Clarke American Checks, Inc. Pilots elcom's Remotely-Hosted eProcurement System.

Business/Technology Editors

NORWOOD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 5, 2001

International Group - Novar plc (formerly Caradon plc) Expands

eProcurement Pilot Program to its U.S. Operations

elcom, inc., the eProcurement and eMarketplace solutions subsidiary of Elcom International, Inc. (Nasdaq: ELCO), today announced that Clarke American Checks, a U.S. subsidiary of Novar plc (formerly Caradon plc of the U.K.), has selected PECOS Internet Procurement Manager (PECOS.ipm), elcom, inc.'s, eProcurement solution, for implementation in its U.S. corporate offices to automate its indirect materials purchasing process.

Kevin Barry, Senior Category Manager, E-Commerce for Novar, said, "Building upon the launch of our U.K. pilot at MK Electric, I am delighted that our relationship with elcom has now extended into the United States with the successful implementation of the PECOS.ipm system at Clarke American where I believe that incremental benefits will be realized in both the procurement and invoice processing activities."

George G. Bordon, Vice President of Procurement for Clarke American, stated, "The elcom pilot is particularly exciting for us as it represents our first move into the world of eProcurement. We look forward to using PECOS to build our business case for implementing eProcurement across our operations. Initial impressions suggest elcom's eProcurement solution will reduce our costs by simplifying our purchase-to-payment processes, allowing for more timely capture of payment discounts, and by driving compliance with our negotiated contracts. Reactions from system users have been quite positive, and many have commented about the simplicity of ordering as compared to our enterprise purchasing system."

Robert J. Crowell, elcom, inc.'s Chairman and CEO, said, "Clarke American Checks is a subsidiary of Novar plc (formerly Caradon plc) and represents further support for PECOS.ipm's adaptability and elcom's experience in implementing its eProcurement solution across a multi-national corporation. We look forward to working with Clarke American Checks to assist them with their procurement system needs."

elcom, inc.'s Product Offerings

PECOS Internet Procurement Manager (PECOS.ipm) is a remotely-hosted eProcurement solution that automates the entire procurement process from product information discovery and ordering through financial settlement. PECOS.ipm provides client's personnel with browser-based self-service purchasing functions directly from their desktops, including multi-vendor electronic catalogs that support standard or negotiated "custom" pricing with preferred suppliers. PECOS Internet Procurement Manager's full-circle functionality improves service at all levels, including support for "order status" inquiries, automated e-mail authorization, and time-stamped audit trails throughout the entire transaction cycle.

PECOS Internet Exchange Manager (PECOS.iem) is a remotely-hosted eMarketplace solution that enables market makers to create communities of commerce without the need to invest in infrastructure, custom application development and ongoing system management. PECOS.iem provides market makers with a complete solution that has been designed to automate the entire B2B commerce process by enabling new levels of trading partner collaboration. Remotely hosted by elcom, inc., PECOS Internet Exchange Manager, is based on an open collaborative commerce architecture which is designed to enable trading partner self service while still preserving the control that is critical to effective eMarketplace management. PECOS Internet Exchange Manager's collaborative commerce framework enables instant usability, trade partner self-service and process adaptability.

elcom's eCommerce Network(TM) technology platform is a remotely-hosted solution that provides a technology framework for the enablement and organization of various eBusiness solutions such as public and private eMarketplaces. It provides an infrastructure that includes a destination hub, directory services, search engine, platform access manager and XML-based interfaces designed to enable and facilitate the exchange of information between B2B eCommerce technology platforms. elcom's eCommerce NetworkTM will power the Company's eMarketplace World NetworkTM.

About Clarke American Checks, Inc.

Producing more than 11 billion checks a year at unmatched rates of accuracy and rapid delivery, Clarke American Checks, Inc. is one of the largest printers of financial institution checks in the United States. Annually, the company produces more than 50 million orders for checks and share drafts, which are marketed through more than 4,000 banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. Clarke American's 99.92% printing accuracy rate is unmatched in the industry. For more information, visit www.clarkeamerican.com.

About Elcom International, Inc.

Elcom International, Inc. (www.elcominternational.com), is comprised of two wholly-owned subsidiaries, elcom, inc., a leading provider of eProcurement and eMarketplace solutions and Elcom Services Group, which specializes in enterprise level business product sales and services. elcom, inc. is the global leader of remotely-hosted eProcurement and eMarketplace solutions. elcom's innovative technology leadership with PECOS Internet Procurement Manager, the world's first "live" remotely-hosted eProcurement platform, and PECOS Internet Exchange Manager, its second generation eMarketplace platform, establishes the next standard of value and enables enterprises of all sizes to realize the many benefits of B2B eCommerce without the burden of infrastructure investment and ongoing content and system management. elcom solutions compete against such companies as Ariba, Inc., Commerce One, PurchasePro.com, and Clarus Corporation.

Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 

This press release includes statements that may constitute forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, those with respect to the Company's objectives, plans and strategies set forth herein and those preceded by or that include the words "believes," "intends," "expects," "will," "plans," "anticipates," or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include: the overall markets' and individual customers' acceptance and usage of the Company's electronic commerce software systems, the receptiveness of the capital markets to technology-related companies, corporate demand for (and price decreases of) PC products and other office products, changes in manufacturer policies reducing price protection and tightening on returns and other policies, the risks of doing business in foreign countries, and the impact of competitive technology products, competitive pricing pressures and specifically the availability and terms of appropriate working capital and/or other financing, including for elcom, inc., the Company's eBusiness subsidiary, as well as factors and other risks detailed in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 and from time to time in the Company's other reports filed with the SEC. The Company assumes no obligation to update any of the information contained or referenced in this announcement.