NextOffice Appoints Cort Executive to Board of Directors; Steve Jobes Brings 30 Years of Industry Expertise to Leading Business Furnishings Provider

Business Wire, Jan 9, 2001

Business Editors

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2001

NextOffice, Inc. announced today that Steve Jobes, president of CORT Business Services, has joined the company's board of directors. The board appointment follows CORT's early financial investment in NextOffice and a strategic partnership to develop and market CORT's first online office furniture rental center at NextOffice.com. Jobes has taken on an important advisory role within NextOffice, working with the executive team to chart the future course of the business.

"I am pleased to join the board of directors at NextOffice, as the company continues to drive its leadership position in the industry," said Jobes. "I look forward to strengthening the relationship between CORT and NextOffice, and helping the company build a new model of business that integrates technology with the 'hands-on' business of office furnishings."

NextOffice's combination of business and industry solutions is designed to meet a market need by streamlining the process for buying, selling and delivering office furniture. Earlier this year, the company launched the first nationwide service for personalized workspace design and business furnishings -a unique combination of online and offline services. NextOffice is about to unveil a hosted e-procurement application. This solution will help stakeholders in the office furniture industry, manufacturers, dealers and corporate end-users, streamline their operations and core business practices by lowering procurement administration costs and shortening requisition and order fulfillment cycles.

"Steve Jobes is a valuable addition to the board," said Farid Gazor, CEO and founder of NextOffice. "We are confident that Steve's unique blend of experience in both the Internet and home and contract office furniture industries will benefit NextOffice as we establish leadership and continue to grow our business through strategic partnerships. His guidance will be key to our sustained success."

Jobes joins board members Farid Gazor, CEO and founder, David Johnston, Managing General Partner of The Phoenix Partners, Josh Daniels, General Partner at CMGI@Ventures and Humphrey Polanen, former CEO of Trust Works systems.

About CORT Furniture Rental

CORT Furniture Rental is the largest national furniture rental company in the rent-to-rent segment of the furniture industry. CORT has been providing quality furniture rental solutions for over twenty years. With a selection that ranges from office to residential, and traditional to contemporary, CORT offers variety and a professionally trained sales staff to help with space planning and assessing your home or business needs. Through over 100 showrooms coast to coast, CORT offers an uncompromising commitment to customer satisfaction, including a written Personal Service Guarantee. CORT has become the industry leader by consistently offering quality furnishings, superior service, and outstanding value. CORT is part of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies. Additional information is available on the company's Web site at http://www.cort1.com.

About NextOffice, Inc.

NextOffice, Inc., is a pioneer in the effective integration of technology with the hands-on business of office furnishings. Since its inception in 1997, NextOffice, Inc. has provided industry-specific solutions that leverage technology for greater efficiencies and improved customer service. With its unique combination of online and offline services, NextOffice, Inc. is the leading provider of personalized workspace design and business furnishings nationwide. Next Office is financed by leading investors, including CMGI @Ventures, CORT Furniture Rental, The Phoenix Partners and Venture Frogs.

Additional information is available on the company's Web site at www.nextoffice.com.

NextOffice.com and the NextOffice.com logo are service marks of NextOffice, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.