Palm Computing is First Wireless Platform for AlphaServ.com's Network Query Language; AlphaServ.com's Internet Division Joins Palm Computing's Solution Provider Program.

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 20, 2000

The AlphaCONNECT(R) Internet division of AlphaServ.com(TM) (Nasdaq:ALMI), which soon will be marketing its technologies under the NQL Solutions name, has developed a new capability for its soon-to-be-released Network Query Language(TM) (NQL) that leverages the mobility of the Palm VII(R) by Palm Computing(R), a 3Com company (Nasdaq:COMS).

Programmers using the language will be able to create and deploy intelligent agent-based applications from a Palm VII mobile computing device. These agents could perform various tasks such as retrieving information from Web sites, completing forms, performing transactions or virtually anything that could be done over the Internet and on corporate networks by a human user.

The company has joined the Palm(TM) Solution Provider Program and is planning further NQL development on the Palm Computing platform.

&uot;We are excited by the realm of opportunities that opens up for us through this new NQL function,&uot; said Douglas J. Tullio, AlphaServ.com chairman, chief executive officer and president.

&uot;Integrating wireless technologies into NQL's total solution is important from the standpoint of making our technologies more accessible to larger markets. This function further increases NQL's value to prospective customers and programmers through the versatility and flexibility of wireless programming.&uot;

By combining technology from Palm Computing with NQL, users can access and control a server-based version of NQL with the Palm VII, without additional software running on the handheld device. NQL users subsequently can program NQL functions anywhere within the Palm Computing network just as they would if they were working directly on the server.

The capability will be included in the first version of NQL available to the public, expected to be released the first part of this year.

In line with the popularity of the Palm Computing platform, AlphaServ.com is investigating greater NQL development functionality with the Palm operating system. The company has also joined the Palm Solution Provider Program, which gives its members access to web resources, development information and tools, marketing information and opportunities related to the Palm Computing platform.

&uot;The importance of our participation in this program is the value we will garner from Palm's technical and marketing support, tools and resources,&uot; said Denny Michael, AlphaServ.com vice president of marketing.

&uot;Since Palm accounts for more than 75 percent share of the worldwide handheld device market, our development in this area is essential for the advancement of NQL and its future market acceptance.&uot;

NQL is a scripting programming language that is designed to streamline the development of intelligent agents, bots and web applications. Currently, the NQL developer package is in a pre-release stage and the company plans on introducing the full release version with pricing information by early this year.

Agents in general are software robots, which can perform repetitive computing tasks for individual users and corporations, subsequently freeing users' time to focus on more meaningful, productive activities. NQL-produced agents are often used to filter and personalize the tremendous amounts of information available today, especially over the Internet.

About AlphaCONNECT/NQL Solutions

The AlphaCONNECT division of AlphaServ.com, which will be marketing its technologies under the NQL Solutions name, is the premier provider of intelligent agent technologies to the global marketplace.

This division develops and deploys enabling software technologies based on its Network Query Language to partner systems integrators that create information solutions for today's e-businesses, as well as to organizations developing software applications and Internet services. For more information, visit www.NQLSolutions.com or call 888/785-3370.

Certain statements in this press release, including the statement that the Company is planning further NQL development on the Palm Computing(R) platform and that NQL is expected to be released the first part of this year are &uot;forward-looking statements&uot; within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including (i) any unanticipated developments during the pre-release period (ii) the company's ability to manage personnel and external resources and (iii) the company's ability to continue developing technology that is competitive according to industry standards. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.