Berkeley Systems Names New Vice President of Advertising Sales; Steven Drace Joins The Makers Of After Dark & YOU DON'T KNOW JACK.

BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 1, 1996--Berkeley Systems Inc., a leader in the consumer software market, announced today that Steven Drace has joined the nine year old company as vice president of Advertising Sales.

Drace, a sixteen year veteran of the advertising industry, will oversee all aspects of advertising sales for beZerk, the company's new premier online entertainment network. Berkeley Systems is introducing breakthrough interstitial advertising on beZerk, delivering the first true television-like commercials on the Internet.

"We are delighted to have Steven Drace join our executive team," stated Julie Wainwright, President and COO for Berkeley Systems. "Steven's extensive experience in advertising sales will guide the breakthrough advertising Berkeley Systems has planned for the Internet."

beZerk is debuting this November with YOU DON'T KNOW JACK the netshow, the online version of the top-selling CD-ROM game. In this anchor program, Berkeley Systems is breaking new ground with its dynamic, full-screen ads, combining audio and animation, and smoothly integrating the ads into the site's programming.

Replacing the current model of online advertising, where banners and click-through ads are the standard, Berkeley Systems is approaching advertising as a seamless, engaging experience that complements the programming rather than calling attention away from it.

The company is working with advertisers and agencies to produce online commercials that maintain the irreverent feel of beZerk. Recognizing this unique opportunity in brand-centered interstitial advertising, 7-Up, Cuervo Gold, Elektra Records, Naya Water, New Line Cinema, Plymouth, Request/Sam Goody, Skechers, and SuperCuts are advertising during the November pilot period of You Don't Know Jack the netshow.

Berkeley is also creating specially developed "tool kits," for use by advertising agencies, to facilitate the creation of future interstitials.

Before joining Berkeley Systems, Drace was president and publisher of International Data Group's Net Media Inc., publishers of the consumer publication Internet World. He was previously President of IMI USA, the domestic office of IMI Electronics PTE. LTD. of Singapore and Asian Sales Director for Ziff-Davis Publishing, where he was responsible for all US and European publications throughout East Asia.

Drace also served as Director of Asian Sales/Marketing for CMP Publications, overseeing all Asian marketing and sales activities for CMP's 14 trade publications as well as Asian new product development. Drace began his career in advertising working for Trade Media LTD. of Hong Kong.

Founded in 1987, Berkeley Systems Inc. develops and markets multimedia entertainment software for grown-ups. To date, the privately held Company has sold over five million units and is a leading innovator in the marketplace.

Leveraging the success of its widely known After Dark screen saver franchise, Berkeley Systems established a second franchise with the irreverent pop-culture trivia game You Don't Know Jack. The Company recently announced plans to deliver breakthrough entertainment experiences on the Internet with beZerk (www.bezerk.com), its hot new destination site launching in November '96.

With an eye on the future, Berkeley Systems continues to produce cutting-edge entertainment that offer unique experiences and take advantage of the latest technology and online advancements. -0-

Note to Editors: For more information, please contact DeEtte Christie 510/540-5535 ext. 254 or Monica Granados, ext. 204, or [e-mail]. Additional information on Berkeley Systems is available at www.berksys.com.

CONTACT: Berkeley Systems Inc.

DeEtte Christie or Monica Granados, 510/540-5535

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