting"), for the following purposes:

1.

To elect eight directors to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.



2.

To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.



3.

To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers.



4.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

        The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 11, 2013 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

        All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person. However, to assure your representation at the Annual Meeting, you are urged to mark, sign and return the enclosed proxy card as promptly as possible in the postage-prepaid return envelope enclosed for that purpose. Beneficial stockholders (stockholders whose stock is held by a broker or bank, often referred to as "holding in street name") can vote via the Internet or mail, as described in the Company's proxy statement. Any stockholder attending the Annual Meeting may vote in person even if he or she has already cast their vote.

---

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT YOUR PROXY OR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT YOUR SHARES CAN BE VOTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR INSTRUCTIONS.

---

---

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

i

---

Table of Contents

ADVENT SOFTWARE, INC.

---

PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

---

PROCEDURAL MATTERS

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholder Meeting To Be Held On May 9, 2013

        The proxy statement and annual report to stockholders are available at https://materials.proxyvote.com/007974.

Annual Meeting and Voting Information

        The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors (the "Board") of Advent Software, Inc. ("Advent", the "Company", "we", or "our") for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 9:30 a.m., local time, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (the "Annual Meeting"). The Annual Meeting will be held at Advent's principal executive offices located at 600 Townsend Street, San Francisco, California 94103.

Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?

        Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 11, 2013 (the "Record Date") are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of the Record Date, 50,619,324 shares of our Common Stock were outstanding and entitled to vote.

What is the difference between holding shares as a "stockholder of record" and as a "beneficial owner"?

        Most stockholders of Advent hold their shares beneficially through a broker, bank, or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. There are some distinctions between shares held as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner:

        Stockholder of Record.    If your shares are registered directly in your name with Advent's transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares, and these proxy materials are being sent directly to you by Advent. As the stockholder of record, you may vote by mail or in person at the Annual Meeting. If you elect to vote by mail, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has enclosed a proxy card and a postage-paid return envelope for you to use.

        Beneficial Owner of Shares Held in Street Name.    If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a broker, bank, or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name, and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker, bank, or nominee, who is considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other nominee on how to vote the shares in your

1

---

Table of Contents

account, and you are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you request and receive a valid proxy from your broker, bank, or nominee. Your broker, bank, or nominee has enclosed a voting instruction form for you to use in directing the broker, bank, or nominee regarding how to vote your shares. Many brokers or banks also offer voting by Internet or telephone. Please refer to your voting instruction form for instructions on the voting methods offered by your broker or bank.

What proposals will be voted on at the Annual Meeting and how does the Board of Directors recommend that I vote?

How do I vote?

        Stockholder of Record    If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares. Stockholders of record may vote by mail or by attending the Annual Meeting.

•

Voting by Mail.    If you choose to vote by mail, simply mark your proxy card or voting instruction card, date and sign it, and return it to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. in the postage-paid return envelope provided.



•

Voting at the Annual Meeting.    The method or timing of your vote will not limit your right to vote at the Annual Meeting if you attend the Annual Meeting and revoke any prior proxy you may have executed and vote in person.

        The shares represented by the proxy cards received, properly marked, dated, signed and not revoked, will be voted at the Annual Meeting. If you sign and return your proxy card or voting instruction card but do not give voting instructions, the shares represented by that proxy card or voting instruction card will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors.

        Beneficial Owner of Shares Held in Street Name    If your shares are held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer, or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in "street name." The organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you should receive materials from that organization explaining how to vote and you have the right to direct that organization on how to vote the shares held in your account. Since a beneficial owner is not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you obtain a "legal proxy" from the broker, bank, trustee or nominee that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares at the meeting.

•

Voting by Mail.    If you choose to vote by mail, simply mark your proxy card or voting instruction card, date and sign it, and return it to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. in the postage-paid return envelope provided.

2

---

Table of Contents

•

Voting on the Internet.    You can also choose to vote on the Internet. The web site for Internet voting is http://www.proxyvote.com and you can confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded. If you vote on the Internet, you can also request electronic delivery of future proxy materials.



•

Voting at the Annual Meeting.    The method or timing of your vote will not limit your right to vote at the Annual Meeting if you attend the Annual Meeting, revoke any prior proxy you may have executed, and vote in person. However, if your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the holder of record to be able to vote at the Annual Meeting.

        In order to vote via the Internet, please have in front of you either your proxy card or, if you have consented to receive your materials electronically, your email notification advising that materials are available online. A reference to a website address is contained on each of the documents. Upon entering the Internet address, you will be instructed on how to proceed. If you vote on the Internet, you do not need to return your proxy card or voting instruction card. Beneficial stockholders voting via the Internet should understand that, while we and Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. do not charge any fees for voting by Internet, there may nevertheless be associated costs, such as usage charges from Internet access providers, for which you may be responsible. Internet voting facilities are available now and will close at 8:59 p.m., Pacific Time, on May 8, 2013.

How can I revoke my proxy or change my vote?

        You can revoke your proxy or change your vote at any time before it is voted at the Annual Meeting by:

•

Sending written notification which should be received prior to the Annual Meeting and addressed to:

Corporate Secretary
Advent Software, Inc.
600 Townsend Street, Suite 500
San Francisco, California 94103

•

Submitting a new, properly signed and dated proxy card with a later date that is received no later than the deadline specified on the proxy card;



•

For beneficial owners, subsequently submitting a new proxy by Internet that is received by the deadline specified on the proxy card; or



•

For stockholders of record, attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.

        Attendance at the meeting will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically make that request.

What is a quorum and why is it important?

        The quorum requirement for holding the Annual Meeting and conducting business is that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote must be present in person or represented by proxy.

        Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum.

3

---

Table of Contents

What is a broker non-vote?

        A broker non-vote occurs when a broker holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the broker does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that item and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner.

How are votes counted?

        Each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on all matters to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. Stockholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes in the election of directors.

        All shares entitled to vote and represented by properly executed proxies received prior to the 2013 Annual Meeting (and not revoked) will be voted at the 2013 Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions indicated. If you submit a proxy via the Internet, by telephone or by mail and do not make voting selections, the shares represented by that proxy will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors.

What is the voting requirement to elect the directors (Proposal No. 1)?

        A majority of the votes cast is required for the election of each of the eight nominees for director, which means that a Board member must have more votes cast for than against his or her election in order to be reelected to the Board. Abstentions, broker non-votes, and shares not in attendance and not voted at the annual meeting will not be counted for purposes of this proposal. Votes withheld from any director are counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business, but they have no legal effect under Delaware law. If a director fails to obtain the required vote, the Corporate Governance Committee will work with the Board to determine whether to accept the director's resignation in accordance with our policies, as discussed further below in the section "Majority Voting Policy and Director Resignations" on page 13.

What is the voting requirement to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers (Proposal No. 2)?

        Stockholder ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm is not required. However, as a matter of good corporate practice, the Board of Directors has conditioned its appointment of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013 upon the receipt of the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting, whether in person or by proxy. In the event that the stockholders do not approve the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm will be reconsidered by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors. However, the Board of Directors will not be required to select different independent auditors for the Company. Even if the selection is ratified, the Board at its discretion and at the direction of the Audit Committee may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. Abstentions will be counted toward a quorum and have the effect of negative votes with respect to this proposal. Broker non-votes and shares not in attendance and not voted at the annual meeting will not be counted for purposes of this proposal.

What is the voting requirement related to providing approval on executive compensation (Proposal No. 3)?

        The affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast is required to approve, by advisory vote, executive compensation. Abstentions will be counted toward a quorum and have the effect of negative votes with

4

---

Table of Contents

respect to this proposal. Broker non-votes and shares not in attendance and not voted at the annual meeting will not be counted for purposes of this proposal.

        The results of the advisory vote are not binding. While the results of this advisory vote are not binding, the Compensation Committee will consider the outcome of the vote in deciding whether to take any action as a result of the vote when making future compensation decisions for our named executive officers.

What is the effect of not casting a vote at the 2013 Annual Meeting?

        If you are a stockholder of record and you do not cast your vote, no votes will be cast on your behalf on any of the items of business at the 2013 Annual Meeting.

        If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name, it is critical that you cast your vote if you want it to count. In the past, if you held your shares in street name and you did not indicate how you wanted your shares voted in the election of directors, your bank or broker was allowed to vote those shares on your behalf in the election of directors as they felt appropriate. Regulatory changes take away the ability of your bank or broker to vote your uninstructed shares in the election of directors on a discretionary basis. Thus, if you hold your shares in street name and you do not instruct your bank or broker how to vote in the election of directors (Proposal No. 1) and on executive compensation (Proposal No. 3), no votes will be cast on your behalf. Your bank or broker will, however, continue to have discretion to vote any uninstructed shares on the ratification of the appointment of Advent's independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal No. 2).

What is the deadline to propose actions for consideration at next year's annual meeting of stockholders or to nominate individuals to serve as directors?

Stockholder Proposals

•

Stockholders may present proper proposals for inclusion in the Company's proxy statement and for consideration at the next annual meeting of its stockholders by submitting their proposals in writing to the Secretary of the Company.



•

In order to be eligible for inclusion, stockholder proposals must be received by the Secretary of the Company no earlier than January 11, 2014 and no later than February 10, 2014, unless the annual meeting date changes more than 30 days from the date contemplated at the time of this proxy statement, in which case notice must be received not later than the later of (i) one hundred and twenty days in advance of the meeting or (ii) ten days following the date on which public announcement of the date of the meeting is first made, in each case in accordance with our Bylaws. In addition, the proposal must otherwise comply with Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), which lists the requirements for the inclusion of stockholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials. Proposals should be addressed to: Corporate Secretary, Advent Software, Inc., 600 Townsend Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, California 94103.

Stockholder Proposals Not Intended for Inclusion in Proxy Materials and Nomination of Director Candidates

•

The Company's Bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholders who wish to present a proposal before an annual meeting of stockholders but do not intend for the proposal to be included in our proxy statement. The Company's Bylaws also provide that the only business that may be conducted at an annual meeting is business that is:



1.

Specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors;

5

---

Table of Contents

2.

Properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors; or



3.

Properly brought before the meeting by any stockholder who (i) is a stockholder of record at the time of giving the notice and on the relevant record date and (ii) has timely complied with the notice procedures set forth in our Bylaws. The notice must contain specified information concerning the matters to be brought before such meeting and concerning the stockholder proposing such matters.



