Apps.com Selects Data Return to Host Web Apps Portal;the Ultimate Source for Access to Thousands of Web Applications and ASPs

Business Wire, June 20, 2000

Business/Technology Editors

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 20, 2000

Data Return Corporation (Nasdaq: DRTN), a leading provider of managed hosting services for the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 2000 platform (Nasdaq: MSFT), today announced Apps.com has chosen the Company to provide managed services for its new Web-based applications portal.

"We built our site on Windows 2000 from the ground up," said Brian Michon, Apps.com vice president of engineering. "When we were searching for someone to host our Web Apps portal, we found that Data Return had by far the most experience supporting Microsoft's Windows 2000 based Web applications."

With more than 7,000 application listings, Apps.com allows users to find the precise Web applications and ASPs they need, quickly and easily. The Apps.com portal offers business users and consumers the most comprehensive and easy-to-use gateway to the fast-growing universe of applications that utilize Web browsers. The system architecture includes Microsoft's SiteServer, and SQL/Server BackOffice products as well as LDAP technologies.

By outsourcing the deployment and ongoing management of its portal to Data Return, Apps.com is able to focus on its core value proposition to become the ultimate source for Web-based applications. The immediate results of leveraging Data Return's expertise were better monitoring, faster repairs, and operations advice from engineers experienced with hosting production sites on W2K- and the Apps.com server team does not have to wear the beepers.

"Data Return is especially pleased to have been selected to host the Apps.com portal, as they are providing valuable leadership and a tremendous resource in the movement towards Web-based applications," said Michael S. Shiff, Data Return senior vice president, marketing, sales and business development. "Because of the ubiquitous nature of Web apps, both business and individual users will benefit from the applications available at Apps.com."

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 Corp., Compaq Computer Corporation, Fossil, Alibre, Executive Software, PlanetOutdoors.com, Berlitz Languages, Sensormatic Electronics, Boeing Company and First USA Bank. Data Return also is a full-service Application Infrastructure Provider (AIP) that is enabling Independent Software Vendors to rapidly become Application Service Providers (ASPs). 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 Apps.com

Apps.com is the ultimate source for Web-based applications (Web apps). Based in Cambridge, MA and founded in October 1999, Apps.com provides business users and consumers with the most comprehensive library of Web apps and Application Service Providers (ASPs) available online today. Visit Apps.com at www.apps.com or e-mail the company at info@apps.com.

This press release contains forward-looking information. 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 "Risk Factors" 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. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.