Partner Press Release
Toshiba Takes Leadership Role In Making Electronic Commerce A Reality Throughout The Supply Chain

The Leading Notebook Manufacturer Embraces RosettaNet Standard For Efficient Supply Chain And Customer Relationship Management

For Release June 9, 1999

Irvine, CA -- Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (TAIS), the country's leading notebook manufacturer and a founding member of the RosettaNet consortium, is helping to lead the effort in setting global business process standards for the IT industry. TAIS continues its progress in implementing RosettaNet process standards for more effective and efficient communications among its channel and supply chain partners. The company is developing its first RosettaNet pilot application to provide key channel partners quick and accurate catalog information directly to its partners' computer systems. The pilot program is part of Toshiba's RosettaNet development plan to have RosettaNet processes in place with key customers and supply chain partners by Feb. 2, 2000.

RosettaNet is a collaborative effort among the nation's leading information technology companies to establish standard business processes that will streamline costs associated with information transfer. When implemented, the standard will ease access to accurate and timely information among vendors and customers, making electronic commerce a reality throughout the supply chain.

"RosettaNet and the standardization of global processes is a key initiative for Toshiba," said Joe Formichelli, executive vice president, TAIS, Computer Systems Group. "RosettaNet will bring us even closer to our channel and vendor partners with real-time information updates and process integration that will reduce costs and time associated with information transfers."

Toshiba's first area of focus is to work with its key channel partners to develop a common interface based on RosettaNet standards for seamless communication of key product information. Future plans include working with vendor partners to implement the RosettaNet interface throughout the supply chain.

About Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.
Toshiba continues to be the world's leading vendor for portable computers with 17.6 percent market share worldwide in Q4 '98 according to International Data Corp. The company offers portable, desktop and server computing solutions for business customers under the Toshiba brand name. For dealer referral and product literature, call 1-800-TOSHIBA, or visit the company's World Wide Web site at http://www.toshiba.com.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with annual sales of approximately $3 billion, TAIS is comprised of nine divisions, organized into three business groups, which manufacture and market a wide range of business and information-oriented products in the United States and Latin America and one wholly owned subsidiary which operates a network of copier/fax dealers. Products include portable and desktop computers; PC servers; plain-paper copiers; facsimile systems; toner products; voice mail systems; digital business telephone systems; interactive voice response systems; network systems and digital cameras.

TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of the $42 billion Toshiba Corp., the seventh largest computer and electronics company and the world's 26th largest industrial corporation in terms of sales. Toshiba Corporation is a world leader in high-technology products with more than 300 major subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide.