Cox Business Services and ProTier Form Strategic Alliance.

Business Editors & Technology Writers

NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 27, 2001

ProTier Corporation, a leading Application Service Provider (ASP), announced a strategic alliance today with Cox Business Services, a division of Cox Communications, Inc. (NYSE:COX) that provides integrated telecommunication services such as voice, video and data to businesses throughout Louisiana. As a 100-year old company with annual revenues totaling nearly $5 billion, Cox Communications is among the largest broadband communications companies in the nation, serving more than 3.8 million customers.

ProTier, a premier provider of software hosting solutions, developed a state-of-the-art data center design that minimizes downtime and allows for unlimited scalability. Its leading edge hardware components and software applications allow ProTier to provide software companies with world class hosting solutions. As a result of the growing demand for Hosted Infrastructure Solutions and Extended Managed Services(TM) offered by ProTier, it was necessary for ProTier to expand and upgrade its data center facilities.

Through a collocated facility, Cox will provide enhanced security, redundancy and connectivity to support hosted solutions offered by ProTier. Specifically, the facility will offer

-- An FM 200 fire suppression system that is environmentally acceptable and
safe to use with sensitive equipment

-- 24/7/365 monitored building access

-- UPS protection

-- A diesel generator with more than 72 hours of continuous power in the event
of power outages

-- Remote access

-- 6 Megabit connectivity to the Internet

According to Olin Kropog, Vice President and General Manager with Cox Business Services, "Cox is pleased to form an alliance with ProTier to support their infrastructure needs. Developing a relationship with ProTier, one of our largest data center clients, has enabled Cox and ProTier to offer software companies one of the highest-capacity and most reliable broadband delivery networks in the region."

"Data center design and reliability are key components of our hosted offering. We partnered with Cox because of its premiere connectivity and stable position in the market. Through a collocated facility with Cox, ProTier's customers never have to worry about the reliability or security of their data," says Jimmy Roussel, CEO of ProTier. "Cox is a highly regarded company, and we are very excited to form this alliance."

About ProTier

ProTier is the leading Application Service Provider (ASP) enabling software companies to deploy their applications in a hosted model without losing control of their brand or their clients. Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and software consultants in a variety of industries partner with ProTier to provide a white-labeled hosting solution to enterprise-class end users. This ASP model eliminates the need for software companies to develop and manage an integrated technology infrastructure. Through a simple monthly subscription, companies leverage ProTier's state-of-the-art data center to efficiently deploy applications to multi-site locations. ProTier's unmatched expertise enables software companies to reduce their time-to-market and establish a sustainable competitive advantage without significant cost. For additional information on ProTier, visit www.protier.com.

About Cox Business Services and Cox Communications, Inc.

Cox Business Services, a division of Cox Communications, Inc., began in 1992 under the name Cox Fibernet providing alternate access telephone services between long distance carriers and large business users. Expanding on the early success of Cox Fibernet, Cox Business Services was formed in 1997, and offers a wide array of communications services to businesses of all types and sizes in locations across the nation. With the proven strength of Cox Communications as a parent company, Cox Business Services is driven by several powerful advantages: superior technology, facilities-based network, a solid financial position, locally-based engineering, service delivery, sales, marketing, telephony operations, and customer service. Cox's state-of-the-art, fiber-optic based broadband network delivers a comprehensive range of advanced communications services, including high-speed Internet access, local and long distance telephone, digital cable television, and advanced voice and data transport solutions.

Cox Communications, Inc. serves approximately 6 million customers nationwide, making it the nation's fifth largest cable television company. A full-service provider of telecommunications products, Cox offers an array of services, including cable television under the Cox Cable brand; local and long-distance telephone services under the Cox Digital Telephone brand; high-speed Internet access under the brands Cox@Home, Road Runner and Cox Express; advanced digital video programming services under the Cox Digital Cable brand; and commercial voice and data services via Cox Business Services. Cox is an investor in telecommunications companies including Sprint PCS and Excite@Home, as well as programming networks including Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, Outdoor Life and Speedvision. More information about Cox Communications can be accessed on the Internet at www.cox.com.