RioPort and House of Blues Digital Inc. Announce Key Alliance; RioPort Platform to Power Downloads for HOB.com - The Home of Live Music

Business Wire, March 2, 2000

Business/Entertainment Editors & Internet/Music Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 2, 2000

RioPort Inc., a pioneer in the digital audio download market, and House of Blues Digital Inc. (HOB.com), the leading provider of live music content on the Internet, have entered into a long-term strategic partnership that will utilize House of Blues' broad access to proprietary content and RioPort's cutting-edge audio download management platforms and distribution network.

Under the agreement, RioPort will provide digital download service and technology solutions for House of Blues Digital and will allow consumers to access HOB.com-licensed music tracks through RioPort's extensive network of distribution partners, including MTV.com, VH1.com, SonicNet.com, Ministry of Sound and gURL.com.

The deal will provide a RioPort-implemented Internet infrastructure to offer HOB.com-licensed content to consumers, including live concert recordings, cybercasts and other programming performed and/or produced at House of Blues' venues, via digital download. RioPort services will include packaging, customer support, hosting, reporting and more.

HOB.com will also incorporate an HOB-branded version of RioPort's Audio Manager, a popular digital audio jukebox software application, enabling sitegoers to easily access, download, manage and playback content from a PC or portable player.

"RioPort is thrilled to welcome HOB.com as our newest digital audio platform partner," said J.D. Heilprin, executive vice president and general manager of RioPort Inc. "Since the first club opened doors in 1992, House of Blues has gained well-earned fame among music fans and industry insiders as the place to go for the best in live concert entertainment.

"HOB.com is now the No. 1 provider of live music content on the Web, and through this partnership, we'll greatly expand the distribution of HOB.com's downloadable offerings."

"House of Blues Digital has been at the forefront of utilizing the Internet as a true entertainment medium to extend the reach of artists and bring the live music experience to their fans across the globe," said Stephen L. Felisan, senior vice president, House of Blues Digital Inc.

"In our decision to expand HOB.com's digital services with content downloads, we looked for a partner with a vision to advance digital music for tomorrow and the technical expertise to implement it today. RioPort has more than met this, and we look forward to building a long, successful relationship."

About RioPort Inc.

RioPort Inc. is redefining digital audio by delivering an integrated, secure platform for acquiring, managing and experiencing music and spoken audio programming from the Internet. A pioneer in the digital audio market, RioPort partners with companies to provide them with an easy-to-use platform that includes access to a wide range of digital audio content, customizable software solutions and device design services.

For consumers, RioPort provides easy access to a variety of popular and innovative music and word programming through its RioPort.com digital audio site. In addition, RioPort markets the RioPort Audio Manager, an easy-to-use jukebox application for the acquisition, management and playback of digital audio content from the desktop or RioPort-compatible portable appliances, which the company licenses to third parties.

RioPort also provides content companies with production services, including encoding and secure packaging, allowing them to easily get their content into the hands of digital audio enthusiasts. RioPort's investment partners include Vulcan Ventures, Oak Investment Partners, MTV iGroup and S3 Inc. RioPort's Web site is www.rioport.com.

About House of Blues Digital Inc. (HOB.com)

House of Blues Digital Inc. is a division of HOB Entertainment Inc., and is committed to the production, capture, promotion and digital distribution of live music content taking place at House of Blues venues, HOB Concert amphitheatres and arenas, and other select premier venues worldwide.

House of Blues Digital Inc. broadcasts digital content through various media including the Internet, broadband cable, HDTV, satellite, DVD and traditional media. House of Blues Digital Inc.'s expertise in promotions and programming supports artists and labels through the entire online marketing medium.

House of Blues Inc. - Home of Live Music(TM)

www.hob.com - The Home of Live Music(TM)

www.hob.com - The Home of Free Tickets(TM)