Channel Information Services to Conduct First-Ever Benchmark Research of European IT Channel.

MANHASSET, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 1999--

CMP Research Unit Compares Germany, France and UK

CMP Media's (Nasdaq: CMPX) Channel Information Services (CIS) has announced plans to conduct the first comprehensive benchmark European Channels Study to examine the dynamics of the continent's information-technology marketplace. CIS research will focus on Germany, France and the United Kingdom, paying special attention to the white-box phenomenon and reseller business models.

The project will determine sales volume of branded as well as white-box PCs and servers. It also will identify the preferred brands of storage, printer and networking products sold by resellers in the three countries.

"This benchmark research project will provide strategic insight into the major trends in the European integrator and reseller community," said Richard March, CIS senior director. "Because these three countries represent more than two-thirds of the European IT market for products, technologies and services, the study provides global marketers a basis to make Pan-European and North American comparisons and to analyze country-specific data."

In addition, the CIS European Channels Study will gauge IT-product brands sold in categories including systems, networking and peripherals; discover what customer segments and vertical markets European resellers serve; learn what services are provided by the channel; and gain insight into the business models of European channel companies.

Working with The Gallup Organization, CIS will complete 1,200 telephone interviews divided equally among the three European countries, effectively identifying the products, technologies, services and customer segments that are shaping the European IT market.

CIS is offering syndicated sponsorships that will enable participants to consult with CIS analysts and research staff prior to the start of the survey to discuss the study's objectives and to help develop the questionnaires. Sponsors will receive post-study consultation and the full report with analyses and tables.

Additional information about the study and sponsorship opportunities is available from Sundheim at [phone] or [e-mail].

Channel Information Services offers marketers the most comprehensive information resources available concerning technology distribution-channel opportunities. Its team of research professionals provides qualitative and quantitative studies as well as annual benchmarks on channel-wide trends and preferences. Marketers can access this knowledge through CIS-branded studies published by CMP Media's Channel Group and by commissioning sponsored studies conducted by third-party research specialists.

CMP Media Inc. (Nasdaq: CMPX) is the leading high-tech media company providing essential information and marketing services to the entire technology spectrum--the builders, sellers and users of technology worldwide. With its portfolio of newspapers, magazines, custom publishing, Internet products, research, consulting and conferences, CMP is uniquely positioned to offer marketers comprehensive, integrated solutions tailored to meet their individual needs. Online editions of the company's print publications, along with products and services created exclusively for the Internet, can be found on CMPnet at http://www.CMPnet.com. NSTL, the company's independent testing lab and consulting organization, serves government, corporate and technology vendor clients around the world.