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OPENCONNECT JOINS MICROSOFT’S DEVELOPER EMPOWER PROGRAM
Company plans to deliver secure mainframe-to-web access solutions that are compatible with Microsoft’s core technology platform.

DALLAS, TEXAS (June 14, 2004)— OpenConnect Systems, Inc., the pioneer of secure Mainframe-to-Web solutions, today announced that they have expanded their existing relationship with Microsoft Corporation by joining the Microsoft Empower Program for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs).

OpenConnect has been a long-standing leader in providing secure access solutions to mission critical business applications on mainframe and mid-range computing platforms. By joining the Microsoft Empower Program, OpenConnect can continue to deliver additional secure mainframe-to-web access solutions that are highly compatible with Microsoft’s core technology platforms.

The Microsoft Empower Program enables organizations to develop and market software products on Microsoft platforms as well as offer marketing resources to build the business. Microsoft will make a selection of their products available to OpenConnect for research and development purposes so that OpenConnect can accelerate the development of additional Windows-compatible solutions for the mainframe.

“By expanding our relationship with Microsoft, OpenConnect will now have the opportunity to further develop solutions that operate on Microsoft’s popular technology platforms,” said Stuart Burris, President and Chief Technology Officer of OpenConnect. “Development tools like Visual Studio .Net and other applications will enable us to develop high-performance applications that deliver high value to our customers that have invested in Microsoft’s platforms.”

The latest release of OpenConnect’s flagship product, WebConnect 6.4 is being developed using Microsoft applications and technologies made available under the program. WebConnect 6.4 provides secure browser based access to mainframe, midrange and UNIX applications and data. This version will allow WebConnect to operate succinctly on Microsoft Windows Server, Windows 2000, 2003, and XP. The product is currently under development with full release planned for the summer of 2004.

As part of the Empower Program, WebConnect 6.4 will undergo Microsoft's extensive certification testing, ensuring its performance and compatibility with Microsoft platforms. Once WebConnect sufficiently passes inspection, OpenConnect will become an official Microsoft Certified Partner.

About Microsoft
Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to help people and businesses realize their full potential. The new Microsoft Partner Program is for technology companies that use Microsoft software for building and distributing software or hardware solutions or as the building blocks for value-added services. The program offers a single, integrated partnering framework that recognizes expertise, rewards organizations for the total impact that they have in the technology marketplace, and delivers more value to help business be successful.

About OpenConnect Systems, Inc.
OpenConnect is the premier supplier of secure Mainframe-to-Web solutions for Global 2000 organizations. The company's Mainframe2Web Secure Solutions Series provides companies with cost effective, secure access to critical business information and applications within mainframes. By providing customers, partners and employees with secure access to mainframe data, organizations can significantly increase productivity, information sharing and revenue generating opportunities. OpenConnect's Mainframe2Web Secure Solutions Series consists of Secure Access Solutions (WebConnect, WebConnect SSO), Mainframe2Web Development tools (eXtremeVista and Visual 3270) and Web Services Development Tools (xmlConnect). The company's products are distributed in over 60 countries and used by more than 60% of Fortune 100 companies. For more information on OpenConnect, visit their website at www.oc.com.