•

Stockholders who wish to present a proposal at the 2014 annual meeting of stockholders, but who do not intend for such proposal to be included in the proxy materials distributed by us for such meeting, must deliver timely written notice of the proposal to the Secretary of the Company who should receive such items on the dates set forth above.



•

Nominations for the election of directors may be made by:



1.

The Board of Directors; or



2.

Any stockholder who (i) is a stockholder of record at the time of giving the notice and on the relevant record date and (ii) has complied with the procedures set forth in our Bylaws.



•

Stockholder nominations to the Board of Directors must meet the requirements set forth in Section 2.2 of the Company's Bylaws. Under these requirements, nominations for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a meeting of stockholders by any stockholder who is entitled to vote in the election of directors and provides timely written notice of the nomination to the Secretary of the Company. A stockholder's notice must be delivered to or mailed and received by the Secretary of the Company not less than 45 calendar days nor earlier than 75 calendar days before the one year anniversary of the date on which the Company first mailed its proxy materials or a notice of availability of proxy materials to stockholders (whichever is earlier) in connection with the previous year's annual meeting of stockholders. This notice must contain specified information concerning the nominee and concerning the stockholder proposing the nomination.

How can I obtain a copy of the Company's Bylaws?

        A copy of the Bylaws may be obtained by writing to the Secretary of the Company or by visiting our corporate website at www.advent.com and may be found as follows:

1.

From our main web page, first click on "About";



2.

Next, click on "Investor Relations";



3.

Next, click on "Corporate Governance"; and



4.

Finally, click on "Advent Bylaws."

Who is paying for the cost of this proxy solicitation?

        The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. In addition, we may reimburse brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of shares for their expenses associated with forwarding solicitation materials to such beneficial owners. Directors, officers and employees of the Company may also solicit proxies on our behalf, without receiving any additional compensation, personally or by telephone, telegram, letter, electronic mail, or facsimile.

6

---

Table of Contents

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors

        The role of the Board is to oversee the performance of the chief executive officer and other senior management of the Company in accordance with the best interests of our stockholders. The Board has responsibility for oversight of broad corporate policies, formulation of the long-term strategic, financial and organizational goals of the Company. Management is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Company. In fulfilling its role, each director is expected to exercise his or her business judgment on an informed basis, in good faith, and in the belief that the action being taken is in the best interests of the Company. The Board is currently composed of eight persons and, other than Ms. DiMarco and Mr. Hess, all directors are "independent" under the applicable standards of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and The NASDAQ Stock Market.

Board Leadership

        Our company is led by our Chief Executive Officer and President, Mr. Peter Hess, who joined Advent in 1994, was appointed as President of Advent in December 2008 and was promoted to CEO and President in June 2012. As of the date hereof, our Board of Directors is comprised of Ms. DiMarco, Mr. Hess and six independent directors. Mr. John H. Scully has been the Chairman of our Board since December 2003. Our CEO is responsible for establishing the strategic direction of the Company and overseeing the leadership and performance of the Company, while the Chairman of the Board leads the Board in its role of providing advice to, and oversight of, management. The Chairman, in consultation with the CEO, sets the agenda for meetings of the Board, presides over Board meetings, acts as a liaison between the CEO and the independent directors, regularly communicates with the CEO and chairs any sessions or meetings of independent directors.

        The Board of Directors has adopted and refined our Corporate Governance Principles that set forth our principal corporate governance policies, including the oversight responsibilities of the Board of Directors. A current copy of the Corporate Governance Principles is available on our corporate website at www.advent.com and may be found as follows:

1.

From our main web page, first click on "About";



2.

Next, click on "Investor Relations";



3.

Next, click on "Corporate Governance"; and



4.

Finally, click on "Corporate Governance Principles."

        In addition, we have a mechanism for stockholders to communicate directly to our independent directors as a group or with any individual director. See "Communication with the Board" below.

        The Board has three standing committees—Audit, Compensation, and Corporate Governance and Nominating. Each of the Board committees is comprised solely of independent directors, with each of the three committees having a separate chair. In addition, each committee has a charter that sets forth its purpose and principal responsibilities. As provided in our Corporate Governance Principles, our independent directors meet in executive sessions at each regular Board meeting.

        Our directors represent a broad range of industry experience having had senior management leadership experience at the policy-making level in business and technology and in areas relevant to the Company's business, and regularly contribute to the effective oversight of the business and affairs of the Company. We believe that our directors should be of good character and possess sound judgment and high integrity. We do not believe that appointing a lead independent director would improve the performance of the current Board given the existence of our independent Chairman of the Board. However, on an annual basis, as part of our governance review, the Board (led by the Corporate

7

---

Table of Contents

Governance and Nominating Committee) evaluates our leadership structure to ensure that it remains an effective structure for our Company and our stockholders.

        We believe that our leadership structure has been effective for the Company. We believe that having a Chief Executive Officer to lead the Company, with an independent Chairman of the Board and experienced, independent chairs for each of our Board committees as appointed by the Board provides the appropriate form of leadership for our Company at this time.

Risk Oversight

        The Company's senior management is responsible for assessing and managing the Company's risks on a day-to-day basis. Our Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the Company's overall enterprise risk management. Our Audit Committee is responsible for providing oversight of the Company's risk management with respect to significant financial and accounting policies and our Compensation Committee oversees risks related to our compensation policies. Both the Audit and Compensation Committees report their findings to the full Board of Directors. In addition, at its meetings, the Board discusses risks that the Company faces and management highlights what it believes to be the most relevant risks to the Company. Furthermore, the Board's oversight of enterprise risk involves assessment of the risk inherent in the Company's long-term strategies reviewed by the Board, as well as other matters brought to the attention of the Board. We believe that the structure and experience of our Board allows our directors to provide effective oversight of risk management. As a technology company, we believe innovation and technological advancement includes a certain amount of measured risk taking. The Board, however, recognizes that it is the Company's and its management's responsibility to identify and attempt to mitigate those risks that could cause significant damage to the Company's business or stockholder value.

Governance Principles, and Code of Business Ethics and Conduct

        The Board has adopted Corporate Governance Principles. In addition, the Company has adopted a Code of Business Ethics and Conduct for its directors, officers, and employees, including its principal executive and senior financial officers. These materials are available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's web site, www.advent.com. If the Board makes any substantive amendment to this Code of Business Ethics and Conduct or grants any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from the provisions of the Code to one of our principal executive or senior financial officers, we will disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on Advent's web site, located at www.advent.com, or in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC.

Director Independence

        The Board has determined that all current directors other than Ms. DiMarco and Mr. Hess are "independent directors" as defined in the corporate governance listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market and under the rules of the SEC.

        In the course of the Board's determination regarding the independence of each non-employee director, the Board of Directors considered the annual amount of Advent's sales to, or purchases from, any company where a non-employee director serves as an executive officer. The Board of Directors determined that any such sales or purchases were made in the ordinary course of business and the amount of such sales or purchases in each of the past three fiscal years was less than 5% of Advent's or the applicable company's consolidated gross revenues for the applicable year.

Indemnification Agreements

        The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors, certain members of the Executive Management Team (EMT) and certain employees of the Company. Such

8

---

Table of Contents

agreements require the Company to indemnify such individuals to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.

Committees of the Board

        The Board has established three standing Committees to assist it with the performance of its responsibilities: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The membership of each committee as of the date of this proxy statement, the number of meetings held by each committee in fiscal 2012 and other descriptive information is summarized below.

        Audit Committee.    As of the date of this proxy statement, the Audit Committee, which has been established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act, consists of Ms. Manfredi and Messrs. Kirsner and Van Auken, each of whom is "independent," as defined by the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market for audit committee members and meets the criteria for independence under relevant SEC rules. Mr. Van Auken is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Board of Directors has determined that Ms. Manfredi and Messrs. Kirsner and Van Auken are "audit committee financial experts" as defined under the rules of the SEC. The Audit Committee acts pursuant to a written charter adopted and approved by the Board of Directors, which is available at the Company's web site, www.advent.com. For a description of the Audit Committee responsibilities, see "Audit Committee Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2012" and the "Responsibilities and Duties" section on the Audit Committee Charter.

        Compensation Committee.    As of the date of this proxy statement, the Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Hirji, Kirsner and Tarkoff, each of whom is "independent" as defined in the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market and relevant SEC and IRS rules. Mr. Kirsner is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee acts pursuant to a written charter adopted and approved by the Board of Directors, which is available at the Company's web site, www.advent.com. For a description of the Compensation Committee's responsibilities, see the

9

---

Table of Contents

"Responsibilities and Duties" section in the Compensation Committee Charter. See also "Compensation Committee Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2012" and "Compensation Discussion and Analysis."

        Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.    As of the date of this proxy statement, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee consists of Messrs. Scully and Van Auken, each of whom is "independent" as defined in the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market and relevant SEC rules. Mr. Scully is the Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee acts pursuant to a written charter adopted and approved by the Board of Directors, which is available at the Company's web site, www.advent.com. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for, among other things, (i) development and review of general criteria regarding the qualifications and selection of board members and recommending candidates for election to the Board of Directors, (ii) developing, maintaining and enforcing principles of corporate governance, which include the review of any proposed amendments to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and any stockholder proposals related to corporate governance, (iii) evaluating the performance of the Board of Directors, and (iv) reviewing and making recommendations regarding the composition and mandate of Board committees.

Meeting Attendance; Annual Meeting

        During 2012, the Board of Directors held a total of ten meetings and took action four times by unanimous written consent. No incumbent director during the last year, while a member of the Board of Directors, attended fewer than 75% of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors or (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees on which such director served.

        Although the Company does not have a formal policy regarding attendance by members of the Board at the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Company encourages, but does not require, directors to attend. Five members of the Company's Board of Directors attended the Company's 2012 Annual Meeting in person or via telephone.

