DCSS's Internet Product Catalog Brings Construction Information Source Online; CMD Group to Lead the Industry to the Web.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 27, 2000

Digital Consulting & Software Services Inc. (DCSS), a national consulting firm specializing in Internet and client-server solutions, has licensed its Internet-based Product Catalog software to CMD Group in Atlanta for use in its First Source Exchange project. CMD Group, a leading provider of information for the commercial construction industry, has created First Source Exchange to aggregate over 90,000 building products in one online resource.

"DCSS has created an e-commerce exchange that is the first of its kind," said Mark Everding, Executive VP of Internet Solutions for DCSS. "The DCSS Product Catalog provides CMD Group a flexible, dynamic, scalable and secure Web-based software package that can store and manage all published characteristics of multiple manufacturers' products."

First Source Exchange allows for the aggregation of product data from numerous markets, enabling trading partners in the supply chain to synchronize and maintain accurate product data in an e-marketplace where supply is driven by point of use data. The exchange is necessary for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) users because it facilitates the exchange with a common language in terms, part numbers and directions. This software is specifically customized for users, depending on their security level and the industry partner Web site from which they enter First Source Exchange. First Source Exchange facilitates product data information integrity and reduces the need for multiple translation interfaces.

The new multi-function Internet platform benefits both CMD Group and members by:

-- Monitoring and logging users' activities and transactions

-- Analyzing trends and requirements through its relational database

-- Allowing manufacturers to avoid the headaches of maintaining different
e-catalog formats and communication links with thousands of business partners
and individual customers

-- Allowing for quicker updates to information and specifications at one
central site

-- Creating the industry's largest online resource for product and
manufacturers' information

This deployment of First Source Exchange, using DCSS's Product Catalog will position CMD Group as a leader in delivering Web-based product information for the construction market.

"DCSS was able to deliver a proven solution fulfilling all our requirements in our crucial time frame," said Durwood Snead, Group VP of Products for CMD Group. "And their experience of having worked with many B2B customers has given them a distinct advantage in delivering the functionality necessary to make this project a success."

About CMD Group

CMD Group, a division of Cahners Business Information, is North America's total construction information solutions provider for the construction industry and a leading worldwide provider of proprietary construction information. NORTH AMERICA: Architects' First Source, product selection and specification information in print and on the Internet; Construction Market Data (CMD), construction project information, sales leads; Manufacturers' Survey Associates (MSA), estimating and quantity survey data.; R.S. Means, construction cost data; CMD Canada, project and product information and BIMSA/Mexico, the projects and cost information for Mexico. EUROPE: Byggfakta Scandinavia, construction market data for Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway and Sweden. AUSTRALIA: Cordell Building Information Services, construction activity and cost information in Australia.

For further information, please visit our Web site at www.cmdg.com or call 800/793-0304.

About DCSS

DCSS is a national full-service e-consulting firm and technology strategist, specializing in Internet and client-server solutions for Fortune 500 companies. DCSS creates innovative digital solutions for e-business initiatives. Rated one of the top woman-owned businesses by Working Woman magazine in 1999 and 2000, and one of the fastest growing companies in America by Inc. magazine in 1996, the firm is based in Houston with offices in Atlanta, St. Louis and New Orleans. For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.dcss.com.