Dell To Incorporate Spire's Embedded Computer-Based Learning Into its Consumer and Small Business PCs.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 1999--

Spire's i-LEARN Software To Help Dell Customers

Easily Set up PCs and Learn Essential

Computing Skills

Spire, Inc., the leading developer of interactive Embedded Computer-Based Learning (ECBL) content, today announced that Dell Computer Corporation, the world's leading direct computer systems company, will incorporate Spire's i-Learn software into its Dimension(R) desktop, Inspiron(R) notebook, and new WebPC(TM) consumer and small business computer product lines. By embedding Spire's i-Learn courses into its computers, Dell is helping reinvent the way people learn to use their computers. i-Learn My Dell PC and i-Learn My WebPC - provides customers access to on-demand, interactive instructions on initial set-up, the operating system, technical support topics, and software applications - with just the click of a mouse.

"Dell's collaboration with Spire is directly tied to our commitment of sharing the latest technology with our customers, and helping them understand the best ways to use it," said Klee Kleber, director of marketing and new business development for Dell's home systems group. "Through i-Learn My Dell PC, we are helping our customers get the most out of their Dell PC's."

When Dell customers turn on their new PCs and click on the "Hot Button" icon on their desktop, they are greeted by Dudley, an animated character - also found on Dell's popular "Ask Dudley" Web site. Dudley walks customers through the initial set-up and provides guidance on the most common questions new customers typically ask in the first 30 days of computer ownership, such as finding the computer's product identification number and setting the computer's internal clock.

In addition to helping new computer users with installation and registration, Dudley can even help skilled users learn more about Windows 98 and other essential software and hardware topics. Spire's i-Learn educational courses use a proven, three-step learning process: Meet-It, Learn-It, Try-It. Using this method, Dudley first gives his students an overview of a skill - such as using a Windows shortcut. He then teaches the new skill using a step-by-step process. Finally, he lets users try out their new skills via an interactive emulation of the application.

"Spire has found that 80 percent of personal computer owners use less than 20 percent of their computer's capabilities," said John Cox, CEO of Spire. "Our goal is two-fold: We want to help end-users unlock the power of their PCs with Spire's easy-to-use, on-demand educational content - which is embedded as a standard feature within their computers. At the same time we want to help our computer manufacturing partners to answer their customer questions up front and thus reduce the number of calls made to their technical service centers. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

About Spire Inc.

Norcross, Ga.-based Spire Inc. has established itself as the expert in Embedded Computer-Based Learning (ECBL) programs that support self-paced, interactive instruction of Microsoft Windows operating systems and Windows-based software applications. Defining this new industry segment, Spire Inc. serves as an innovative designer and developer of ECBL for major PC manufacturers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and software companies. Spire Inc.'s revolutionary approach to the delivery of ECBL courses 1) increases the effective use of PCs, the Internet, and software and 2) decreases the cost of training and supporting end users. By embedding educational content in the host technology product, Spire's customers can provide end-users access to on-demand learning and support that is just a mouse click away. For more information, see Spire on the web at www.spire-inc.com or call 770-559-3575.