LOS ANGELES, May 23, 2000 (BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vertical Computer Systems Inc., (OTCBB:VCSY), a leading multi-lingual portal provider, software developer and e-commerce solutions company, today announced it has engaged Vijay Amritraj, president of First Serve Entertainment Inc., to act as an adviser to the company to facilitate the location of joint venture financial partners for the immediate development of VCSY's next foreign portal, the IndiaBridge.com.
Amritraj will assist VCSY in setting up an Indian portal and expanding VCSY's Internet operations from Brazil and China into India.
The ChinaBridge.com (www.thechinabridge.com) was VCSY's first foreign-language portal. In April 2000, VCSY launched a Portuguese-language portal, the BrazilBridge.com (www.thebrazilbridge.com) using VCSY's proprietary Markup Language Executive (MLE) software, known as Emily(TM). Emily(TM) is a programming language that allows Web-page builders to design Web sites that intercommunicate via XML and HTTP.
Amritraj is a top-ranked senior tour tennis player, sports television commentator and entertainment and business entrepreneur. He is also the president of Los Angeles-based First Serve Entertainment Inc., and First Serve Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd., based in India, (collectively referred to as "FSE").
In the United States, FSE is a television company producing, broadcasting, syndicating and distributing television programs in India, Asia and North America. In India, FSE is a multimedia company producing, broadcasting, syndicating and distributing television programs and feature films in India and Asia. FSE has successfully launched the entry of Columbia TriStar International Television, Turner International, ESPN and others in India.
Amritraj launched his career in sports and went on to compete in national and international events at the highest level, including Wimbledon for 17 consecutive years. He has received national and international awards both in and out of sport. He was honored by the Indian government for enhancing India's image abroad and was the only Asian to be awarded the prestigious Pierre Coubertin Award by the United Nations. Amritraj also served as an honorary adviser to the Indian government for the introduction of satellite television in India.
"Our discussions with Vijay Amritraj to develop an Indian Internet portal is a continuation of our mission to build a worldwide online community. Our expansion into India adds to our existing presence in China and Brazil, and is the next step in the company's progression to develop portals in the United States, Europe and other nations," said VCSY President Richard Wade.
"We believe that to have a successful expansion into international markets requires business partners with financial credibility, country-specific experience, and respect in their industry for both integrity and corporate vision. We believe the engagement of Mr. Amritraj as an adviser will help build our Internet presence in India. His influence and network of contacts within India will prove to be invaluable to VCSY, and I am confident that he will greatly accelerate our market penetration," added Wade.
Vertical Computer Systems Inc., is a leading multi-lingual portal provider, software developer and e-commerce solutions company based in the US. The company provides a full range of Internet services that include building e-commerce solutions nationally and internationally, distributing content via multi-lingual portal networks (www.thebrazilbridge.com) (www.thechinabridge.com), and Internet services (www.thepostmaster.net). Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Externet World, Inc., the Company provides online shopping services (http://www.shoppinginternet.com). The company is also a leading developer of proprietary software for the Internet, including the Emily(TM) (MLE) Framework, a programming language that enables the creation of websites that intercommunicate via XML and HTTP, and online gaming software (http://www.ccpsoftware.com). For more information, visit the company's website at www.vcsy.com.