SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 28, 1999 — In an effort to accelerate Time-to-Value for their customers, USWeb/CKS (Nasdaq
“USWB”
) and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) today expand their strategic alliance to develop the USWeb/CKS Internet framework (iFrame TM ), a standardized architecture for delivering integrated e-business solutions. As part of the strategic alliance, Microsoft is providing funds to USWeb/CKS to assist in development, marketing and training programs to bring iFrame and associated application services to market, as well as the creation of a joint technology development lab.
Based on the Microsoft® Windows® Distributed interNet Architecture (Windows DNA) 2000, USWeb/CKS’ iFrame is a combination of standards, application components, methodologies and tools that is expected to provide a robust, scalable platform for the USWeb/CKS Internet Application Management System (iAMsystem TM ). USWeb/CKS’ iAMsystem comprises a set of managed line-of-business applications and services that will enable rapid, cost-effective deployment of fully integrated e-business solutions. More information about the Microsoft investment, iFrame and iAMsystem can be found in the related press release issued today titled,
“USWeb/CKS Introduces Standardized Architecture for Managed Applications – Accelerates Time-To-Value for Customers.”
“For the past three years, Microsoft and USWeb/CKS have collaborated to deliver innovative solutions that enable customers to take advantage of the Internet as a strategic business tool,”
said John Connors, vice president of Microsoft’s Worldwide Enterprise Group.
“iFrame represents a major milestone in this effort. Together, we will dramatically simplify the way customers deploy, use and maintain e-business solutions that fully integrate line-of-business applications with the Internet. The combination of Microsoft’s platform, a managed services model, and USWeb/CKS’ expertise and experience will have a remarkable impact on the way companies do business in the digital economy.”
“This new alliance with Microsoft provides a concrete path toward the realization of our vision for building a common, architecture for managed applications – a vision we first outlined last October,”
said Robert Shaw, CEO of USWeb/CKS.
“Since then, we have evolved and grown that vision into the compelling business proposition of Managed Services. We’re excited to have expanded and solidified our relationship with Microsoft to help make these services available to our customers. The scalability, integrated application services and comprehensive range of features available with Microsoft Windows DNA 2000 makes it the natural choice for development of our Managed Services offerings.”
USWeb/CKS and Microsoft: Helping Business Succeed in the Digital Economy
The combination of Microsoft technology and USWeb/CKS expertise is already having a positive effect on the way companies do business. Microsoft technologies are currently used in a large percentage of USWeb/CKS projects around the world. Of the more than 4,500 business solutions built by USWeb/CKS to date, over 3,500 of them have used or relied on Microsoft technology.
Joint Technology Lab: Building the Essential Systems for E-Business
USWeb/CKS Managed Services and Microsoft are building a joint technology development lab located in Redmond, Wash., that is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 1999. In the lab, USWeb/CKS and Microsoft engineers will work side by side to develop technologies that support joint customers, address the industry for iAMsystems and help the companies capitalize on future industry opportunities.
Microsoft Technology: Robust, Scalable Platform for iFrame
Microsoft Windows DNA 2000 is a comprehensive, integrated platform for building and operating state-of-the-art distributed Web applications as well as the next wave of Internet-based Web services. Microsoft’s platform builds on existing technologies and tools to make Web services into reusable, universally programmable building blocks that can be easily created, combined and augmented.
“Windows DNA 2000 was designed with companies such as USWeb/CKS in mind,”
said Paul Maritz, group vice president of Microsoft’s Developer Group.
“With its ability to stitch together multiple applications, services and devices, Windows DNA 2000 provides a perfect platform for iFrame, USWeb/CKS’ standard managed application architecture. Together, USWeb/CKS and Microsoft look forward to providing businesses with the most flexible, cost-effective and reliable Internet business solutions available on the market today.”
The integration of Microsoft’s Active Directory TM directory service into iFrame will help ensure iAMsystems are scalable and can easily manage all the users and transactions of even the most heavily trafficked e-commerce sites. A core part of Windows 2000 Server, Active Directory is the first scalable directory service built from the ground up using Internet-standard technologies and fully integrated at the operating system level.
In addition, companies that implement iAMsystems will be able to become part of Digital Value Networks (DVNs) and create entirely new business relationships and economies online. These DVNs will use industry-standard Extensible Markup Language (XML) schemas – driven through the BizTalk TM Framework initiative – to seamlessly exchange information between software applications, integrate business processes, and conduct business over the Internet with trading partners and customers.
Joint Training, Certification and Marketing Ensure Market Penetration
USWeb/CKS plans to certify at least 750 of its IT professionals as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs) or Microsoft Certified Solution Developers (MCSDs). In addition, USWeb/CKS will work with Microsoft to develop worldwide sales and marketing programs involving both companies’ field organizations to support the rollout of these new offerings.
Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS) and USWeb/CKS personnel will work together to develop solution frameworks, packaged consulting and support services focused on the targeted customer segment initiatives.
About USWeb/CKS
USWeb/CKS seeks to transform businesses in the digital economy and create sustainable market leadership for its clients. As a leading Internet professional services firm, USWeb/CKS has created a new standard for success in the digital economy – Time-to-Value. Time-to-Value means USWeb/CKS applies its extensive insight, experience and scale to deliver breakthrough results quickly. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., with more than 3,800 professionals in over 50 locations worldwide. Additional information about USWeb/CKS is available at http://www.uswebcks.com/ or by calling (415) 284-7070 or (612) 995-8964 (international).
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, Windows, Active Directory and BizTalk are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
iFrame and iAMsystem are trademarks of USWeb/CKS.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
This press release contains
“forward-looking statements”
(as defined under securities laws) regarding the Microsoft alliance, development of iFrame, creation of joint technology using a Microsoft investment, realization of hoped for results by customers, impact on the digital economy, creation and results of a technology development lab, scalability and ease of management of iAMsystems, integration into Digital Value Networks, use of XML, certification of MCSEs or MCSDs, joint worldwide sales and marketing programs, joint actions and the potential advantages offered to our customers. USWeb’s actual results may differ materially and adversely from those discussed in this press release. Key factors that may cause such a difference include, without limitation, risks associated with implementation of new product and service offerings, risks regarding market acceptance, developing and working well within an expanded USWeb/CKS-Microsoft relationship, technical challenges and costs associated with the introduction efforts outlined here. For additional information about factors that could affect the company’s business, see the documents filed by the company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
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