Mainline Information Systems to Acquire Cornerstone Systems, Bringing Together the Solution Delivery Strength of Two "True Blue" IBM Premier Business Partners

Business Wire, May 14, 2008

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Today, Mainline Information Systems, Inc. and Cornerstone Systems, Inc. announced that they have signed an agreement in principle in which Mainline Information Systems will acquire Cornerstone Systems. This transaction will join two leading "True Blue" IBM Premier Business Partners.

"As 'True Blue' partners, both Mainline and Cornerstone provide comprehensive technology solutions based only on industry-leading IBM platforms," explained Rick Kearney, President and CEO for Mainline. "This acquisition allows us to combine nearly four decades of experience, the expertise of the industry's best System z technical professionals, along with nearly 700 employees who focus on delivering infrastructure solutions, such as business continuance, virtualization, security and optimization to our clients."

"Joining the strength of Mainline and Cornerstone means many advantages for customers," stated Herb Chittum, President of Cornerstone. "Expanded local technical coverage and more extensive customer care and support, combined with continued excellence in solution delivery are just some of the benefits customers will experience."

While this acquisition is centered on combining the two companies' System z (mainframe) solution practices, Mainline and Cornerstone have both built strong partnerships with IBM and established a cross-industry customer base by delivering technology encompassing the entire IBM System Server and System Storage product lines, including entry-level and midrange platforms.

"Over the years, the death of the mainframe has been predicted many times," stated Kearney. "However, the mainframe remains a part of our core offerings. IBM's priority has always been to understand customers' business needs and, through continuous innovation, support those needs. The System z server is the result of such a customer-centric approach to solution innovation. Thus, System z is once again emerging as the leading platform choice by customers for running stable, reliable enterprise-wide solutions. So, bringing together two leading system z partners is a natural fit."

Over the next several weeks, the companies will be working on transition and integration plans with an intended close by end of June 2008. Mainline and Cornerstone's existing operations and locations are complimentary to one another and will remain intact.

About Mainline

Founded in 1989, Mainline began by offering information technology solutions and consulting in the IBM midrange markets. Since then, it has become an IBM Premier Business Partner and global provider of information technology and business solutions with more than 600 employees nationwide. Headquartered at 1700 Summit Lake Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32317, Mainline provides solutions throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Brazil and Mexico. The company may be reached by phone at 850-219-5000 and on the Internet at www.mainline.com.

About Cornerstone Systems

Founded in 1991, Cornerstone Systems has established itself as an IBM Premier Business Partner and leader in providing System z infrastructure solutions. Employing over 95 individuals Irvine, California based Cornerstone has offices throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and Europe and can be reached via phone at 714-368-8100.

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