Microsoft Selects Data Return To Provide Managed Services At Two Internet Data Centers

Business Wire, Feb 8, 2000

Business Editors/Technology Writers

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 8, 2000

Data Return Corporation (Nasdaq: DRTN), a leading provider of advanced web and application hosting services for the Microsoft platform, today announced it has been selected by Microsoft to provide managed services at two data center locations. Data Return will provide complete managed services as part of the contract which includes server build-out, installation, software installation and configuration, monitoring services and on-going maintenance.

&uot;Complexity is a major challenge for our Internet properties because we often deploy pre-released Microsoft technologies - that means our managed services partner must maintain the highest and most current level of expertise on the Microsoft platform,&uot; said Van Lanning, group manager in Microsoft's Information Technology Group. &uot;Since Data Return's sole strategic focus is to provide high-end managed services for the Microsoft platform, they are extremely well qualified to meet our requirements.&uot; Mr. Lanning said an additional factor in the selection was Data Return's ability to facilitate purchasing, building, and deploying the server configuration far more quickly than competing firms. &uot;Data Return's managed services, from preparation logistics to deployment to hardware and software maintenance, provide us with the ability to rapidly implement and expand Microsoft's complex hosting operations while maintaining the highest level of system performance.&uot;

&uot;These sites are a tremendous information resource for the millions of visitors who rely upon them for business, news and technical information, and we are pleased to have been selected to help the Microsoft team manage them,&uot; said Data Return chairman and chief executive officer Sunny C. Vanderbeck. &uot;Data Return will be providing managed services to ensure users worldwide will have continuous access to the latest versions and updates for each of Microsoft's popular operating systems including Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98, and Windows 95. Data Return's expertise in managing sites using Microsoft technologies will make it possible for visitors to the MSNBC site to get up-to-the-minute news 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By outsourcing the managed hosting services to Data Return, Microsoft can maintain its strategic focus on creating and offering innovative software products and services.&uot;

About Data Return

Managing over 1,600 applications for more than 1,000 companies worldwide, Data Return (NASDAQ: DRTN) is a leading provider of advanced managed hosting services based on Microsoft technologies. Data Return customers include Microsoft, Fossil, Executive Software, PlanetOutdoors.com, Berlitz Languages, Sensormatic Electronics, Boeing Company and First USA Bank. Data Return is also a full-service Application Infrastructure Provider (AIP) that is helping Independent Software Vendors rapidly become Application Service Providers (ASP's). Strategic partners and equity shareholders in Data Return include Microsoft Corp., Compaq Computer Corp. and Level 3 Communications. For more information visit www.datareturn.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq &uot;MSFT&uot;) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

This press release contains forward-looking. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of risks, including changes in external competitive market factors, changes in or an inability to execute Data Return's business strategy, unanticipated changes in the hosting industry, the economy in general and changes in the use of the Internet. Data Return cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. The matters discussed in this press release also involve risks and uncertainties summarized under the heading &uot;Risk Factors&uot; in Data Return's Prospectus dated October 27, 1999 and are updated from time to time through the filing of reports and registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Data Return does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.

Data Return is trademark of Data Return Corporation. Microsoft is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.