Fast Data Search Gains Microsoft Commerce Server 2000 Integration; Scalable Real-Time Search Solutions Available for Leading e-Commerce Server

Business Wire, Feb 27, 2002

Business/Technology Editors

OSLO, Norway--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2002

Fast Search & Transfer(TM) (FAST), a leading developer of search and real-time alert technologies, announces that FAST Data Search(TM), the first customizable software solution designed specifically to tackle the real-time data-intensive search and information retrieval challenges of large-scale enterprises, has completed the Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) Technical Integration Testing for Commerce Server 2000. FAST completed the testing process for integration, performance, and supportability with the Microsoft Commerce Server 2000 environment for FAST Data Search after submitting their application to VeriTest, an independent third-party testing lab. Customers utilizing Microsoft Commerce Server 2000 now have access to a powerful end-to-end software solution that solves large-scale corporate information retrieval challenges.

"Many e-commerce applications run well with Commerce Server, but few ISVs are up to the rigorous challenge of releasing products that conform to the specifications required to pass the Commerce Server Integration Testing," said LJ Germinario, technical product manager for Commerce Server at Microsoft. "We commend FAST for meeting and exceeding our exacting standards to provide customers with the most reliable, manageable, easy-to-use products for running an e-commerce site."

"We are very excited that Microsoft has recognized that FAST Data Search technology fully leverages and extends the functionality in the Microsoft Commerce Server 2000," said Bjorn Olstad, General Manager of the Enterprise Business Unit at FAST. "With FAST Data Search, an efficient search solution is available for Microsoft customers whose worldwide information retrieval demands will now be met with a single, powerful, cost effective search solution, that is scalable regardless of query and data volume challenges."

With its highly scalable and modular configuration, FAST Data Search is ideally suited for Microsoft Commerce Server customers where new data is constantly being generated, frequent real-time updates are made to existing data, and a large number of users need to search common data in real-time. FAST Data Search supplies a powerful information retrieval capability to Microsoft Commerce Server 2000 systems, increasing the speed and performance of searches, leading to more successfully completed transactions, greater customer satisfaction, and generation of additional revenues.

"Microsoft provides FAST tremendous reach, and further strengthens our channel strategy of partnering with the top marquis "light-house" companies of the world," said John M. Lervik, CEO of FAST. "Combined with other major enterprise customers already utilizing FAST Data Search to increase their on-line revenues, FAST continues to prove itself to be the most effective search technology solution available for e-business."

About FAST

Fast Search & Transfer ASA (FAST) unlocks the ever-expanding volume of information on the Internet and within enterprise environments through a powerful platform of scalable search and real-time alert solutions. Patented products and services include FAST's technology showcase and the world's most comprehensive and freshest Web search engine, www.AlltheWeb.com, and high-capacity search and real-time content matching engines for the enterprise market. Market leaders relying on FAST's highly scalable and portable offerings include BroadVision, Dell, eBay, Ericsson, IBM, KPNQwest, Qwest, Reed Elsevier (Scirus.com), T-Online, Terra Lycos and TIBCO Software. FAST has operations in Europe and the United States, with research facilities in Norway. FAST shares are traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker FAST in Oslo, Norway. Please visit www.fastsearch.com for more information or try www.alltheweb.com.

(c) 2002 Fast Search & Transfer ASA - Fast Search & Transfer, FAST, and the FAST four-colored logo are trademarks of Fast Search & Transfer ASA. All rights reserved. FAST disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.