COVENTUS And TAYLOR/SPRULES Change The Rules In Strategic Partnerships; Unique Relationship Model; Coventus Inside, T/S OUTSIDE.

Business Editors, High Tech & Travel Writers

KANATA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 2000

COVENTUS Inc., the leading provider of mCommerce applications and services that focus on the needs of the online business traveler, the online business traveler's host organization and the hospitality industry and TAYLOR/SPRULES Corporation, an internationally recognized strategic marketing and communications firm, today announced the success of their strategic partnership.

The strategic relationship, which was formed several months ago, creates a unique approach to integrating internal R&D with outsourced idea development to enhance the delivery of Mytravelshadow(TM), COVENTUS' Internet-based service offering for the online business traveler (see news release: "COVENTUS Unveils Mytravelshadow(TM)").

In today's rapidly changing high-tech market, key attributes of any start-up company are measured by flexibility, speed and innovation in order to compete with large companies that have scale, size and existing corporate brand recognition. The opportunity for start-up companies is to successfully marry internal product and service development with external idea development, while at the same time maintaining an integrated approach to market entry.

"COVENTUS is a young high-tech company with a great vision for a unique Internet based service offering for the online business traveler," said Ken Davison, executive vice president, sales, marketing and business development for COVENTUS. "In order to realize our vision, we needed to find a way to deliver a technology driven service offering to market, while maintaining a very intuitive, end-user perspective, look and feel to that service offering, and deliver this capability fast. This perspective can get missed when driven solely from inside an R&D group.

"The innovative external idea development that we have through our relationship with TAYLOR/SPRULES has enhanced COVENTUS' ability to bring to market Mytravelshadow(TM) quickly and more importantly, based on the innovative model of `Coventus inside', `T/S OUTSIDE(TM)'. This model will ensure we continue to deliver leading Internet based services designed for the needs of the online business traveler," added Mr. Davison

"TAYLOR/SPRULES has been looking for corporations with enlightened senior management teams who understand the absolute need to embed front-end brand assets into backend development," stated Robbie Sprules, president and chief executive officer for TAYLOR/SPRULES. "COVENTUS turned out to be the perfect partner for TAYLOR/SPRULES. This is a new strategic alliance business model. Merging the function and ideas of an internal engineering group with those of an outside creative idea development team during corporate and product construction is a huge challenge. The relationship is always in tension. It drives 'best in class' activities inside both firms.

"'T/S OUTSIDE(TM)' is not trapped within the constraints of a traditional client-supplier relationship. COVENTUS is able to tap into the considerable resources of a deeply experienced design and marketing firm, at will. We call it 'The Big Embrace'. It is exhilarating," continued Mr. Sprules.

TAYLOR/SPRULES Corporation is a recognized leader in creating, building, deploying and managing brands and marketing programs for a wide variety of clients, with a business focus on high technology companies. For over 20 years, the firm has undertaken innovative projects, from assisting a national government settle international boundary disputes to creating a broadcast brand for an Olympic games. Corel, Cognos, Fantom, Architel, Kasten-Chase and over a hundred more have retained T/S to create their brands. For additional information, visit the TAYLOR/SPRULES Corporation Web site at www.tsworld.com.

COVENTUS Inc., based in Kanata, Ontario, is the leading mCommerce company focused on the needs of the online business travelers, the online business traveler's host organization and the hospitality industry. COVENTUS' Mytravelshadow(TM) combines the power of Internet-enabled applications, and on-line information and notification tools to empower the online business traveler with personalized knowledge, messaging, and access to corporate email -- at every stage of their journey. Currently, Mytravelshadow(TM) is available over the fixed Internet from home, office and high-speed Internet ports in any hotel by visiting www.mytravelshadow.com. At a COVENTUS enabled hotel, the online business traveler is given the ultimate guest Internet experience through COVENTUS Guest Internet Services, which include high-speed Internet access, in-hotel services and amenities, and the ability to engage powerful services for the virtual mobile office which includes access to Mytravelshadow(TM). For additional information, visit the COVENTUS Web site at www.coventus.com.