Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 2001

Tivoli Solutions at the Core of Pacific Information Systems

New MSP Division

Planet Tivoli(tm)--Pacific Information Systems, a Better On-Line subsidiary and nationally recognized IT solutions provider, today announced the launch of iTsunami(TM), its managed service provider (MSP) division. For the delivery of its new services, Pacific Information Systems selected Tivoli Systems Inc., an IBM company (NYSE:IBM), to be the core software that will manage the key aspects of the service offering.

"IT infrastructure has become a critical aspect to every business, and to remain competitive, organizations require the highest levels of availability and performance from their systems," said Jacob Lee, CEO, Pacific Information Systems. "Tivoli understands these needs, and has designed their products to enable MSPs like iTsunami to deliver on these service level expectations -- even in highly demanding environments."

iTsunami will manage the complete ownership lifecycle of servers and networks for its clients on an outsourced basis. By using this service, companies will be able to enjoy the benefits of the latest server and network technology without the headaches associated with owning, operating and constantly upgrading them. Tivoli(R) is providing the technology management software that will monitor system and network availability, track events and issues, and manage the IT infrastructure.

"Without the expertise of iTsunami and solutions from Tivoli, we would be flying blind on managing our mission critical applications," said Mike Green, CIO, United Pipe & Supply Co. "With new technologies consuming so much of our IT resources, it is essential we have the tools to manage customer service levels, and iTsunami provides us with the capability to meet those requirements."

"Tivoli is a leader in delivering solutions to this market, and we are bullish on this space because MSPs fill a growing need of enterprise IT departments to simplify infrastructure management without sacrificing reliability," said Larry Orecklin, senior vice president, Net Generation Management Solutions Group, Tivoli Systems Inc. "Pacific Information Systems has impressed us with their vision for using our products to proactively manage networks and servers. We believe this vision is a powerful one for companies that want to remain competitive in the marketplace."

About Pacific Information Systems

Pacific Information Systems is a nationwide provider of IT solutions and consulting services, as well as an industry-leading VAR. Pacific Information Systems offers a broad scope of services including voice and data convergence, e-commerce development, and network design, procurement and integration. The newly announced iTsunami(TM) managed services division, will enable Pacific Information Systems' to deliver leading-edge IT solutions to an expanding base of customers. Pacific Information Systems is a subsidiary of Better On-Line Solutions (Nasdaq:BOSC), and is based in Portland, Oregon, with offices in Washington, California, Arizona, Texas, and New Jersey. For more information, visit: http://www.pacinfosys.com or http://www.it-sunami.com.

About Tivoli Systems Inc.

As an integral part of the comprehensive IBM e-business infrastructure solution, Tivoli technology management software helps traditional enterprises, emerging e-businesses, and Internet businesses worldwide to maximize their existing and future technology investments. Backed by world-class IBM services, support and research, Tivoli software provides a seamlessly integrated, flexible and secure e-business infrastructure management solution that connects employees, partners and customers. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Tivoli is an IBM (NYSE:IBM) company. For more information, visit www.tivoli.com.

IBM, Tivoli, SecureWay and Tivoli Ready are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation or Tivoli Systems Inc. in the United States, other countries, or both. Other company, product, and service names may be the trademarks or service marks of others.

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