Bull and DTR Business Systems Join Forces to Provide AIX-based PowerPC Servers to Resellers.

Business/Technology Editors

BILLERICA, Mass. and WALNUT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 15, 2000

Bull, a global supplier of highly scalable and highly available open systems; and DTR Business Systems, Inc. (DTR) a leading systems integrator and VAR (value-added reseller); announced today that DTR has signed an agreement with Bull to become a Bull Master VAR (MVAR). The partnership will provide DTR's reseller network with application ready platforms found on Bull's Escala(R) family of AIX(R)-based PowerPC(R) servers and peripheral products.

As a member of Bull's Powerful Advantage(TM) reseller program, DTR will combine the highly scalable Escala hardware and AIX system software with the bundled technology solutions it customizes and distributes to its vast network of VARs specializing in wholesale distribution, credit collection automation and freight forwarding, among others. DTR provides its VAR channel with a single source of total systems integration from internet access to complete communication environments, including seamless AIX and Windows NT interoperability using Bull's Advanced Server for UNIX (AS/U) solution.

The Bull-DTR partnership provides DTR with the ability to offer platforms to satisfy a broad range of performance requirements - from the individual and small workgroup up through very large enterprise servers. Recognized as one of the "Top 100" systems integrators by VAR Business magazine, DTR offers complete system integration, innovative marketing services, consulting, installation and customer support.

"The relationship with Bull will allow us to meet the increasing demand for servers that combine scalability, high availability and are easy to integrate into existing environments," said Terry Pittson, president of DTR Business Systems, Inc. "Bull provides an ideal operating environment upon which to build our solutions.

"As one of the largest SCO distributor's, we are excited about Bull's participation in Project Monterey," Pittson said. "Their ability to successfully port and run the 64-bit UNIX operating system from Project Monterey on an 8-way Intel(R) Itanium processor-based server is indicative of their AIX knowledge and expertise."

"DTR has built its reputation for excellence in customer service by continually providing the most cost effective, state-of-the-art solutions for its customers unique objectives," said Stephane Daudier, VP of open systems solutions and partnerships for Bull's North American Infrastructure and Systems Division. "We are pleased to welcome DTR into Bull's growing Powerful Advantage reseller program."

Bull's Escala family of AIX-based servers offers the industry's broadest performance range of binary code-compatible 64-bit multiprocessor servers. Escala systems deliver optimal price/performance, configuration flexibility and high availability. AIX 4.3 provides extensive web-based tools for simplified administration and includes the powerful Workload capabilities developed by Bull. Over 65,000 Escala systems are installed worldwide.

About Bull

Bull is an international IT group that operates in more than 100 countries. In 1999, the company earned revenues of $4.3 billion with over 65% outside of France, its country of origin. Bull's strategy is focused on the Internet and electronic business in three key domains: solutions with consulting and systems integration; infrastructure including Internet-ready enterprise systems, smart cards and software for secure infrastructure management; and managed services for Intranets and e-commerce sites and marketplaces. For more information, visit Bull's Web site: www.bull.com and for the United States, www.us.bull.com.

About DTR

DTR Business Systems, Inc. is a leading systems integrator and full service commercial distributor specializing in providing VARs (Value Added Resellers) with UNIX- and Windows-based multi-user solutions. Since its inception on April 22, 1983, DTR Business Systems has established itself as a driving force and technology leader, and in 1999 was named one of the top 100 distributors/systems integrators by VAR Business magazine. The company is headquartered near Los Angeles in Walnut, California. For more information, please call 1-800-598-5721 or visit the DTR website at www.dtrbus.com.

Escala is a registered trademark of Bull S.A. in the U.S. and other countries. Powerful Advantage is a trademark of Bull HN Information Systems. UNIX is a registered trademark of the Open Group.

PowerPC and AIX are registered trademarks of IBM and are being used under license. All trademarks, service marks and company names are the property of their respective owners.