HOTBIZ.COM Announces New IA2 Technology Platform; NewOpen Systems Architecture Increases the...

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 18, 2000

HOTBIZ.COM, the first business groupware focused wireless infrastructure Applications Service Provider (iASP), announced today the successful deployment of its new Integrated Applications Infrastructure Architecture

(IA2) technology platform. HOTBIZ.COM has taken its existing integrated suite of business groupware and migrated it to a new, dynamic open systems hardware platform to create the IA2 technology platform. Deployment of the new platform increases the technology gap between HOTBIZ.COM and other iASPs in its space. As a result of its robust suite of integrated Internet, intranet and extranet applications, HOTBIZ.COM has long been considered the technology leader in the iASP business groupware space; combining that applications suite with the advanced network architecture has clearly set it apart from the competition.

"We have been able to deploy the IA2 technology platform very quickly and efficiently by leveraging and coordinating the experience and expertise of our technology teams both here in San Jose and in India," states Mahendra Chheda, CTO for HOTBIZ.COM. "The strength and size of our technology team allows us to develop and deploy leading-edge technologies very quickly and cost-effectively."

HOTBIZ.COM's new IA2 technology platform has further strengthened its ability to develop leading-edge technology solutions, including additional integrated business groupware applications, third-party product and service integrations and wireless access products, as well as a platform that is capable of supporting very rapid geographic expansion. The new platform also improves HOTBIZ.COM's overall ability to provide secure high-value solutions to its customers 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

"Being an infrastructure provider, one of the primary concerns we hear from our customers is the reliability and availability of the applications and platform," comments Dennis Empey, vice president of sales and marketing for HOTBIZ.COM. "Our new IA2 technology platform not only alleviates those concerns, it also positions HOTBIZ.COM as the technology leader, providing high-value solutions with mobile access capabilities."

About HOTBIZ.COM

Founded in 1998, HOTBIZ.COM has been providing service providers, portal operators, and applications providers with a robust suite of integrated applications that include secure e-commerce and intranet/extranet tools in a private label or co-branded format. This is done in a hosted model that provides HOTBIZ.COM with increased customer recurring usage and greater customer retention for its site, as well as additional revenue opportunities, all in a friendly environment that offers fast time-to-market. Using the latest wireless protocols, HOTBIZ.COM applications are accessible both through direct Internet connections and through the use of browser-enabled mobile phones and PDA's with the Palm operating system. HOTBIZ.COM is committed to the continued development of compelling technologies and groupware applications that drive additional value to its customers, and will in turn make global markets accessible with local language enhancements to the core software that was developed by HOTBIZ.COM. HOTBIZ.COM is located at 156 Baypointe Parkway, San Jose, Calif., 95134. For more information, contact HOTBIZ.COM by telephone at 408/467-3700, or visit the company's website at http://www.hotbiz.com.