Ariens to Debut New Dealer Network By ARI at EXPO; Ariens Takes Leadership Role in Outdoor Power Equipment Dealer Communications.

MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 23, 1999--

ARI Network Services, Inc. (NASDAQ/NMS:ARIS), a leading provider of Internet e-commerce services for manufacturers with shared service and distribution networks, and Ariens Company of Brillion, Wisconsin, announced that software for the new Ariens dealer communications network and electronic catalog, designed by ARI, is ready to be rolled out for dealer use. Ariens will debut its new system at the International Lawn and Garden EXPO in Louisville, Kentucky, from July 24 to 28, 1999.

In March 1999, Ariens, a leading producer of outdoor power equipment, announced its selection of ARI to upgrade and expand its dealer communications network. Ariens is enhancing communications for its existing distributor/dealer network and is adding Gravely dealers as well as dealers of its Stens Outdoor Power Equipment parts subsidiary.

"The software has gone through a successful Beta test and is ready for release to dealers," said Dan Ariens, president of Ariens. "We've been using ARI's DOS-based dealer communications software for some time but felt it was time to move to the next generation system," says Ariens. "The TradeRoute(TM) software is easier to use, provides more features, including Internet capability, and is Year 2000 compliant. This new system gives our dealers latest technology now and a solid platform for the future. In fact, we are so pleased with the system that we've decided to license an additional 200 copies, bringing the total number of Ariens dealers in the program to 350."

TradeRoute enables dealers to check parts availability, place parts orders, submit product registrations, submit warranty claims, and verify order status. The TradeRoute software features an immediate response capability, enabling dealers to make an inquiry and receive a response all in the same electronic transmission.

"Ariens is the first outdoor power equipment manufacturer to upgrade to the TradeRoute software and gain the advantages of a proven Internet-based system," says Brian E. Dearing, chairman and chief executive officer of ARI. "TradeRoute software has been used in other industries, including the recreation vehicle business. With Ariens' deployment of TradeRoute, outdoor power equipment dealers will now reap its benefits as well. We are proud to have the opportunity to work with a pioneer like Ariens to bring the benefits of Internet technology to the industry."

Ariens manufactures riding and walking lawn mowers, rotary tillers, snow throwers and garden tractors under the Ariens and Gravely brand names. The Stens Outdoor Power Equipment Parts subsidiary produces parts for the outdoor power equipment aftermarket. The firm has an extensive dealer network.

ARI Network Services, Inc. provides Internet-enabled e-commerce services for manufacturers and their distribution and service networks. ARI currently serves the manufactured equipment, agribusiness, freight transportation and newspaper publishing industries. The Company's communications systems provide an electronic pathway for sales reports, product ordering, warranty registrations and other transactions between manufacturers and their networks of sales and service points. ARI also builds and manages electronic commerce databases, including electronic parts catalogs and industry-common directories of products, companies and locations.

This press release contains Year 2000 readiness disclosures under the Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act.