Bertelsmann mediaSystems, eSprocket, Exodus and Other Leading E-commerce Operations Announce Engagements with @Stake.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 2000

Company Also Opens Regional Offices in San Francisco, Seattle, and

Research Triangle Park to Meet Growing Client Demand

Security Consultants from Deloitte & Touche's

West Coast Practice Join @Stake

@Stake, the leading Internet security professional services firm providing strategy, architecture and operational support for the e-commerce capabilities of global clients, today announced engagements with twelve top Web-centric businesses ranging from Fortune 1000 corporations to cutting-edge Internet firms. @Stake's clients include Bertelsmann, a global leader in international media; Exodus Communications(TM), Inc., a leading provider of complex Internet hosting for enterprises with mission-critical Internet operations, and eSprocket, an online marketplace for buying and selling used industrial equipment.

Following the establishment of @Stake in Cambridge, MA in January, the company today also announced the opening of three regional offices: San Francisco, Seattle, and Research Triangle Park (RTP). The new offices not only enable @Stake to meet the needs of its growing client base, but bolster the firm's strategic plan to focus on three practice areas: e-markets, financial services and telecommunications.

Located in the nation's leading technology centers, each locale is staffed by experts in Internet security. Joining @Stake will be former security consultants from Deloitte & Touche's West Coast practice, key professionals from 5x5, a specialized security consulting firm and other security experts focused on the rapidly growing application service provider space. Future plans include a New York office to serve the financial services community as well as a Denver office to meet the increasingly complex security demands of telecommunications providers.

"Exodus(R) has used @Stake's professional security services with great success," said Dr. Bill Hancock, CISSP, vice president of security for Exodus. "Their forensics team has worked with us on detailed technical efforts and we have always been very pleased with the results of their work and attention to detail."

@Stake, with its headquarters in Massachusetts has expanded beyond its original office, and last week relocated into a larger Cambridge facility. The company's staff has grown from 25 to over 60 professionals in three months.

According to Martin Guillaume, VP eCommerce Solutions, of Bertelsmann mediaSystems, "@Stake helped us navigate the security issues associated with our next generation Web site making us more confident in our customer's security. We were so impressed with their responsiveness, professionalism, and attention to detail that we have retained @Stake for its services on an ongoing basis."

"We are opening our regional offices and expanding our headquarters in response to a high level of demand for @Stake's full range of Internet security consulting services," according to Chris Darby, @Stake's president and CEO. "We're excited about the opportunity to work with true leaders in the business and e-commerce worlds, and we are proud to be recognized as the leading, independent Internet security consulting firm."

@Stake not only secures clients' short-term security needs, but plans next-generation security platforms that enable long-term e-commerce objectives. With world renowned security experts leading its research and development team, @Stake's services span application, content, infrastructure, and operations security. As a pure play security services provider, @Stake offers clients unparalleled depth, credibility, and strategic value.

"We are building a platform for buyers and sellers of used capital equipment," stated Maria Chambers, ViA, Inc., eBusiness strategist for eSprocket. "Because these can be complex, high value transactions, security is very important to us. Partnering with @Stake means we can build security into our eMarketplace from the ground up."

Established earlier this year with funding from Battery Ventures, @Stake is led by former executives from premier organizations including Compaq Computer, Digital Equipment Corporation, Forrester Research and the L0pht. @Stake offers a full range of security services enabling e-commerce for Global 2000 clients and specializes in three practice areas: e-markets, financial services and telecommunications. The company focuses on planning next-generation security environments that support long-term e-commerce objectives as well as securing clients' immediate Internet needs. Key to the company's strategic approach is building comprehensive security architectures to minimize the impact of viruses, malicious attacks and other threats while maximizing opportunity and competitiveness for firms engaged in the Internet economy. More information can be found at www.atstake.com @Stake, Inc. - Securing the Internet Economy (sm).

Exodus Communications and Exodus are trademarks of Exodus Communications, Inc. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.