Computerworld: Dot-Coms Living On the Edge; Skimpy Back-up, Staff Shortages, Technical Glitches Plague Frazzled IT Workers at Cash-Strapped Dot-Coms.

Business & Technology Editors

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 14, 2000

As more and more dot-coms fall on hard times, insiders and ex-employees say the IT groups at those firms are frazzled -- running short on cash, time and skilled staff, according to an upcoming report from Computerworld. Millions are spent on advertising instead of operations. The hours are long, but the time to make information technology decisions is short. The chaos leads to mistakes. And staff shortages only get worse when IT employees leave as financial trouble arrives.

For example, Drkoop.com, the money-losing health information Web site, has seen IT people quit because of the company's financial problems -- which also make it hard to recruit newcomers. And Pets.com, an online pet store hit by several outages, recently told the SEC that it lacks such IT basics as redundant systems and a formal disaster-recovery plan.

According to Computerworld, which will publish a report on this topic Monday, July 17, 2000, the risk facing these dot-coms is much more than theoretical. Many web sites go down for hours leaving customers unable to access the site or place orders. This type of intensity can wear down even the most seasoned and enthusiastic IT professionals.

Mitch Betts, Washington Bureau Chief of Computerworld, is available for interviews about the report's findings and related information on this topic, such as:

- The reality inside the fast-paced work life at a dot-com

- Risks of this situation for business, employees and consumers

- Related SEC document findings - Potential backup and data recovery solutions - Problems with IT "Rookies" and staff shortages

Please contact Michelle Kushins, BSMG Worldwide, at 212-445-8157 ([e-mail]) for further information or to arrange an interview with Mitch Betts.