Stratus Bridge Iternet-Based MLS System Provides Long Island Realtors® High Performance Delivery and a Smooth Transition to the Web

WHITE PLAINS, NY, October 26, 1999—Stratus Data Systems, and the Multiple Listing Service, Inc., of the Long Island Board of REALTORS®, announced today that they have signed an agreement for Stratus Data Systems to provide their members with Stratus Bridge, a Web-based multiple listing system with a browser interface. Stratus Bridge includes Search Listing, Custom and Standard Reports, CMA, Update, Prospect Match, and Financials. It provides integrated E-Mail, REALTOR® News, Discussion Boards, Calendars, and more.

Carlos Grass of Stratus Data Systems states, “We offer a comfortable way for REALTOR® associations to make the Internet transition. For those who want a gradual approach without initial data conversion, Stratus Bridge provides Web access to listings that members continue to maintain—for whatever time period they choose—on an existing MLS system.

“Connectivity is the Internet’s key benefit. MLSLI members gain Web access to e-mail, discussion boards, and tax data; along with simplified communications.”

Stratus systems are built from the ground up with the latest Internet technology. The entire system runs on the Web server, requiring no software on the local PC. Realtors can access the system from any computer with an Internet connection

Geared toward putting listings and a myriad of REALTOR® tools within easy reach, the deal gives MLSLI’s 12,000 members feature-rich, high-performance Web access to a database of 140,000 listings—of which 18,000 are active—and to more than 1.4 million property records. These were previously accessed via a dial-up system requiring proprietary communication software and dedicated phone lines.

“Some of our members are sophisticated computer users,” said Joseph Mottola, Chief Executive Officer of the Long Island Board of REALTORS®/MLS. “To meet their needs in a new system, we looked for the same level of flexibility we enjoy with the legacy REACT system, particularly in regard to searching. Stratus provides key functionality with the flexibility members expect, and the system is designed for ease of use.”

Stratus systems are developed by the same team that has provided Long Island with the stable, high-performance REACT system since 1983. Their proven track record—and the depth of their understanding of the real estate community—gives MLSLI a high degree of comfort in taking this technology leap.

About Stratus Data Systems

Stratus Data Systems is a subsidiary of GNS, LLC, headquartered in White Plains, NY. The company was founded in 1998 when the firm’s lead engineers purchased the assets of the 18-year old Greenwich, CT-based DATOR Corp., with the vision of bringing MLS to the Internet. Recognized for their technical excellence, this group proudly points to 26 years of success building and implementing the country’s largest MLS systems. The company’s strategic partnership with developers of business-critical internet applications built for the corporate world, has contributed to the creation of well-designed, high-performance Web applications, dynamic browser-based user interfaces, and transaction exchanges with legacy systems. Visit Stratus Data Systems on the Web at http://www.stratusdata.com/.

About MLSLI

The Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, Inc. (MLSLI) is a subsidiary of the Long Island Board of REALTORS®, a 12,000-member non-profit trade association. Since its inception in the early 1970’s, MLSLI has grown into a computerized network of more than 1,550 real estate offices throughout Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens County. MLSLI participating REALTORS® listed over 63,000 properties and gross sales neared $4.5 billion dollars in 1998 alone. For more information about MLSLI, visit the World Wide Web at http://www.mlslirealtor.com/.