VerticalNet B2B e-Commerce Communities Climb to 47

Business Wire, Sept 7, 1999

-- Machine Tools Online delivers information and purchasing power to

metal forming and metal cutting machinists, engineers and others

in their supply chain. Along with industry updates, the site also

contains the TechSpex machine tool model that allows for

parametric searches matching product to the needs of more than

500,000 U.S. manufacturing companies, providing them with online

quotation capability.

-- Tooling Online provides a content rich source of product,

technology, standards, management, and news information in the

multi-billion tooling industry and brings a technological forum

to identify and reach suppliers and advertisers who meet their

needs for consumable tooling products and services.

-- MetrologyWorld.com serves the information needs of quality

control and manufacturing professionals, giving guidelines and

sources for reliability and performance in manufacturing

processes and products to a potential audience of more than

100,000 quality assurance associates in the US alone.

-- Surface-Finishing.com is a newly-acquired vertical community

designed to serve a distinct market for companies who take

manufactured parts after machining and inspection, and apply a

finish to them, such as anodizing or plating. Through this

acquisition VerticalNet is positioned to provide content, and

commerce to the community consisting of approximately 500,000

members within industry groups such as National Association of

Metal Finishers (NAMF), Metal Finishing Suppliers Association

(MFSA) and other groups included in this $47 billion marketplace

-- HR Hub.com offers human resources professionals comprehensive

product, service, management, technical and regulatory

information, as well as a thorough industry directory. The site

leverages VerticalNet's recent acquisition of CertiSource, and

delivers its catalog of training products and services to the

corporate training industry whose professional membership

includes more than 35,000 US members.

About VerticalNet

VerticalNet, Inc. (www.verticalnet.com), is the Internet's premier owner and operator of vertical trade communities -- targeted business-to-business communities of commerce that act as industry-specific sources of information, interaction and electronic commerce.

The company currently operates 47 vertical communities grouped into ten sectors: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES: Aerospace Online, Computer OEM Online, Medical Design Online, Test and Measurement.com, PlantAutomation.com, Embedded Technology.com; COMMUNICATIONS: Wireless Design Online, Photonics Online, Fiber Optics Online, RF Globalnet.com, Premises Networks.com, Digital Broadcasting.com; ENVIRONMENTAL: Water Online, Pollution Online, Public Works Online, Solid Waste Online, Power Online, Pulp and Paper Online, Safety Online, ElectricNet.com; FOOD AND PACKAGING: Food Online, Food Ingredients Online, Beverage Online, Bakery Online, Meat and Poultry Online, Dairy Network.com, Packaging Network.com; FOODSERVICE/HOSPITALITY: Foodservice Central.com ; HEALTHCARE: Hospital Network.com, Nurses.com and E-Dental.com; MANUFACTURING AND METALS: Machine Tools Online, Tooling Online, Metrology World.com; Surface Finishing.com; PROCESS: Chemical Online, Pharmaceutical Online, Hydrocarbon Online, Semiconductor Online, Paint and Coatings.com, Adhesives and Sealants.com, Oil and Gas Online, SCIENCE: Bioresearch Online, Drug Discovery Online, Laboratory Network.com; SERVICE: Property and Casualty.com, HR Hub.com.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including information contained in this document where statements are preceded by, followed by or include the words "believes," "plans," "intends," "expects," "anticipates" or similar expressions. For such statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements are set forth in filings that the Company has made with the SEC, including the Company's most recent reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q and its Prospectus dated Feb. 10, 1999.

VerticalNet is the registered trademark of VerticalNet, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.