"PC and embedded devices are merging in the post-PC computing world," said William Sliney, president of Pacific Softworks. "We're taking the lead to align our products to further enable this convergence."

Pacific Softworks' leading SNMPv3 network management, embedded Web browser and Web server, designed from scratch for the tight demands of embedded applications, will also run on Red Hat Linux (Nasdaq:RHAT).

"We're seeing more and more companies developing their Internet appliance solutions on Linux first, before porting them to the target platform," said Glenn Russell, chairman of the board of Pacific Softworks.

"By seamlessly deploying our proven embedded Internet communication technologies on Linux, developers can start to build their embedded applications under Linux before the embedded hardware is available. We're offering our customers the time-to-market acceleration enabled by this solution," said Russell.

Included in FUSION for Linux is the full range of Pacific Softworks' internetworking technologies including a high-performance TCP/IP stack, MIB-II-compliant SNMPv3 for the ultimate in secured network maintenance, advanced protocols that enable wireless and direct-connect communications, and embedded Web browsers and servers with advanced features that simplify user interaction and maximize information content.

"Another accelerating trend that we see is the growth of a mixture of both classic embedded platforms as well as Linux, on the client-side of embedded solutions," said Dan Bastecki, director of engineering for Pacific Softworks.

"Both lightweight and fully featured clients can now have access to the same networking technologies, thus reducing the redundancy of the development and maintenance effort required. In addition, by enabling a common software base to be deployed on both categories of targets, the quality and reliability of the products that go out the door is enhanced," said Bastecki.

Reference versions of Linux and embedded operating systems that will be supported are planned to be announced at a future date. Release is scheduled for the first half of 2000.

Pacific Softworks

Pacific Softworks is a leader in the embedded software and Internet appliance market. Pacific Softworks develops and licenses Internet- and Web-related software, and software development tools. The company's products enable Internet- and Web-based connectivity in embedded displays. The company's products are used throughout the Internet and in information appliances, which are Internet-connected versions of everyday products, such as vending machines, in-store displays, set-top boxes and other digitally based devices. Pacific Softworks has headquarters in Newbury Park.

Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated herein, including, but not limited to, timely development, acceptance and pricing of new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and other risk factors detailed in the company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    CONTACT: Pacific Softwork Inc., Newbury Park 
              Georgette W. Pagano, 805/499-7722 
              [email protected] 
              www.pacificsw.com 
                    or 
              Excel Financial Services 
              Kevin Spencer, 561-997-5828 
              [email protected]