Exhibit 99.4
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Press Contacts: Page Caldwell
---------------
Computone Corporation
+770-625-0000 - X1640
[email protected]
David A. Kaminer
The Kaminer Group
+914-684-1934
[email protected]
For Immediate Release
Computone Acquires Leading Linux/Unix Service and Support Company
--
Merges with Multi-User Solutions to Serve Rapidly-Growing IT Market
ATLANTA, June 30, 2000 -- Computone Corporation (OTC BB: CMPT) said today that
it has completed the acquisition of Multi-User Solutions, Ltd., of Norcross, a
leading third party provider of service and support specializing in Linux(R),
SCO(R) UNIX(R), Windows(R) NT, and other Open Systems.
Perry Pickerign, president and CEO of Computone, said the combining of the
two Atlanta-area companies "represents a significant step forward for Computone,
broadening the size, reach and offerings of the company." He said the
acquisition was completed for an aggregate consideration of $4 million in cash
and 800,000 shares of Computone stock, noting that the consideration is subject
to an increase of up to $1.5 million dependent on the satisfaction of specified
performance objectives.
Both Atlanta area companies have emerged as leaders serving the needs of
the rapidly-growing marketplace of small and medium-size companies using SCO
UNIX, Linux, Windows NT and other Open Systems solutions. Multi-User Solutions
will operate as a subsidiary of Computone, which is a pioneer in IT connectivity
and remote access communications technology and products, with Darrin Sherrill,
its co-founder, serving as COO and reporting to Pickerign.
Finally, a Full-Service Provider
"The growing marketplace had been hungry for a nationwide full-service
provider who could both supply and support users," said Computone's Pickerign.
"Now, with the new combined Computone and Multi-User organization, there is
finally a company that more than meets those requirements. We believe it will be
catalytic model for the service and support industry as well as Computone."
Multi-User (www.multiuser.com) completed a profitable fiscal 1999 with more
than $9 million in revenues. It was founded in 1991 to provide operating system
support, systems integration, and logistics management to customers of turnkey
software vendors in North America. Today, Multi-User supports and provides
services to major software vendors and customers in more than 13,000 locations,
focusing on Linux, SCO UNIX, Microsoft(R) Windows NT and Novell(R). The company
has a long relationship with Santa Cruz Operations (SCO), which has some 70
percent of the UNIX marketplace on Intel(R) platforms, and was SCO's first
Authorized Support Center (ASC) in North America.
In 1999, Caldera(R) Systems, a leading distributor of Linux, named
Multi-User as its first ASC, with the company also serving as its internal Help
Desk on an interim basis, as well as providing telemarketing sales for support
contracts. Multi-User has third-party labor agreements with IBM(R), NCR(R), Data
General(R), USNET(R) and other major organizations to provide same-day and
next-day service solutions, including overnight replacement and on-site service.
<PAGE>
`Another Important Step in the Right Direction or Computone'
"This is another important step in the right direction for Computone,
dramatically improving efficiencies and profitability," said Pickerign. "Growing
sales, increasing the profit picture, moving ahead and putting problems of the
past behind are all important in making and keeping Computone a viable and
exciting company in step with today's markets and times," Pickerign said.
Significant Revenue Stream and Profitability
Pickerign called Multi-User revenue stream "significant," noting that it
was "many times greater than competitors such as Linuxcare -- plus having the
added distinction of profitability." He said Multi-User's support contracts with
SCO, Caldera and TurboLinux(R) "show the company has earned its wings in a
highly-competitive marketplace. Multi-User has been able to achieve
profitability in its market niche, demonstrating the value of its proprietary
tools, strength of its management team, and a sound execution of its strong
business plan."
Perfect Fit with Computone
"Computone and Multi-User are perfect fit -- a great marriage," said
Multi-User's Sherrill. "We have the same culture, the same strong work and
service ethic, share a market focus and, more and more often, the same customers
and strategic partnerships. And now, by being part of Computone, Multi-User will
gain the exposure and resources necessary to capitalize on current and emerging
market opportunities."
Pickerign agreed, noting that the acquisition "will give Computone a
distinct competitive advantage as we gain the ability to provide unparalleled
service and support -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week -- and enable our
resellers to differentiate themselves by providing 7x24 next day, on-site
support to their customers as well.
"Today," Pickerign said, "the new Computone organization has a service
reach for supporting Linux, Unix, NT and more that greatly exceeds our
competition, and provides a platform for us to become a dominant player in the
IT service and support arena."
A pioneer and leader in the worldwide IT industry since 1984, Computone
Corporation (OTC BB: CMPT, www.computone.com) designs, manufactures and markets
a comprehensive line of remote access communications servers for Internet,
LAN/WAN and Windows NT/SCO UNIX/Linux and other Open Systems. Computone is also
a leading producer of high-speed multiport I/O boards, serving vertical markets
including healthcare, retail/point-of-sale, banking and financial,
telecommunications, Internet service providers (ISPs), transportation,
hospitality and education. Based in the Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta, Computone
sells through a worldwide network of authorized and certified distributors. For
the fiscal 2000, ended March 31, 2000, Computone reported an increase of 10
percent in net sales over 1999.
Multi-User Solutions provides service and support for both hardware and
software. Software support includes: Microsoft, SCO Open Server/Desktop, SCO
Xenix(R) System V, SCO UNIXWARE(R), Merge(R), WABI(R), MPX/SMP(R), Virtual Disk
Manager and LAN Manager for SCO(R), ArcServ for SCO(R), SCO Doctor(R), Advanced
File and Print Server(R), FastStart Products(R), X Vision Products(R), Caldera,
Linux and TurboLinux. It supports leading hardware vendors including: 3COM(R),
Compaq(R), Computone, DEC(R) (Compaq), Dell(R), Fujitsu(R), Gateway(R),
Hewlett-Packard(R), IBM, Intel, Lexmark(R), Magnavox(R), NEC(R), Okidata(R),
Panasonic(R), Samsung(R), Seagate(R), Sony(R), Texas Instruments(R) (HP),
Toshiba(R), and U.S. Robotics(R) (3COM).
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. With the exception of historical information
contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release involve risk and
uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in
any forward-looking statement.
All trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
