American Megatrends Inc. Recognizes the Concerns for its Customers' Security.

Business Editors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 10, 2001

American Megatrends Inc.:

Editorial Summary

-- American Megatrends assures customers that its BIOS contains no automatic
connection routines like those found in PhoenixNet.

-- AMIBIOS offers unsurpassed stability and innovation, while respecting the
security concerns of customers.

American Megatrends Inc. (AMI), leading developer of innovative BIOS solutions worldwide, assures their customers that their privacy is a main priority in BIOS development.

With the recent outcry from end users regarding the Phoenix Technologies' PhoenixNet, AMI would like to publicly assure its customers worldwide that AMIBIOS contains no automatic connection routines that could possibly endanger their privacy or data.

Recently, there has been a firestorm of complaint from end users who are not happy with what they perceive as a violation of their privacy and security by PhoenixNet. Apparently the PhoenixNet-enabled BIOS automatically connects to the Phoenix servers enabling automatic downloads of files. Concerns about the user's ability to control or turn off this feature has customers concerned about what is going on.

AMI's belief as a long time industry leader is that end users should have ultimate control over their system from connectivity and software down to the firmware and hardware levels. Anything that would undermine or remove the user's ability to share or not share information about their system goes against our company's basic belief. AMI prides itself on providing cutting edge technology which include all manner of privacy and security.

In late 1999, AMI internally discussed the possibility of integrating technology much like that of Phoenix Technologies' PhoenixNet. After debating the pros and cons of developing these features and others, it was decided that user concern for security outweighed any potential usefulness or money-making possibilities.

"American Megatrends Inc. values our customers' security and privacy. AMI researched a solution much like that of PhoenixNet and chose not to pursue it," said Bill Clark, Strategic Accounts Manager, Software Division. "We prefer to focus on the technology aspects of our code rather than trying to `value-add' the BIOS with marketing related components."

About AMI

Founded in 1985, American Megatrends Inc. (AMI) has dedicated its resources to providing OEMs, resellers and systems integrators with leading edge computer technologies. This privately held company, best known for its Basic Input/Output Systems or BIOS, also supplies its state-of-the-art hardware, software and utilities to over 55 percent of today's high-tech manufacturers. Headquartered in Atlanta, AMI has locations in the U.S. and throughout the world including Munich, London, Taipei, Chennai, Seoul and Tokyo to better serve our customers. For more information on AMI, its products, services or reseller opportunities, call 1-800-U-BUY-AMI or visit www.ami.com.

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