Ditek Software Acquires GWN Systems' GIS/Mapping Technology and Development Team.

MANCHESTER, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 23, 1998--

Acquisition Brings Strong R&D Capabilities and 2,000 Customers; Enables Ditek to Deliver Richer Graphic Solutions to Expanding Market

Ditek Software Corp. (CDN:DITK), a leading provider of graphic development solutions, today announced that it has acquired the mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) software development technology assets of GWN Systems Inc. Ditek purchased the technology and development group from Ferguson Simek Clark (FSC), a Yellowknife, NWT, engineering and architectural company. The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Under the terms of the acquisition, GWN's software development staff will be offered employment with Ditek Software and will become part of a new Edmonton-based division of Ditek which will be called GWN Technologies. FSC becomes Ditek's consultant of choice for implementing and marketing integrated Ditek/GWN technology in such markets as China, the Philippines and Costa Rica.

Dr. Joel Orr, president and principal consultant of industry consulting firm Orr Associates International, said, "Acquisition of the GWN Systems technology offers Ditek an opportunity to enter into the fastest-growing part of the computer-aided graphics and design market, namely GIS. GWN's powerful technology, strong customer base and team of experienced programmers will enhance Ditek's ability to achieve its goal of dominating the market for graphics development systems."

Ditek will continue to develop, support and expand GWN's more than 2,000 clients worldwide. GWN's customers include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, City of Atlanta, TransCanada PipeLines, SNC-Lavalin, Fluor Daniel, and Mitsubishi, among others. GWN also has outstanding proposals in excess of $2 million.

"Ditek's corporate focus is on building our market profile by providing a range of graphic solutions for expanding global markets," said Dave Mountain, president of Ditek Software. "Combining GWN's technology with our flagship product, DynaCADD, broadens our opportunity in the market and enables us to deliver complete graphic solutions that go beyond a modular, product-based approach."

GWN's founder, president and CEO, Gus Ribeiro, joins Ditek's management team as Vice President of Technology. Mr. Ribeiro will be responsible for the integration of Ditek's CAD systems with GWN's graphics technology, extending Ditek's technology base with a focus on high-growth GIS applications. Orr Associates International estimates that the GIS market is growing at a rate of approximately 30% per year. The market for applications requiring the combination of GIS and CAD includes the design, construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, airports and harbors; field data capture and inquiry by electricity, gas, water and telecom crews; design and maintenance of network-based facilities; and more.

"We believe the market potential for our integrated technologies is tremendous. We are seeing a lack of solid technology offerings from competing vendors, which gives Ditek an opportunity to gain a significant early lead in this market," said Mr. Ribeiro. "The combination of GWN's GIS technology and Ditek's graphic engine and business model will give our customers a single point of contact for all their graphics solutions." About GWN

Founded in 1986, GWN Systems Inc. is an internationally recognized developer of advanced CAD-based software. As one of the first developers on both AutoCAD and MicroStation, GWN has acquired a vast knowledge of the CAD environment. Its experienced staff of professional engineers, GIS practitioners and computer specialists are responsive to customer requests and provide high-quality A/E/C applications for integrated civil-municipal infrastructure design, mapping, surveying and GIS. GWN lists some of the world's leading engineering, consulting, utilities, government agencies and municipalities among its customers in 45 countries. More information is available at http://www.gwnsys.ca. About Ditek Software

Ditek Software Corp. develops, markets and supports PC-based computer graphics software with a focus on 2D and 3D CADD, rendering and 3D modeling products. Its DynaCADD product suite has earned a reputation for value leadership in the desktop CADD marketplace. Ditek products appeal to value-driven users requiring premium CADD functionality at an affordable price, as well as third-party software developers looking for a powerful and flexible CAD engine on which to develop and market industry-specific applications. Ditek shares are quoted on the Canadian Dealing Network under the symbol DITK. More information is available on Ditek's web site at http://www.ditek.com.

DynaCADD is a registered trademark of Ditek Software Corp. All other company/and/or product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers.