OPEI Committee Recommends ARI Software for Outdoor Power Industry; OPEI's Advice Underscores ARI's Lead Position in Outdoor Power E-Commerce.

MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 1999--

ARI Network Services, Inc. (NASDAQ/NMS:ARIS), a leading provider of Internet e-commerce services for manufacturers with shared service and distribution networks announced that the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) EDI Committee has recommended the use of ARI's TradeRoute(TM) dealer communications software for use by dealers, manufacturers and distributors in the Outdoor Power Equipment Industry.

The OPEI EDI Committee includes representatives from the Outdoor Power Equipment Distributors Association, North American Equipment Dealers Association, the Engine Service Association and dealers, distributors, manufacturers and business system vendors.

Roger Cadaret, Electronic Commerce consultant to OPEI, indicated that the committee was charged with identifying the requirements that ensure dealers need only one system for EDI. "We have recommended ARI as a provider of software and services for EDI communications in the Outdoor Power Equipment Industry. ARI is already well-established in outdoor power with a proven track record," Cadaret said. "Our recommendation is based on four criteria. First, dealers must be assured that a single system will meet all of their EDI communication needs. TradeRoute will allow outdoor power dealers to communicate with suppliers using EDI - regardless of whether those suppliers are ARI customers. Second, the system must comply with OPEI standards for EDI. Not only can TradeRoute support the OPEI data formats, but ARI has been very active with the committee in developing the OPEI standards. Third, the system must connect with other software on the dealer's computer. ARI's TradeRoute software can be integrated with business management systems through its COMPASS Partners program. Fourth, the system must support both Internet and Value-Added Network communications. Although ARI's primary focus is on the Internet, they also provide VAN services and have done so for many years."

"We are delighted with the OPEI EDI committee's recommendation of ARI for dealer communications in the outdoor power industry," said Brian E. Dearing, ARI's chairman and CEO. "We are committed to providing the industry with a common e-commerce system that links manufacturers, distributors and dealers and gives all parties the opportunity to gain true cost effectiveness and operating efficiencies."

ARI Network Services, Inc. provides Internet e-commerce services for manufacturers with shared service and distribution. ARI currently serves the manufactured equipment, agribusiness, freight transportation and newspaper publishing industries. The Company's communications systems provide an electronic pathway for sales reports, product ordering, warranty registrations and other transactions between manufacturers and their networks of sales and service points. ARI also builds and manages electronic commerce databases, including electronic parts catalogs and industry-common directories of products, companies and locations.