DPEC Calls On The United States Congress To Support Tax Credits For Web-Based IT Training.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 8, 1999--

Executives From The Web-Based Training IT Leader Meets With

Senators DeWine and Voinovich and Representative Pryce of Ohio

DPEC, the number-one Web-based training provider of self-paced, real-time, interactive IT courseware, is calling today on members of the US Congress in order to build support for information technology (IT) training tax credit bills HR 838 and S456. The bills seek to provide tax credits to companies that provide Web-based IT training for their employees. As the Web-based IT training industry leader, DPEC executives are in Washington, D.C. seeking support from Senators DeWine and Voinovich and Representative Pryce of Ohio.

With an estimated shortage of over 350,000 IT workers in the United States, this bill will play a crucial role in creating an opportunity for legislators to provide the necessary funding to stimulate IT job creation. The bill will offer 20-25% tax credits or up to $6,000 per person to ensure that those who will benefit the most from a highly skilled workforce are allowed a position to identify needed skills and to implement IT training programs.

"It is critical for the United States to invest in the industries that will fuel growth in the economy and new jobs for its citizens," said Carol Clark, president and CEO of DPEC, Inc. "We are calling on our representatives in the US Congress to support bills that will provide added incentives for businesses to offer and take IT training, in the form of tax credits. By passing HR 838 and S456 the US stands to gain immeasurable benefits and maintain its position as the world's leading technology producer."

"Today, 2.5 million Americans work directly in the high-technology industry. American firms dominate information technology markets worldwide. To keep pace with demand, each year for the next ten years, we must recruit and train an additional 130,000 computer scientists, engineers and systems analysts. I welcome DPEC, a leading Web-based training provider in Columbus, Oh, to the growing number of companies and associations to enact S. 456" said Senator Kent Conrad.

DPEC offers the most efficient, valuable, and easy-to-use Web-based IT, desktop, and professional development training courses available. Because they are self-paced, interactive, presented in real-time and many are Microsoft Certified Professional Approved Study Guides and Microsoft Office User Specialist courses - students learn by doing, using high-quality courseware to provide the training needed just in time, anywhere, at any time. DPEC offers 300+ popular courses with topics including Java, HTML, the Internet, Microsoft Office, C++, Quicken, Paint Shop Pro, A+ and many others.

Key Benefits of HR 838 and S456

-- Simplicity: A tax credit approach avoids the inherent difficulty of implementing training incentives through alternative means (i.e. scholarships). Expenditures on individual courses, programs, certification exams, educational software and supplies used to achieve recognized industry certifications/degrees will be eligible under the tax credits, as well as public and private schooling.

-- Cost Effectiveness: The credit will be self-liquidating, generating substantial state tax revenues as new jobs are created.

-- Consistency: All states will have a common base for comparison of state technology training incentives. Students will not go to other states to seek better incentives, state governments will not face pressure to bid up their IT incentives to keep up with other states and businesses expanding or building new facilities will find consistent factors in selecting a new site.

About DPEC

Founded in 1981, DPEC Inc., is the number-one Web-based training provider of self-paced, real-time IT courseware. The company was the first to offer interactive IT courses designed for Web browsers and is the only vendor offering all of its courses for use over the Internet and Intranets. A pioneer in partnering with Internet service providers, DPEC boasts the largest base of exclusive ISP affiliates - over 900 worldwide. DPEC's courses are used for ongoing IT and Web training and just-in-time reference by consumers and businesses ranging in size from startups to multi-national corporations, including over 1000 of the Fortune 2000. DPEC is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. For more information visit the DPEC Web site at www.dpec.com.

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