Communication with the Board

        Any stockholder who desires to contact our Board of Directors may do so by writing to: Board of Directors, c/o Chairman of Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, Advent Software, Inc., 600 Townsend Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, California 94103. Communications will be distributed to the Chairman of the Board or the other members of the Board, as appropriate, depending on the facts and circumstances outlined in the communication received.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE MATTERS

Process for Nominating Directors

        The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for, among other things, determining the criteria for membership to the Board of Directors and identifying, considering and recommending candidates for election to the Board of Directors. It is the policy of the Committee to consider recommendations for candidates to the Board of Directors from stockholders. Stockholder recommendations for candidates to the Board of Directors must be directed in writing to Advent Software, Inc., Corporate Secretary, 600 Townsend Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, California 94103, and must include the candidate's name, home and business contact information, detailed biographical data and qualifications, information regarding any relationships between the candidate and the Company within the last three years, and evidence of the recommending person's ownership of the Company's Common Stock. Stockholder nominations to the Board of Directors must meet the requirements set forth in the Company's Bylaws and applicable law.

10

---

Table of Contents

        The Committee's general process and criteria for identifying and evaluating the candidates that it recommends to the full Board for selection as director nominees are as follows:

•

The Committee regularly reviews the composition and size of the Board.



•

In evaluating and identifying candidates, the Committee has the authority to retain and terminate any third-party search firm that is used to identify director candidates, and has the authority to approve the fees and retention terms of any search firm.



•

In its evaluation of director candidates, including the members of the Board of Directors eligible for re-election, the Committee seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience and capability on the Board and considers (1) the size and composition of the Board of Directors and the needs of the Board of Directors and the respective committees of the Board, (2) such factors as issues of character, judgment, diversity, age, expertise, business experience, length of service, independence, other commitments and the like, and (3) such other factors as the Committee may consider appropriate. While the Board does not have a specific diversity policy, the Board considers diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, age, cultural background and professional experience, which the Board recognizes as contributing to a diversity of viewpoints and effective decision-making.



•

While the Committee has not established specific minimum qualifications for Director candidates, the Committee believes that candidates and nominees must reflect a Board that is comprised of directors who (1) are predominantly independent, (2) are of high integrity, (3) have broad, business-related knowledge and experience at the policy-making level, including an understanding of the financial services industry and Advent's business in particular, (4) have qualifications that will increase overall Board effectiveness and (5) meet other requirements as may be required by applicable rules, such as financial literacy or financial expertise with respect to Audit Committee members.



•

With regard to candidates who are properly recommended by stockholders or by other means, the Committee will review the qualifications of any such candidate, which review may, at the Committee's discretion, include interviewing references for the candidate, direct interviews with the candidate, background checks by the Committee or by a third party service provider or other actions that the Committee deems necessary or proper.



•

The Committee will apply these same principles when evaluating Board candidates who may be elected initially by the full Board to fill vacancies or add additional directors prior to the annual meeting of stockholders at which directors are elected.

        After completing its review and evaluation of director candidates, the Committee recommends the director nominees for selection to the full Board of Directors.

Majority Voting Policy and Director Resignations

        In accordance with the Company's Bylaws, if there is no contested election of directors (i.e. the number of candidates for election as directors does not exceed the number of directors to be elected), a nominee for election or reelection to the Company's Board of directors must receive more votes cast for than against his or her election or reelection in order to be elected or reelected to the Board. The Board shall nominate for election or reelection as director only candidates who have tendered, as part of the nomination process, irrevocable resignations that will be effective upon (i) the failure to receive the required vote at the next stockholders' meeting at which they face reelection and (ii) Board acceptance of such resignation. In addition, the Board shall fill director vacancies and new directorships only with candidates who have tendered, in connection with their appointment to the Board, the same form of resignation tendered by other directors in accordance with this policy.

11

---

Table of Contents

        If an incumbent director fails to receive the required vote for reelection, the Corporate Governance Committee will act on an expedited basis to determine whether to accept the director's resignation and will submit such recommendation for prompt consideration by the Board. The Board will determine whether to accept or reject such resignation within 90 days from the certification of the election results. The Board expects the director whose resignation is under consideration to abstain from participating in any decision regarding that resignation. The Corporate Governance Committee and the Board may consider any factors they deem relevant in deciding whether to accept a director's resignation and their decision regarding such resignation would be based upon the specific facts and circumstances presented. Among the factors that might impact the decision of the Board include the underlying reasons for the failure of the nominee to receive a majority of votes, the tenure, qualifications and past and expected future contributions of the nominee, the ability to replace the nominee, and the overall composition of the Board, including whether accepting the resignation would cause the Company to fail to meet the requirements of any law, regulation, or rule, including the regulations of the SEC or the rules of any exchange on which the Company's shares are listed or traded. The Board's rationale for its decision shall be promptly disclosed in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and any applicable corporate policies.

12

---

Table of Contents

PROPOSAL NO. 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        Eight directors are to be elected at the Annual Meeting. Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them for the Company's eight nominees named below. In the event any nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the 2013 Annual Meeting, the proxies will be voted for any nominee who may be proposed by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and designated by the present Board of Directors to fill the vacancy. It is not expected that any nominee will be unable or will decline to serve as a director. Eight nominees are currently directors, seven of which were elected to the Board by the stockholders at the last annual meeting. Mr. Tarkoff was appointed to the Board in September 2012 upon the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nominating (CG&N) Committee. Mr. Tarkoff was recommended to the CG&N Committee by Mr. Hess. After conducting its evaluation, including interviews with Mr. Tarkoff, the CG&N Committee recommended the election of Mr. Tarkoff to the Board of Directors. The CG&N Committee, after conducting its evaluation, recommended each of the nominees for election by the stockholders to the Board of Directors. The term of office of each person elected as a director will continue until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until a successor has been duly elected and qualified.

        We believe that our directors should possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values, and be committed to representing the long-term interests of the stockholders. They should also have an inquisitive and objective perspective, practical wisdom and mature judgment. We also endeavor to have a Board representing a range of experiences at policy-making levels in business, finance and technology and in other areas that are relevant to the Company's activities. The evaluation of director nominees by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee also takes into account diversity in terms of age, experience and background.

        Below we identify and describe the key experience, qualifications and skills of directors that are most relevant to the Company's business and operations. The directors' experiences, qualifications and skills that the Board considered in their re-nomination are included in their individual biographies.

•

Leadership experience.    Directors with experience in significant leadership and executive management positions at the policy-making level. These people generally possess extraordinary leadership qualities and the ability to identify and develop those qualities in others. They demonstrate a practical understanding of organizations, processes, strategy, risk management and the methods to drive change and growth. Through their experience, they commonly have access to important sources of market knowledge, analysis and relationships that may benefit the Company.



•

Finance experience.    Directors with an understanding of finance, financial reporting processes and other operating metrics. The Company measures its operating and strategic performance by reference to financial targets and certain operating metrics. Accurate financial reporting and robust auditing are critical to the Company's reporting processes and obligations. We seek to have a number of directors who qualify as audit committee financial experts, and we expect all of our directors to be financially knowledgeable.



•

Industry experience.    Directors with experience as executives, directors or other leadership positions in the industries in which we participate. Because the financial services sector that we serve is extremely complex, rapidly evolving and heavily regulated, having directors with an understanding of our customer base is important in strategic planning, product development and competitive analysis.



•

Technology experience.    Directors with a background in technology because our success depends on developing and investing in new technologies and access to new ideas.

13

---

Table of Contents

Information Regarding Director Nominees

        As of our record date of March 11, 2013, the Board of Directors had eight members. Mr. Tarkoff is standing for election for the first time while the remaining seven Board members are standing for re-election, all to hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders. The name of and certain information regarding the director nominees as of March 11, 2013 are set forth below.

John H. Scully

        Mr. John H. Scully has been a director since October 2003 and was appointed Chairman of the Board in December 2003. Mr. Scully currently serves as managing director of SPO Partners & Co., a private investment firm he co-founded in 1991, and is a director of Plum Creek Timber Company. He is also the Vice Chairman of Stanford Hospital and Clinics. In addition, Mr. Scully is chairman and founder of the Making Waves Educational Program. Mr. Scully holds an A.B. from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and an M.B.A. from Stanford University.

        Mr. Scully has significant private equity, investment and executive management experience, and brings to the Company a unique perspective on the needs of its clients. His background and experience provides important insight to the Board for trends and best practices within the financial industry.

Director qualifications:

•

Leadership, finance and industry experience—Managing Director of an investment firm.

David P.F. Hess Jr.

        Mr. David P.F. Hess Jr. joined Advent in 1994 and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of Advent. Mr. Hess is responsible for the Company's global operations. Mr. Hess has served as Chief Executive Officer of Advent since June 2012, and as President of Advent since December 2008. From February 2007 to December 2008, Mr. Hess served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Advent's Investment Management Group. From May 2004 to February 2007, Mr. Hess served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of our Global Accounts group. In this role, Mr. Hess had global responsibility for strategy, product marketing, sales, services, and support of Advent solutions for the asset management industry's largest firms. Mr. Hess has held a variety of other positions in the company including Vice President of Sales and Vice President of Marketing. Mr. Hess holds a B.A. from Princeton University.

        Mr. Hess' active involvement with the Company since 1994 provides the Board with invaluable knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the Company's mission and goals. His knowledge of the Company, its market and its customers, along with his leadership capabilities and business acumen, bring enormous value to the Company and its success.

14

---

Table of Contents

Director qualifications:

•

Leadership, industry and technology experience—CEO and President of the Company.

Stephanie G. DiMarco

        Ms. Stephanie G. DiMarco founded Advent in June 1983 and has been involved in the Company's operations for 30 years. She served as Chairman of the Board from November 1995 until December 2003. Ms. DiMarco served as Chief Executive Officer from December 2003 through June 2012, after serving on an interim basis from May 2003. After serving as the interim Chief Financial Officer from July 2008 to December 2008, Ms. DiMarco was appointed to serve as Chief Financial Officer from December 2008 to September 2009. She also served as President from June 1983 to April 1997 and again from May 2003 to December 2008, and as Chief Executive Officer from June 1983 to November 1999. She is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the UC Berkeley Foundation, serves on the Advisory Board of the College of Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, and is a Board member of Artisan Partners, an investment management firm, and Summer Search, a non profit organization. Ms. DiMarco holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of California at Berkeley.

        Ms. DiMarco's extensive experience as founder of the Company provides the Board with a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the Company's history and operations.

