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Press release

Thus plc, one of the UK's leading providers of integrated solutions encompassing voice, data, call centre, Internet and interactive services, today announced the creation of a significant new initiative to deliver e-commerce solutions, application service provider (ASP) offerings and web hosting solutions for the business community. The e-commerce products being developed by Thus will allow businesses to rapidly establish a technologically advanced, robust, flexible and affordable e-commerce capability.

Thus will work with Microsoft, the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing and Dell Computer Corporation, the world's leading direct computer systems company and a leading provider of technology for Internet infrastructure to provide technology solutions for British business.

Thus, through its Demon brand, will be responsible for jointly developing the range of new services as well as for sales and marketing initiatives to its existing and potential customer base. Microsoft's newly announced Windows 2000 range of products will provide the software and operating platform and Dell will be responsible for the provision of a variety of hardware and other infrastructure to support the new services.

The three companies will jointly develop a range of e-commerce solutions, ASP offerings and web hosting solutions to specifically address the business market in the United Kingdom. As more and more businesses look to develop an Internet presence, it is intended that this initiative will provide customers with affordable and flexible e-commerce services through the combined strengths of the three companies.

Further announcements regarding specific products will be made in due course. It is expected that the first of these will become available during the summer.

Commenting on behalf of Thus, Bill Allan, Chief Executive, said:

"This is a significant aspect of our strategy to offer integrated Internet, data and voice solutions, tailored to customer-specific requirements. We are delighted to have Microsoft and Dell as our strategic suppliers for this initiative to rapidly deliver e-commerce solutions to this important and growing marketplace. We believe that the product expertise, knowledge and brand recognition within this agreement will allow Thus to deliver the next generation of e-commerce solutions to our customers. We are at the forefront of providing telecoms and Internet services. This initiative will enable us to further develop technically advanced e-commerce services designed to meet their needs."

Commenting on behalf of Microsoft, Paul Tollet, Small Business Manager, added:

"Windows 2000 provides the reliability, scalability and availability that is vital to running a successful e-commerce site. Microsoft have a strong working relationship with both Thus and Dell and we believe Windows 2000 is ideal for a growing e-business". Brian McBride, Vice President and General Manager for Dell UK and Ireland commented: "Dell has fundamentally embraced the Internet age and we believe its adoption is vital to the future success of all British businesses. As the world's number two supplier of PC servers we believe our Dell PowerEdge servers, Dell PowerApp appliance servers and Dell PowerVault storage products are the perfect platform to provide the backbone for this Initiative. Our own site www.dell.com is run using this technology and is the now the world's largest Windows based e-commerce site".

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.

About Dell

Dell Computer Corporation is the world's leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $25.3 billion for the past four quarters, and is a premier provider of products and services required for customers to build their Internet infrastructures. The company ranks No. 78 on the Fortune 500, No. 210 on the Fortune Global 500 and No. 3 on the Fortune "most admired" lists of companies. Dell designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained through the UK Press Office on 01344 748205 or by accessing the Dell World Wide Web site at www.dell.co.uk.