APEX Interactive Achieves Qualified Vendor Status WithGE Power Systems; GE Also Obtains Stock...

Business Editors

MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2000

APEX Interactive, Inc. announced today that it has achieved qualified vendor status with GE Power Systems for e-commerce development and marketing. GE Power Systems also obtained warrants to purchase stock in Milwaukee-based

"We have been impressed with the technical know-how at APEX Interactive but more importantly the company's insight into how we can apply e-commerce strategies within our various divisions," says Ed Steinike, manager electronic commerce, GE Energy Services. "We look forward to a mutually productive business relationship."

Joseph Wirtz, president of privately held APEX Interactive, says that working with GE is a significant boost for the three-year old company. "We have been one of the pioneers in the e-commerce field and achieving this status with GE Power Systems takes APEX Interactive to a new level," Wirtz says. "The benefits of the relationship go far beyond increased revenue."

What started as a project with GE Power Systems in August of 1999 is now expanding into Web marketing and development programs for other GE divisions and subsidiaries. APEX Interactive is already working with several of GE's divisions, including GE Medical Systems, also headquartered in the Milwaukee area.

"The GE relationship has been a significant driving force in our growth," Wirtz adds. "Since they became a client six months ago our business has doubled, and while our growth has been broad-based, certainly GE is a major factor."

GE Power Systems is focused on making its energy industry customers successful through broader use of e-business solutions. Working with qualified suppliers is one way GE Power Systems is accelerating the rate of e-business development.

GE Power Systems (www.gepower.com) is one of the 10 major businesses of General Electric Company USA and is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation technology, services and energy management systems. The $10 billion GE business serves customers through a global network of offices and service centers, and has the largest installed base of power generation equipment in the energy industry. GE provides turnkey equipment, service and management solutions across several industries, including utility, independent power, oil and gas and industrial/commercial customers.

APEX Interactive Inc. (www.APEXinteractive.com) is a Web development and marketing company that applies advanced technology and marketing strategies to create, host, maintain and increase sales at e-commerce sites. The company is dedicated to providing results-oriented e-commerce, giving businesses throughout the world a competitive edge in effectively selling products and services on the Internet. Since its founding in 1997, APEX Interactive has built hundreds of sites in a wide variety of industries. The company has offices in Milwaukee, Wis., Chicago, Ill., and has a business presence in Japan through its licensee APEX Japan, Inc. in which the company holds a significant equity position.