LEADING INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS SUPPORT AUTOMATED CONFIGURATION FOR INTERCON SYSTEMS NEW INTERNET SHARK PRODUCT FAMILY— NETSHARK; PSINet, Portal, and PIPEX to Provide Support for InterCon's Rapid Internet Installation and Configuration

Business Wire, May 3, 1995

HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 1995--InterCon Systems Corporation, the leading supplier of TCP/IP and Internet access software for Macintosh and Windows systems, today announced simplified dial-up installation with leading Internet Service Providers, PSINet, Portal Information Network, and PIPEX International, for its Shark family of Internet access software applications. Users will be able to install NetShark access software and establish connectivity with an Internet Service Provider automatically, thus eliminating one of the final barriers to mainstream use of the Internet.

The Shark product family is comprised of WebShark (TM), the industry's fastest Web browser, MailShark (TM), a multimedia email client software package, and NetShark, a complete Internet access tool suite. NetShark is the first Internet software package to provide consumers and mainstream corporate users with email, network news, Gopher, FTP, and Web browsing, in a single, modular package with a completely new, integrated, easy-to-use interface.

"Until now the Internet was difficult for technically unsophisticated, mainstream users to access," said Kurt Baumann, President and CEO at InterCon Systems. "With the introduction of NetShark, InterCon is enabling a broad range of consumer and non-LAN users to access the power of the Internet. If users can install and operate a standard desktop software package, they can now conquer the Internet."

Typically the user loads the software, and is presented with information summarizing each service provider's pricing and access capability. The user chooses a provider, and a dial-up pops up. Users are asked to respond to requests for name, address and billing mechanism, ie. credit card. The service provider automatically sets up the client's software and the user is ready to get right on the Internet without having to endure a complex service initiation process.

About InterCon Systems

InterCon Systems Corporation develops and markets a wide range of standards-based connectivity and Internet access software products for Macintosh and Windows personal computer systems. InterCon has been providing connectivity solutions for over eight years, and developed the first commercial TCP/IP, UNIX printing, and PPP products for Macintosh users. InterCon products are available directly form the company and through a world-wide network of resellers. The company is located at 950 Herndon Parkway, Herndon, VA, 22070 and can be reached at (703) 709-5500.

About PIPEX International

PIPEX subscribers benefit from the freedom of complications such as line brokerage, hardware overheads and network redundancy. PIPEX International, launched in October 1994 in conjunction with PIPEX's International Partners, now offers single point-of-contact ordering for PIPEX-quality digital leased line, ISDN and analogue services across most of Western Europe.

PIPEX currently has packet exchange agreements with the other UK Internet service providers via the LINX (London Internet Exchange) and also the Ebone European network, SWIPNET, AlterNet and ANSet in the US. PIPEX was the first non-US full member of the Commercial Internet Exchange (CIX) and connects to neutral points of interconnect in Paris, Stockholm and Washington.

About Portal Information Network

The Portal Information Network is a leading provider of nationwide, interactive network services, focused on offering dial-up Internet access and customized networks to a broad range of markets via strategic partnerships. Today, Portal provides interactive network services through its Portal Internet Family (TM) of dialup services and its Customer Network Services. Founded in 1985, The Portal Information Network is privately-held and headquartered in Cupertino, Calif.

The Portal Information Network is a registered trademark of Portal Information Network Inc. Portal Internet Family, Portal Interactive Platform, Portal Transaction Services and Portal Information Architecture are trademarks of Portal Information Network Inc., and should be treated as such. All other brands and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and should be treated as such.

About PSINet

PSINet is the leading provider of Internet access and integration services. Internet access options range from modem dialup and ISDN for telecommuters and small office LANs to dedicated high-speed circuits for corporate connectivity. PSINet defines the industry standards and leads in technological innovation and new service development. The company has its headquarters in Herndon, Va., with sales and field service offices across the US and in Tokyo, Japan.

TCP/Connect II is a registered trademark, and NetShark, MailShark and WebShark are trademarks of InterCon Systems Corp. Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. All other trademarks are acknowledged.

CONTACT: G.S. Schwartz & Co., New York

Catherine Carbonaro or Jacki DeCoster

212/725-4500