Director qualifications:

•

Leadership, finance, industry and technology experience—Founder and former Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

Asiff S. Hirji

        Mr. Asiff S. Hirji has been a director since September 2011. Mr. Hirji is currently a Partner with TPG Capital and helps lead their efforts in Financial Services, Technology and E-commerce. Prior to joining TPG, Mr. Hirji was an officer of TD Ameritrade from 2003 to 2007 including serving as President and COO. From 2002 to 2003 Mr Hirji was a Partner at Bain & Company and a leader of their IT and Financial Services practices. Mr. Hirji holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Calgary and an MBA with honors from the University of Western Ontario. Mr Hirji has also served as a director of Citrix Systems since 2006.

        Mr. Hirji brings valuable insight to the Board through his private equity and investment experience, and has a deep understanding of the financial services industry and technology companies.

Director qualifications:

•

Leadership, finance, industry and technology experience—Partner in investment firm.

James D. Kirsner

        Mr. James D. Kirsner has been a director since January 2006. Mr. Kirsner currently serves on the boards of directors of Cool Systems, Inc. and Fair Isaac Corporation. Mr. Kirsner also served on the board of Ask Jeeves, Inc. from 2001 to 2005 and served on the board of Bank of Marin Bancorp from 2000 until 2009. Mr. Kirsner retired from Arthur Andersen in 1993 as a partner, having joined its Audit and Business Advisory Practice in 1967. During Mr. Kirsner's tenure at Arthur Andersen, he provided a wide range of professional services, primarily to financial services firms. Mr. Kirsner then served as Chief Financial Officer and head of Barra Ventures at Barra, Inc., a leading investment risk management services company from 1993 to 2001. Most recently, Mr. Kirsner was a consultant and interim Chief Operations Officer for Tukman Capital Management throughout 2001. Mr. Kirsner holds a B.S. degree in Economics and an M.S. degree in Accounting from the Wharton School of the

15

---

Table of Contents

University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Kirsner was also a general course student at the London School of Economics. Mr. Kirsner received his CPA distinction in 1970 and currently holds an inactive California CPA license.

        Through his professional career, Mr. Kirsner has developed extensive financial and accounting expertise which provides the Board with important perspectives on understanding the impact of various financial and accounting issues. His tenure in a public accounting role and his experience as the CFO of a public company enhances the Board's knowledge of financial reporting matters.

Director qualifications:

•

Leadership, finance and industry experience—former partner of an accounting firm, former CFO of an investment risk management services company, former Chief Operating Officer of an investment management firm, former and current member of the boards of directors of several companies.

Christine S. Manfredi

        Ms. Christine S. Manfredi has been a director since March 2009. Ms. Manfredi retired from Wellington Management Company, LLP in December 2008, having joined the firm in December 1988 and served as a partner since 1996. From 1988 to 2008, she was Director of Investment Administration and elected Senior Vice President in 1996. Prior to joining Wellington, she held several senior management positions at Shawmut Bank from 1983 to 1988. As Vice President in the Mutual Fund division, she was responsible for mutual fund administration, custody and shareholder services. As Division Head and Senior Vice President of the Investment Securities division, Ms. Manfredi was responsible for Shawmut's securities processing, custody and safekeeping and stock transfer functions. Ms. Manfredi graduated cum laude and holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from Bentley College. Ms. Manfredi received her CPA distinction in 1975.

        As Director of Investment Administration at Wellington Management Company, Ms. Manfredi was responsible for client and fund administration, investment operations, performance services and client cash flow processes. She was Chairman of Wellington's Error Resolution Council and the Investment Administration Advisory Group, and was also a member of the firm's Operating and Risk Management Committees. Ms. Manfredi's professional experiences provides the Board valuable insight into financial institution operations and the needs of the Company's clients, as well as an in-depth understanding of trends and best practices within the investment mangement industry.

Director qualifications:

•

Leadership, finance and industry experience—former partner in investment management firm.

Robert M. Tarkoff

        Mr. Robert M. Tarkoff has been a director since September 2012. Mr. Tarkoff is currently President and CEO of Lithium Technologies and has been responsible for its strategic direction and operation since September 2011. From April 2008 to September 2011, he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Adobe Systems Incorporated's Digital Enterprise Solutions business unit. Prior to joining Adobe, Mr. Tarkoff held several executive positions at EMC Corporation, Documentum, Inc. and Commerce One, Inc. Earlier in his career, Mr. Tarkoff was an associate attorney at the law firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C. Additionally, Mr. Tarkoff is a member of the board of advisors for the Lawrence Hall of Science and has previously served on the board of directors for Borland Software Corporation and Onyx Software. Mr. Tarkoff holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. degree from Amherst College.

16

---

Table of Contents

        As a result of his current executive position at Lithium Technologies, Inc., as well as his former positions as a senior executive at other technology organizations, Mr. Tarkoff provides the Board with extensive and relevant executive leadership, worldwide operations and technology industry experience.

Director qualifications:

•

Leadership and technology experience—CEO and President of a technology company and former senior executive of several technology companies.

Wendell G. Van Auken

        Mr. Wendell G. Van Auken has been a director since September 1995. Mr. Van Auken is currently a Partner Emeritus at Mayfield Fund. He became a General Partner at the firm in October 1986 and is a Managing Director of various investment entities affiliated with Mayfield. He has led investments in a wide range of industries, particularly in B2B e-commerce, the information and financial service areas, and the convergence of the Internet and traditional broadcast industries. Before joining Mayfield Fund, Mr. Van Auken had a career as a Founding Officer, Executive, Chief Financial Officer and/or Chief Executive Officer for three startups in diverse industries: Sunset Designs, System Industries, and Infinitek. He started his career in computer manufacturing operations at Hewlett Packard in 1968. Mr. Van Auken is a Director of Montgomery Street Income Securities Inc., a management investment company. Mr. Van Auken holds a B.E.E. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an M.B.A. from Stanford University.

        Mr. Van Auken's investment experience, executive management experience, and financial expertise as well as his length of service on the Board provides the Board with valuable knowledge, unique insights and operational perspective and helps ensure appropriate oversight of our financial reporting and accounting risks.

Director qualifications:

•

Leadership, finance and industry experience—current partner emeritus/former general partner of a venture capital firm, former entrepreneur/business executive of several companies.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE.

17

---

Table of Contents

AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS

Audit Committee Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2012

        The Audit Committee provides oversight of the Company's accounting and financial reporting processes and the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for oversight of the integrity of Advent's consolidated financial statements, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to financial affairs and reporting, the independent registered public accounting firm's (the "auditors") qualifications, independence and performance, and Advent's system of internal controls regarding finance, accounting and legal compliance.

        The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal control over financial reporting and for preparing the Company's consolidated financial statements. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the financial statements and effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. It is the responsibility of the Audit Committee to oversee these activities. It is not the responsibility of the Audit Committee to prepare or certify the Company's financial statements or guarantee the audits or reports of the independent auditors, nor is it the duty of the Audit Committee to certify that the independent auditor is "independent" under applicable rules. These are the fundamental responsibilities of Company management and the independent auditors.

        In the performance of its oversight function, the Audit Committee has:

•

reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Advent management;



•

discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the matters required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended and adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T;



•

received the written disclosures and the letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's communication with the Audit Committee, concerning independence and has discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP its independence.

        Based upon such discussions and review, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in Advent's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 for filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

        The Audit Committee is a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Committee is composed of three independent directors, Christine S. Manfredi, James D. Kirsner and Wendell G. Van Auken, each of whom is an independent director as defined under Nasdaq rules and meets the criteria for independence set forth under relevant SEC rules. The Board has determined that Ms. Manfredi, Messrs. Kirsner and Van Auken qualify as audit committee financial experts, as defined under relevant SEC rules.

18

---

Table of Contents

Pre-Approval Policies

        Under the Charter of the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee has to pre-approve audit and permissible non-audit services provided to the Company by the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee may delegate to one or more designated members of the Audit Committee the authority to pre-approve audit and permissible non-audit services, provided such pre-approval decision is presented to the full Audit Committee at its scheduled meetings.

Fees to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

        The following table presents fees for professional audit services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the audit of our annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and fees incurred for other services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP during those periods (in thousands).

        For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, all audit, audit-related and tax fees shown in the table above were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

19

---

Table of Contents

PROPOSAL NO. 2

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

        The Board of Directors has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, to audit the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has audited the Company's financial statements since 1989. Although stockholder ratification of the Board's selection of independent auditors is not required, the Company is submitting the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to stockholder ratification so that the stockholders may participate in this important corporate decision. If not ratified, the Board of Directors will reconsider the selection, although the Board of Directors will not be required to select different independent auditors for the Company.

        A representative of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is expected to be present at the meeting, where they will be available to respond to appropriate questions and, if they desire, to make a statement.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP, AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2013. THE EFFECT OF AN ABSTENTION IS THE SAME AS A VOTE "AGAINST" THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT.

20

---

Table of Contents

PROPOSAL NO. 3

ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The Company is providing its stockholders as required pursuant to Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act with the opportunity to cast an advisory non-binding vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis", the compensation tables, and the narrative discussion set forth on pages 27 to 48 of this Proxy Statement. This non-binding advisory vote is commonly referred to as a "say on pay" vote.

        Our Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving our executive compensation program. Our executive compensation program is designed to provide a competitive and internally equitable compensation and benefits package that reflects company performance, job complexity and strategic value of the position, while ensuring long-term retention, motivation and alignment with the long-term interests of Advent's stockholders. Advent's executive compensation program is designed to achieve four primary objectives:

1.

Attract and retain highly skilled executives who will create and sustain long term stockholder value.



2.

Reinforce a pervasive focus on improving market position and achieving the Company's operational objectives.



3.

Support a strong pay-for-performance culture that provides above average compensation commensurate with strong performance.



4.

Align the interests of the EMT with interests of the Company's stockholders, in order to enhance long-term stockholder value.

        We believe the compensation program for our named executive officers has been instrumental in helping Advent continue to achieve strong financial performance in the challenging macroeconomic environment in the Company's market over the past few years. We encourage you to carefully review the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" beginning on page 27 of this Proxy Statement for additional details on Advent's executive compensation, including the Company's compensation philosophy and objectives, as well as the processes our Compensation Committee used to determine the structure and amounts of the compensation of our named executive officers.

        We are asking you to indicate your support for the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this Proxy Statement. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this Proxy Statement. Accordingly, we are asking you to vote, on an advisory basis, "For" the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement.

        While the results of this advisory vote are not binding, the Compensation Committee will consider the outcome of the vote in deciding whether to take any action as a result of the vote and when making future compensation decisions for named executive officers.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.

