Vertex Industries to Help Integrate U.S. Navy's Inventory Control Systems.

CLIFTON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 20, 1998--Vertex Industries, Inc. (OTCBB:VETX)announced today an agreement with the United States Department of the Navy.

Under terms of the agreement, the U.S. Department of Navy will purchase a license for the NetWeave middleware product from Vertex to help integrate the worldwide inventory system that tracks Naval supplies, parts, and assets.

To be installed at over 27 sites throughout the world, the NetWeave Reliable File Transfer (RFT) and messaging software features will enhance the Navy's ability to access and query its complex Asset Visibility, Parts Requisition, Repair and Supply systems. Vertex's middleware solution provides seamless communication which permits data and applications to be distributed across the Tandem, Hewlett Packard, and NT platforms that comprise the Navy's inventory control enterprise.

As a result, personnel will be able to reliably monitor, deploy and replace the supplies and parts needed to operate the Navy's day-to-day activities.

The NetWeave solution supplied by Vertex provides both messaging and database services across all of today's popular hosts and workstations. It is one of three middleware products developed and/or distributed by Vertex Industries. These same applications can be utilized to link back-end systems with front-end Web-based e-commerce capabilities.

Vertex Industries, Inc. is a middleware integration specialist with specific focus on data collection solutions and the integration of E-Commerce applications with existing, computing infrastructures. The company has generated success stories in both the United States and internationally. Vertex customers include AT&T, Credit Lyonnais, Dell Computers, Tenneco Packaging, Bell Atlantic, MCI, and the New Zealand Stock Exchange.

CONTACT: Middleberg + Associates

Mike Zakkour, 212/888-6610 x540

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