Hewlett-Packard Teams With GISCafe to Leverage the Power of Leading Industry-Focused Web Portal

Business Wire, Oct 23, 2000

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

CAMPBELL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 23, 2000

Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE: HWP) reinforced its visibility with Geographical Information Systems Professionals today through a sponsorship agreement with IBSystems that covers the industry-focused web portal www.GISCafe.com.

Through this agreement HP will become the underlying sponsor of three of IBSystems' portals and will reinforce its visibility with key professionals who make their company's hardware and software buying decisions. The three portals (EDAToolsCafe and MCADCafe are the other two) are each ranked No. 1 in terms of traffic in their respective industries -- with close to one-million page views and more than 150,000 unique visitors each month -- and their lead over the competition is widening. The portals also reach out by email to more than 50,000 professionals each day with the latest industry news, which now has the HP logo and messaging.

"I am excited about establishing a working relationship with IBSystems - who have rapidly become a highly visible provider of B2B content and services," said Rich Flaherty, HP's Americas Technical Marketing Manager. "IBSystems have achieved this by focusing on the three fastest growing High-Tech sectors -- EDA, MCAD and GIS -- and through our portal sponsorship agreement, we gain targeted access to these important audiences."

"Working with Hewlett-Packard opens new and exciting possibilities for our company," said David Heller, IBSystems' President and CEO. "We will meet HP's objectives and expand their reach into these technical markets while also giving their allies, the Intels and Microsofts of the world, a way to reinforce their presence in these dynamic market places."

About HP

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services -- is focused on making technology and its benefits accessible to individuals and businesses through simple appliances, useful e-services and an Internet infrastructure that's always on.

HP has 86,000 employees worldwide and had total revenue from continuing operations of $42.4 billion in its 1999 fiscal year. Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.

About GISCafe

www.GISCafe.com is the premiere destination for Geospatial Technology decision makers. With average monthly page views of 200,000, the portal is ranked as the No. 1 traffic leader in this market. Visitors come to this one-stop location to get the information they need to do an effective job. Hourly updated industry news, current job opportunities, in-depth technical information, and shareware are just a few of the many resources found on this GIS-rich site.

About IBSystems

IBSystems is a leading provider of web portals targeted at professional audiences. Its EDAToolsCafe.com, MCADCafe.com, GISCafe.com, AECCafe.com and ePOWERCafe.com web portals bring valuable resources and timely information to professionals in the EDA, Mechanical Computer Aided Design (MCAD), Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Architectural Engineering, and Power industries. IBSystems is building and launching additional industry-focused vertical portals on an on-going basis.