21

---

Table of Contents

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE MATTERS

Scope of Authority

        The Compensation Committee's responsibilities, which are discussed in detail in its charter, include, among other duties:

•

Review and approval, for the CEO and the Executive Management Team (EMT) of the Company, of (i) annual base salary, (ii) annual incentive bonus, including the specific goals and amount, (iii) equity compensation, (iv) any employment agreement, severance arrangement and change in control agreement/provision, (v) any signing bonus or payment of relocation costs and (vi) any other material benefits, compensation or arrangements not available to employees generally;



•

Specifically with respect to the CEO, review and approval of corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the CEO, evaulation of his or her performance in light thereof, and consideration of identified and other factors related to the performance of the Company;



•

Oversight of the Company's equity compensation plans and acting as the administrator of such plans;



•

Oversight of the Company's overall compensation plans and benefits, including the Company's 401(k) plan and bonus plans and making recommendations to the Board with respect to improvements or changes to such plans or the adoption of new plans when appropriate;



•

Evaluation on a periodic basis of the competitiveness of (i) the compensation of the CEO and the EMT of the Company and (ii) the Company's overall compensation plans;



•

Review and discussion with management of the Company's Compensation Discussion and Analysis that is included in this proxy statement as required by the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC Rules") and any other applicable rules and regulations;



•

Preparation and publishing of an annual Compensation Committee report in this proxy statement as required by SEC Rules;



•

Periodic review and reassessment of the adequacy of the Compensation Committee Charter and recommendation of any proposed changes to the Board for approval;



•

Overseeing management's determination as to whether the compensation policies and practices create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company;



•

Establishing and administering stock ownership guidelines applicable to members of the Board, CEO and EMT members directly reporting to the CEO; and



•

Evaluation of director compensation, consulting with outside consultants as appropriate and making recommendations to the Board regarding director compensation.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

        The Company's Compensation Committee was formed in October 1995 and as of the date hereof is composed of Messrs. Hirji, Kirsner and Tarkoff. No interlocking relationship exists between any EMT members or member of the Company's Board of Directors or Compensation Committee and any member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any other company, nor has any such interlocking relationship existed in the past. No member of the Compensation Committee is or was formerly an officer or an employee of the Company or its subsidiaries. The Compensation Committee is composed entirely of independent members of the Board, as determined under Nasdaq, SEC and Internal Revenue Code rules.

22

---

Table of Contents

Compensation of Non-Employee Directors

        The Compensation Committee of the Board evaluates and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the form and amount of compensation for non-employee directors. Directors who are employees of Advent receive no additional compensation for service on the Board. Advent's director compensation program is designed to enable continued attraction and retention of highly qualified directors by ensuring that director compensation is in line with peer companies competing for director talent, and is designed to address the time, effort, expertise and accountability required of active Board membership. In general, the Compensation Committee and the Board believe that annual compensation for non-employee directors should consist of both a cash component, designed to compensate members for their service on the Board and its Committees, and an equity component, designed to align the interests of directors and stockholders and, by vesting over time, to create an incentive for continued service on the Board.

        The Compensation Committee regularly reviews director compensation, including, among other things, comparing Advent's director compensation practices with those of other public companies of comparable size. In conducting such reviews, the Compensation Committee retains the services of an independent compensation consultant. In 2013, the Compensation Committee retained the independent compensation consultant Compensia, Inc. (Compensia) to conduct a review, after which the Board elected to make no changes to director compensation.

Cash Compensation

        All retainers and fees are paid quarterly in arrears, and the non-employee directors are eligible for reimbursement of their expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board meetings in accordance with Advent's policy.

        Non-employee directors are entitled to receive annual cash retainers for their service as a Chairman or Member on the Board and its Committees as set forth in the table below:

23

---

Table of Contents

Equity Compensation

        The Compensation Committee may recommend changes to the levels of equity award grants, which must be approved by the full Board. Effective February 11, 2010, each non-employee director became eligible to receive the following awards of stock appreciation rights (SARs) and restricted stock units (RSUs) under the 2002 Stock Plan:

•

Initial equity grant value upon joining the Board of approximately $200,000. Approximately 70% or $140,000 of the grant value is awarded in SARs⁽¹⁾⁽⁵⁾ and approximately 30% or $60,000 is awarded in RSUs⁽²⁾⁽⁶⁾.



•

Annual equity grant value upon re-election to the Board of approximately $120,000⁽⁴⁾. Approximately 70% or $84,000 of the grant value is awarded in SARs⁽³⁾⁽⁵⁾ and approximately 30% or $36,000 is awarded in RSUs⁽³⁾⁽⁶⁾.

        In the event of a merger with or into another corporation, or other change in control, each non-employee director shall fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding equity compensation (including outstanding stock options, SARs, RSUs, or performance shares). Upon a director's retirement from the Board, the director's unvested options, SARs and RSUs are canceled and returned to the Plan.

Non-Employee Director Compensation Table

        In May 2012, each non-employee director, other than Mr. Scully and Mr. Tarkoff, received their annual equity compensation (8,470 shares of SARs and 1,320 shares of RSUs) pursuant to the 2002 Stock Plan. Mr. Scully waived all compensation in fiscal 2012. Mr. Tarkoff was appointed to the Company's Board in September 2012 and received an initial SAR and RSU grant of 14,113 and 2,199 shares, respectively, upon his appointment to the Board.

   

---

(1)

Vests over four years with 25% of the shares vesting one year after the date of grant and the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over the ensuing three years.

(2)

Vests over four years with 50% of the shares vesting two years after the date of grant and 50% vesting four years after the date of grant.

(3)

Vests 100% one year after the date of grant.

(4)

The amount of SAR and RSU awards to be granted for the annual equity grant are determined during the Company's annual budgeting process, which occurs at the end of the prior fiscal year.

(5)

SAR awards are valued based on aggregate grant date fair value of awards granted during the year computed in accordance with ASC 718, "Compensation-Stock Compensation."

(6)

RSU awards are valued based on the number of shares awarded multiplied by the closing price of the stock on the date of grant.

24

---

Table of Contents

        The following table summarizes cash and equity compensation of our non-employee directors during fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 with respect to their Board service:

25

---

Table of Contents

Compensation Committee Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2012

        The Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for fiscal 2012 included below. Based on the review and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board, and the Board has approved, that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in Advent's Proxy Statement for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

26

---

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND RELATED INFORMATION

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

        Advent Software Inc.'s Compensation Discussion and Analysis addresses the following topics:

•

An executive summary of our compensation program for our Named Executive Officers (NEOs) during fiscal year 2012:



•

Mr. David Peter F. Hess, Jr., Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President



•

Ms. Stephanie G. DiMarco, CEO, retired in 2012



•

Mr. James S. Cox, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)



•

Mr. Todd J. Gottula, Executive Vice President, Global Solutions Development and Chief Technology Officer (CTO)



•

Mr. Christopher J. Momsen, Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Solutions



•

Mr. Anthony E. Sperling, Executive Vice President, Global Client Experience



•

The governance of our Executive Management Team (EMT) compensation program;



•

Advent's executive compensation philosophy and framework; and



•

The elements of Advent's executive compensation program.

Executive Summary

        While this "Executive Compensation and Related Information" is intended to primarily focus on the compensation decisions we make with respect to our NEOs (as listed above), the Compensation Committee considers compensation more broadly throughout the Company and generally makes decisions about compensation that apply to a broader set of senior executives which we refer to as our EMT. This EMT includes not only our NEOs but also a broader group of individuals whom the Compensation Committee has deemed key to our success. Therefore, where we reference throughout this section our EMT, our NEOs are included in that group along with other key employees.

        The Executive Summary highlights our pay-for-performance philosophy, long-term focus, key compensation programs and recent changes. It also provides a brief overview of the factors that we believe are most relevant to shareholders as they consider their votes on Proposal No. 3 (the advisory vote on executive compensation, or "Say-on-Pay").

Executive Compensation Actions in 2012

        We managed the following transitions and implemented the following actions regarding executive compensation in 2012:

•

Our former CEO (Ms. DiMarco) retired and was succeeded by our President (Mr. Hess);



•

Our former CTO (Ms. Chang) retired and was succeeded through an internal promotion (Mr. Gottula);



•

We reorganized our executive team into a global functional structure and adjusted executive compensation based on new responsibilities after the reorganization;



•

Variable pay awards earned by executives in 2012 was aligned with our corporate performance relative to goals established at the beginning of the year; and



•

Several of our executives received equity grants in November 2012, in addition to annual merit equity grants received in May 2012, associated with their promotions to increase performance incentives and retention following our reorganization and CEO transition.

27

---

Table of Contents

Corporate Governance

        We also maintain the following policies as a matter of good corporate governance:

•

We have stock ownership guidelines (which are discussed in greater detail below);



•

Change-of-control benefits are based on a double-trigger philosophy which requires a change-of-control as well as a qualifying termination of employment before benefits are paid;



•

Executive officers are not entitled to any tax gross-up treatment on any severance or change-of-control benefits;



•

Our compensation programs are reviewed regularly by the Compensation Committee which determined, with the assistance of the Committee's independent compensation consultant, Compensia Inc. ("Compensia"), that the Company's compensation programs do not create inappropriate or excessive risk that is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company;



•

We have a policy prohibiting margining or short sales or trading in derivative securities involving Advent securities or any activities prohibited by law; and



•

We have an equity compensation grant policy that provides for specific and limited times when we may grant equity awards.

Compensation Philosophy

        Our overarching compensation goal is to reward the EMT through a strong pay-for-performance philosophy focusing on individual and Company results to achieve competitive, effective, reasonable and responsible cash, equity and benefits-based compensation. We believe this is accomplished through the following principles and processes:

1.

The EMT compensation is benchmarked annually against a set peer group of companies selected on the basis of relevant industry, size and complexity to ensure that our compensation opportunities are within the range of comparative norms.



2.

Target compensation opportunities are established to be competitive within our relevant talent market for total cash (defined as base salary plus annual bonus), equity compensation and total compensation. The Compensation Committee considers several factors in determining overall compensation levels, including the pay practices of our peer group, relevant market data, internal equity, criticality of skills and the individual executive's performance and potential.



3.

