AVS, CON EDISON TO CO-DEVELOP WEB VIZ DATA MNGMNT

Advanced Visual Systems Inc, a premiere global provider of data visualization technology announced that together with the Consolidated Edison Company of New York Inc (Con Edison) they will develop a Web-based visual data management system. This system, based on AVS' OpenViz technology, will speed decision making, reduce costs and enhance service reliability for Con Edison's primary and secondary network power distribution system throughout Con Edison's service area of New York City and Westchester County.

This new Power Visualization System will integrate a number of heterogeneous information systems into one visual intranet application. The data will be continually updated from Con Edison's enterprise systems and will provide the necessary information to assess power distribution issues in real-time. This application will enable more timely decisions regarding the deployment of staff during emergency situations; forecasting the power distribution load throughout the network, and proactively managing for system contingencies.

"This new Web-based visual data management system we are developing with Con Edison is a remarkable example of an organization leveraging existing systems, the Web and visualization technology to significantly reduce costs and improve customer service," said Russ Barbour, president and CEO of Advanced Visual Systems Inc. "Web-based visual data management systems are expediting the process of making smart decisions and driving business success in major companies worldwide. Con Edison is now among those companies that are effectively utilizing this technology to provide an even higher level of service to their customers."

The application is being built with AVS' OpenViz suite of component technology. OpenViz supports both the Microsoft Component Object Model (COM) and the JavaBean model and provides sophisticated, dynamic, interactive, and scaleable 2D and 3D visual representations of multiple data types and multiple chart types. OpenViz's interactive charting and graphing capabilities will enable visual representations of Con Edison's various enterprise data sources in one integrated application to enable quick assessment of current, historical and predictive information of the power distribution network.

"AVS is a clear leader in visualization. The OpenViz technology is open, scaleable and sophisticated enough to synthesize and display vast amounts of information," said Arthur Kressner, director of Energy Delivery Research and Development, Con Edison. "The ability to continually display and update the results on an intranet site was key to our decision. We expect the completed application to save money and improve system efficiency."

The first phase of the new system is expected to be completed within the second quarter of the year 2000. The completed system will be sold to other utility companies by AVS.

About Advanced Visual Systems

Advanced Visual Systems Inc is the pre-eminent global provider of sophisticated data visualization technology that transforms massive and complex quantities of data into visual representations. The company provides solutions for developers who build customized visualization software, as well as ready-to-use applications for end users who analyze information contained in graphical representation.

More than 12,000 users in 2,000 organizations around the world use AVS technology to gain insight and competitive advantage from data. They look to AVS to reduce development costs, incorporate industry standards, and speed time to market. For more information on AVS, call 1-781-890-4300, e-mail info@avs.com or visit the AVS Website at: www.avs.com.

About Consolidated Edison Company of New York Inc

Consolidated Edison Company of New York Inc (Con Edison) is one of the nation's largest utility companies, with more than $7 billion in annual revenues and $14 billion in assets. The company, a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison Inc, provides electric, gas and steam service to more than three million customers in New York City and Westchester County, New York. For additional financial, operations and customer service information, visit Con Edison's Website at www.coned.com.

Contact Advanced Visual Systems Inc Ken Dooley, 781-890-4300 ext. 2182 kdooley@avs.com or Consolidated Edison Company of New York Inc Joe Petta, 212-460-4111 pettaj@coned.com.