BDS Recognized as One of the Fastest Growing Technology Firms in The U.S.; Deloitte & Touche cite BDS among U.S. Technology Leaders.

GLASTONBURY, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 1999--

BDS also named to Inc. 500 and the Connecticut Technology

Council's Fast 50 rankings

BDS, a consulting and systems development firm focused on new technology, today announced that it has been chosen by Deloitte & Touche as one of the elite, fastest growing technology companies in the U.S. Deloitte & Touche's Fast 500 list, released today, ranked BDS as number 255 among 500 technology companies in the country that have exhibited outstanding economic performance and growth over the past year.

"To be recognized as one of the fastest-growing firms in a lightning-paced industry is exciting," said Jack Hughes, co-founder and chairman of BDS. "But to be simultaneously recognized on three revered industry rankings is nothing less than a tribute to the tremendous work that is performed everyday by the people here at BDS."

In addition to its Fast 500 ranking, BDS was recently named to Inc. Magazine's 1999 Inc. 500, for the third consecutive year, and to the Connecticut Technology Council's Fast 50 list for the second consecutive year. These rankings solidify BDS' status as one of the most successful companies to emerge in the booming technology industry. Though the privately-held firm does not release detailed financial performance data, BDS exceeded the average Fast 50 revenue growth rate of 262 percent. The Fast 500, Inc. 500 and Fast 50 rankings come after BDS secured $30 million in a first round of venture funding in October 1999.

"In an era where technology companies come and go like shooting stars, BDS has proven that they have the right stuff to succeed, and we salute their accomplishments. Making the Deloitte & Touche Fast 500 is a testament to the company's leadership and its ability not only to have the right solution for that moment, but to also have the vision that allows growth over five years," said Mark Evans, managing director, Deloitte & Touche High Technology Industry Group.

About Deloitte & Touche's Fast 500

The Fast 500 is an annual ranking by Deloitte & Touche of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in the U.S. To be eligible for the Fast 500 list, companies must be headquartered in the U.S.; have had revenues of at least $50,000 for the 1994 base year; and either produce technology, be technologically intensive or devote a high percentage of effort to the research and development of technology. Rankings are based on a five-year percentage of revenue growth from 1994-1998. 1999 marks the program's fifth year.

About the Inc. 500

The Inc. 500 is an annual ranking by Inc. magazine of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. Noteworthy alumni include such household corporate names as Microsoft, Timberland and Patagonia. To be eligible for the 1999 Inc. 500, companies must be independent and privately held through 1998, have at least $200,000 in sales for the 1994 base year, and 1998 sales must exceed 1997 sales. Rankings are based on percentage sales increases from 1994 through 1998. BDS' ranking of #242 reflects 1998 revenues and staffing levels, which have both since increased significantly.

About the Fast 50

The Connecticut Technology Council Fast 50 recognizes rapidly-growing technology companies headquartered in Connecticut. The three-year-old program also serves as a regional awards program for the Deloitte & Touche Fast 500, which honors the 500 fastest-growing technology programs in the U.S. To be included in the Fast 50, firms must focus on technology, must be headquartered in Connecticut, must have had revenue since 1994, and must have significant revenue growth since 1994.

About Business Data Services

Business Data Services (BDS), is a systems development firm with a proven track record in delivering business-critical Internet, data warehouse, and on-line transaction processing systems to leading companies in the retail, distribution, financial and manufacturing industries. BDS' technology solutions support companies such as barnesandnoble.com, priceline.com, Best Buy, Columbia House, Perkin-Elmer and Ingram Micro. Headquartered in Glastonbury, Conn., BDS has offices throughout the U.S. Detailed information on BDS can be found at www.bdsinc.com, or by calling [phone].