Celeris Provides Secure and Robust Internet Access to Research Data; Celeris To Chair Oracle's Small Company User Group.

Business Editors

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2000

Celeris Corporation (Nasdaq/NM:CRSC), a provider of specialty clinical research services to pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology companies, today announced that it successfully demonstrated its unique approach to clinical data warehousing and near real-time access to clinical research data using the Oracle Discoverer(TM) OLAP tool at the Oracle Clinical(TM) User Group (OCUG) meeting held recently in Paris, France. The demonstration was a critical first step in establishing Celeris' ability to provide secure and robust access to research data via the Internet.

In addition, a Celeris representative was appointed chairperson of the Small Company User Group and became a member of the OCUG executive committee. The Small Company User Group is one of a number of recognized focus groups within the Oracle Clinical(TM) User Group community. Membership includes such companies as Agouran, Sepracor, Boston Scientific, Apotex, MedImmune and Gilead Sciences.

Celeris has made a technological commitment to the Oracle Clinical(TM) clinical trial data management system. The approach embodies traditional data warehousing concepts and provides for a clear separation of the transaction processing activities from data warehousing. Celeris is committed to expanding the capabilities of Oracle Clinical(TM) and other data integration tools to provide ongoing client access to clinical research data.

Barbara A. Cannon, president and chief executive officer of Celeris Corporation, stated, "We have made a significant investment in information technology, and we consider it to be a centerpiece of our clinical research services strategy. We believe our web-based access to clinical data is a significant competitive advantage. Our clients can in effect 'look over our shoulders' as we accumulate, transfer, and manage their clinical trial data. The result is faster, more efficient clinical trials and potentially earlier FDA approval. In addition, an independent company has validated the latest releases of our various data warehousing/data management tools. This independent audit, as well as company sponsored audits, has confirmed our commitment to quality data submissions."

Dr. Fortin, vice president, data management for Celeris Corporation, said, "The testing, qualifying and merging of various products into a coherent, client-friendly system has been very challenging and intensive. Our objective is to provide real-time access to our client's data, so they can be empowered, be better informed, and make crucial decisions armed with the best available information. Over the next two quarters, we intend to significantly expand our Internet information delivery vehicle, based in part on the positive feedback we have received thus far from our customers."

Dr. Fortin obtained his M.D. from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, is board certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University. He has lectured widely and authored numerous publications, as well as serving on numerous academic, national, and international committees.

Previously, Dr. Fortin served in a number of capacities at Duke University, including head of operations of the Duke Clinical Research Institute, one of the nation's largest sources for academic cardiac clinical trials and outcomes research. He was also instrumental in the development of Duke's cardiovascular point-of-care outcomes systems. In addition, Dr. Fortin has served as an Advisory Board Member and secretary for Microsoft(R) Healthcare Users Group (MSHUG).

Celeris Corporation is a provider of specialty clinical research services to pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology manufacturers. Services offered by Celeris include regulatory consulting and strategy, device evaluation, product and manufacturing quality assurance, statistical analysis, clinical study design and management, as well as investigative site selection and qualification, clinical monitoring staffing services, data management and biostatistical consulting.

This press release may contain "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements include statements of intent, belief or current expectations of Celeris Corporation and its management. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) lack of market acceptance of the Company's data management services, including its Internet-based client access tools; (2) the fact that certain technological advances may reduce the effectiveness of the Company's data management tools, including its Internet-based client access tools; (3) the fact that certain of the Company's competitors have significantly greater resources, including capital resources, than the Company to invest in similar technology; and (4) other risk factors detailed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.