From: "Darrek Porter" <dporter@atipa.com>
To: <letters@lwn.net>
Subject: Atipa press release
Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 13:42:02 -0600

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Darrek Porter
816-960-1134  x107
dporter@atipa.com


Microtech Computers Inc. Acquires Atipa’s Hardware Division

Atipa strategy shifts to software subsidiaries;  Microtech to expand into
HPC markets


	KANSAS CITY, MO (March 30, 2001) – Atipa Corporation announced today that
its hardware division, which has specialized in developing Linux cluster
solutions for high performance computing (HPC) in the scientific,
educational and corporate sectors, has been sold to Microtech Computers,
Inc.  The former Atipa division will now become a division of Microtech
doing business under the name Atipa Technologies.

The transaction continues Atipa’s strategic transformation from a
comprehensive, end-to-end provider of Linux-based hardware, software, and
professional services to a company providing multi-platform enterprise
management software and support.  Atipa will continue to provide corporate
management services and support to its two subsidiaries, OpenNMS of Raleigh,
North Carolina and Enhanced Software Technologies (EST), Inc. of Phoenix,
Arizona.

OpenNMS is the start-up company that created OpenNMS.org, the open source
project that is developing next-generation network management software.  The
OpenNMS management team will lead an Atipa subsidiary to be announced this
summer that will provide enterprise management software products and
comprehensive professional services and support.  EST is a veteran player in
the backup market, providing leading backup solutions and utilities since
1985 and Linux-based solutions since 1994.  EST has long set the standard
for data protection with its flagship product, the award-winning BRUÔ, and
recently launched a new product, BRU ProÔ, the business-level “Backup You
Can Trust” for small to mid-sized enterprises.

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, Microtech is
currently a leading ISO-9002 certified manufacturer of Microsoft-based
custom PC and server solutions with a diverse
national customer base.  The acquisition of Atipa’s hardware unit supports
Microtech’s mission to become a leading national provider of multi-platform
solutions by entering the growing HPC market as a branded provider of
high-quality Linux clustering solutions.

“The decision to focus all of our corporate resources exclusively on the
software end of our business reflects a fundamental shift away from Atipa’s
original business strategy of becoming a full-service Linux provider,” said
Jeffrey Keenan, Atipa’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  “While  sales
from our HPC unit increased dramatically in 2000, our board and management
team felt that Atipa’s long-term interests would be better served by
narrowing our focus to the promising new market opportunities of our
software subsidiaries.  We are excited about our prospects for success and
convinced that this strategic shift in Atipa’s direction will be rewarding
for both our shareholders and employees.”

“The combination of Microtech’s cutting-edge, ISO-certified manufacturing
processes with Atipa’s brand name and footprint in the HPC space presents
the perfect opportunity for us to expand into a new market,” said Mike
Zheng, founder and President of Microtech.  “As an established and growing
company that has been competing successfully in the hardware business for 15
years, we believe we can add even more value to Atipa’s product offerings
and continue expanding their blue-chip customer base.  This is definitely a
win-win for both companies.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.  Additional background
information on Atipa and Microtech can be found at the following web sites:
www.atipa.com
www.microtechcomp.com
www.estinc.com
www.opennms.org

-##-

Darrek Porter
Director, Corporate Communications
Atipa Corporation
4700 Belleview, Suite 203
Kansas City, Missouri  64112
(816) 960-1134  x107
FAX (816) 960-1138
dporter@atipa.com