IDG's Network World to Sponsor ASP 'Dating Game' Session at ASPWorld Conference in San Jose; Humorous TV-Style Format to Highlight Critical Issues in Selecting Application Service Provider.

Business/Technology Editors

ASPWorld 2000

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 2, 2000

John Gallant, Executive Vice President and Editorial Director of Network World, will play high-tech matchmaker on Wednesday, October 4th from 1:00 to 2:15 p.m., as he hosts "The ASP Dating Game" feature presentation at the ASPWorld Conference & Expo at the San Jose Convention Center. Abandoning the traditional trade show format of a laptop-driven multimedia presentation, Gallant will run a humorous and lively session based on the 1960s television show The Dating Game. In this 21st century version of the show, one of three "very eligible" application service providers will be matched with a prospective ASP customer.

"People learn best when they are having fun, and we think this Dating Game format - complete with some of 60s decor and booby prizes - will keep people engaged as we uncover the key issues in choosing an application service provider," said Gallant. "Our potential ASP buyer, who won't know the identities of our ASP suitors, will grill the contestants to find out which one can best meet the buyer's specific application needs and service levels. This customer will ask questions that are applicable to all customers such as pricing, management, scalability, global reach, service and support and other key things all customers need to know about. The fact that we will be matching up a real customer with an ASP, resulting in a possible business deal, will mean that the ASP participants are especially well-prepared and forthcoming."

The ASP contestants in the ASP Dating Game will be Kirk Krappe, Senior Vice President, Products & Markets, Corio; Michael Graul, Senior Vice President of ASP Product Line Management, Infinium; and David Vande Casteele, Acting Vice President of Corporate Marketing, Qwest Cyber Solutions. The end-user panelist will be Troy Tate, Corporate Network Manager at CTS Corp.

About ASP World

ASPWorld Conference & Expo (www.aspworldexpo.com) is the premier event to help corporate end-users make informed decisions about ASP services and products. ASPWorld is backed by the leading IT media organizations, trade groups, and market leaders in the ASP industry. The flagship sponsor is Network World Magazine. ASPWorld Conference & Expo is part of the IDG World Expo family.

About Network World

Network World, Inc., the Leader in Network Knowledge, empowers Network Leaders and enables e-business through education, information and community. Network World is the leading provider of news, analysis, reviews, events and education on information technology. Network World publishes the leading newsweekly, NetworkWorld, hosts the most active online community, Network World Fusion (http://www.nwfusion.com), and produces educational seminars and events worldwide.

About International Data Group

Network World, Inc. is a division of IDG, the world's leading IT media, research and exposition company. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers and 4,000 book titles and offers online users the largest network of technology-specific sites around the world through IDG.net (http://www.idg.net), which comprises more than 270 targeted Web sites in 70 countries. IDG is also a leading producer of 168 computer-related expositions worldwide, and provides IT market analysis through 50 offices in 43 countries worldwide. Company information is available at http://www.idg.com.