Duraswitch Licensee Tastitalia Plans Major Promotion for electronica 2002.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 29, 2002

Tastitalia S.p.A., an Italy-based Duraswitch (Nasdaq:DSWT) licensee, today announced its plans for a major promotion of Duraswitch's unique technologies at the upcoming "electronica 2002" tradeshow (Hall C1 -- Stand C1.141). electronica 2002, held in Munich, Germany, Nov. 12-15, is the leading international summit for the electronics industry, presenting the largest range of electronic components and application-oriented assemblies anywhere in the world.

The highlight of Tastitalia's promotion is the opportunity for OEMs to convert to Duraswitch technology without incurring tooling costs, thus providing a cost-savings incentive to turn to Duraswitch. This exceptional campaign will last through the end of the first quarter, 2003.

"This show offers us the opportunity to meet with a very targeted audience and demonstrate the benefits of the Duraswitch technology," said Paolo Accattoli, owner and president of Tastitalia. "We are focused on growing the number of applications using Duraswitch, since we believe it to be the very leading technology in the market."

Tastitalia will exhibit various products from Duraswitch's portfolio of innovative technologies including:

-- The thiNcoder(R) 5Bit EZI 2.0: Specifically designed for the white goods market, this thin, rotary switch can function as a five-bit encoder, a two-bit repeating grey code, or a selector switch. Absolute five-bit, 32-position encoding provides a distinct electrical output at each detent position, using only six connections. Further advantages of this cutting-edge engineering solution are: no soldering or through-holes required, and no secondary assembly processes, in addition to customizable detent and stops.

-- The MagnaMouse(TM): A multi-directional or cursor control that allows for cursor movement in a flat-panel design. This technology offers durability and environmental sealing improvements over alternative cursor technologies. This next-generation technology also allows: digital or analog design options, rubber or hard keycap overlays and flat-panel polyester.

-- The High-Impact PushGate(R) construction: A tamper-resistant panel developed specifically for applications that are subject to abuse or vandalism -- such as industrial controls, point-of-sale systems, ATMs, security keypads, and gas-pump kiosks. Main advantages of this new engineering solution are: unbeatable crisp, consistent, tactile feel, removable overlay option and environmentally sealed design.

-- Large Key PushGate(R) construction: A construction that enables tactile feedback in a flat-panel switch up to 5,08 by 7,62 cm in size. Designed for emergency-stop buttons in flat-panel keypads, such as those found on exercise equipment or industrial control panels.

"This campaign of free tooling by Tastitalia is an incentive to new customers to try Duraswitch technology," Accattoli continued. "Once a manufacturer experiences the benefits of this technology, we are confident they will choose Duraswitch for any project they have."

About Tastitalia

Tastitalia has been a leading industrial membrane switch manufacturer in the industry for over 10 years. An ISO-9001 certified company, it brings man and machine together through advanced switch solutions. Visit www.tastitalia.com for more information.

About Duraswitch

Duraswitch licenses, engineers, and markets its patented electronic switch technology to switch manufacturers and OEMs worldwide. Visit www.duraswitch.com or call 480/586-3300 for more information.

About electronica

Top products on 160 000 m2 of floor space, the presence of world market leaders, current trends and innovations: electronica presents the largest range of electronic components and application-oriented assemblies anywhere in the world. It is thus the leading international summit for this industry.