CenterBeam Donates New Computer Lab to the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center; Mayor Kenneth Barr and CenterBeam CEO Sheldon Laube Dedicate Center.

Business Editors

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 28, 2000

CenterBeam, Inc. announced today its donation of a world-class computer lab to the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center (BAC) in a dedication ceremony attended by Mayor Kenneth Barr, BAC Officials and CenterBeam Chairman and CEO Sheldon Laube. CenterBeam, which provides a complete IT infrastructure to small and mid-sized businesses, recognized the BAC's need for updated technology and addressed this issue by donating the computer lab. By removing the burden of managing and supporting information technology, CenterBeam enables BAC users to focus on growing their businesses.

In addition to creating the Computer Lab as a resource for small businesses, CenterBeam also provided the IT infrastructure for the BAC administration. The service will help the office run more efficiently, supporting its internal reporting, email, word processing and databases. More importantly, the donation will mitigate computer concerns for the BAC's staff and allow them to focus on helping entrepreneurs develop successful businesses in Fort Worth.

Over the past several years, 150 people a month have used the BAC and its services, which include education and professional counseling on how to start a new business. Since the CenterBeam Computer Lab was installed in July, the BAC has recorded a 44 percent increase in client traffic.

"When 44,000 defense-related jobs in Fort Worth were lost five years ago, it sent a clear message to the community about the importance of having a diverse economy," said Mayor Barr. "The BAC is helping Fort Worth to continue building a strong business network, and the CenterBeam Computer Lab enables the BAC to be more valuable to the needs of entrepreneurs than ever before. This gives Fort Worth the competitive edge we need to continue to develop our small business initiatives."

Once comprised of only a few outdated computers, the computer lab is now a state-of-the art facility--complete with Dell PCs, laptops and servers, high speed access, enterprise-level security, off-site data backup and 24-hour customer support. Today, clients use the CenterBeam Computer Lab to research, write and store their business plans, which are essential for these entrepreneurs as they look to secure business funds, and other needs to build their business. Also, because of the CenterBeam service, it's now possible for the BAC to offer Web design classes for clients to learn how to produce their own Web sites.

"CenterBeam has created a hassle-free IT infrastructure for business owners who don't have time to worry about technology," said Laube. "The CenterBeam service gives BAC users a jump start on developing their businesses. Fort Worth has made a tremendous commitment to developing small businesses, and we are happy to acknowledge this achievement through the contribution of the CenterBeam Computer Lab."

About CenterBeam

CenterBeam, Inc. is building the Business Internet Infrastructure for small and medium-sized businesses. CenterBeam provides a total managed IT infrastructure that includes superior technology and services. By removing the burden of managing and supporting information technology, CenterBeam enables its customers to focus on growing their businesses. CenterBeam has been selected as one of the "Hot 100" companies by Upside Magazine, and a company "Most Likely to Succeed" by Technologic Partners' Enterprise Outlook conference attendees. The privately held company's investors include Dell, Intel, Microsoft, CrossPoint Venture Partners, Accel Partners, New Enterprise Associates, Impact Venture Partners, Tangent Fund Management and Bluevector, marchFIRST's exclusive investment partner. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., CenterBeam can be reached at [phone]. For information on the company visit www.CenterBeam.com.