Data Return Deploys World's First Clustered ASP.NET Application; IBuySpy Portal by Vertigo Software, Inc. Demonstrates ASP.NET and .NET Framework Agility

Business Wire, Feb 6, 2001

Business/Technology Editors

DALLAS, Texas and REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 06, 2001

Data Return Corporation (NASDAQ:DRTN) today announced that it has successfully deployed and now manages the new IBuySpy.com site, including the production version of a new ASP.NET sample application. The application was co-developed by Microsoft Corp. and Vertigo Software, Inc., using pre-release C# code and the newest version of Visual Basic.NET, and is the very first ASP.NET application to be deployed into a clustered environment. The portal demonstrates to developers how the ASP.NET and the .NET Framework can be used to build either an Internet- or an intranet-portal application.

"This is our first clustered deployment of a .NET application with Data Return. The Company's ability to deploy our application in a high-availability environment will help Vertigo to be prepared as more and more people begin to adopt the .NET server technologies and look to our site for information on how to take full advantage of the increased agility these products offer," said Scott Stanfield, CEO, Vertigo Software. "In fact, the first sample application we deployed with Data Return (www.IBuySpy.com) was launched in June of 2000 using an Alpha version of ASP.NET. Since June, the site has maintained 99.999% uptime with Data Return."

Users can download the portal sample from the IBuySpy site, or run the portal online. The online version shows examples of some of the ready-to-use content modules that come with the portal, including announcements, events, discussion lists and contacts. All code contained in the IBuySpy portal download package is free for developers to study or customize for their own applications. The portal also contains built-in administration pages for setting up a portal, adding content and setting security options, so developers can also opt to configure a unique portal without writing a line of code.

"This deployment was my introduction to Data Return's approach in bringing an application live," said Susan Warren, program manager for Microsoft Corp. "The experience was so smooth it sent shivers down my spine -- from the time Data Return called to say the cluster was ready to go live until we had the application running across the cluster, there were absolutely no glitches. In fact, the whole handoff and deployment process took just two hours -- including just two small configuration settings to tell ASP.NET how to provide a seamless experience for the user, regardless of which server in the cluster handles their request."

The IBuySpy Portal Solution Kit is available for download to developers who access the site. The kit offers all the functionality of typical portal applications, including 11 basic portal modules, a "pluggable" framework that is simple to extend with custom portal modules, and online administration of portal layout, content and security. The kit even includes roles-based security capability for viewing content, editing content and administrating the portal.

"With the .NET suite of solutions, developers now have the tools and capabilities to create and deploy the next generation of Web-enabled applications," said Jason A. Lochhead, Data Return CTO. "Deploying the IBuySpy portal with Vertigo and Microsoft demonstrates our commitment to the .NET Framework and our leadership in delivering managed services on the Microsoft platform."

About Vertigo Software, Inc.

Since 1997, Vertigo Software, Inc. has been helping its customers realize the benefits of multi-tier Web-based development by simplifying the process with innovative techniques and tools. Vertigo speeds the creation and deployment of their customers' e-business Web applications using team-based development and Microsoft(r) Windows(r) DNA 2000. Their strategic architecture consulting targets the requirements customers want most in their Web applications: reliability, performance, scalability and security. For more information about Vertigo's products and services call 888-345-0125, e-mail Alan Purser, alan@vertigosoftware.com or browse www.vertigosoftware.com.

About Data Return

Recognized by Microsoft as the Windows 2000 Global Hosting Partner of the Year, Data Return specializes in providing high-availability managed hosting services for companies whose applications are based on Microsoft technologies. These services are utilized by many leading enterprises including Microsoft, Compaq Computer Corporation, RadioShack.com, Texas Instruments, Pier 1 Imports and World Bank. Data Return also provides managed infrastructure services for the rapidly growing market of Application Service Providers (ASPs). Data Return strategic investors and Global Alliance Partners include Microsoft, Compaq Computer Corporation and Level 3 Communications. For more information, visit www.datareturn.com.

This press release contains forward-looking information. Statements made in this press release that state Data Return's or management's intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations or predictions of "future events" are forward-looking statements. 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 "Factors Affecting Operating Results" in Data Return's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2000 and are updated from time to time through the filing of reports and registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgment of Data Return as of the date of this release, and Data Return disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise such forward-looking statements to reflect any change in Data Return's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which such statements are based.