Comverge Technologies Signs Contract with Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.

WHIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 28, 1998--

Advanced Communication Technology

Makes Energy Deregulaiton Work for Small Businesses

Comverge Technologies, a world-wide leader in providing two-way metering and energy data communication solutions has signed a seven year contract with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce to provide a range of services to the Chamber's members. The Chamber will become the first chamber in the country to aggregate electric and gas load to reduce its members' energy bills through a new Energy Savings Program to be introduced later this year.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Chamber will issue a competitive request for proposals to qualified energy service providers for the aggregated supply of electric and gas to Chamber members. Comverge Technologies will provide advanced real-time metering and control products and services. Small businesses will get the benefit of energy deregulation by purchasing as a high volume user. The advanced real-time technology will enable suppliers to have less commodity risk and enable Chamber members to further reduce their bill through demand control.

Fred La Marca, Chairman of the Board of the Staten Island Chamber, states "The Chamber, with its almost 1,000 members, and Comverge, with its cutting edge technology are uniquely suited to benefit from the current deregulation of the utility industry. I am extremely pleased that our agreement with Comverge will allow the Chamber's membership to reap the rewards from this strategic alliance."

The agreement also calls for joint marketing and Comverge will open an office in Staten Island. The program may expand to other aggregated services such as telephone, security, building automation, and other residential services. Larry DeMaria, President and CEO of the Chamber stated "We're one of the oldest Chambers of Commerce in the country. And now we are offering one of the nation's most modern technology programs to our members. It's obvious that Staten Island one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States - will be the perfect proving grounds for Comverge. The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce has always been innovative, but this program brings us to a new, national level."

Comverge Technologies plans to replicate this offering elsewhere as the states deregulate. Frank Magnotti, Comverge's President stated "I am truly excited to be part of this historic agreement. I am highly confident that we can replicate this offering to other chambers, cooperatives, and municipalities nationwide because it provides value to the end customer and at the same time is a win-win for the chamber and Comverge. Having been a part of a family owned business on Staten Island, I know first-hand that if I could have saved substantial dollars off my energy bill I would have gladly signed up as a chamber member and put those savings right to my bottom line."

Comverge Technologies, Inc., a global subsidiary of Data Systems & Software Inc. (NASDAQ/NMM: DSSI) is a provider of end-to end, two-way communication solutions for energy related data, home automation, environmental monitoring and distributed generation monitoring. Its open architecture solutions work with a variety of wide area networks including CDPD, cable TV, telephone, and Personal Communication Services (PCS). Comverge and other affiliates of DSSI have deployed systems in New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, North Carolina, Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, and Israel. U.S. Headquarters are in Whippany, New Jersey and international operations based in Israel.

The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce is located on 130 Bay Street, Staten Island, New York and has approximately 1,000 members currently with a potential of approximately 10,000 businesses. Staten Island is a rapidly growing borough of New York City with a population of about 500,000 people.

Data Systems & Software Inc. is a provider of computer consulting and development services and packaged software products, and is an authorized direct seller and value added reseller of computer hardware. Through Comverge/Powercom, DSSI provides automatic meter reading and related products and services to utility customers. In addition, the Company, through Tower Semiconductor Ltd., manufacturers integrated circuits on silicon wafers using its advanced production capability and the proprietary designs of its customers. For additional information, please visit our Company website at www.dssiinc.com.

    CONTACT: COMVERGE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
              Frank Magnotti, President of U.S. Division
              [phone]; [phone] Fax
              e-mail: [e-mail]
              or
              STATEN ISLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
              Larry DeMaria, President and CEO
              [phone]; [phone] Fax
              or
              WOLFE AXELROD ASSOCIATES
              Stephen D. Axelrod, CFA
              Susan T. Bolen (Media)
              [phone]; [phone] (Fax)
              e-mail:[e-mail]