Schlumberger Technology to Support Yamalo-Nenetsky Territorial E&P Data Bank; Yamal Data Bank Project Marks New Era in CIS Energy Information Technology.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 21, 1999--

Schlumberger announced today that the Administration of Yamalo-Nenetsky Autonomous okrug has opened a new data loading center in Tyumen. The center is the result of a one-year cooperative effort between Schlumberger and the Siberian Scientific Analytical Center, the center operator.

"Certainly, the full-scale deployment of this project will contribute to the optimal use of our mineral resources, which is the main asset of Yamalo-Nenetsky Autonomous okrug," said Yuri V. Neyelov, Governor of the Yamal-Nenetsky Region. "This project is in the interest of our region and all of Russia. Major oil and gas companies in our region, most notably RAO GazProm, are strongly supporting this project."

During the next three years, Schlumberger and the Siberian Scientific Analytical Center will continue development of the Yamal Data Bank Project, including the creation of the Central Territorial Data Bank in Salekhard. Additionally, data preparation centers and data-access offices will be opened in the area.

"We are pleased that Schlumberger was selected as the technology provider for implementation of these important tasks, including computer hardware, installing software, conducting training and providing technical support," said Alberto Nicoletti, general manager, CIS, for Schlumberger Oilfield Services. "A Central Data Bank with quality-checked and archived data will improve the information support for management of natural resources in the region."

GeoQuest, a product line of Schlumberger, is training analytical center personnel to use its Finder(R) integrated data management system and its E&P archival extensions. The center features state-of-the-art information technology tools -- including Sun Microsystems Enterprise(a) 5500 server and StorageTek TimberWolf(b) automated tape library -- and can store, handle and process terabytes of data.

The Yamal Data Bank Project involves loading and archiving data for all of the E&P companies in the region, including RAO GazProm, NoyabrskNefteGaz (SibNeft), and PurNefteGaz (RosNeft).

About the Organizations

The Administration of Yamalo-Nenetsky Autonomous okrug is a state agency responsible for management and state control of all activities in the region, including usage of mineral resources in Yamalo-Nenetsky Autonomous okrug.

GeoQuest, a product line of Schlumberger, is the E&P industry leader for the supply of integrated software systems, data management solutions, and processing and interpretive services to assist petroleum companies in optimizing the value of their oil and gas reservoirs. Schlumberger -- the leading supplier of services and technology to the international petroleum industry -- operates offices, service locations and research and development facilities around the world.

For additional information on GeoQuest, access the GeoQuest web pages through Connect Schlumberger at http://www.connect.slb.com

(R) Registered trademark of Schlumberger (a) Trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc. (b) Trademark of StorageTek