eLinux.com Launches Open Alliance Marketing Network for Linux Community - Company Business and Marketing

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, March 13, 2000

Creative Computers/IdeaMall (Nasdaq:MALL) Monday announced the launch of its new eLinux.com Open Alliance program in support of the rapidly expanding Linux community. The eLinux.com Open Alliance program offers qualified participants a unique opportunity to grow and develop their business by providing their customers with access to one of the most extensive resources for Linux compatible hardware and software, Linux community interaction and Linux Support, on the Web. By linking to eLinux.com, affiliates can earn incremental revenue from sales generated by their referral.

Launched one month ago, eLinux.com (http://www.elinux.com) provides the Linux community with a single source for Linux compatible hardware, software, news, discussion groups, services, support and information. Building on the company's strong commitment to supporting the Open Source movement, eLinux.com offers the latest distributions of Linux products from providers including Red Hat (Nasdaq:RHAT), Corel (Nasdaq:CORL), Caldera and SuSE. eLinux.com also has its own brand of Linux-based eLinux.com OpenServe Servers, eLinux.com OpenPro Systems, and eLinux.com OpenBook Notebooks custom configured with Linux. In addition, eLinux.com sells IBM (NYSE:IBM), Compaq (NYSE: CPQ) and Hewlett Packard (NYSE:HWP) systems that are compatible with Linux. eLinux.com takes Linux community support one step further by compiling its online product offering into a printed Linux product guide, complete with the latest in Linux OS distributions, office suites, Linux based Web servers, and Linux compatible hardware and peripherals.

"It's free, quick and easy," stated Dan DeVries, iCEO of eLinux.com. "Affiliates of eLinux.com will gain instant recognition and build traffic by partnering with us. They'll benefit from this innovative revenue-sharing model by proving their customers with an opportunity to make online purchases from our unmatched selection of Linux and Linux compatible products, along with our low prices and outstanding service. In the ever changing world of Linux, we are proud to once again be on the leading edge of a new opportunity."

FMI: www.elinux.com or call 877-39-LINUX (877-395-4689).

eLinux.com is a subsidiary of Creative Computers. Creative Computers, Inc., soon to be renamed IdeaMall ("Creative/IdeaMall"), is focused on the Internet and business-to-business markets. Creative/IdeaMall has a growing portfolio of Web site properties and intends to pursue additional Internet opportunities as they arise and within its strategic focus. The Company's current portfolio includes:

-- eLinux.com (http://www.elinux.com) - a subsidiary providing products, news, discussion groups, services and support to the Linux community;

-- eCOST.com (http://www.ecost.com) - a separate subsidiary launched in April 1999 which is a retailer of computer products and electronics and is one of the fastest-growing multi-category Internet retailers;

-- PCM.com Business Solutions (http://www.pcm.com) - a leading business-to-business marketer focused on IT sales of servers, desktops and network equipment to businesses with 100 or more employees;

-- PCMall.com (http://www.pcmall.com) - a leading business-to-business marketer of computers and related products for small businesses with less than 100 employees, and high-end consumers;

-- MacMall.com (http://www.macmall.com) - a leading marketer of Macintosh computers, peripherals and software to the rapidly growing Apple community.