BASCOM's Eagerly Anticipated Open Source Equipment Exchange Goes Live.

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 6, 2000

Linux Pioneer Gives Back to "Community," Providing Online Resource to

Accelerate Development and Innovation

BASCOM Global Internet Services, Inc. (BASCOM), pioneering developers of Linux-based thin server productivity solutions for small business, today announces the live "premier" of an initiative that received the widespread support of the Open Source Community when it was first announced this past February at the LinuxWorld show in New York City. Consistent with the collaborative spirit of the Open Source movement, BASCOM's Open Source Equipment Exchange (osee.bascom.org) will match those donating computer equipment with those in the Open Source community needing to add infrastructure to further their development efforts and spur innovation toward the continued evolution of the Linux operating system.

"We were encouraged by the enthusiastic broad reception of the concept when we introduced it several months ago. The Open Source Equipment Exchange is designed to spur development among the Open Source community by making critical hardware resources available to those who need it most," said BASCOM Chief Technology Officer Bob DeRosa. "The OSEE can only accelerate innovation and further increase the viability of Linux as a reliable, scalable and robust platform for business environments of all types and sizes."

How It Works

The OSEE Web site links those donating equipment with those in the Open Source community in need of hardware resources. Since the Linux OS requires relatively modest "horsepower" to drive it--unlike Windows NT or Windows2000--older class computers that have outlived their use in corporate environments will be given renewed life in the hands of Open Source developers. The process works as follows:

Donator Process:

A donator posts a description of the equipment being donated on the OSEE Web page. Those seeking equipment can express their interest by entering information into a form. Requests are received for a week following the initial post of the donated equipment. By the end of one week, the donator selects who is to receive the equipment.

OS Developer Process:

A developer asks for a specific donation. Donators can browse and respond to requests. Developers can select one of multiple offers, and are provided with that contact information only. Once a match is found, both parties exchange contact information and are free to make their own shipping arrangements.

"As the operational partner in a small business, I look for solutions that are reliable and require as little administration as possible. Whether it's Microsoft-based or Linux-based makes no difference--I'm concerned with productivity and the bottom line," said Tim Sherman, partner with Cohen Greve & Company CPA, PC. "If BASCOM's initiative succeeds in giving just one developer the resources to build a product that is as stable, secure and easy to administer as their IQ2 Internet connectivity product, and it makes us more productive and competitive, it will be well worth it. While we're a small company, we plan on using the exchange to donate equipment."

About BASCOM

BASCOM Global Internet Services, Inc. is a software development company specializing in Linux-based thin server and content management applications. Since its founding in 1996, BASCOM has made next generation security, connectivity, and content management technology available to small and mid-sized networks, offering a pioneering approach to simple, affordable, low-maintenance deployment. The company's solutions are available through thin server appliances provided by PC hardware manufacturers, ISPs and value-added resellers serving the small/mid-sized business, K-12, and government markets. BASCOM is privately held. For more information, visit BASCOM on the Web at www.bascom.com.