BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 10, 2001 -- Cyon Research, LLC announced today that Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT) and Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) will be the Title Sponsors of COFES2001: The Second Congress on the Future of Engineering Software.

These suppliers of the bedrock software and hardware on which all engineering software is based join with Cyon Research to put on this unique event.

"Microsoft recognizes the critical role that engineering software plays in society," said Andrew Hoover, Director of Manufacturing and Engineering Strategy. "We are delighted to help bring together those who are charting the course of this important market segment, both vendors and users."

"Since Compaq is the leading supplier of hardware for engineering applications worldwide, we wanted to join Microsoft in their support of this conclave," said Tom Salomone, Design & Engineering Segment Manager, Worldwide for Compaq Computer Corporation. "With our introduction of wireless and mobility solutions for engineers we wanted to take advantage of COFES to discuss this technology, as well as our newest improvements in workstation speed, power, and visualization, with industry leaders at COFES."

COFES2001 is the second Congress on the Future of Engineering Software. It will be held April 26-28, 2001 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort, Scottsdale, AZ. This unique, high-level conclave of the "movers and shakers" of the engineering software industry is the premier networking event for top-level engineering executives and visionaries.

COFES2001 is open to the user community by invitation-only. To request an invitation or for information, please call 301-365-9085, or visit http://www.cofes.com.

About Cyon Research
Cyon Research, LLC was formed by CAD industry consultants Brad Holtz, Joel Orr, and Evan Yares to serve the needs of both suppliers and users of CAD and engineering software tools. Our current products include COFES: The Congress on the Future of Engineering Software, the monthly Engineering Automation
Report, and the annual CAD Rating Guide. Over the next six months, Cyon Research will be delivering a range of new products, including industry reports, product comparisons, end-user research reports, and The Extranet Rating Guide.

All of our products are intended to inform, enlighten, and foster thoughtful discussion. Unlike typical firms within our general business space, Cyon Research focuses on providing frameworks for communication and collaboration within the CAD and engineering software industry.

We evaluate our success on how we can positively affect the entire industry. We measure that by the positive experiences of the companies and individuals who use the tools produced by our industry. If we can help engineers and designers to get their products to market faster, with better quality and lower cost, then we have indeed made a difference.

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SOURCE Cyon Research, LLC
Web Site: http://www.cyonresearch.com