VALLEY FORGE, PA (May 1, 1997) - Blue Angel Technologies, Inc. and AltaVista Internet Software, Inc. announced Thursday a business relationship under which the two companies will integrate their software tools to provide users with the ability to search both structured and unstructured information in the Internet/intranet markets.

"While current Web search tools do a good job of examining unstructured textual information on Web pages, it's often difficult for them to identify the specific information one may be looking for," stated Jim Restivo, president of Blue Angel Technologies. "In addition, current Web search tools do not provide the ability to search for information that is stored in distributed databases containing structured and unstructured information. As a result, there's a wealth of information that cannot currently be accessed using existing Web search engines" continue Restivo.

"Today’s announcement means that users will have the ability to seamlessly search both structured and unstructured data sources using AltaVista Search," said Gary Brooks, director of marketing for AltaVista. "Combining the power of AltaVista Search with Blue Angel Technologies' structured search tools will open up exciting new opportunities for users. As a result, users will be able to search library databases, museum records and government databases throughout the world, as well as searching HTML Web pages," continued Brooks.

"It makes so much sense to integrate the features of both structured and unstructured search tools. Users should have the ability to reach information wherever it is and however it's stored. That's the value that will result from today's announcement," said Restivo. "And since the structured search tools are based on open internationally-accepted standards, users do not have to worry about being locked into proprietary solutions."

Under the agreement, the AltaVista Intranet Search eXtension Developer's Kit (SDK) will be integrated with Blue Angel Technologies' Meta Data Server (MDS). The resulting product will enable users to search and retrieve information from any number of distributed AltaVista indexes using the internationally accepted ANSI/NISO Z39.50 protocol standard. The open standard establishes a unified interface to both the query and the returned search results, regardless of the databases searched, and frees the user from the need to search each database separately.

The agreement announced today provides that the MDS/Alta Vista solution will be marketed worldwide by Blue Angel Technologies. "We are excited about the relationship with Alta Vista because together we can provide new capabilities that will save customers both time and effort. AltaVista is the first of many such partnerships we envision for the future", said Restivo.

About AltaVista Internet Software, Inc.
AltaVista's vision is OnSite Computing -- leveraging the real benefit of the Internet's universal presence of being able to do business wherever you are. AltaVista's OnSite Computing solutions includes the AltaVista Search Network, AltaVista Search services and software, AltaVista Firewall and Tunnel security solutions, as well as NT-based directory, mail and library solutions, all providing secure, simple and direct access to information and people over the Internet and private Intranets. AltaVista Internet Software, Inc. is a Digital company. Further information is available at http://altavista.software.digital.com, or by calling 1-800-336-7890.

About Blue Angel Technologies
Blue Angel Technologies, Inc. is a developer of software tools for the discovery, maintenance and publishing of structured information for the Internet/intranet market. For more information, visit Blue Angel's World Wide Web site at http://www.bluangel.com or call 1-610-917-9200.

Editors' Contacts:

Jon Riewe
610.917-9200
riewe@bluangel.com