CNET Networks and the State of California Honor 50 Top Emerging Technology Companies.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 4, 2003

Reception in Silicon Valley to Honor 50 Emerging Technology

Companies Bound for the European Marketplace at the Eighth Annual

Cal-IT Europe Forum

CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNET), in conjunction with the state of California and the government of the United Kingdom's international trade office, Invest UK, today announced an exclusive reception to acknowledge the performance and resilience of 50 top emerging technology companies in California. The reception, which will be held September 23 at Silicon Valley Bank in Santa Clara, is a prelude to the eighth annual Cal-IT Europe Forum, October 27-28 in London.

Jeff Gersick, Managing Director for the state of California's European offices says, "The 50 companies invited to participate in the exclusive reception were selected from hundreds of applicants by senior technology executives from leading European companies including Orange, Siemens, British Telecommunications, Deutsche Telekom, Royal Mail, Bertelsmann, Schlumberger and Cap Gemini Ernst and Young. All 50 companies will eventually go to London to explore opportunities and do business with more than 500 European business people."

"Having generated more than $400 million in partnering and investment since its inception eight years ago, Cal-IT has a proven track record of results for the participating companies," said Tom Bureau, managing director of CNET Networks UK. "We are delighted to be working with the Cal-IT team to help them continually deliver outstanding business opportunities between Californian and Europe."

John Lindfield, Consul (Investment) Invest UK says "In a changing business environment the UK attracts 39% of US direct investment and is still the leading destination for American companies expanding into European markets. Invest UK is working to improve this position still further by offering a menu of free services specifically focused towards US companies expanding to Europe. The Invest UK team, based in San Francisco, is looking forward to meeting the participating companies and providing practical information and guidance on all aspects of doing business in the UK."

All 50 companies will eventually go to London to meet and do business with over 500 European business people for the purpose of exploring the opportunities available for them in Europe. Headlining the speakers' list at the conference in London will be Marc Andreessen, CEO, Opsware and Founder, Netscape as well as Marc Benioff, CEO, salesforce.com. A panel briefing, with senior executives from Blue Pumpkin, PocketThis, Taylor Wessing and COPAN will also convene at the reception being held at Silicon Valley Bank on the 23rd September to pass on their knowledge of the European market place to the California companies.

COPAN, a private venture capital firm with a stellar network of European technology executives and investors, will also be launching the results of a survey conducted with many of the past participants of Cal-IT. Spencer Hyman of COPAN says, "It's fascinating to see the variety of options and opportunities Cal-IT companies have enjoyed in Europe. Certainly Cal-IT has been a great way for California companies to start planning their entrance into Europe and seizing the 30-40% of Global IT spend the EU represents."

Detailed information on the forum is available at www.cal-it.com.

All press are invited to attend the reception. To register, please contact Tim Graham of CNET Networks on [phone] or via email at [e-mail].

About CNET Networks, Inc.

CNET Networks, Inc. (www.cnetnetworks.com) is a leading global media company informing and connecting the buyers, users and sellers of technology. The company's product portfolio includes top brands CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, Builder.com, News.com, GameSpot, Download.com, and mySimon, as well as Computer Shopper magazine, and CNET Channel. With a strong presence in the US, Asia and Europe, CNET Networks has operations in 16 countries.