Frontstep and Data General Promise 99.9 Percent Uptime

Frontstep Inc, an e-business subsidiary of Symix Systems Inc, announced that it is working with Data General, a Division of EMC Corporation, to deliver the technical infrastructure products and services critical to executing an ebusiness strategy. As a result of the agreement, Frontstep will bring Data General's comprehensive network, performance and high-availability solutions to its midmarket e-business customers. These solutions, which are available today, include network security, LAN/WAN products and services, performance measurement and testing, and overall technical project management.

"In the Internet arena, system 'down-time' resulting in an inoperable site is not acceptable," said Jeff Ralyea, Director of Research and Technical Services, for Frontstep. "When a company establishes a Web site to provide service and support to its customers or channel partners, the company must also meet that implied commitment of around-the-clock site accessibility and reliability. If the site cannot be accessed, the e-business initiative will not meet its objectives. Together, Frontstep and Data General will help our customers create the technical foundation for their initial e-business project, and develop an ongoing maintenance and testing plan to ensure success into the future."

Frontstep's B2B software suite is built upon Microsoft technology, and supports Windows 2000. Data General is a Microsoft Certified Support Center, certified in providing design, implementation and support for Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Microsoft Back Office solutions. In addition, Data General is offering the industry's first 99.9 percent uptime service guarantee for Windows 2000, covering clustered Data General servers running Windows 2000 Advanced Server or Windows 2000 Data Center Server, when available. Frontstep customers will be able to leverage the benefits of this level of availability to deploy their e-business initiatives to meet their customers' and partners' expectations.

"Frontstep is leading the midmarket with its all-inclusive approach to ebusiness," said Bob Iacono, Data General's vice president of Worldwide Professional Services. "Realizing that midmarket companies often require more than just software to excel at e-business, Frontstep is delivering a comprehensive portfolio of B2B software with both strategic and tactical services. Data General is in alignment with Frontstep's vision, bringing the performance reliability and network stability required to meet Internet expectations."

Data General will work closely with Frontstep and Frontstep's e-business services group, brightwhite, to deliver technical services, including standards-based network solutions such as LAN, WAN, Internet and remote access planning, design and installation; disaster avoidance and recovery programs; back-up assessment and implementation; security, including design, audits and failure testing; remote systems management and system capacity planning services.

About Data General, a Division of EMC

Data General, a Division of EMC, is a major supplier of consolidated computing solutions for customers worldwide. The division's products include Microsoft Windows NT-, Windows 2000- and UNIX-based AViiON servers and related software and services. Strategic alliances with leading software vendors and systems integrators enable Data General to deliver complete solutions that meet customers' business need to simplify, consolidate, and control information technology infrastructures. Additional information on Data General, its products and services is available on the Internet at www.dg.com. More information on EMC Corporation, a market leader in the rapidly growing market for intelligent enterprise storage systems, software, networks and services, can be accessed on the Internet at www.emc.com.

About Frontstep

Frontstep Inc, a subsidiary of Symix Systems Inc, offers companies the products, expertise and access to e-business communities to rapidly create new e-business opportunities. Frontstep delivers a comprehensive business-tobusiness e-business software suite, including eCRM, online customer sales and service, Web-driven channel management, supply chain and e-procurement solutions, and collaboration and integration products. Through the brightwhite services group, the company provides the design and deployment services required by companies to strategically plan, build, launch and advance an ebusiness strategy. For more information on Frontstep, visit www.frontstep.com.

Contact Noelle Sicuro of Frontstep, 614-523-7344 noelle.sicuro@frontstep.com.