The majority of target total direct compensation (defined as base salary plus annual target bonus plus annual equity grant value) for the EMT is performance-based cash bonus and stock-based compensation. The composition of our compensation balances a long-term and short-term performance orientation and a positive relationship between our operational performance and shareholder return. For fiscal year 2012, such variable compensation, not including special one-time promotional equity grants, on average exceeded 60% of target total direct compensation.



4.

We do not offer guaranteed retirement or pension plan benefits. Instead, we provide the EMT with the opportunity to accumulate retirement income through the Company's 401(k) plan which is offered to all employees including a Company match, the terms of which are outlined below.



5.

We provide a severance plan to the EMT that provides, consistent with peer company norms, standard severance benefits in the event of an involuntary termination of employment without cause, which are enhanced if the termination occurs in connection with a change in control.

28

---

Table of Contents

6.

Compensation recommendations for the EMT are developed by our CEO. In 2012, Ms. DiMarco and Mr. Hess (except with respect to their own compensation), with input from our Human Resources Department, provided recommendations related to compensation for the EMT. These recommendations are presented to the Compensation Committee and reviewed by the independent compensation consultant, Compensia, which is retained by the Compensation Committee.

        For fiscal 2012, the total direct compensation (defined as base salary plus actual annual bonuses awarded plus annual equity grant value) of the Named Executive Officers (who are identified in the Summary Compensation Table on page 40) was competitive within our relevant market, excepting special one-time promotional equity grants provided to Messrs. Hess, Cox, Gottula, Momsen and Sperling. Based on our fiscal year 2012 results, our Company performance relative to this same peer group exceeded the 50^th percentile over the last fiscal year and the last three fiscal years with respect to operating margin. We were below the 50^th percentile over the last fiscal year and the last three fiscal years for revenue growth. Our Compensation Committee and senior management believe the level of total compensation for the Named Executive Officers is reasonable and appropriate based on our achievements in 2012 and the variable, performance-based nature of our compensation program.

        Our executive compensation programs have remained substantially the same for several years, with the exception of modifying the design of our variable compensation plan in 2012 to qualify for tax deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. We believe our programs are effectively designed and working well in alignment with the interests of our stockholders, and are instrumental to achieving our business strategy. On May 9, 2012, we held a stockholder advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers, commonly referred to as a "say-on-pay" vote. Our stockholders overwhelmingly approved the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, with approximately 99.7% of stockholder votes cast in favor of our 2012 say-on-pay resolution. Given this result, and following consideration of it, the Compensation Committee decided to retain our overall approach to executive compensation. Moreover, in determining how often to hold a stockholder advisory vote on executive compensation, the Board took into account its recommendation, and our stockholders' preference (approximately 89% of votes cast), for an annual say-on-pay vote. Accordingly, the Board determined that we will hold an annual say-on-pay vote until considering the results of our next advisory vote on the frequency of say-on-pay votes.

Governance of the Executive Management Team Compensation Program

Role of the Compensation Committee

        The Compensation Committee has overall responsibility for approving and evaluating Advent's EMT compensation plans, policies and programs. These duties include:

•

Establishing the compensation philosophy for the EMT including the compensation objectives, target pay levels and the peer group for executive compensation and performance benchmarking;



•

Approving and evaluating the EMT members' compensation plans, policies and programs of the Company;



•

Reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to CEO compensation and CEO performance;



•

Reviewing and approving, with Board consultation and input, the Company's equity compensation plans for its EMT members' and employees; and



•

Conducting periodic competitive evaluations of the EMT members' compensation plans.

        The Compensation Committee operates pursuant to a charter that further outlines the specific authority, duties and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee

29

---

Table of Contents

may form and delegate authority to subcommittees of one or more directors as appropriate. The charter is periodically reviewed and revised by the Compensation Committee and our Board, and is available on our corporate website at www.advent.com where it may be found as follows:

1.

From our main web page, first click on "About";



2.

Next, click on "Investor Relations";



3.

Next, click on "Corporate Governance"; and



4.

Finally, click on "Compensation Committee" under "Committee Charters."

Role in Compensation Decision-Making for Named Executive Officers

        The CEO makes recommendations to our Compensation Committee regarding the compensation arrangements for the Named Executive Officers other than him or herself. In formulating recommendations, the CEO considers both internal and external compensation data from our Human Resources Department and the Compensation Committee's independent compensation consultant, Compensia. The Compensation Committee consults with the full Board of Directors as it deems appropriate in making decisions regarding the CEO's compensation.

Role of Compensation Consultant

        Advent's Human Resources Department supports the Compensation Committee in its work and in some cases acts pursuant to delegated authority to fulfill various functions in administering Advent's compensation programs. The Compensation Committee has the authority to engage the services of outside advisers, experts and others to assist the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee currently utilizes Compensia, an independent consulting company with a specific focus and unique expertise in technology company executive compensation, to provide advice and information relating to executive and director compensation. Compensia has not provided other compensation consulting services to the Company. Compensia reports directly to the Compensation Committee and not to management, and receives compensation only for services provided to or in support of the Compensation Committee. From time to time, the Compensation Committee may direct its advisor to work with the Human Resources Department to support management and the Compensation Committee in matters relating to the fulfillment of its charter.

        Compensia performed the following services on behalf of the Compensation Committee during 2012:

•

Reviewed and provided recommendations regarding the composition of the peer group used to benchmark executive compensation levels relative to the peer group;



•

Conducted a comprehensive review of the total compensation arrangements for all members of the EMT at the Company, including: competitive analysis of salary, total cash (salary plus bonus) and total direct compensation (total cash plus annual equity awards) relative to the peer group and proposed changes to the compensation structure;



•

Updated the Compensation Committee on industry trends and best practices with respect to executive and non-executive equity program design, including: type of equity award and aggregate equity usage;



•

Reviewed and advised on the structure of executive compensation arrangements (e.g., base salary levels, target bonus levels and the size of target equity awards); and



•

Assisted management with the development of the Compensation Discussion & Analysis for the 2012 proxy statement.

30

---

Table of Contents

        In the course of fulfilling these responsibilities, a representative from Compensia is generally asked to attend Compensation Committee meetings. In addition, a representative from Compensia also meets separately with management and with the Compensation Committee and its chair from time to time to gather information on and review proposals that management may present to the Compensation Committee. While the Compensation Committee considers the input of its compensation consultant in making decisions, the Compensation Committee's executive compensation decisions, including the specific amounts paid to the EMT and directors are its own and may reflect factors and considerations other than the information and recommendations provided by Compensia and management.

        The Compensation Committee intends to continue to engage Compensia as its compensation consultant until the Compensation Committee or Compensia determine otherwise.

Executive Compensation Philosophy and Framework

Compensation Objectives

        Advent's executive compensation program is designed to achieve four primary objectives:

1.

Attract and retain highly skilled executives who will create and sustain long-term stockholder value;



2.

Reinforce a pervasive focus on improving market position and achieving the Company's operational objectives;



3.

Support a strong pay-for-performance culture that provides above average compensation commensurate with strong performance; and



4.

Align the interests of the EMT with the interests of the Company's stockholders, in order to enhance long-term stockholder value.

        The Company uses the following compensation programs to achieve these objectives:

Target Pay Position/Mix of Pay

        The main components of the executive compensation program are base salary, annual bonus and equity (discussed in greater detail below under "Elements and Evaluation of Named Executive Officers Compensation"). For each of these three elements, Advent's strategy has been to examine peer group, industry survey data and relevant industry compensation practices and target total cash compensation (base salary plus bonus) and equity compensation to be competitive within the relevant market for each position, with the intent that executives receive an ever higher percentage of their compensation through variable, performance-based cash and equity compensation as their responsibility increases.

        The Compensation Committee has historically approved compensation levels for the EMT above and below the target pay position, based on individual and Company performance relative to the peer group and survey data, to ensure an appropriate pay-for-performance alignment. This pay-for-performance alignment is further supported by Advent's emphasis on variable,

31

---

Table of Contents

performance-based at-risk compensation, which ensures that executives receive target or above-target total compensation only to the extent that Company and individual performance goals have been achieved or exceeded, respectively.

Compensation Benchmarking

        The peer group used by the Compensation Committee to evaluate our executive compensation program is reviewed on an annual basis with input from Compensia and adjustments are made as necessary to ensure the peer group continues to properly reflect the market in which Advent competes for talent. For purposes of establishing the peer group, the Compensation Committee considers companies that are comparable to Advent across several metrics including: software industry, particularly software companies with a financial services/data focus, revenue size, operating margin and market capitalization. For evaluating 2012 compensation, the following 18 companies were deemed suitable peers based on the criteria described above.

        In addition to the compensation practices of the above companies, the Compensation Committee also reviews the executive pay practices of other software companies with whom we compete for talent as reported in the Radford High-Technology Executive Compensation Survey. We use a subset of the full survey to target companies of similar size; the subset includes 125 companies whose annual revenue is between $200 million and $500 million. We use this survey data for two purposes: first, because the Company competes for talent from a broader group than the specific group of direct peers, it provides a broader understanding of the compensation levels being paid by technology companies of similar revenue size; and second, because the survey data represents a larger group of companies, it serves to validate the data drawn from the smaller sample group of direct peers. The Radford High-Technology Executive Compensation Survey provides only aggregated data and does not report data by individual company. As a result, we do not look at each company in this survey individually; rather, this information is used to supplement and validate the compensation information of our stated peer companies.

Elements and Evaluation of Named Executive Officers Compensation

Cash Compensation

Base Salary

        Base salary is one of the few fixed compensation components in our EMT compensation program. It is used to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified executives and is intended to provide a minimum element of financial certainty and security to the EMT on an ongoing basis and in a manner that is sustainable within our cost structure. Based on the experience and analysis of the Compensation Committee members and review by our compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee believes that the salaries of our Named Executive Officers fall within the normal market practices, generally falling between the 25^th to 75^th percentiles of the market data (i.e. our peer group supplemented by the broader software industry survey data) within the industry (software) in which Advent participates.

        The Compensation Committee expects base salaries to increase at a rate that approximates the market, recognizing that any increases will also reflect the individual's performance for the preceding

32

---

Table of Contents

year, his or her pay level relative to similar positions in our peer group, the individual's experience and value in the market place, taking Company performance into account, and internal equity with respect to the rest of the executive team.

