Algor Announces a New Level of Customer Service Using Internet Technology.

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 19, 1999--

Algor, Inc., a leading maker of software for mechanical engineers, today announced that its new "Webcasts" are helping the company provide a higher level of service to its 16,000 customers in over 60 countries.

Algor regularly conducts free, public Webcasts using state-of-the-art Internet audio/video technology.

"Algor's mission for Webcasts is to create a new level of communication between Algor and its customers utilizing the newest developments in Internet technology," said Michael Bussler, president and CEO of Algor, Inc. "Using this technology, Algor has a new tool for responding to customer questions and service issues."

Each hour-long Webcast contains general news, frequently asked questions, a main presentation and a general panel discussion focused around a topic. Recent topics have included Mechanical Event Simulation (MES); the use of Algor's proprietary Kinematic Elements; and Algor's interoperability with CAD solid modelers such as Autodesk's Mechanical Desktop, Parametric Technology Corporation's Pro/ENGINEER, Unigraphics Solutions' Solid Edge, SolidWorks Corporation's SolidWorks and others. After each live broadcast, the Webcast is made available for replay on the Internet at any time.

In each Webcast, the general news segment introduces the main topic and announces any recent or upcoming software improvements. Then, technical or customer service questions received by telephone or e-mail before and during the broadcast are answered live in the frequently asked questions (FAQ) segment. Questions often address how best to use Algor's wide range of MES and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) capabilities. Webcast viewers can participate in the Webcast by telephoning or e-mailing in their questions during this FAQ segment. The Webcast then progresses to the main topic presentation, which shows Algor software in action. Each Webcast concludes with a panel discussion on the main topic. Algor CEO Michael Bussler and other top Algor officials frequently join with Algor engineering experts in the panel discussion segment.

The Webcast page on Algor's homepage, www.algor.com/webcast, offers direct access to all available Webcasts and a complete schedule of upcoming Webcasts. All Webcasts are broadcasted in three bandwidths with top quality audio to reach viewers on all types of Internet connections from 56k modems to cable modems and T1 telephone lines. High-technology production techniques such as picture-in-picture integrate multiple camera views with direct computer screen-to-video feeds to show the details of Algor software in action at any of these bandwidths.

The streaming video format used for all Webcasts is compatible with Microsoft Media Player 6.0 and eliminates the download times associated with some other file types. Since most of Algor's customers operate on the Windows NT, Windows 95, or Windows 98 platforms, using Microsoft tools such as Media Player 6.0 and Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher offers maximum compatibility and reliability.

Algor has been a leader in the engineering software industry since introducing FEA for PCs in 1984 and interfacing with CAD systems in 1985. The company recently celebrated 20 years of providing finite element customers with innovative, affordable and easy-to-use software products and superior educational support and customer service.

Algor's most recent invention, Accupak/VE Mechanical Event Simulation software with linear and nonlinear material models, replaces physical prototype testing with virtual prototype testing because it realistically simulates motion and flexing in mechanical events and eliminates the need to input dynamic loads. Algor offers a range of other FEA capabilities including linear stress, vibration and natural frequencies, heat transfer, electrostatics, fluid flow, piping design and composite materials. Algor's software interchanges data with products from ANSYS, Inc. (Nasdaq:ANSS), Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), Baystate Technologies, Inc., MacNeal Schwendler Corporation (NYSE:MNS), Parametric Technology Corporation (Nasdaq:PMTC), Structural Dynamics Research Corporation (Nasdaq:SDRC), Unigraphics Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:UGS), SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq:DASTY) company and others.

FOR PHOTOGRAPHS: Go to www.algor.com/photographs.