etrieve to Connect The Standard With Cutting Edge Mobile email Solution; Mobile Office Solution Provider Outfits Tech-Savvy Insurance Company

Business Wire, Sept 12, 2000

Business/High Tech Editors

HILLSBORO, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 2000

etrieve, Inc., provider of the leading wireless mobile office solution, today announced an agreement with Standard Insurance Company, a subsidiary of StanCorp Financial Group (NYSE:SFG), to provide its employees with etrieve's wireless email service.

The Standard has acquired 1,000 annual user licenses for etrieve's service allowing the company's mobile professionals to use their wireless phones to access critical office information. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Savvy insurance and financial services companies, like The Standard, looking to lead the industry by staying closely connected to their customers, are quickly learning that innovative technology is their competitive edge," said Mike Maerz, chairman and CEO of etrieve. "Our mobility solution will be The Standard's advantage."

The etrieve solution changes the way busy professionals function away from the office by allowing them to listen and respond to their email via their wireless phone. The technology is easy-to-use and doesn't require an extra device or separate email address.

"The Standard has a 94-year heritage of providing customers quality service. As we begin the 21st century, continuing that service commitment and connection with our customers is more important than ever before. etrieve's solution is the easiest and most cost-effective solution we've found to keep our employees connected while away from the office," said Doug Maines, senior vice president, employee benefit insurance division. "etrieve's mobile email solution was a strategic compliment to our service and business productivity objectives."

According to life insurance industry's Life Office Management Association, the use of technology is becoming increasingly crucial in achieving success. The Standard has a proven track record for innovative technology and financial stability, as evidenced by its number four ranking among tech savvy insurance companies by Information Week, and is rated "A Excellent" by A.M. Best Company.

About etrieve, Inc.

etrieve, Inc. is focused on making the mobile phone the natural extension to the office. With etrieve, mobile business professionals can manage their office email by voice, by text and by importance -- all from the phone they already have. Founded in 1998, etrieve combines the reach of wireless technology, its Wireless Interchange Engine, and robust text-to-speech technology to keep mobile business professionals connected with their critical office information. Headquartered in Hillsboro, Ore., etrieve is a privately held corporation funded by Ignition Corporation, Softbank Venture Capital, Madrona Venture Group, Timberline Ventures and Venture Partners. For additional information, contact etrieve via phone at 503/533-2300, or fax at 503/533-2301. For a demonstration, please visit www.etrieve.com or call 1.877/980-HEAR.

About The Standard

The Standard, a subsidiary of StanCorp Financial Group (NYSE:SFG), was founded in 1906 in Portland, Oregon and now serves more than 4.5 million customers nationwide with life and disability insurance and retirement plans for individuals and groups plus dental insurance for groups. The Standard has more than 12,000 group disability plans in force covering more than 1.6 million employees.

Disclosure

Certain statements contained in this press release, including statements regarding anticipated development and expansion of StanCorp's business, the effects of regulatory actions, the intent, belief, or current expectations of StanCorp's management, the future operating performance of StanCorp, and other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, are "forward-looking" statements as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, uncertainties regarding those risks and uncertainties disclosed in StanCorp's 1999 Form 10-K.

etrieve and Wireless Interchange Engine are trademarks of etrieve, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.