MDSI's Meralco Deal Introduces Workforce Management to the Philippines; MDSI to work with Motorola on first system of its kind in the Philippines.

RICHMOND, B.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 23, 1999-- MDSI MOBILE DATA (NASDAQ:MDSIF)(TSE:MMD.)(ME:MMD.) MDSI Mobile Data Solutions Inc. ("MDSI") (Nasdaq:MDSIF)(TSE:MMD)(ME:MMD) announced today that it has entered into an agreement for the implementation of its Advantex(TM)-Utility solution with Manila Electric Company ("Meralco") of the Philippines through Motorola Inc. Motorola will be providing the in-vehicle workstations and the wireless infrastructure. This is the first time that MDSI(TM) has done business in the Philippines and represents the first system of its kind in the region. The total value of the MDSI/Motorola contract is approximately US$7.2 million.

Meralco currently uses a wide area two-way voice radio system, called "SmartZone", to dispatch its emergency crews. The traffic demands on SmartZone have become too great, and additional frequencies are not readily available. Consequently, Meralco wanted to expand and improve the dispatching and management of its mobile emergency crews, while maintaining the value of its current investment. After an exhaustive search by Motorola and Meralco, MDSI's Advantex-Utility solution was selected.

To supplement SmartZone, Advantex will be rolled out to all 289 of Meralco's emergency technicians in its 9,200 sq. km. service area that comprises approximately 3.2 million people. Eventually, Meralco plans to extend the implementation to include its distribution crews. The Advantex system will include Map Based Dispatching, Global Positioning System/Automatic Vehicle Location, an Operations Data Mart, and will be integrated with Meralco's Operations Trouble Management System (OTMS) for full access by technicians to this critical data.

Motorola will be supplying an eight-site Datatac (RD-LAP) 800Mhz network infrastructure and 289 MW520 Mobile Data Terminals, spares and warranty services.

According to Eliasito M. Parungao, Jr., Meralco's Technical Committee Chairman and Head, Central Operations and Maintenance, Telecoms, "Mobile data is an emerging technology in our region. With Motorola's help, we had to find a solution that would best fit our work environment - one that is customizable, easy-to-use, highly intuitive and very reliable. Advantex fit the bill perfectly." Added Mr. Parungao, "MDSI's huge customer base provided outstanding references, and the company has demonstrated a commitment to support us, and our region in general, for the long-term."

Ken Miller, MDSI's CEO, stated, "This contract further demonstrates MDSI's dedication and success in pursuing international markets. Our people and partners search the world for excellent opportunities. In situations like Meralco's where the technology itself is brand new to the region, prospects can gain comfort by talking to almost 100 customers. This track record of successful implementations sets us apart from the competition."

By improving management of the mobile workforce, Advantex-Utility helps electric, gas and water utilities improve and innovate customer service to win more customers and keep them longer. Advantex schedules appointments so service requests are dealt with promptly and customers are guaranteed specific appointment times. The system automatically assigns tasks to the most appropriate field technician, based on skill set or other factors, so that the job gets done right the first time. Advantex automatically distributes the workload, so dispatchers can focus on emergency situations and serve larger workforces and territories. It transmits job status information to the office so dispatchers can monitor progress "at-a-glance" and reprioritize orders. Advantex lets technicians stay informed through interactive messaging with dispatchers and access to critical corporate information systems, like customer records and inventory. Advantex also reports on performance to help senior management make decisions. And it all happens wirelessly, in real-time.

Meralco is the second biggest company by gross revenue in the Philippines, a country of 71.8 million people. Meralco accounted for 22.0 billion kwh or 55.1 percent of the total energy generation of the entire country. Of its total 1997 energy sales of 19.2 B kwh, 32.4 percent were to industrial customers, 34 percent to residential and 32.9 percent to commercial customers. Through strategic alliances and partnerships, Meralco provides power generation, power plant rehabilitation, business process reengineering information technology consultancy, and real estate development. Meralco's 9,328 sq. km. franchise area is equivalent to only three percent of the country's total land area, but the area produces 50 percent of the Philippines' gross domestic product.

About MDSI

MDSI is a global leader in the development and implementation of mobile workforce management and wireless connectivity solutions to companies in the utility, telecommunications, cable, taxi, courier, field service, and public safety industries. MDSI was founded in 1993, and has operations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia. With approximately 100 customers in over 25 countries worldwide, MDSI is the choice of industry leaders such as: AT&T Wireless Services, Belgacom SA, Boston Edison Company, Cablevision Systems Corporation, Cox Communications, DHL Worldwide Express, Illinois Power Company, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Pacific Gas & Electric, Radio Taxis of London, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Tele Danmark.

MDSI and Advantex are trademarks of MDSI Mobile Data Solutions Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This press release contains statements that constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results.