California Chamber of Commerce Promotes Simpata Internet HR, Benefits Management to Customers; Co-Marketing Partnership to Offer Online Solution to Shared Small Business Base.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 24, 2000

Simpata, a 100 percent-Internet human resources and benefits service, and the California Chamber of Commerce have entered into a strategic marketing relationship to provide California Chamber customers with additional resources to better run their businesses.

Under the agreement, the California Chamber will promote Simpata(TM) to the California Chamber of Commerce's customers.

The California Chamber's Business Services Division will offer Simpata as a service suited to small- to mid-sized businesses wishing to get and keep control of employee administration. Requiring only a simple Web browser with an Internet connection, Simpata's employee self-service interface enables employees to enter administrative changes and get HR and benefits information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Simpata's target audience closely matches that of the Chamber, which has a strong reputation among small businesses," said Jim Kennedy, senior vice president of the Chamber's Business Services Division. "For those enterprises that don't have large HR departments or corporate counsel, both of our services tend to be very beneficial."

The Chamber, through its range of handbooks, software, posters, newsletters, and videos, helps small businesses understand and comply with stringent California and federal employment and safety laws.

"The Chamber's comprehensive, yet easy-to-use, products and services are perfectly suited for small businesses that usually don't have the experts on staff," continued Kennedy. "We try to make it easy for employers to stay within the law."

Likewise, Simpata's application service provider model extends to small businesses the advantages of a sophisticated human resources management system without employing an IT department or dedicated HR specialists.

"Simpata is pleased to provide the California Chamber of Commerce another way to help companies adapt to the state's business climate and help employers do what they need to do to stay competitive," said Jeff Simon, president and CEO of Simpata.

"By educating its customers about the online alternative to traditional HR and benefits paperwork, the Chamber truly is helping California business do business better."

About Simpata

Simpata helps small- and medium-sized businesses get and keep control of employee administration by bringing human resources and employee benefits administration together in a 100%-Internet solution. Simpata enables employers to "conquer their mountain of paperwork" by eliminating it via a secure, easy-to-use, employee self-service interface.

All enrollment, eligibility, and billing information is transmitted electronically to more than 50 insurance and other financial service providers across the United States. Simpata has received investment funding from Acacia Venture Partners, Frazier & Company, Intel Capital, NIF Ventures, Red Rock Ventures, Shad Run Investments, and U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Ventures. More information can be found at www.simpata.com.

About California Chamber of Commerce

The California Chamber is the largest broad-based employer representative in California. Membership represents one quarter of the private sector jobs in California and includes firms of all sizes and companies from every industry throughout the state.

The California Chamber also offers publications and services to help California businesses comply with both state and federal employment law. The California Chamber also promotes international trade and investment in order to stimulate California's economy and create new jobs. Please visit our website at www.calchamber.com.