Japanese Customs, Business and Social Protocols Focus of New Interactive Training Tool.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 13, 1999--

Award-Winning Training Software from AcrossFrontiers

International Dedicated to Eliminating Cultural "Faux Pas" for

Business Travelers and Expatriates

AcrossFrontiers International, Inc. (AFI) today introduced the Japan edition of its Global Country Series (GCS) interactive software on CD-ROM, a product series recently named 1999 HR Product of the Year by HR Executive Magazine. GCS: Japan is the world's first interactive, multimedia content product to provide culture and country knowledge for living, traveling and doing business in Japan. Developed for international travelers, business developers, expatriates and their spouses, the training tool bridges the gap between the culture of their home country and Japanese culture and understanding.

As corporations continue to focus on worldwide growth, executives have come to realize that global companies cannot expect to fully accomplish business goals in another country without a solid understanding of that nation's culture and customs, as well as the knowledge of what constitutes an intercultural "faux pas." For example, one company presented their Asian client (all male) with specially made, deep green, baseball caps. This company did not have GCS: Japan, and therefore was unaware that a green hat symbolizes spousal infidelity in some Asian cultures. GCS: Japan helps business travelers avoid these mistakes by explaining and demonstrating in multimedia format how -- and how not -- to conduct business in Japan.

"It is no longer acceptable for a global company to be ignorant of the cultures in which they operate or do business," said Sanjyot P. Dunung, president of AcrossFrontiers. "Cultural insensitivity can lead to loss of new business, difficult mergers and acquisitions, and failed multi-national projects. By imparting culture and country knowledge and skills to international business leaders and travelers, our software product provides an effective and cost-efficient method of training which eases relations with international clients, prospects and employees."

Addressing the needs of both short and long-term in-country stays, more than three hours of narrative examples can be enjoyed in full-screen video lessons, country images and film images of Japan's people and its culture. A comprehensive data and knowledge engine on CD-ROM and through a web-interface includes listings of local schools by audience, housing, medical and handicapped facilities, social and sports clubs, and more.

Japan is the second CD-ROM to be released by AcrossFrontiers, following on the heels of the United Kingdom edition released in March. Nineteen countries are currently in development for 1999. Each country CD is developed by a team of country experts with extensive in-country experience and with advanced degrees in business and the social sciences. Content is edited and reviewed by natives of that country for accuracy. Orders are now being accepted. Updates are available via a web interface and, as technology allows, the rich multi-media content will be web-enabled.

About AcrossFrontiers International, Inc.

Founded in 1998, AcrossFrontiers is a leading multimedia content provider for culture and country knowledge. AcrossFrontier's flagship product, The Global Country Series (GCS), was born and launched in early 1999 to give international travelers and expatriates in-depth knowledge of the culture, customs and facilities of target destinations. AcrossFrontier's first Global Country Series CD-ROM, GCS: UK, was awarded the 1999 HR Executive Product of the Year award in September 1999. The products, currently on CD-ROM with a web interface, provide more than 3 hours of guided interactive, multimedia, computer-based training (CBT). Additional products on CD-ROM and Internet, and for the consumer and children's markets, will be available beginning Fall 1999. AcrossFrontiers is a dynamic, multi-national organization headquartered at 211 E. 43rd Street, Suite 1400, New York, NY 10017, USA, 212-370-4915. For more information, please go to www.acrossfrontiers.com.