VerticalNet Contracts With MeridianTelesis for Co-Location Space

Business Wire, March 9, 2001

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 9, 2001

MeridianTelesis(TM)--an emerging co-location provider for the Internet, telecommunications, and data storage markets--today announced that VerticalNet, Inc. (Nasdaq:VERT), the Internet's leading business-to-business e-commerce enabler, is co-locating a portion of their Internet infrastructure in MeridianTelesis's premier co-location facility--the Philadelphia IP Exchange Center(TM) (IPEC(TM)).

VerticalNet's co-location space with MeridianTelesis, which is configured as a private caged suite, is serving as a critical enabler in supporting the Company's e-commerce solutions business on a regional, national and international scale. As part of its agreement, VerticalNet reserved an option to double its existing co-location space with MeridianTelesis.

"MeridianTelesis's flagship co-location facility has been designed and is operated to accommodate the most sophisticated communications users," notes David M. M. Taffet, President of MeridianTelesis. "VerticalNet's selection of MeridianTelesis's Philadelphia IPEC above its other available alternatives validates our business model."

VerticalNet's Chief Information Officer, Richard Talaber, comments, "Our co-location agreement with MeridianTelesis is important because it greatly reduces the time, cost and effort needed to personally manage our back office requirements. Their facility provides VerticalNet with expandable floor space, a secure and isolated environment, and redundant/upgradeable power supplies, among other features."

About MeridianTelesis

MeridianTelesis is an emerging carrier neutral and network neutral co-location provider for the Internet-oriented, telecommunications and data storage markets. MeridianTelesis's flagship facility is located at its headquarters in Philadelphia, Pa. on the Avenue of Technology in the Port of Technology Center of Innovation, an Internet accelerator operated by the University City Science Center.

MeridianTelesis plans to open additional facilities over the next 18 months in cities that could include Boca Raton, Fla.; Ashburn, Va.; Baltimore, Md.; and Boston, Mass.

MeridianTelesis is committed to, among other things, maintaining 24-by-7 manned facilities; providing monitored access featuring multi-level and biometric security; delivering redundant environmental, power and fiber facilities and ensuring superior customer service. MeridianTelesis prides itself on its ability to offer "Secure Co-location Powered by Choice"(TM). For more information, please visit MeridianTelesis's web site at www.meridiantelesis.com.

About VerticalNet, Inc.

VerticalNet, Inc. (Nasdaq:VERT) (www.verticalnet.com), the Internet's leading business-to-business e-commerce enabler, provides end-to-end e-commerce solutions that are targeted at distinct business segments through its strategic business units - VerticalNet Markets and VerticalNet Solutions.

VerticalNet Markets provides value to buyers and suppliers by offering trade-relevant content, marketplaces, and enablement services through its 59 industry-specific VerticalNet(R) Marketplaces. VerticalNet Solutions delivers the most comprehensive digital marketplace solutions available to industry alliances, global 2000 enterprises, Net market makers and VerticalNet Markets.

VerticalNet International leverages the Company's strategic business units to create global Internet B2B marketplaces, offering products and services internationally and partnering with companies that have strong local presence and domain expertise.