JANUARY 5, 2000

Rolling Meadows, IL — The American Express Travel Related Services Company recently awarded ABS Associates, Inc. a contract to provide support for AMEX standard hardware and software at its Bannockburn offices. ABS's full-time dedicated onsite certified engineers will act as chief user liaison, handling all service calls beyond "level one" for AMEX's Phoenix Helpdesk. In addition to ongoing CE assistance, the ABS IT staff will also provide technical, logistical, and physical backup for the facility's relocation project in May 2000. "American Express was looking for an IT services company that was willing to tackle a unique set of requirements," says Eldon Brown, ABS Division Manager. "Along with a proficiency in desktop and network level assistance, we are also able to smooth the transition from internal support to comprehensive IT outsourcing." American Express is a global travel, financial, and network services provider. Founded in 1850, the Company serves individuals with charge and credit cards, Travelers Checks, and other stored value products. It also offers financial planning, brokerage services, mutual funds, insurance, and other investment products. Their Web site is at ir.americanexpress.com. Founded in 1982, ABS is one of the Midwest's leading technology management companies and provides a full range of consulting, networking, web development, helpdesk, maintenance, and outsourcing services to major corporations throughout the United States. ABS is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois and can be found on the Web at www.abs-inc.com.