STMicroelectronics and Sumitomo Electric Join the HomePlug(R) Powerline Alliance; Membership Shows Continued International Support for HomePlug Powerline Communications Technology in the Digital Home Ecosystem.

SAN RAMON, Calif. -- The HomePlug(R) Powerline Alliance today announced that STMicroelectronics and Sumitomo Electric Industries , Ltd. (SEI) have joined a growing list of companies around the world in support of the global industry-standard technologies developed by the alliance.

"The alliance is very pleased to welcome our two newest members from Japan and Switzerland," said Oleg Logvinov, president of the alliance, and also CEO and president of Arkados, Inc. "The growing body of companies and organizations that have agreed to work together to promote and continue the development of HomePlug's interoperable standards is a sign that the market is poised to experience the exponential growth."

ST and SEI join the HomePlug alliance just as several major events are occurring: HomePlug AV, an in-the-home technology focused on easily transporting High-Definition Television (HDTV) and other high-speed digital content throughout homes is nearing its specification release; HomePlug BPL, a to-the-home technology, has just completed its Market Requirements Document (MRD); and the HomePlug Command & Control effort is ramping up for technology evaluations.

"The value of the alliance's technologies is being recognized in areas throughout the world," said Pete Griffin, Chairman of the HomePlug alliance, and Director of Technology for Radio Shack Corporation. "Now that millions of HomePlug-certified products are proving their mettle on six continents, powerline technology is gaining the worldwide support it deserves."

The alliance is also planning this year's conference with the theme "Proven Worldwide Standards." The HomePlug Powerline Technology Conference will be held September 27-28, 2005, at the Embassy Suites at the San Francisco Airport.

All interested parties are invited to join the HomePlug Powerline Alliance and contribute to the development of its specifications and broaden the growing list of applications. Companies interested in receiving information about the HomePlug Powerline Alliance are invited to contact the Executive Director, Rob Ranck at [e-mail], for details on membership and activities.

About the HomePlug Powerline Alliance

The HomePlug Powerline Alliance, Inc. is an industry-led initiative established to create specifications for home powerline networking products, command & control among platforms within the home and broadband access services to the home. Additionally, the Alliance is chartered to foster and accelerate demand for HomePlug-enabled products and services worldwide through the sponsorship of market and user education programs. Membership in the alliance has grown to include about 50 industry-leading companies. HomePlug Sponsor companies include Arkados, Inc., a subsidiary of CDKNet.com, Inc. (OTCBB:CDKN); Comcast (CMCSK); Conexant (CNXT); EarthLink (ELNK); Intellon; RadioShack (RSH); Sharp (SHCPFM) and Sony (SNE). Additional information about the alliance, including a complete listing of certified products, is available at http://www.homeplug.org.

HomePlug is a registered trademark of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, Inc. All other trademarks, trade names and service marks mentioned and/or used belong to their respective owners.