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Siemens, I-Fusion enter co-operation agreement

Johannesburg, 08 May 2001

Siemens Telecommunications Enterprise Solutions Business Unit said today it has signed a co-operation agreement with I-Fusion, a preferred partner for Siemens in the data networking arena. Part of the Bidvest Group, I-Fusion is one of South Africa`s fastest growing IT groups and among the leading suppliers of computer services and infrastructure to medium-sized businesses.

In terms of the co-operation, both parties will work together and utilise each other as the preferred partner in projects where a combination of Data Networking and circuit switched technologies are required.

The agreement is expected to support Siemens in the implementation of its HiPath convergence strategy. With its strong capabilities in the IP arena, in both integration and implementation and in cabling infrastructure, the partnership with I-Fusion will give Siemens a competitive edge in the fast-growing IP market.

Siemens Information and Communications Group (I and C Group), the global leader in digital switching and voice/data integration, recently launched its business strategy for next generation enterprise IP communications in South Africa. Called HiPath, it is an important element in the drive by Siemens to offer customers mobile solutions. The Enterprise Convergence Architecture strengthens business communications by enabling a company`s existing voice and data infrastructures and applications to interoperate globally over all networks.

Ron Sackstein, chief executive officer for I-Fusion Holdings said: "Our primary goal of the co-operation agreement is to combine the capabilities of both I-Fusion and Siemens to achieve the greatest effectiveness in bids and in the execution of the work by operating as though it were a single unit. We will be utilising each other as the preferred partner in projects where a combination of Data Networking and circuit switched technologies are required. I-Fusion has an unwavering commitment to its customers for providing a complete IT solution. This agreement will only strengthen our commitment."

Managing director, Enterprise Solutions, Hilton Loewenstein said: "We believe I-Fusion is well positioned to provide Siemens with the necessary level of support for its HiPath business strategy. I-Fusion`s comprehensive range of products and services, with a specialist emphasis on local and enterprise-wide networks, are effective in offering clients a total IT solution and will allow Siemens to expand its existing product and service offerings, to meet increased customer demands. Through this relationship with I-Fusion we hope to strengthen our position in the date networking market and our ability to provide end-to-end solutions."

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Siemens I and C Group (Siemens Telecommunications Pty Ltd)

Siemens Information and Communications Group (I and C) in South Africa is a leading provider of voice and data networks with a comprehensive portfolio of IP-based products and solutions for enterprises, carriers and service providers. It is an integral part of the Information and Communications (I and C) business segment of Siemens AG, which also comprises Information and Communication Mobile and Siemens Business Services. The I and C Group is divided into Carrier and Enterprise Solutions which focus on providing customised solutions, including the integration of products, systems and technology, to suit both business and individual needs. With a strong foundation in the mobile networks arena, which includes established GSM infrastructure, products, solutions and services for the Next Generation Internet, and electronic business solutions, Siemens provides the full spectrum of mobile business solutions, allowing users to communicate and be connected to information and services any time and any place.

Further information about Information and Communications is available at: http://www.ic.siemens.com/networks/index.htm

Enterprise Solutions

Enterprise Solutions is a Division within the Siemens Information and Communications Group (I&C). They have over 1 million customers in 160 countries. With 70 million connections and 2.5 million Hicom communication servers, Siemens is a key player in this highly competitive and dynamic market. New convergence solutions such as HiPath convergence architecture, provide customers with an end-to-end strategy for integrating voice and data networks on the basis of IP protocols.

The spectrum of products offered by this Division includes PABX systems, contact centres, digital, analogue and IP compliant terminals, as well as specialised business solutions for the hospitality industry, telephone management as well as a variety of cordless solutions.

Enterprise Solutions also offers professional services, consulting and integration services.

I-Fusion

I-Fusion Holdings is one of South Africa`s fastest growing IT groups and among the leading suppliers of computer services and infrastructure to medium-sized businesses. Its comprehensive range of products and services extend from local to wide-area networks with a specialist emphasis on outsourced services capability, offering clients a total IT solution.

Established in 1991 and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 1998 under the name of Impotek, the group changed its name to I-Fusion in May 1999. In July 2000, I-Fusion Holdings Limited became a member of BIDVest Group Limited, a multi-billion rand investment holding company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in the services sector.

Based in Midrand, I-Fusion has national coverage in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban and points of presence in all the main business centres in South Africa as well as in Mozambique, Namibia and Botswana.

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