Cross-Platform Data Roadshows Break New Ground with Interoperable Solutions for Oracle and SQL Server Environments; First ``How-To'' on Maximizing Performance Using Two Distinct Platforms.

LOVELAND, Colo. -- Continuing their successful roadshow concept, Penton Media's (OTCBB: PTON) Windows IT Media is breaking new conceptual ground with "Managing Your Cross-Platform Data: Solutions for Oracle and SQL Server Environments." The full-day event, to be held in 12 different U.S. cities, focuses on the benefits that come from the combined use of Oracle and SQL Server platforms.

"This show will provide real-world information for database professionals who work in a cross-platform environment, which is common in most organizations' IT departments," said Michele Crockett, director of custom media for Windows IT Media. "We'll focus on familiar interoperability scenarios, such as data distributed between Oracle and SQL Server databases, and we'll demonstrate proven solutions for managing all data in one place through technologies such as replication and distributed queries. We'll also demonstrate how best-of-class tools, such as SQL Server's BI functionality, can be used on the Oracle database platform."

Content will consist of technical presentations about 64-bit computing on the Windows platform, high-availability computing in a cross-platform environment, examination of the Oracle and SQL Server architectures and using SQL Server 2005 business intelligence tools with Oracle. In addition, Windows IT Media will present original research that provides insight into the cross-platform database job market and how database professionals can maximize their skills. The day will end with a question-and-answer session led by speakers from Scalability Experts, Solid Quality Learning, Intel, and Microsoft.

"We're excited about the rounded sponsorship of the show," said Crockett. "All the big players are cooperating in bringing these exciting solutions to the Oracle and SQL Server IT communities." Microsoft, HP and Intel are sponsors of the roadshow, and Oracle user groups are promoting the shows to their members. Oracle Magazine will be a national media sponsor of the show.

The roadshow series kicks-off September 7 in Washington, DC, and will visit Boston, Columbus, Chicago, St. Louis, Houston, Irvine, San Francisco, Phoenix, New York, Atlanta, and will end in Seattle October 24.

Attendees will receive a CD with session slides, lab coursework and sponsor offerings; breakfast, snacks and lunch; and a one-year subscription to Windows IT Pro Magazine. The cost is $99.00 to attend. For more information, or to register for the Roadshow, go to: http://www.windowsitpro.com/roadshows/sqloracle/.

About Windows IT Media

Penton's Windows IT Media, the largest independent Windows IT community in the world, includes flagship print publication Windows IT Pro, three monthly paid subscription print newsletters, 12 direct-request email newsletters, and a Web site resource for more than 2.5 million IT professionals each month. First published in 1995, Windows IT Pro is the editorial leader in its field and has a paid subscription base of 105,000. The magazine is published in 13 languages and has an international reach into 160 countries. Windows IT Pro UPDATE, the Group's flagship email newsletter, is the only e-newsletter to make BtoB Magazine's Media Power 50 list.

The Group also includes SQL Server Magazine, with 30,000 paid subscribers and two email newsletters sent to more than 130,000 opt-in subscribers. The two publications' Web sites generate more than nine million page impressions. Their email newsletters have more than one million opt-in subscribers. Windows IT Media is the world's leading producer of custom roadshows, paid conferences and paid workshops for Windows and SQL Server IT professionals. For more information visit: www.windowsitpro.com/pressroom and www.windowsitpro.com/roadshows/sqloracle/ .