Annual Variable Pay

        Advent's annual variable pay program is a performance-based compensation arrangement designed to reward executives (as well as all employees) for achieving key operational goals that we believe will provide the foundation for creating longer-term stockholder value. The variable pay program also supports our pay-for-performance compensation philosophy.

        For Named Executive Officers, target variable pay opportunities range from 48% to 100% of base salary. Such officers may earn up to 250% of their target variable bonus award based on overachievement of the variable pay plan individual and corporate goals.

        In 2012, the Company adopted a modification to the design of our annual variable pay program intended to allow us to qualify awards to certain executive officers as "performance-based compensation" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. We expect the plan to provide the same benefits and result in similar payout levels as in previous years.

Total Target Cash Compensation

        The Compensation Committee considers each of base salary and target annual variable pay in the context of total cash compensation. This helps the Committee better maintain the sum of base salary and target annual variable pay within the Company's 25^th to 75^th percentiles target position. This might not be the result if each element of pay were evaluated solely independently.

2012 Total Target Cash Decisions

        In February 2012, Mr. Hess and Ms. DiMarco proposed and the Compensation Committee approved total target cash compensation for 2012 for our Named Executive Officers as follows (Ms. DiMarco requested no increase for herself, to which the Board consented). Additionally, the Compensation Committee determined an appropriate increase in total target cash for Mr. Hess in connection with his appointment as CEO, which increase was effective on July 1, 2012 following his promotion to CEO.

33

---

Table of Contents

        Base Salary: Merit base salary increases were granted as follows based on the executives' performance, current pay level relative to the relevant market, and our target increase budget:

        Target Variable Pay: Consistent with our compensation philosophy focusing on the variable forms of compensation that reward for annual and long-term performance, the following target variable pay targets were approved as follows based on the executives' performance, current pay level relative to the relevant market, and our target increase budget:

        Total Target Cash Compensation: In 2012 Total Target Cash Compensation varied considerably compared to 2011 due to the retirement or promotion of certain of our NEOs. The resulting total

34

---

Table of Contents

target cash compensation levels for the NEOs was at approximately the 25^th to 75^th percentile of our peer group:

Corporate Annual Variable Pay Payouts for Performance in 2012

        In 2012 Advent adopted a variable compensation plan structure designed to qualify for tax deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Compensation Committee used targets and performance based formulas to guide payout decisions, as described below. It then applied negative discretion within the framework of the plan structure to determine the final individual variable compensation plan awards.

        At the beginning of each year, the Compensation Committee approves specific goals for the upcoming year for purposes of the executive incentive plan (the "Executive Incentive Plan" or the "Incentive Plan"). These targets may be different than the targets in our annual operating plan. Under the Executive Incentive Plan for 2012, the Company was required to achieve at least 90% of its Non-GAAP Operating Income target or no awards would be paid to executives. If the 90% threshold was achieved, executive variable compensation plan awards would be paid based on the achievement of pre-established corporate performance measures. For 2012, the corporate performance measures were Annual Contract Value (weighted 40%), Non-GAAP Operating Income (weighted 35%) and Recognized Revenue (weighted 25%). The Compensation Committee approved these measures and goals as they were considered the best measure of Company performance relative to the Company's objectives and its market. The corporate performance measures were defined as follows:

•

Annual Contract Value (ACV) represents the average contribution to annual revenue from all new term license contracts, Black Diamond and Advent OnDemand sales (consistent with the methodology used to calculate and report ACV in our Annual Report on Form 10-K), plus the estimated average contribution to annual revenue from new data related or other contracts entered into during the year.



•

Non-GAAP Operating Income represents income from continuing operations reported as "Income from Continuing Operations" in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with US GAAP, excluding stock-based employee compensation expense, amortization of purchased intangible assets, acquired in-process research and development costs, acquisition-related charges and restructuring charges.



•

Recognized Revenue represents the revenue recognized in earnings by the Company in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America

35

---

Table of Contents

(US GAAP) and is consistent with "Net Revenues" reported in our consolidated financial statements.

        In January 2013, the CEO presented to the Compensation Committee his recommendations for award payments to the NEOs for the upcoming year, based on corporate and individual performance in 2012. The Compensation Committee reviewed and verified the percent of goal achieved for each corporate goal, along with the overall percent of corporate goal achievement for purposes of plan payouts. For the 2012 performance period, the Company achieved 90% of the Non-GAAP Operating Income hurdle required to trigger award payments. In addition, 2012 achievement was approximately on target for Non-GAAP Operating Income, while below target for Recognized Revenue and ACV.

        The following table summarizes 2012 performance for each corporate measure and the resulting weighted multiplier used in calculating variable compensation to be paid. The performance level for each measure and corresponding payout as a percent of each executive's variable compensation target is described in the subsequent table.

 

        Individual performance, largely determined through the achievement of pre-established objectives, can modify the weighted multiplier determined in the preceding table by 0% to 125%, subject to an individual maximum award equal to 250% of target bonus.

        The CEO provides an individual performance factor for each NEO (other than himself) based on his assessment of their achievement of pre-established goals, and other contributions to Company success during 2012, as described above. The Compensation Committee then applies negative discretion

36

---

Table of Contents

as permitted by the incentive plan to determine the actual award for each executive, as outlined in the table below:

Equity Compensation

        Compensation tied to the performance of the Company's common stock is a key element of our compensation program. Officers and other employees of the Company are eligible to participate in our stockholder approved 2002 Stock Plan and 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "2005 ESPP"). The 2002 Stock Plan permits the Compensation Committee to grant stock options and other equity vehicles to employees on such terms as the Compensation Committee may determine, subject to the limitations of the plan.

        Equity compensation represents a significant component of our EMT compensation program at Advent. We believe this is an appropriate way to align the interests of our EMT with those of our stockholders in order to achieve and sustain long-term stockholder value. In designing the equity program, Advent is sensitive to potential dilution from stock-based programs. To address these concerns, management and the Compensation Committee have taken the following steps to manage the equity plan:

•

The Company uses a mix of stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs) and restricted stock units (RSUs) with approximately 70% of the grant value awarded in SARs and 30% awarded in RSUs. The Compensation Committee believes that these equity vehicles best support the following objectives: (i) support Advent's executive/employee attraction and retention initiatives; (ii) provide the appropriate incentive to executives and employees to create long-term stockholder value; and (iii) serve the best interests of Advent's stockholders.



•

The Compensation Committee strives to limit annual net issuances of stock-based awards to a level that is within the norm of our current stage peer group, subject to extraordinary events such as acquisitions and new executive hires.

37

---

Table of Contents

•

The target grant levels for the EMT equity grants are structured in consideration of peer group practice with respect to the economic value of equity compensation and resulting target total direct compensation levels when added to cash compensation.



•

Equity grants to individual EMT members may be adjusted from target based on individual performance, criticality of role, the expected future contribution and long-term retention of the executive and our performance compared to the peer group.



•

The Company must meet certain pre-determined performance goals before RSU grants vest, in order for them to be tax deductible as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

        The table below summarizes the merit equity awards granted to the NEOs in May 2012. These grants were made based upon each executive's performance, as expressed under the bonus plan description above.

        Subsequently in 2012, we promoted five NEO's and awarded additional grants based on those promotions, as follows:

•

Mr. Hess assumed the role of CEO on June 30, 2012 and received an equity grant associated with this promotion on July 16, 2012, consistent with our granting practices outlined below.



•

Mr. Cox, our CFO, was promoted to Executive Vice President effective November 2012 and received a grant associated with this promotion on November 14, 2012, consistent with our granting practices outlined below.



•

Mr. Gottula was promoted to Executive Vice President, Global Solutions Development and Chief Technology Officer effective November 2012 and received a grant associated with this promotion on November 14, 2012, consistent with our granting practices outlined below.

38

---

Table of Contents

•

Mr. Momsen was promoted to Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Solutions effective November 2012 and received a grant associated with this promotion on November 14, 2012, consistent with our granting practices outlined below.



•

Mr. Sperling was promoted to Executive Vice President, Global Client Experience effective November 2012 and received a grant associated with this promotion on November 14, 2012, consistent with our granting practices outlined below.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

        In February 2010, we first adopted stock ownership guidelines to align our NEO's interests with our stockholders' long-term interests by promoting long-term share ownership, which reduces the incentive for excess short-term risk taking. Under our stock ownership guidelines, our NEOs must own the following number of shares of Advent shares within five years from the date such person becomes an executive officer:

•

CEO: lesser of (a) shares with a value equal to 3.0 times base salary or (b) 60,000 shares; and



•

EVPs (which includes all Named Executive Officers): lesser of (a) shares with a value equal to 1.0 times base salary or (b) 12,000 shares;

        Shares counted toward guideline achievement includes shares owned (including ESPP shares and vested RSUs) and 50% of the intrinsic (in-the-money) value of vested stock options.

        As of the record date of March 11, 2013, we believe all of the Named Executive Officers were in compliance with our stock ownership guidelines.

Benefits and Perquisites

        We do not provide pension arrangements or post-retirement health coverage for our executives or employees. The benefits offered to our EMT are the same as those offered to all our employees.

        We provide medical and other benefits to executives that are generally available to other full-time employees, including an employee stock purchase plan, group term life insurance premiums and a 401(k) plan. The 401(k) plan is a contributory defined contribution plan and Advent's contributions are based on years of service. For employees with up to three years of service, Advent offers a matching contribution equal to 50% of the first 6% of the participant's compensation that has been contributed to the plan. Employees with three to five years of service receive 100% of the first 1% and 50% of the next 5% of pay deferred, up to the annual limit. Employees with more than five years receive 100% of the first 2% deferred and 50% of the next 4% deferred, up to the annual limit.

        All of our EMT members participated in the Company's 401(k) plan during fiscal 2012 and received matching contributions.

Post-Employment Obligations

        We adopted the Advent Software, Inc. Executive Severance Plan (the "Severance Plan") to provide severance benefits for the EMT upon involuntary termination by the Company in the event of a Company-wide layoff, departmental reorganization or significant restructuring of an individual's job duties, or following a change of control. The Severance Plan protects the Company by providing a standard policy for severance rights to members of the EMT and ensures that we have consistency and parity among the EMT upon the occurrence of such events. We believe the plan also assures stockholders that the Company will have the continued dedication and objectivity of the executives, notwithstanding the possibility or occurrence of a restructuring or change of control.

