AlphaServ.com Adds WAP --Wireless Application Protocol-- to NQL; Wireless Reach of Network Query Language now Includes Smartphone, Palm VII Connected Organizer and Other Internet Devices.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 14, 2000

The NQL Solutions(TM) division of AlphaServ.com(TM) (Nasdaq/NM:ALMI), formerly known as the AlphaCONNECT(R) Internet division, has incorporated support for the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), the emerging global standard for wireless data communication with handheld devices such as smartphones, into its Network Query Language(TM) (NQL(TM)), extending its wireless capabilities beyond the Palm VII(TM) connected organizer, which was previously announced.

"WAP is a critical piece to NQL's product strategy," Douglas J. Tullio, AlphaServ.com chairman, chief executive officer and president, said. "We believe that NQL, `the language of intelligent agents,' is an ideal platform for bringing personalized information to wireless handheld computing devices.

"Many of the Web and wireless arena heavyweights, such as Motorola, Ericsson, Amazon.com and AOL have embraced WAP or are offering services using the architecture. NQL's compliance with WAP broadens its versatility and respective appeal in the marketplace."

Tullio added: "Response during the very early stages of NQL 1.0 has been overwhelmingly positive. The hundreds of downloads and supportive comments and suggestions we've received during the pre-release trial period are providing us with valuable user feedback, of which we intend to take full advantage as we ready NQL 1.0 for full-release availability.

"From the trial period, as well as from previous NQL business development activities, we are working with a number of major Internet and Fortune 1,000 companies that are evaluating NQL."

What is WAP?

WAP is a specification, which enables wireless connection for handheld digital devices to data residing on Web sites, in e-mail systems and on corporate networks.

It is an entire software and communications architecture and is compatible with existing Internet protocols and languages, including HTTP and XML, and most wireless networks that are used by handheld devices such as mobile phones, pagers, two-way radios, smartphones and wireless Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).

NQL and WAP

NQL's support for WAP enables users of the language to create intelligent agent-based applications that are capable of communicating data from Web sites and corporate networks, including e-mail, to any wireless handheld device operating in the WAP environment. NQL facilitates both of the common wireless-device languages, HDML and WML, as well as virtually all common Internet protocols.

Web server applications developed in NQL determine the type of device -- whether it is a WAP smartphone or PDA, a Palm VII connected organizer or a Web browser -- that is requesting information and configure the data into a format appropriate for the respective device.

A Web site using NQL agent applications benefits from having to develop only one configuration for all visitors, saving significant valuable development time.

For example, a sports-news Web site wanting to offer up-to-the- minute scores for a fast-paced sporting event could create an NQL application that automatically retrieves the scores from virtually any type of information source and dynamically presents the information in a single location where all users could access the score.

"When the number of wireless subscribers is expected to increase by 730 percent in the next three years, according to International Data Corp. (IDC), wireless communication has become critical for Web marketplaces and enterprises," Denny Michael, AlphaServ.com vice president of marketing, said.

"Using the efficiency of NQL agents on the WAP standard simplifies the development of seamless, personalized and secure solutions for a rapidly expanding mobile work force, regardless of the platform on which the data resides. WAP compliance is another step for NQL in becoming the `language of intelligent agents.'"

NQL 1.0 is currently available for a 30-day trial in a pre-release version from the company's Web site at www.nqlsolutions.com. The full-release version of NQL 1.0 is anticipated to be available in four to six weeks. Pricing will be announced at that time.

About AlphaCONNECT/NQL Solutions

The NQL Solutions division of AlphaServ.com, formerly known as the AlphaCONNECT Internet division, is a premier provider of intelligent agent technologies to the global marketplace.

This division develops and deploys enabling software technologies based on its Network Query Language to partner systems integrators that create information solutions for today's e-businesses, as well as to Fortune 500 companies and organizations developing software applications and offering Internet services. For more information, visit www.nqlsolutions.com or call 888/785-3370.

Certain statements in this news release, including the statement that the full-release version of NQL 1.0 is anticipated to be available in four to six weeks and that pricing will be announced at that time are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including (i) any unanticipated developments during the pre-release period (ii) the company's ability to manage personnel and external resources and (iii) the company's ability to continue developing technology that is competitive according to industry standards. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

Note to Editors: Palm VII is a trademark of 3Com Corp. or its subsidiaries.