Alternative Technology, Inc. and Logico Announce Distribution Agreement; Logico's Secure Smartcard Solutions Now Available Through Alternative Technology's Network of Resellers.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 20, 2002

Alternative Technology, North America's leading knowledge-based Value Added Distributor of technology products, announced a distribution agreement with Logico Smartcard Solutions AG.

The agreement allows Logico to reach a broad range of customers through the Value Added Reseller channel for its advanced line of secure smart card solutions.

Selling to thousands of Value Added Resellers across North America, Alternative Technology will be the exclusive distributor for Logico products. Together they will reach target audiences and grow their overall market presence through the effective distribution of technology products, market development programs, technical engineering services and training and support programs.

"We are excited to be working with Alternative Technology to launch our distribution and reseller presence in North America," said Jerry Diakow, Logico's Vice President, North American Operations. "Logico's family of Secure Smartcard Solutions offers users increased security options through the use of two-factor authentication -- something you have -- the smart card, and something you know, the PIN number. It also contains bio-metric capabilities. Logico is also working on solutions for digital signatures and encrypted email. Through Alternative Technology's Value Added Reseller network, end-users will now be able to experience first hand the benefits of our open-standard interface which provides greater flexibility and interoperability."

According to a recent report from The Smart Card Alliance, a non-profit association, smart card usage grew 45 percent in North America in 2001 and shows no signs of slowing down. The fastest-growing segment is the U.S. Federal Government, with over a 1,000 percent growth rate, while the retail segment and the financial market are experiencing triple-digit gains.

Logico's initial product offerings include client or workstation secure solutions for Windows 2000, NT and XP, Citrix(R) MetaFrame, Novell and secure log-on to the Web. Logico is currently developing solutions for PeopleSoft and SAP applications.

"Security is very important in today's business environment," said Jamie Jalazo, Alternative Technology's Vice President of Sales. "By working with our team of knowledgeable sales professionals, Value Added Resellers can address the security access needs of their customers while achieving higher margins and maintaining loyal customers through selling Logico Smartcard Solutions. With Logico's open interface, VARs can offer an entire range of solutions including the product, installation, card customization and initialization. We are enabling VARs to extend their reach on a per-customer basis."

Value Added Resellers can now take advantage of a special introductory promotion available only through Alternative Technology. Resellers will receive the 5 Secure Smart Card Suite Package for only $600.00 (MSRP $900.00 U.S.). Call Alternative Technology for more information: toll-free U.S. 800/544-7674 or toll-free Canada 866/240-9991.

About Alternative Technology

Alternative Technology, Inc. is a leading knowledge-based distributor of technology products providing the distribution of technology products and services, market development programs, technical engineering and training and support services to thousands of solution providers. Alternative Technology is focused on supporting solutions partners in the configuration and implementation of Thin-Client/Server-Based Computing, edge/infrastructure, security, wireless, and UNIX/Linux enterprise deployment. For more information, visit www.AltTech.com, or call toll-free at 800/544-7674 (USA) or 866/240-9991 (Canada). All logos, brand names and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

About Logico

Headquartered in Austria, Logico Smartcard Solutions is a blueprint company that designs smart card based applications relying on flexible and safe smart card technology. The core-module of its product range is the Logico Secure Smart Card INTERFACE, an ISO-based open platform, which ensures the use and operation of any smart card application independently of the various smart card types. The ranges of applications include single workstation and network solutions (B2C & B2B). Founded in 1999, Logico maintains offices in Austria, Germany and North America. For more information, please visit www.smartcard-solutions.com.