i-Planet Launches Major Internet Initiative in Japan; Company Signs Three Major Distributors To Deliver Complete Solutions For Small And Mid-Sized Businesses.

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 11, 1996--i-Planet Inc., developer of innovative Internet communications solutions, announced today it has signed large-scale contracts with three major Japanese distributors: Sony Systems Design, Marubeni Hytech and Sumitomo Electric Corporation.

The contracts have a potential value of $10 million over the next year.

Sony, Marubeni and Sumitomo will distribute the i-Planet Solution model 168 (IPS-168) throughout Japan. The IPS-168, localized for the Japanese market, is a unique low- cost offering with large-scale integration of Internet, communications and networking technologies providing the functions of: web server, Internet server, router, gateway, firewall, seven proxies, file server, print server, mail server and telecommunications server -- all with the required hardware and interface boards. In addition, it is a platform for unique communications services and applications enabling businesses to reap the power of the Internet for increased productivity and competitiveness.

"i-Planet is extremely pleased to have such widely esteemed distributors carry the IPS-168 in the Japanese market," said David Vereeke, President of i-Planet. "All three companies are renowned for their high level of service and support; we are proud to have them distribute our product."

Michio Yoshino, President and Representative Director of Sony Systems Design said, "We are excited about the opportunity to distribute a unique solution for Internet communications. Our customers are looking for a cost-effective solution, and the IPS-168 leads the way in functionality and price."

Sano Motoaki, President of Marubeni Hytech said, "One of the major reasons we decided to go with the IPS-168 is i-Planet's unique vision for Internet based communications. It is rare to find a solution and a platform in one product, but we found it."

Yoichi Kamei, General Manager of Sumitomo Electric, said, "The ease-of-use of the IPS-168 means that our VAR's and Integrators can spend less time configuring their users' equipment and more time delivering solutions to the enormous community of small and mid-sized businesses that look to the Internet for increased competitiveness."

i-Planet develops and sells integrated hardware and software solutions that enable businesses to become more competitive via the use of public networks, such as the Internet. i-Planet's goal is to remove existing barriers which can prevent companies from exploring their Internet options. i-Planet was formed in January 1996 by Silicon Valley networking veterans and is headed by President David Vereeke. For more information on i-Planet, its services and its products, call 408/745-1500, send e-mail to [e-mail] or visit the homepage at http://www.i-planet.com.

Sony Systems Design Corporation provides a total internet solution. It has an internet service called "Sinfony" for corporate customers and also provides network and gateway service as well as consultation.

Marubeni Hytech Corporation is a 100% subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation. Marubeni Hytech imports and sells the semi-conductor equipment and network equipment software such as CAD/CAM. Also, Marubeni Hytech runs the Internet Service Provider called "marinet.or.jp."

Sumitomo Electric Systems (SSY) is a highly qualified networking integrator which provides a wide variety of products ranging from network equipment such as ATM, Ethernet switches, to software such as groupware, and firewalls in order to meet customer requirements to build a sophisticated Intranet solution. The company is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Electric (SEI) which has achieved the leading worldwide market share of FDDI bridge/router equipment by supplying various reliable and high speed FDDI-based backbone solutions. SEI has also become one of the leading manufacturers of ATM-based products since the introduction, last year, of the company's broad range of ATM products including backbone switches, workgroup switches, edge switches, and edge routers. -0-

Note to Editors: i-Planet, i-Planet Solution, IPS, CypherSpace, Faximilator, PonyEspresso, APX, and iVPN are trademarks of i-Planet, Inc. All other trademarks and tradenames are the property of their respective holders and are hereby acknowledged

CONTACT: Miller/Shandwick Technologies

Stacy Libby, 415/962-9550

[e-mail]

or

i-Planet

Kristina Klein, 408/745-1500

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