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Mannesmann VDO Purchases e*ORB Software for Vehicle Telecommunications Prototyping; Vertel's CORBA-Based Solution Chosen for Size, Reliability

26 October 2000

Mannesmann VDO Purchases e*ORB Software for Vehicle Telecommunications Prototyping; Vertel's CORBA-Based Solution Chosen for Size, Reliability

    WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.--Oct. 26, 2000--Vertel(R) Corp. , a leading provider of mediation software for telecommunications networks, today announced that Mannesmann VDO AG has purchased e*ORB core technology for the purpose of developing a prototype in its vehicle telecommunications architecture.
    "We selected e*ORB because its small footprint and telecom-grade reliability make it an ideal solution for telecommunications architecture within motor vehicles where space and performance are a significant issue," said Chris Wild, software chief architect for the TLA program of Mannesmann VDO AG.
    To date, the VDO sale represents Vertel's fifth purchase agreement for e*ORB core technology announced during the second half of 2000. e*ORB combines the interoperability of the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) with the performance, reliability and scalability required to develop and deploy integrated voice/data/video services over optical, IP and wireless networks.
    "We are very pleased that VDO is using e*ORB for developing prototypes," said Cyrus D. Irani, president and chief executive officer of Vertel. "We believe that through the prototyping process, VDO will come to appreciate the reliability that e*ORB can deliver in such a small footprint. We look forward to a long-term successful relationship with VDO."

    About VDO

    VDO is a systems partner to motor vehicle manufacturers all over the world and a supplier of automotive components and systems, such as information and cockpit systems, navigation, telematics, communication and audio systems as well as engine control and fuel systems. Together with Mannesmann Sachs, VDO constitutes the Mannesmann Automotive Group.

    About Vertel

    Vertel is a leading provider of mediation software for telecommunications networks, enabling a variety of devices such as mobile devices to become an integral, intelligent part of a company's network topology.
    The company's pioneering mediation software, e*ORB(TM), continues to be adopted by top telecommunications, e-business and manufacturing companies. Vertel offers a variety of technologies and applications, supporting end-to-end network and service management with the highest quality of service for network operations.
    Vertel solutions are deployed worldwide by service providers, network operators, software vendors and systems integrators. Vertel also develops turnkey management applications that fit individual customer requirements through its Professional Services Unit. Based in Woodland Hills, the company also has sales offices throughout the world.
    For more information on Vertel or its products, contact Vertel at 21300 Victory Blvd., Suite 700, Woodland Hills, Calif. 91367; telephone 818/227-1400; fax 818/598-0047; or visit the Vertel Web site at http://www.vertel.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement: Except for the historical information presented, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect the company's business and may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. These include, but are not limited to: timely and successful introduction and customer acceptance of new and enhanced products, services and technologies in existing and new markets; the possibility that delays or difficulties will arise in implementing complex products, services and technologies and enabling them to work successfully with other complex products and technologies; the possible development and introduction of competitive products, services and new and alternative technologies; governmental and regulatory developments affecting Vertel and its customers; and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Vertel's periodic and other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by Vertel, including, but not limited to, the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 1999 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ending March 31 and June 30, 2000. Vertel undertakes no obligation to correct inadvertent or intentional miscommunication by members of the media of the company's formal or informal statements to the media or to update forward-looking statements made in this release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this statement.

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