AvantCom Network, Inc. Scores a First in Remote Secure Tool Productivity Data Sharing.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 2000

AvantCom Network, Inc., a pioneer in e-business networking solutions for capital intensive manufacturing industries, today announced the release of the latest version of its AvantNet Connected at the Chip(TM) networking technology. The network enables equipment suppliers and IC manufacturers to collaboratively define equipment efficiency algorithms with the end result being the AvantCom Scoreboard(TM) value.

The AvantCom Network system provides semiconductor capital equipment vendors, materials suppliers and IC device manufacturers connectivity solutions to increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and improve tool serviceability and reliability in existing production facilities. AvantCom acts as a custodian for algorithms and data that are stored on the secure network and publishes the AvantNet Scoreboard(TM) metric that is used as an unbiased measurement of tool productivity.

"When IC manufacturers and equipment suppliers agree on algorithms to create the scoreboard value and then work together to increase that value, tool and overall fab efficiency (OFE) increases with major upside financial impact to both parties," said Bob Chamberlain, president of AvantNet Semiconductor Operations.

AvantCom Network is working closely with key equipment suppliers to integrate their systems into the AvantNet Connected at the Chip(TM) network connectivity infrastructure. The network is fine-tuned to work at peak performance with each supplier's data and bandwidth requirements. The media-rich bi-directional network runs on top of an ultra-secure industry standard global virtual private network (VPN). AvantCom Network has pioneered a patent pending technology offering a single-sourced secure firewall connection into and out of the fab where data is under complete control of the IC manufacturer.

"Because we are a networking company and not an equipment vendor or materials supplier, we are uniquely positioned to offer complete connectivity solutions which enable the unparalleled efficiency of making business decisions at Internet speed. Fabs and their suppliers can concentrate on their core competencies while allowing AvantCom to manage security, bandwidth and global support of the network," stated Sanjeev Chitre, CEO of AvantCom Network.

About AvantCom Network:

AvantCom Network, Inc. is a provider of Internet-based B2B solutions and application services throughout the supply chain in capital-intensive industries. Starting with the semiconductor industry the company currently offers three business solutions -- AvantLink, AvantNet and IC COMP -- applicable to any capital-intensive industry with similar manufacturer/supplier relationships and market dynamics (improve equipment performance to lower costs and optimize profitability) as the semiconductor industry. Visit the company's web site at http://www.avantcom.net for more information.