Novera� and The Allied Group Partner
to Offer Unique Interactive Retail Solutions

BURLINGTON, Mass.--May 8, 1998--Novera� Software, Inc., the leader in server-side Java, today announced that the company has partnered with The Allied Group to create Java kiosk applications for the retail market based on Novera's recently announced jBusiness� Solutions. This relationship will allow The Allied Group, a developer and integrator of interactive software applications, to offer their customers networked kiosk applications that are easily developed, deployed, and managed across the enterprise.

"Self-service, interactive kiosks are fast becoming an important method for retail establishments to offer their patrons a convenient way to purchase goods and services," explains Irv Miglietta, president, The Allied Group. "Our customers look to us to provide software applications that can be rapidly deployed and easily managed over a large-scale network. Our partnership with Novera, and the use of jBusiness� Products, will enable us to create the solutions being driven by the IT needs of today's retail environment."

The strength of Novera's jBusiness� Solutions is found in the product's capability to improve the quality of server-side Java application development, deployment, and management across the enterprise. These factors are critical in the implementation for the types of kiosk applications developed for The Allied Group's retail customers. Furthermore, jBusiness� facilitates development of intranet, extranet, Internet, and platform-independent applications on various hardware architectures, operating systems, and disparate object models.

One example of the kind of kiosk implementation that will be improved through the partnership between The Allied Group and Novera includes a self-service, nationwide retail gift registry. Using the management component inherent in the jBusiness� products, single kiosks are able to simultaneously provide access to bridal, baby, retirement and graduation registries, thus offering greater flexibility and convenience to customers. "This partnership is further evidence that server-side Java is a viable option for the development of enterprise-wide, business applications," states David Butler, vice president, marketing at Novera. "We are pleased to be working closely with The Allied Group to provide the solutions their customers require, and look forward to creating the most comprehensive Java-based solutions available to the retail market."

About The Allied Group

About Novera Software, Inc.

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Novera and jBusiness� are trademarks of Novera Software, Inc. Products or service names mentioned herein are, or may be, registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies or organizations.