Control Data Acquires Creative Internet Solutions

Business Wire, Sept 1, 1998

ARDEN HILLS, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 1, 1998--Control Data Systems, Inc. announced Tuesday it has purchased Creative Internet Solutions Inc., a Minneapolis-based web application development company. With the acquisition, Control Data will combine its web development centers in the Twin Cities, Silicon Valley, London, Singapore and other locations into one business unit under the Creative Internet Solutions structure.

The new entity, to be led by Gary Arndt, president and former owner of Creative Internet Solutions (CIS), will continue to focus on developing and supporting customized web software applications. These applications transform static business web sites into platforms that facilitate interaction and transactions between businesses and their customers, suppliers, and employees.

"By merging with Control Data, we will have far more resources to focus on high-value functional applications, such as on-line sales, customer support, purchasing, image delivery and supply-chain collaboration," said Arndt. "We are also rolling out additional support services, including customized executive seminars, training on the latest web development tools, and application hosting and monitoring."

Creative Internet Solutions' offerings will be marketed through Control Data's vertical practices in Communications, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Government, and Financial Services, as well as through dedicated CIS sales and marketing teams.

"We currently have broad experience and a strong reputation with large-scale messaging, directory and security solutions," said James Ousley, President and CEO of Control Data. "In the past year, we've begun adding significantly to our web application development resources through this acquisition and others we expect by the end of the year. By adding these resources to our vertical practices and outsourcing operations, we believe we have become one of the most competitive electronic commerce integrators in the world."

Arndt founded Creative Internet Solutions three years ago. The company has grown dramatically as it has helped businesses across the United States build customized, web-based business applications.

Control Data Systems is a global electronic commerce integration and consulting firm that helps transform customers and industries through web and messaging solutions. The company was created in 1991 when Control Data Corporation, a Minneapolis based computer company that began in the early 1960's, was split into two companies, Control Data Systems and the Ceridian Corp.

Control Data's Electronic Commerce professional services are organized under four major practices: Consulting, Creative Internet Solutions, Infrastructure Solutions and Outsourcing Solutions. For more information, call 1-888-742-5864 in the U.S. (1-612-415-2999 internationally) or visit Control Data's Web site at www.cdc.com.

    CONTACT: Control Data Systems, Minneapolis
              Greg McCullough, 651/415-4859
              greg.c.mccullough@cdc.com