Network Commerce Transaction Processing Technology Incorporated Into Visa U.S.A., Compaq Business Internet Service

Business Wire, August 8, 2000

Business/High Tech Editors

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 8, 2000

The Internet Commerce Program Empowers Merchants to Create,

Manage and Run Online Businesses

Network Commerce Inc. (Nasdaq:NWKC), a leading provider of technology infrastructure, services and networks for businesses, merchants, Internet sites, and wireless networks conducting commerce online, today announced its Network Commerce PCCharge Commerce Server transaction processing software technology has been incorporated into the Internet Commerce Program (ICP), a business Internet service launched July 21 by Visa U.S.A and Compaq Computer Corporation.

The ICP is designed to be a one-stop Web solution for businesses of all sizes, enabling merchants to create and launch an online business in just 14 days.

The Visa-Compaq ICP was created to provide merchants with scalable hardware, software and services needed to secure credit and debit card transactions via the Internet. The program offers businesses a choice of pre-configured Compaq hardware platforms, along with application consulting and outsourcing services, and was designed to meet the growing needs of merchants wanting to gain an online presence.

Network Commerce's PCCharge products for small to large businesses are among the leading payment processing technologies on the market. Over 20,000 businesses currently utilize Network Commerce PCCharge products for electronic transactions.

"This business alliance with Visa U.S.A. and Compaq to incorporate our payment processing technology into the Internet Commerce Program was an important opportunity for us," said Tony Abruzzio, vice president of Network Commerce. "Thousands of businesses of all sizes use our technology for secure, reliable payment processing. With the ICP, we are expanding our customer base and introducing new customers to Network Commerce products and services."

"We chose Network Commerce to provide the PCCharge Commerce Server transaction processing technology for the Internet Commerce Program because of its industrial-strength products and leadership in the industry," said Jim Dreher, customer program manager at Compaq. "Our goal is to provide the highest quality, fastest-to-implement e-commerce solution on the market."

About Network Commerce Inc.

Network Commerce Inc. (http://www.networkcommerce.com) is a leading provider of technology infrastructure, services and commerce networks for Internet sites, wireless networks, businesses and merchants. Network Commerce's core commerce infrastructure technology, services and commerce applications are known as the Network Commerce CommerceSuite. Built on the CommerceSuite are the Network Commerce Business Network and the Network Commerce Consumer Network. The Network Commerce Consumer Network is comprised of ShopNow.com (http://www.shopnow.com), a leading shopping network and directory featuring over 60,000 merchants; BottomDollar.com (http://www.bottomdollar.com), a comparison shopping network; and SpeedyClick.com (http://www.speedyclick.com), a leading commerce-enabled entertainment community; and over 25,500 affiliate sites. The Network Commerce Business Network is comprised of b2bNow.com (http://www.b2bnow.com), a business-to-business marketplace and directory featuring over 610,000 businesses in 260 international markets; FreeMerchant.com (http://www.freemerchant.com), a business and merchant store builder with over 100,000 hosted businesses; Ubarter.com (http://www.ubarter.com), a business-to-business barter exchange network, and over 6,500 affiliate sites. Network Commerce Inc.'s eBusiness Services division provides consulting, custom commerce solutions, and integrated marketing services. Network Commerce Inc. has over 600 employees and is headquartered in Seattle with offices in California and Georgia.

ABOUT VISA U.S.A.

Visa U.S.A. is the leading payment brand and the largest payment system in the United States, with more volume than all other major payment cards combined. Visa plays a pivotal role in advancing new payment products and technologies to benefit its 14,000 U.S. member financial institutions and their cardholders. There are more than 330 million Visa credit, commercial and check cards, which generate more than $720 billion in annual transaction volume. Visa-branded cards are accepted at over 17 million locations worldwide, including some 500,000 ATMs in the Visa/PLUS Global ATM Network. Visa's Internet address is www.visa.com.

ABOUT E-VISA

A division of Visa U.S.A., e-Visa was created to accelerate mass adoption of electronic commerce and to position Visa as the currency of the e-economy. The division consolidates all of Visa's e-commerce competencies, including brand marketing, processing systems, operations, business development and alliances and partnerships into one unit. E-Visa is designed to enable Visa Member banks to better serve their customers -- including cardholders, merchants and businesses -- and to compete by differentiating themselves in the emerging e-economy.

ABOUT COMPAQ