Flashbase Launches Free Database Service On the Web

Business Wire, Sept 8, 1999

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 8, 1999--

Flashbase Inc. announced today the launch of its free database service on the Web at http://www.flashbase.com.

The service enables businesses and consumers to collect, manage and publish information using only their Web browser.

Customers use Flashbase to create directories, subscription applications, registration forms, order forms, surveys, polls and RVSPs for events and parties. The finished applications are available over the Internet from anywhere in the world.

"Flashbase is representative of an interesting new class of distributed applications emerging on the Internet. By moving more of the application onto the server, new functionality, as well as increased scalability, can be delivered," said Dr. John Hennessy, Provost of Stanford University.

The company has found that many Internet users do not have the ability to configure their own databases for gathering information over the Web, while individuals who do have the ability usually lack the time or resources to build their own applications.

Flashbase dramatically lowers the effort and cost of deploying a database on the Web, creating a viable solution for many types of problems. The Flashbase interface makes it easy to build applications, allowing users to simply point and click.

"The ability for non-programmers to construct and manage database applications online dramatically increases the utility of the Internet, making available technology that was previously reserved to enterprises working on the largest projects," said Dr. Andrew Erlichson, CEO of Flashbase. "Using Flashbase eliminates the need to buy a Web server and a database and hire programmers and administrators."

"Flashbase is an outstanding Web application that is easy to use, cost effective and enhances our marketing and commerce efforts," said Michael Aronowitz, president of saleoutlet.com (OTC BB:SLETE), a mega-sale shopping Web site that has seen significant results by using Flashbase for its gift registry and shopping spree give-away contests."

"In all cases Flashbase has been reliable, easy to set up and secure, allowing us to download results for our own statistical analysis," commented Dianne Bowcock, researcher at The LEAD Center, an evaluation and research unit at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that has used Flashbase to create multiple surveys. "I recommend the site to many faculty and staff who want to use Web-based surveys, but don't have a dedicated computer specialist."

"Kids Energy provides mini-grants for kids through the Web using Flashbase," said James Coats, president of The Kids Energy Foundation, an educational organization that motivates students to learn by providing funding for creative learning projects. Schools use Flashbase to register for Kids Energy initiatives, and students use Flashbase to submit their proposals for consideration.

"We threw out our server, sacked our database consultant and now serve a growing number of schools. Way cool, no overhead, great product, more grant money for kids."

"What makes Flashbase revolutionary is its ability to provide solutions to our users without knowing the precise details of their problem," said Cornell University professor Mark Heinrich, chief architect of Flashbase and one of its founders. "Even though one of our design goals was to open up the esoteric world of databases to everyone, we are constantly amazed at the diversity of applications our users find for Flashbase."

About Flashbase and its Founders

Flashbase is the leading provider of Web-hosted database applications that help businesses and individuals capture the true power of the Internet. Flashbase enables customers to gather, manage and publish information from distributed groups of people using only a Web browser. Flashbase is a private company based in New York City.

The company is backed by Dawntreader LP (http://www.dawntreaderlp.com).

Dr. Andrew Erlichson is the president and CEO of Flashbase. Prior to Flashbase, Dr. Erlichson held positions at BlackRock Financial Management and Silicon Graphics. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University and his A.B. from Dartmouth College.

Dr. Heinrich, who sits on the Flashbase Board of Directors, received his Ph.D. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University and his B.S.E. from Duke University. He is currently a professor in the School of Electrical Engineering at Cornell University. Dr. Heinrich is a recognized expert in the field of scalable coherence protocols and parallel computer architecture.