Citadel Computer Systems, Tripp Lite Announce Licensing and Marketing Agreement For Only Shutdown Technology Available For Uninterruptible Power Source Products

Business Wire, Feb 11, 1997

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 11, 1997--Citadel Computer Systems Inc. (OTC:NOFF) and Tripp Lite Worldwide today announced that Citadel has granted a long-term license to provide enhanced shutdown technology for Tripp Lite's uninterruptible power source (UPS) battery backup products used in networked PCs and file servers.

Citadel will be Tripp Lite's exclusive provider during the term of the agreement. In addition to the licensing agreement, the two companies have agreed to joint marketing efforts in which Tripp Lite, the world leader in power protection devices and technology, will offer Citadel's networking software to their customers.

During an extended power failure, the Citadel file server versions of the NetOFF and Phantom software permit an orderly shutdown of open mission-critical applications, saving any open files, while Tripp Lite's Power Alert Plus performs an orderly shutdown on NetWare and Windows NT servers. The UPS then turns the system's power off.

Steven B. Solomon, Citadel's chief operating officer, said: "Citadel is proud to be providing Tripp Lite, an established industry leader, with the only application shutdown technology available in the UPS market.

"Our software will work together with the Tripp Lite systems to provide unparalleled benefits to network administrators and MIS directors, who recognize the importance of shutting down applications in an orderly fashion before the computers themselves are shut down. In addition, we look forward to building upon the strength of Tripp Lite's marketing expertise and installed worldwide customer base."

Tony Chin, Director of Applied Technology of Tripp Lite, stated: "The technologies have great synergy and we believe that Citadel's NetOFF and Phantom technology is versatile and robust. By integrating PowerAlert Plus and Citadel's technology, Tripp Lite offers MIS managers the most complete solution for safeguarding mission critical data during a power failure."

Chin also noted: "Tripp Lite is very comfortable committing to a long-term license agreement with Citadel as our exclusive application shut-down technology provider. The SmartPro UPS bundle includes PowerAlert Plus software protecting data intensive systems such as Oracle 7 and Lotus Notes from power problems as well as improper application shutdown."

Citadel Computer Systems is a developer and marketer of computer software products broadly characterized as network and PC security and management utilities and software management tools.

Its products, including the Citadel Network Recovery System, NetOFF, Server Sentry, Phantom of the Console, TabWorks, WinShield, FolderBolt, and NightWatch, are designed to better manage and provide additional security to individual PCs as well as local area networks using Novell NetWare and Microsoft Windows NT network operating software.

Tripp Lite, a leader in manufacturing technologically innovative products, is the world leader in power protection devices and technology. Tripp Lite's full power protection offering includes stand by and true on-line sine wave UPS systems, the famous Isobar line of surge suppressors, a full selection of line conditioners as well as DC to AC mobile power inverters and DC power supplies.

With the highest levels of ready to ship industry in the industry, Tripp Lite sells more power protection products than any other company in the world. An international firm with offices around the globe, Tripp Lite is aggressively expanding to provide its customers with better power worldwide. Continuing research and development provides a steady stream of innovative new products in the four major power categories.

Statements contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be construed as forward-looking statements and, as such, involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results of future events in such forward-looking statements could differ materially from those stated in such forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are general economic conditions; competition; the market for network software products; seasonality of product sales; costs and risk related to integration of acquisitions; uncertainties related to new product development and market acceptance of new products; costs, expenses, and delays in sales related to the implementation of new sales methods; software development costs; litigation; and other factors that are set forth in the company's other public statements, Form 10-KSB, 10-QSB and other public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT: Citadel Computer Systems Inc.

Steven B. Solomon, 214/520-9292

or

Tripp Lite

Tony Chin, 312/755-5400

or

Kalt, Rosen & Associates

Howard Kalt, 415/397-2686