Be Incorporated's BeIA Software Platform to Power New Internet Appliance from First International Computer, Inc.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 2000

Leading Worldwide Manufacturer of PC Motherboards and Systems

Announces the Genesis 2000

Be Incorporated (Nasdaq:BEOS) today announced that its software platform for Internet appliances, BeIA, will serve as the foundation of the Genesis 2000, a new Internet appliance from First International Computer, Inc. (FIC), announced yesterday at a press conference in Tokyo. FIC is a leading PC motherboard and system vendor based in Taiwan, ROC, and was one of the first companies to announce support for BeIA earlier this year.

The target markets for the Genesis 2000 -- known as Smart Blue in Japan -- include pre-installations in hotels, apartments and other similar environments where reliability and easy access to the Internet is a priority. FIC plans on delivering appliances in the Japanese market before the end of 2000 with other markets to follow at a later date.

"FIC was an early and enthusiastic supporter of BeIA, and it has been a pleasure collaborating with them as we have made preparations for first customer shipments of our software platform for Internet appliances," commented Jean-Louis Gassee, Be's chairman and chief executive officer. "By specifically targeting deployments in venues such as hotels and apartments, they are demonstrating their understanding of how appliances will be delivered and used in the real world."

"BeIA is a turnkey appliance software platform, making it the perfect software solution for the Genesis 2000. It delivers a rich Web experience with an easily customizable user interface, all while using minimal system resources," stated Gene Sheu, president of FIC, Inc. "The completeness of the platform has allowed us to focus on hardware development and distribution and deliver a superior solution without compromise."

The Genesis 2000 is both lightweight and easy to use, making it convenient to access the Internet in both home and office environments. Featuring direct connection to the Internet, appliance-like reliability and instant power on and off, the Genesis 2000 is an innovative product consisting of three distinct components: hardware, software and services. The Genesis 2000 will offer users an enjoyable and rich Internet experience, without the technical or convenience barriers typically associated with PCs. For corporations, the Genesis 2000 represents a unique way to market and grow their online businesses. The Genesis 2000 is based on the National Semiconductor Geode GXLV 233MHz processor and features 16 megabytes Compact Flash ROM, 32 megabytes RAM, a display with resolution of up to 1024x768 and a 56Kbps internal modem.

About the BeIA Internet Appliance Platform

Be has developed a system foundation and architecture for the emerging Internet appliance segment. At the basis of Internet appliances lies a critical need for exceptional media handling, unfaltering stability, and broad application flexibility. BeOS has won critical acclaim in these areas, and the company has extended this core technology for this emerging class of devices. Building on the strength of BeOS, and teaming with key companies such as FIC, Be's new application system foundation is intended to offer a complete development and application platform for a wide range of Internet appliances.

About First International Computer, Inc.

Established in 1980, First International Computer, Inc. (FIC) is one of the world's largest PC motherboard manufacturers, and is a leading OEM/ODM supplier of desktop PCs, notebooks, communications and computer peripherals. FIC operates a global manufacturing and logistics network with over 4,500 employees in more than 12 countries worldwide, and in Q4 1999 FIC's monthly capacity was for 800,000 motherboards and 500,000 systems. In 1999, FIC's total revenues reached US$1.9 billion. The latest information about FIC's products and services products and services can be found at http://www.fic.com.tw or by contacting [e-mail].

About Be Incorporated

Founded in 1990, Be Incorporated creates software platforms that enable rich media and Web experiences on personal computers and Internet appliances. Be's headquarters are in Menlo Park, California, and its European office is in Paris, France. It is publicly traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol BEOS. Be can be found on the Web at http://www.be.com.

Be Incorporated Forward-Looking Statements 

The statements contained in this Press Release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" including without limitation plans for product development and release, future availability and performance of Internet appliances and third party applications, market penetration and market acceptance of BeIA, and the benefit of such products to customers, appliance manufacturers and developers. Actual events or results may differ materially as a result of risks facing Be Incorporated or actual results differing from the assumptions underlying such statements. Such risks and assumptions include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to product development, continued availability of third party devices and applications, our ability to establish and maintain strategic relationships, the competition and market acceptance of BeIA, and our ability to meet customer and developer demands. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the "Risk Factors" and other cautionary statements included in Be Incorporated's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, and other public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.