BT launches live Internet marketplace using software technology from TRADE'ex.

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 27, 1997--BT of the UK (NYSE:BTY) has launched the first live, working marketplace on the Internet specifically designed to benefit the small-to-medium-sized enterprise.

The telecommunications leader is currently developing this new electronic commerce service based on proven software from TRADE'ex Electronic Commerce Systems, Inc. and with implementation support from TDS Group Ltd., the business information and technology solutions company. The new Java-based service is designed to help small and medium enterprises reach a global marketplace while considerably reducing the cost of products, as well as purchasing administration and management. The system was launched in the U.K. in May.

BT's new electronic marketplace will be a system which allows many sellers to advertise and sell their products to a large group of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the UK via the Internet. This electronic marketplace provides the facility for live negotiation between buyers and sellers and will also securely handle the transaction processing when purchases are made. As such, the service transcends the capabilities of mere electronic catalogues, which represent existing attempts to create virtual marketplaces on the Internet.

The Java-based TRADE'ex software on which the new BT electronic commerce service is based is unique in being the only live marketplace system with a proven track record. Systems based on the software have been up and running for over a year in both the U.S. and Australia. In fact, the Australian example is specifically designed to forge better links between Chamber of Manufactures members, many of who are medium-sized enterprises, and to reduce the cost of trading between those members.

Sara Giles, Solution Marketing Manager for BT says: "Electronic Commerce is fundamentally changing the way Britain conducts business and will eventually affect nearly every business and everyday aspect of the economy."

Adrian Gregory, TDS Group CEO adds, "Forrester Group research estimates that around 20 percent of all business-to-business trading will be via the Internet in the year 2000. So BT, in launching their new service, will effectively accelerate the opportunities (to reduce costs and reach wider markets) which electronic commerce can offer UK business. BT has to be an ideal sponsor for the system, too, with its huge brand awareness, its existing infrastructure and its neutrality for most marketplaces."

Daniel S. Aegerter, TRADE'ex Electronic Commerce Systems CEO, concludes, "Electronic Commerce is an area of crucial importance to all Telecommunications Companies. As all commercial activity increasingly shifts onto various networks, a significant opportunity is created to provide value-added services to companies wanting to take advantage of that trend. By creating the BT Marketplace, BT proves once again that they are truly a visionary company that wants to provide innovative value added Internet services.

"With BT's excellent track record in execution, both buyers and sellers throughout the UK will rapidly adopt the BT Marketplace. We are honored that a Global 100 company like BT selected the Java-based TRADE'ex software for this strategically important project."

BT will first target vertical wholesale markets with the new electronic commerce service, initially focusing on the IT and Office Supplies markets. Initial trials are to be conducted in association with the Thames Valley Chambers of Commerce expanding nationally during 1997.

TRADE'ex markets a growing family of Java-based, enterprise electronic commerce software. TRADE'ex Market Maker received an award from Gartner Group and Information Week as the Best Business-to-Business Electronic Commerce Over the Internet solution at the 1996 Internet and Electronic Commerce show in San Francisco.

TRADE'ex customers include EDI leader Harbinger Corporation who has integrated TRADE'ex applications as part of their MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) and Supply Chain Procurement solutions, the Australian Chamber of Manufactures, who is using TRADE'ex Market Maker to open global markets for its members.

DataFlex Corporation, a large computer reseller, is using TRADE'ex Distributor to allow customers to place orders, determine product availability, check order status and perform other transaction functions on-line on a 24-hour basis. TRADE'ex has continued their rapid growth as leading Japanese trading houses, Marubeni Corp. and Tomen Corp., selected Market Maker as their standard e-commerce product to create and operate on-line markets.

TRADE'ex is a leading supplier of electronic commerce software applications that facilitate business-to-business product sales and purchases over public and private networks. Its award-winning software products are sold through major system integrators. TRADE'ex is a privately owned, venture-backed company located in Tampa, Florida.

Visit the TRADE'ex Web site for software demonstrations at www.tradeex.com or call 1/888/4TRADEX for more information. -0-

Note To Editors: TRADE'ex, TRADE'ex Market Maker, TRADE'ex Distributor and TRADE'ex Procurement are trademarks of TRADE'ex Electronic Commerce Systems, Inc. Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems. SOURCE: TRADE'ex Electronic Commerce Systems, Inc.

CONTACT: TRADE'ex, Tampa

Marc Young, 813/222-2050 ext. 27

or

S&S Public Relations 

Emily Armanetti

847/291-8421, ext. 254

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