Cobalt Networks Introduces True Blue Partner Program for Resellers and Internet Service Providers; The Industry's First Three-Tiered Partner Program.

DANA POINT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 1999--Cobalt Networks, Inc., the leader in network server appliances, today announced the Cobalt True Blue Partner Program. Cobalt's partner program is designed to meet the needs of both the reseller and Internet Service Provider. As the industry's most comprehensive three-tiered partner program, True Blue enables channel and Internet Service Provider (ISP) partners to promote and sell Cobalt's simple and scalable network solutions to the business, education and ISP markets.

"Cobalt is changing the role of ISPs in today's market," said Patrick J. Conte, vice president of sales and marketing of Cobalt Networks. "Similar to our resellers, the ISP is not only a satisfied Cobalt customer, but also a channel partner. Cobalt enables ISPs to maximize their profits to fund new services required to remain competitive."

Key Features and Benefits

A complementary program for channel partners, True Blue provides resellers and ISPs the tools they need to succeed in a competitive marketplace including Cobalt Exchange, Knowledge Base and ImagePaQ. Cobalt offers partners customized marketing programs and sales materials, promotional programs, turn-key marketing tools, sales training, priority technical support, and special pricing options.

Develop New Business Relationships

True Blue Exchange is an online forum developed to encourage Cobalt partners to establish new business relationships, consult and advise one another on projects, and share and leverage expertise with other Cobalt partners.

Web-Based Training and Support

Cobalt's Knowledge Base provides first-level online support information to partners and customers. Support KnowledgeBase uses a Web front end, SQL database engine, and keyword search to offer immediate access to the latest support information. The program also provides access to the developer mailing lists, technical development notes, white papers, and frequently asked questions. Cobalt's True Blue Partners receive priority technical information and updates via Knowledge Base, e-mail and phone.

Marketing and Sales Materials

Cobalt has designed professional templates to enhance budget, marketing and sales efforts for channel partners. Cobalt Image PaQ includes interchangeable marketing and sales templates for developing customized marketing materials. Customizable ads, mailers and solution stories are all included in ImagePaQ, which is available to Cobalt Partners.

Other True Blue Partner Benefits

-- Cross marketing via enrollment in the Cobalt True Blue

Solution Exchange

-- Customized competitive guides and data sheets with Partner

logos

-- A Cobalt Networks banner for use at trade shows or other

events

-- Participation in sales promotions

-- Discount pricing on custom designed telesales and direct

mail packages

"Resellers and ISPs are a key component to the success of the network appliance industry. Our goal is to provide them with a partnership program filled with useful, valuable services that help them maintain their competitive edge in the marketplace," said Conte. "True Blue accomplishes this by tailoring our programs to their specific needs."

About Cobalt Networks, Inc.

Cobalt Networks, Inc. is a leading developer of server appliances that extend the reach of the Internet by setting new standards for value, integration, and ease of use. Cobalt's award winning product line - the Cobalt Qube, Cobalt Cache, Cobalt RaQ, and Cobalt NASRaQ are widely deployed as Internet and Web hosting server appliances at businesses, educational institutions and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Cobalt's solutions are delivered through a global network of distributors, value-added resellers and ISPs. Founded in 1996, Cobalt Networks, Inc. (http://www.cobaltnet.com) is located in the heart of Silicon Valley at Mountain View, California, USA with international offices in Japan, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Germany.

Cobalt Networks, Cobalt Qube, and RaQ are trademarks of Cobalt Networks, Inc. All other product names are trademarks of their respective owners.