39

---

Table of Contents

        Change of control is defined as: (i) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company's assets to any "person" (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), entity or group of persons acting in concert; (ii) any "person" or group of persons becoming the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 35% or more of the total voting power represented by the Company's then outstanding voting securities; (iii) a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its controlling entity) at least 50% of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity (or its controlling entity) outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or (iv) a contest for the election or removal of members of the Board that results in the removal from the Board of at least 50% of the incumbent members.

        In the event of an involuntary termination (other than for "Cause" as defined in the Severance Plan) or voluntary termination within 12 months following a change of control, executives will be entitled to severance payments consisting of: (i) continuing payments at a rate equal to his base salary rate, as then in effect, for a period of 12 months from the date of such termination, to be paid periodically in accordance with the Company's normal payroll policies; (ii) all expense reimbursements and any other benefits due to the executive through the date of termination of employment in accordance with established Company plans and policies applicable to the executive; (iii) Company-paid coverage for a period of 12 months for the executive and the executive's eligible dependents under the Company's health benefit plans (or, at the Company's option, coverage under a separate plan); (iv) all of the executive's outstanding stock options (or other rights to purchase common stock of the Company), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, or performance shares, (collectively "Equity Compensation") on the termination date, have their vesting accelerated as to 30 months of additional vesting, with post-termination exercisability as specified in the applicable Equity Compensation agreement; and (v) such other compensation or benefits from the Company as may be available under Company benefit plans.

        The Severance Plan also provides the foregoing benefits for members of the EMT who are involuntarily terminated (other than for "Cause"), other than within 12 months following a change in control, with the exception that the vesting of any unvested Equity Compensation is 12 months. In the event of an executive's death or disability, the executive or his/her estate will receive six months of base salary, six months of benefits coverage, and any other compensation or benefit as required by law.

Equity Grant Practices

        The Compensation Committee approves all equity grants to our EMT. Beginning in 2008, the Company adopted a policy to award our annual merit equity grants to all eligible employees only during the Company's open trading windows. Additionally, the Company's practice is to award all equity grants on the 10^th business day of the month. In 2012, the annual merit equity grants for both the EMT and other eligible employees were awarded on May 14, 2012. The Compensation Committee selected the May date for the annual merit equity grants to the EMT because it coincides with the merit equity grants for all employees, which is timed to follow our annual performance and potential review cycle in the first quarter. Further, the Compensation Committee and our Board believe it is a better practice to approve grants made to members of the EMT during a regularly scheduled meeting, so that the Compensation Committee members can have sufficient time to deliberate on our CEO's and other EMT members' compensation arrangements.

        The Compensation Committee has created a sub-committee consisting of our CEO for the purpose of making new hire, promotion and specific retention grants to our employees that are not part of the EMT. Grants approved by the CEO must be made subject to an annual equity pool and guidelines

40

---

Table of Contents

approved by the Compensation Committee, and the CEO and Human Resources Department to provide quarterly tracking updates to the Compensation Committee regarding equity usage. The grant date for new hire awards is the 10^th business day of the month following the date of hire.

No-Hedging Policy

        Our company policies do not permit any employees, including NEOs, to hold our common stock in a margin account, or hedge ownership by engaging in short sales or trading in any option contract or other derivative security involving Advent securities.

Tax Considerations

        We believe it is in our best interest, to the extent practical, to have compensation to our EMT be fully deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Section 162(m) generally provides that publicly-held companies may not deduct compensation paid to certain of its top executive officers to the extent that such compensation exceeds $1,000,000 per officer in a calendar year. Compensation that is "performance-based" compensation within the meaning of the Code does not count toward the $1,000,000 limit.

        We have taken steps to ensure that payments to members of the EMT under the Company bonus and equity compensation programs meet the Section 162(m) requirements, where feasible. The Compensation Committee retains the discretion to provide compensation that potentially may not be fully deductible to reward performance and/or enhance retention. Stock options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights granted under our 2002 Stock Plan are intended to meet the requirement of Section 162(m). However, prior to 2012 our Executive Incentive Plan did not meet the requirements because of the discretion used with respect to the individual component of the award. Additionally, prior to 2012, restricted stock units granted under our 2002 Stock Plan also did not meet the requirement under Section 162(m). Executive compensation pay at Advent has historically not exceeded the annual compensation deduction limit of Section 162(m). However, in 2011, due to the exercise of vested stock options, some executive compensation did exceed $1,000,000, and it is our understanding that all of this met the requirements for being fully deductible as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m). At our Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 9, 2012, our shareholders approved plans qualifying both our Executive Incentive Plan and our restricted stock unit grants for tax deductibility under Section 162(m).

41

---

Table of Contents

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

        The following table summarizes the compensation for fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 of our (i) Principal Executive Officer, (ii) Principal Financial Officer and (iii) our three other most highly compensated executive officers, as determined by reference to total compensation for fiscal year 2012, who were serving as executive officers at the end of fiscal year 2012.

42

---

Table of Contents

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

        The following table shows all plan-based awards granted to the Named Executive Officers during fiscal 2012.

43

---

Table of Contents

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS

        The following table summarizes all outstanding equity awards held by the Named Executive Officers at December 31, 2012.

44

---

Table of Contents

45

---

Table of Contents

46

---

Table of Contents

OPTION AWARD EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

        The following table summarizes all equity awards exercised or vested, and value realized by Advent's Named Executive Officers during fiscal 2012.

PENSION BENEFITS

        Advent's Named Executive Officers received no benefits in fiscal 2012 from Advent under defined pension or defined contribution plans other than the tax qualified 401(k) Plan.

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

        Advent's Named Executive Officers received no benefits in fiscal 2012 from Advent under nonqualified deferred compensation plans.

47

---

Table of Contents

POTENTIAL PAYMENT UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROL

        The table below summarizes the estimated value of severance and change-of-control benefits for each of the Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2012 under the Advent Executive Severance Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012). The actual amount to be paid out can only be determined at the time of such executive's separation from the Company:

48

---

Table of Contents

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

        The following table summarizes as of December 31, 2012, the number of outstanding equity awards granted to employees, directors and non-employees, as well as the number of equity awards remaining available for future issuance, under the Company's compensation plans:

        Our 1998 Non-statutory Stock Option Plan, which was not subject to stockholder approval, was adopted in 1998. On February 26, 2007, the Board terminated the 1998 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan. This plan permitted the grant of options to purchase up to 600,000 shares to be granted to eligible employees. Officers and members of the Board of Directors were not eligible to participate in this plan. The plan was intended to help the Company attract and retain outstanding individuals in order to promote the Company's success. Only non-statutory stock options were able to be granted under the plan. The plan was administered by the Board of Directors.

49

---

Table of Contents

BENEFICIAL SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

        The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of common stock of the Company as of March 11, 2013 for the following: (i) each person or entity who is known by the Company to own beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock; (ii) each of the Company's Directors or nominees for Director; (iii) each of the Named Executive Officers in the Summary Compensation Table on page 40 hereof; and (iv) all Directors and Named Executive Officers of the Company as a group.

50

---

Table of Contents

51

---

Table of Contents

52

---

Table of Contents

53

---

Table of Contents

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES WITH RESPECT TO RELATED PARTY INFORMATION

        The Board is committed to upholding the highest legal and ethical conduct in fulfilling its responsibilities and recognizes that related party transactions can present a heightened risk of potential or actual conflicts of interest. Accordingly, as a general matter, it is Advent's preference to avoid related party transactions.

        Advent's Audit Committee Charter requires that members of the Audit Committee, all of whom are independent directors, review and approve all related party transactions for which such approval is required under applicable law, including SEC and Nasdaq rules. For purposes of this section, "related person" and "transaction" have the meanings contained in Item 404 of Regulation S-K.

        The individuals and entities that are considered "related persons" include:

1.

Directors, nominees for director and the EMT of the Company;



2.

Any person known to be the beneficial owner of five percent or more of the Company's common stock (a "5% Stockholder"); and



3.

Any immediate family member, as defined in Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K, of a director, nominee for director, members of the EMT and 5% Stockholder.

        In addition, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and monitoring Advent's Code of Business Ethics and Conduct with respect to Advent's principal executive and senior financial officers. Under the Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, directors, officers and all employees are expected to avoid any relationship, influence or activity that would cause or appear to cause a conflict of interest. Under Advent's Corporate Governance Principles, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considers questions of possible conflicts of interest of directors and Named Executive Officers, other than related party transactions reviewed by the Audit Committee, and approves or prohibits any involvement of such persons in matters that may involve a conflict of interest or corporate opportunity. Under the Principles, directors must recuse themselves from any board meeting when the Board is considering a transaction in which the director has a financial or other material interest.

        Related party transactions are disclosed in Advent's applicable filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission as required under SEC rules.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        During 2012, there were no transactions, nor are there any currently proposed transactions, in which Advent was or is to be a participant, the amount involved exceeded $120,000, and any related person had or will have a material direct or indirect interest.

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

        Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act ("Section 16(a)") requires the directors and certain officers of the Company, and persons who own ten percent or more of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file reports of ownership on Form 3 and changes in ownership on Form 4 or Form 5 with the SEC. Such officers, directors and ten-percent stockholders are also required by SEC rules to furnish the Company with copies of all such forms that they file.

        Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by the Company, or written representations from certain reporting persons that all Forms required for such persons were filed, the Company believes that during 2012 all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and ten-percent stockholders were complied with.

54

---

Table of Contents

AVAILABILITY OF FORM 10-K AND ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS

        The Company is making its 2012 Annual Report, which also contains the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 (not including documents incorporated by reference), available to stockholders on the Internet at http://materials.proxyvote.com/007974. The Company will also provide copies of its 2012 Annual Report to registered stockholders. Additional copies of the Company's 2012 Annual Report are available without charge to stockholders upon written request to: Corporate Secretary, Advent Software Inc., 600 Townsend Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, California 94103. You may review the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission by visiting the Company's Investor Relations website at www.advent.com.

OTHER MATTERS

        The Company knows of no other matters to be submitted at the meeting.

        Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, I hope that you will vote as soon as possible. If you received a proxy card or voting instruction card by mail, you may submit your proxy card or voting instruction card by completing, signing, dating and mailing your proxy card or voting instruction card in the postage-paid return envelope provided. Beneficial owners also have the option to vote your shares via the Internet. Any stockholder attending the meeting may vote in person, even if you have already returned a proxy card or voting instruction card.

55

---