Larry Ellison's New Internet Computer Company Helps Close the Digital Divide

Business Wire, July 25, 2000

Business & High-Tech Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 25, 2000

The New Internet Computer Company proudly announced

today that its recently released New Internet Computers

(NICs) will soon be in the hands of Chicago schoolchildren.

ORACLE CORPORATION, the world's second largest software company, and the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) announced today the donation of New Internet Computers and related services to the Chicago Public School System.

Oracle has donated 500 New Internet Computers (NICs) to the schools, and will match up to 500 additional NICs donated by NACUBO and its members. The continuing effort is part of Oracle's Promise, a philanthropic initiative formed by Oracle chairman Larry Ellison to help America's schools meet the challenges of the digital divide. Ellison has committed $100 million to help computerize public schools. This donation is the latest development in that effort.

Oracle's Promise is inspired directly by "America's Promise -- the Alliance for Youth," a not-for-profit corporation with the mission of building character and competence in our nation's youth. It is chaired by General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret), who today made note of the donation during his keynote address at NACUBO's annual meeting here.

"America's schools face a technology dilemma. They want email and Internet access for each of their students, but find current PC technology too costly to buy, use, upgrade and maintain," said Larry Ellison, who is the primary investor and chairman of The NIC Company, based in San Francisco. "The whole idea of the NIC is to create an affordable Internet solution that connects more students reliably and efficiently."

"We are proud to be a part of Oracle's Promise and General Powell's commitment to the nation's children," added The NIC Company CEO Gina Smith. "Even as we expand into the broader marketplace, helping NICs get into schools will always be a primary focus for our company."

In January, Oracle Corp. Chairman Larry Ellison and nationally-known consumer technology expert Gina Smith started The New Internet Computer Company and created its first product, the NIC, to reach Americans disenfranchised by the "Digital Divide" and those struggling to find a low-cost alternative to costly and complicated PC-based computing.

The donation to Chicago area schools is part of Oracle's Promise's ongoing philanthropic program to help close the digital divide by placing tens of thousands of computers in America's neediest schools and communities. In May, the Dallas Independent School District was the first recipient of more than 1,200 new NICs.

Many more donations are planned as part of Oracle's Promise's $100 million donation commitment.

ABOUT THE NIC COMPANY:

Founded in January 2000, The New Internet Computer Company builds the New Internet Computer (NIC), bringing fast, affordable and functional Internet access to schools, consumers and business without the cost or complexity of a PC. Starting at $199, the NIC offers plug-and-play email and Internet access.

The NIC Company is located at 781 Beach St., San Francisco, CA, 94109. Telephone: 415-345-4900. Fax: 415-441-1926. For more information on the NIC, visit The NIC Company's website at www.thinknic.com or call the toll-free CONSUMER HOTLINE at 877-WANT-NIC (877-926-8642).

ABOUT GINA SMITH:

Previous to joining NIC as its co-founder and CEO, Smith was one of America's best-known computer consumer advocates. Her syndicated column, Ask Gina, reached millions of newspaper readers every week, as did her award-winning radio call-in show, On Computers with Gina Smith. As ABC's Technology Correspondent, she gave tech advice and explained trends on Good Morning America, World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, and Nightline.

ABOUT ORACLE:

Oracle Corporation provides the software that powers the Internet. For more information about Oracle, visit our website at www.oracle.com or call 650-506-7000.

ABOUT AMERICA'S PROMISE:

America's Promise was launched at the Presidents' Summit for America's Future in April 1997, which was attended by Presidents Clinton, Bush, Carter and Ford, with former First Lady Nancy Reagan representing her husband. The organization works to fulfill Five Promises for young people: caring adults, safe places, healthy start, marketable skills and opportunities to serve.