BuildNet Extends Job Management Tools Wirelessly With BlackBerry.

Business Editors, High Tech Writers

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 9, 2001

BuildNet Extends Supply-Chain Management Software for Builders

to Have Real-Time Wireless Access to Job Management Tools

BuildNet, a leading provider of supply chain-wide information synchronization for the annual $800 billion U.S. construction industry, today announced the availability of its BuildNet Express job management tools on BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds(TM) developed by Research In Motion Limited (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM).

Using BlackBerry(TM), BuildNet will offer wireless connectivity to its supply-chain-wide information synchronization and e-procurement system through wireless handhelds deployed in the field with builders and their allied trading partners.

BlackBerry is an end-to-end wireless e-mail solution designed to allow mobile users access to their e-mail wherever they go. BlackBerry features an integrated package that includes the industry's most advanced wireless handhelds, innovative software, and nationwide airtime on leading wireless data networks.

Using BlackBerry, BuildNet users will have access to wireless connectivity that will allow data to synchronize across disparate computer platforms and data systems, which will reduce errors, lower costs, and shorten delivery lead times, while decreasing the total time to complete a construction project. The BuildNet Express solution on BlackBerry will also allow contractors to have real-time wireless access to a collection of web-based project management, collaboration, procurement, and bid management tools.

BuildNet will demonstrate BuildNet Express and BlackBerry at NAHB's International Builders' Show in Atlanta, February 9-12, 2001 at Booth 614 in the TechHOMExpo.

"Together, BuildNet Express and BlackBerry will extend wireless project collaboration and 'Always On, Always Connected(R)' messaging to the construction sector," said Jamie Henderson, of BuildNet. "By joining our two best-in-class solutions, we can improve communications, efficiencies, and on-time delivery for builders, contractors, and developers as never before."

"Project collaboration is a time-consuming challenge for field employees in the construction industry," said Mark Guibert, Director of Marketing at Research In Motion. "BlackBerry and BuildNet Express can dramatically improve the process by enabling easy and timely notification of project updates without disrupting the field employee's workflow."

BuildNet's supply chain-wide information synchronization solution includes products and services which add efficiencies, streamline demand and supply chain processes, and synchronize information exchanges among different links in the supply chain. BuildNet's solutions aim to reduce costs and delivery lead times, and increase contractor speed-to-market in the construction industry. Supply chain synchronization seamlessly integrates critical business information across different computer platforms, software systems and companies.

About Research In Motion

Research In Motion(R) Limited is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the mobile communications market. Through development and integration of hardware, software and services, RIM(R) provides solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including e-mail, messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers around the world to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products includes the RIM Wireless Handheld(TM) product line, the BlackBerry(TM) wireless e-mail solution, wireless personal computer card adapters, embedded radio-modems and software development tools. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in Canada, the United States and England. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.net. Investors may contact [e-mail]. Customers may contact [e-mail].

About BuildNet, Inc.

BuildNet, Inc., located in Research Triangle Park, N.C., is a leading provider of supply chain-wide information synchronization for the annual $800 billion U.S. construction industry. BuildNet offers information synchronization through its Internet-based transactions, its widely used enterprise resource planning and project management software systems, its Portal Group, and its Web site, BuildNet.com, which delivers electronic catalogs, construction-related applications, business intelligence, and financial services. BuildNet also allows users to engage in integrated e-commerce with any other BuildNet-enabled user or allied trading partners, as the Company automates and synchronizes their key business activities, including scheduling, bid management, collaboration, procurement, and logistics. BuildNet also provides connectivity solutions for each link in the supply chain, enabling the right products and services to be delivered to the right places at the right times and at the lowest possible cost, a much-needed service in the highly-fragmented construction industry.

BuildNet provides the deepest domain expertise in the construction industry and presently has thousands of customers implementing its applications. Its aggregated software customer base among home building contractors alone is over 60% of U.S. single-family home closings. Its dealer/distributor systems, provided by BuildNet subsidiary, NxTrend, are used today by 86,000 users within 900 local and national businesses, including three of the nation's top ten construction suppliers; four of the nation's top ten electrical product distributors; and three of the nation's top ten wholesalers of plumbing and HVAC products. BuildNet's warranty claims company, KPI, provides electronic warranty claims services. BuildNet's Portal Group optimizes the supply chain using an Open Commerce Server transaction engine that simplifies the transaction flow for all members of the industrial distribution, PHAC, electrical distribution, and contractor communities, as it provides three levels of back-office enablement, including e-mail or fax, EDI or batch file transmissions, and XML communications. For more information about BuildNet, visit www.buildnet.com.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties of, and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion, 'Always On, Always Connected' - Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.