Extempo Announces Mr. Clean and Virtual Jack;Interactive Web Characters Build Relationships Between Businesses andConsumers.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 14, 2000

In a unique blend of technology, psychology, business, and art, Extempo Systems, Inc. announced today the launch of two interactive Web Characters -- Mr. Clean(TM), the Household Cleaning Expert and Host of his own Web Site for Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG); and Virtual Jack(TM), the Canine Mascot for pet supply e-tailer Petopia.com.

"We are delighted to put Extempo's interactive character software and character-making expertise behind Mr. Clean and Virtual Jack," said Extempo CEO Barbara Hayes-Roth. "Now consumers everywhere can interact with these appealing characters and enjoy their helpful services on the Web."

Characters Engage Consumers With Personality and Service

Mr. Clean: According to Procter & Gamble researchers, 98% of Americans need no introduction to Mr. Clean. But for the first time, consumers can talk to him. Welcoming "fellow cleaners" to www.mrclean.com, Mr. Clean shares his expertise and tips from his online database to help solve household cleaning problems. Now that he has broken his many years of silence, Mr. Clean also likes to chat with consumers and get to know them. He will answer questions about himself, his cleaning habits, his family and friends, even his taste in fashion. He may ask a few questions of his own too, so that he can personalize his services to each individual consumer. "The re-launch of mrclean.com is a great example of how technology can enable us to build better relationships with our consumers," said John Studer, Associate Director, Information Technology, P&G. "An icon with 42 years of great equity combined with a great new interactive tool is truly a winning combination."

Virtual Jack: Like Jack, the Wheaten Terrier owned by Petopia.com CEO Andrea Reisman, Virtual Jack entertains himself and his visitors with doggy tricks -- retrieving sticks, catching Frisbees, and jumping through hoops. The main difference between the two is Virtual Jack can talk. Welcoming "two-legged friends" at www.petopia.com, Virtual Jack answers questions, shares pet facts, explains Petopia.com's services, and provides navigation assistance. Being a friendly pup, Jack also likes to chat about himself and his friends, and share his animal stories, jokes and haikus. "Extempo's innovative technology provides Virtual Jack with the ability to actually respond to and interact with visitors to the Petopia.com Web site," said Andrea Reisman, CEO of Petopia.com. "Extempo has a talented team of engineers and content developers that have enabled us to bring our Virtual Jack concept to life."