MetaStock Developer's Kit Provides Developers with a Powerful Resource.

Business Editors

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 6, 2000

Helping investment software developers integrate custom solutions

with MetaStock, the premier charting and visual analysis software

The MetaStock Developer's Kit (MDK) allows traders with programming experience to build literally any indicator they can imagine, then integrate it into MetaStock.

MDK is designed to work with MetaStock 7.0 and later versions. It features the advantages of vital technical features, the benefits of marketing assistance for qualified products, and more. It's a single-stop resource for investment software developers.

"The MetaStock Developer's Kit is like nothing we have ever offered in the history of Equis. We are travelling down a new avenue, allowing developers to easily interface their products with MetaStock, which in turn allows us to offer even more solutions to meet the customers' needs," said Allan McNichol, chief executive officer of Equis International Inc., the makers of MetaStock.

The Developer's Kit Includes

MDK contains several tools designed to give developers the ability to read and write MetaStock data, capture data from the Equis Data Server, add icons and/or menu items, create self-extracting zip files, create powerful formulas, and become a real-time data provider for MetaStock. Some of the key features of MDK are the MetaStock File Library, MetaStock External Functions, The Enhanced Formula Organizer, and others listed below.

MDK's Key Features

-- The MetaStock File Library (MSFL) allows experienced programmers and third-party developers to create their own applications that directly access MetaStock price data. The MSFL application program interface (API) comes with a small number of easy-to-use functions. With MSFL you can read both securities and price data. The MSFL provided with the Developer's Kit, is the same MSFL used by Equis programmers to make data accessible in MetaStock and The DownLoader. This provides a standard interface for both Equis and third-party developers. The MSFL is intended for use by experienced programmers familiar with security price data.

-- MetaStock External Functions (MSX) allow software developers to add externally defined functions to the MetaStock formula language, effectively removing limits from what can be accomplished with the formula language and the power tools that use it (The Explorer(TM), The Expert Advisor(TM), the System Tester, and the Indicator Builder). Experienced developers can take advantage of this capability and use any programming language capable of creating Win32 DLLs to create add-ons for MetaStock that will integrate seamlessly through the formula language. When doing this, developers will likely also want to use the Enhanced Formula Organizer feature described below. This feature is available in MetaStock 7.0 and later.

-- The Enhanced Formula Organizer makes it easier for developers to create and distribute add-on products for MetaStock. A developer can use it to export formulas created for use with MSX and any MetaStock templates that use those formulas for distribution to MetaStock users. The export process includes options for password protection and copyright. Using this process, a developer can create a single self-extracting installation file. When the user executes this file, it will install all the MetaStock Power Tools and MSX DLLs to their appropriate locations, so that they're ready to work with MetaStock.

-- Toolbar and Menu Customization lets developers add custom items to the MetaStock Custom Toolbar, as well as the Tools and Help menus. The icons and menu items can pass price data symbols through URLs, launch outside applications, MetaStock templates and layouts, customized MetaStock tools, other documents, and Web sites. Developers can also create their own setups to automate these changes to the MetaStock menus and toolbars, or even to launch the self-extracting file they create with the Formula Organizer feature described above.

-- The new Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) server makes it easy for developers to access real-time data. Whether using an existing DDE client, such as Microsoft Excel, or using a custom DDE client, real-time data can be retrieved in a continuously updated stream. Developers can create custom quote screens, alert mechanisms, or any other custom applications that require real-time price data.

The MetaStock DDE server is included with every version of MetaStock Professional 7.0 and higher. With MDK, developers get complete documentation and programming suggestions for using the DDE server.

-- Users of MDK will receive information on the Real Time Vendor Interface Instruction (RTVI), the "translator" between MetaStock Professional and whatever data vendor it is using. An application for a RTVI license is also included. This will be especially useful for developers outside North America looking to create RTVIs for data on non-North American markets.

MDK Versions

Two versions of MDK have been developed to suit different needs. The difference between the two is in the MetaStock File Library (MSFL).

The read-only version of MDK includes the read-only MSFL and provides everything a developer needs to read MetaStock security and price data from MetaStock data files. This version is available for purchase with no qualification process.

The write version of MDK includes the write version of MSFL, with which a developer can create new MetaStock folders, as well as read, write, add, delete, modify, adjust, merge, and sort MetaStock price data and securities. This version is available only to developers who meet Equis' standards through an application process.

The write version also allows developers to read, modify, add, delete, copy, and sort MetaStock securities.

Documentation & Support

MDK includes an instruction manual written by programmers for programmers. Limited technical support will be available via e-mail through Equis International Inc.

Solution Provider Opportunity

In the near future, Equis will launch the MetaStock Solution Provider program. The program will be designed to stimulate third-party development of products that enhance MetaStock's functionality and provide solutions for Equis customers. Users of the MDK who create these solutions may apply to become MetaStock Solution Providers.

Those applicants whose solutions meet Equis' standards will become MetaStock Solution Providers. The benefits will include marketing promotions from Equis, free Equis software upgrades, money for referring MetaStock customers, technical support, and more.

Pricing & Availability

The MetaStock Developer's Kit is available only through Equis International Inc. Pricing starts at $199 for the read-only version of MDK (which includes the read-only MSFL). Call 800/882-3040 or visit our web site at www.equis.com for details.

About Equis International Inc.

Equis International Inc., develops and markets MetaStock, award-winning investment analysis software for individual investors, traders, stockbrokers, money managers, and professional analysts.

The MetaStock Family includes MetaStock Professional 7.0 for eSignal (Nasdaq: DBCC), BMI (Broadcast), and other DBC feeds, MetaStock Professional 6.52 for Reuters Terminal, MetaStock 6.52 for Windows 95 & NT (and higher), MetaStock Online at http://www.equis.com/online, and MetaStock for Windows CE.

Equis, based in Salt Lake City was founded in 1982. In 1996, Equis was acquired by Reuters (NASDAQ:RTRSY), the world's premier news and financial information company. Additional information about Equis and MetaStock can be found online at http://www.equis.com.

MetaStock is a registered trademark and the DownLoader, MSX, MSFL, The Expert Advisor, and The Explorer are trademarks of Equis International Inc. All other product and service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

For evaluation copies, case studies, and other media helps, contact: Catherine Glenn, Equis International Inc., 801/270-3130 FAX: [phone], [e-mail]