Ariens Company First to Respond to Dealer Needs; New Software Will Improve Dealer Communications and Enhance Customer Relations.

BRILLION, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 2, 1999--Ariens Company, a leading producer of outdoor power equipment, announced today the implementation of a new dealer communications network designed by ARI Network Services, Inc.(NASDAQ/NMS:ARIS). This network will improve its dealer/distributor communications and enhance its customer relations.

"This new system gives our dealers many advantages and provides them with the latest technology available," Dan Ariens, president of Ariens, said. "One of our corporate goals has been to improve the communication system in which our dealers can offer suggestions, list concerns and seek answers to their questions. This new system enables us to do that with very little turnaround time."

TradeRoute, ARI's Windows-based software, will enable dealers to check parts availability, place parts orders, submit product registrations and warranty claims, and verify order status all via the Internet. The software features an immediate response capability, enabling dealers to make an inquiry and receive a response in the same electronic transmission. This allows the dealers to respond immediately to their customers' needs.

"Ariens is the first outdoor power equipment manufacturer to upgrade to the Windows-based TradeRoute software. Ariens selection of TradeRoute leads the way in outdoor power equipment dealer communications," Brian E. Dearing, chairman and chief executive officer of ARI, said.

Dealers of Gravely and Stens Outdoor Power Equipment Parts, an Ariens subsidiary, will also be added to the network. TradeRoute software will be replacing the ARI DOS-based dealer communications software which Ariens has been using. Users of the current DOS-based system can easily switch to the new, easier-to-use, Year 2000- compliant TradeRoute system. As an incentive to use the new software, beginning July 1, 1999, Ariens and Gravely dealers will receive a 4 percent discount (up 2 percent from the current discount) on all parts orders placed using this software.

Ariens Company, founded in 1933, uses the latest in technology together with the wisdom of the past to build high-quality products at a fair price. The company manufacturers riding and walking lawn mowers, rotary tillers, snow throwers and garden tractors under the Ariens and Gravely brand names. Its subsidiary, Stens Outdoor Power Equipment Parts, produces parts for the outdoor power equipment aftermarket. The firm has over 13,000 dealers and distributors throughout the United States and Canada.