Burnaby, BC - May 23, 2000 - Cisco Systems Canada Co. [Cisco] has awarded Steeves and Associates [Steeves] Silver Certification status in recognition of Steeves continuous investment in Cisco Systems training and technology, and commitment to providing leading Internetworking technology to its customers.

In addition to recognizing Steeves as a successful designer, seller and implementer of Cisco solutions, Silver Certification supports the efforts undertaken by Steeves in helping customers view their networks as a strategic business asset. "Cisco has been working to shift how companies view their networks and we at Steeves are proud to be a part of that work," says Dave Steeves, President and CEO, Steeves and Associates.

"Our Cisco Silver Certification helps us to continually offer our clients a high level of product knowledge, technical expertise and service capabilities and for the client, that means strategically planned business solutions that save dollars in operating costs, increase revenues and improve customer service," notes Steeves. "Technology is changing how businesses work - Cisco is a leader in the evolution of networking for the Internet and our certification allows us to be front and centre with them."

"Steeves and Associates is an example of a company that has a strong leadership position in the Canadian technology marketplace, we were honoured to give them this Certification," said Brent Rebus, Canadian Channel Operations Manager, Cisco Systems Canada Co. "The purpose of the Cisco partner certification program is to build channel partner expertise and help them develop profitable, long-term relationships with their customers," he adds. Partners must meet rigorous training and support requirements in order to achieve Silver Certification. Customers who choose to work with a Cisco Silver certified partner can be assured of a consistently high level of product knowledge and technical support.

As a Cisco Silver Certification partner, Steeves offers a full complement of pre-sales and post sales support services, including standard installation, onsite hardware repair and upgrades, broad troubleshooting expertise and Cisco product sales, configuration and upgrade support. In addition, as required of Silver partners Steeves has certified network support staff to provide five-day, eight-hour technical support and onsite service, with a four-hour response time available to customers.

Since 1992, Steeves and Associates has provided a wide variety of customers in both private and public sectors with business information solutions using technologies from leading vendors such as Cisco, Microsoft and Compaq.

For additional information:

• Nancy Pearce
  Steeves and Associates
  Director, Sales and Marketing
  (604) 298-7700
  E-mail: nancy@steeves.bc.ca

• Cisco Systems Canada
  Gillian Hewitt
  (416) 961-5595 ext. 428
  E-mail: ghewitt@cisco.com

BACKGROUND INFORMATION - CISCO

Cisco Systems - with $16.7 billion (US) in revenues and over 30,000 employees - is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Established in 1990, Cisco Systems Canada employs over 500 Canadians and is headquartered in Toronto, with field sales and service offices across the country. In addition, Cisco also has a state-of-the-art development centre in Kanata, ON - focusing on the development of optical internetworking solutions to build the next generation of the Internet backbone.

The Internet is changing the way people work, live, learn and play - and Cisco Systems Canada is a primary agent of this change and a compelling example of the power of this revolution. By widely deploying business solutions based on the Internet, Cisco Systems saves over $825 million (US) per year in operating costs, has grown revenues by 100% in two years and has increased customer satisfaction at the same time. Cisco produces networking solutions for enterprise organizations, service providers and small/emerging businesses. Additional information on the company and its products can be found at http://www.cisco.com/ca.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION - STEEVES AND ASSOCIATES

Steeves and Associates is a leading provider of technology-based business solutions, working with top vendors to provide clients with technologies that are easily assimilated into their work environments.

FOUNDED: 1992

COMPANY STRUCTURE: Private

REVENUE: $6 Million (1999)

SECTOR: Business information solutions using high-end technologies from leading vendors such as Microsoft, Cisco Systems and Compaq Technologies

SIZE: 50 people

MARKETS: Private and Public

SELECTED CLIENTS: BCAA, Chevron, Fraser Valley Health Region, University of British Columbia, Port of Vancouver, Workers Compensation Board, BC Rail

FIVE YEAR GROWTH RATE: 3,178% (1998)

WEBSITE: www.steeves.bc.ca

LOCATIONS:

• Steeves and Associates
  200-4170 Still Creek Drive
  Burnaby, BC V5V 6C6
  (604) 298-7700

• 201-1290 Broad St.
  Victoria, BC V8W 2A5
  250.382.7711