Partner Press Release
Viacore Builds eBusiness Solution for National Semiconductor to Interoperate with Trading Partners and Marketplaces

National Semiconductor Advances Its End-to-End Supply Chain Efficiency Using Viacore™s Process Integration Services and webMethods Business-to-Business Integration Solutions

For Release October 10, 2000

IRVINE

In an agreement which promotes efficient e-business practices in the worldwide electronic components vertical supply chain, Viacore, Inc., a Process Service Provider (PSP) for the computer and electronic components industries, has been chosen to implement a global B2B collaborative commerce process integration infrastructure for National Semiconductor, Inc. (NYSE: NSM), a $2.1 billion global provider of semiconductor products. As a result, National Semiconductor benefits from greater supply chain alignment and increased cost savings across all of its back office commerce processes.

By utilizing Viacore's services, National Semiconductor has established a reliable, agile and certified access point into its existing IT infrastructure to support the RosettaNet business process. National can now create new, flexible business relationships with its trading partners and quickly adjust its supply chain to market changes. Viacore's services also enable National Semiconductor to take advantage of emerging electronic marketplaces through a single connection with Viacore.

webMethods, Inc. (Nasdaq: WEBM), the leading provider of business-to-business integration (B2Bi) solutions, was also selected by National Semiconductor to provide a comprehensive B2Bi solution that supports RosettaNet-ready transactions. With webMethods B2Bi solutions, National can integrate with major buyers and suppliers, enabling a seamless connection to Viacore's ProcessTone™ infrastructure.

"webMethods is providing the critical business-to-business integration platform to enable Global 2000 organizations to achieve tremendous success through RosettaNet-based B2B e-commerce initiatives," said Kim Trudel, webMethods' vice president, Industry Product development. "By leveraging webMethods B2Bi solutions and Viacore's process integration services, National Semiconductor can leverage a comprehensive software solution to maximize the benefits of using RosettaNet to provide real-time, bi-directional information exchange with trading partners."

"National Semiconductor realizes that a solid e-business strategy is key to a company's success in the New Economy," said Mike Glynn, director of Information Services at National Semiconductor. "As National Semiconductor's e-business partners of choice, Viacore and webMethods offer unrivaled process integration services and software that prepare our company for the supply chain challenges of the future."

National Semiconductor's initial process integration solution provided by Viacore is for RosettaNet PIP 3A4: Manage Purchase Order. In order to support the PIP 3A4 in production, National cross-referenced its entire 24,000-part product catalog with the RosettaNet Global Trade Item number (GTIN). National exchanges PIP 3A4 with global electronics distributors Arrow Electronics (NYSE: ARW) and Pioneer-Standard Electronics (Nasdaq: PIOS) using Viacore's ProcessTone™ Services.

"Arrow is excited to be implementing RosettaNet PIPs with National Semiconductor using Viacore's global process integration infrastructure. Anything we can do to streamline the supply chain, making it faster and more cost effective, is very important to us. Viacore's ProcessTone™ Services are an essential ingredient in reaching our supply chain improvement goals," stated David Westmoreland, Arrow's Vice President and Chief Information Officer.

This implementation allows National Semiconductor to meet the October 10, 2000, PIP readiness goal established by the RosettaNet Electronic Components Managing Board.

"National Semiconductor estimates the monthly volume of PIPs exchanged with our trading partners to be in the thousands, providing significant cost savings to our organization," said National's Glynn.

The relationship between Viacore and National Semiconductor will reduce National Semiconductor's back office costs by decreasing the manual processes inherent to the computer and electronic components industries. Improved process efficiencies will give National Semiconductor a competitive advantage through streamlined partner trading channels and faster time to market processes.

"National Semiconductor operates in a complex market environment where success is largely determined by a company's level of process integration with its trading partners," said Fadi Chehadé, Viacore's Chairman and CEO. "Viacore's process integration services will drive National Semiconductor's forward-looking e-business goals, and improve the management of their supply chain processes."

Viacore handles all aspects of RosettaNet-standard PIP exchange including security, legal auditing and status reporting. In addition, Viacore will provide on-site installation assistance, 7x24 guaranteed operations support, and internal system readiness evaluation for National Semiconductor.

About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor provides system-on-a-chip solutions for the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of the-art digital technology, the company's chips lead many sectors of the personal computer, communications, and consumer markets. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.1 billion for its last fiscal year and has about 10,500 employees worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.

About webMethods, Inc.
WebMethods, Inc. (Nasdaq: WEBM) is the leading provider of software solutions for business-to-business integration (B2Bi). Leveraging the open standards of the Internet, the award-winning webMethods B2B family of products provides the B2Bi infrastructure that enables Global 2000 companies and B2B marketplaces to connect customers, suppliers and partners to form real-time B2B trading networks. WebMethods B2B allows companies to create new revenue opportunities, strengthen relationships with customers and substantially reduce supply chain inefficiencies. Founded in 1996, webMethods is based in Fairfax, Va., with offices across the U.S. and Europe.
www.webmethods.com

About Arrow Electronics, Inc.
Arrow Electronics is the world's largest distributor of electronic components and computer products, with 1999 sales of $9.3 billion. Headquartered in Melville, New York, Arrow serves as a supply channel partner for more than 600 suppliers and 175,000 original equipment manufacturers and commercial customers through more than 225 sales facilities and 19 distribution centers in 38 countries. Detailed information about Arrow's operations can be found at www.arrow.com.

About Viacore, Inc.
Viacore, Inc., is a supply chain Process Service Provider that enables reliable, quick and efficient electronic process integration between disparate trading partners. Viacore was born out of the need to manage supply chain business processes via the Internet and was formed by bringing together industry powerhouses into a cohesive investment group. Together, with strategic investing partners Arrow Electronics, Avnet, Federal Express Corporation, Ingram Micro, SOFTBANK, and Tech Data, Viacore is the first to bring to market the rapid, pervasive and cost-effective deployment of standards-based process integration solutions. Additional information is available at www.viacore.net.