WASHINGTON, DC- May 7, 2002 - Bantu, Inc. today announced Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has selected the Bantu Secure Instant Messaging and Presence Platform to deliver real-time messaging and presence management to students, faculty and staff. Bantu will be integrated with Embry-Riddle's online virtual campus, ERAU Online, and with administrative applications across the 20 Embry-Riddle campuses. Embry-Riddle will integrate Bantu with their Blackboard e-Education suite as a pre-defined Blackboard extension module, known as a Blackboard Building Block.

"Embry-Riddle is focused on moving course offerings and day to day business operations of the university to an online model. Instant messaging will play an important role in enhancing the online course experience and maintaining the high standards of education and student support for which ERAU is known," said Ira Strauss, Team Leader of Portal Services, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. "Bantu provides the security and integration we require on a flexible platform that will keep up with the requirements of our students, faculty and staff."

Bantu integrates instant messaging (real-time text communication) and presence (the ability to see who's online) into virtually any software or Web-based service. Unique security features protect the privacy of communications and enable tight integration with existing enterprise security infrastructure.

"We are pleased to welcome Embry-Riddle to our growing list of higher education customers" said Larry Schlang, CEO of Bantu, Inc. ""They, like other organizations involved with distance learning, recognize the value of instant messaging and presence as powerful tools to enhance online courseware and improve collaboration throughout their community. Our customers are able to increase return on existing technology investments by easily embedding instant messaging and presence functionality as an integral part of other applications where improving communication has the greatest impact."

About Bantu, Inc.: \ban' too\ 1 : Ancient root language of the African people; 2 : Washington, D.C.-based leader in secure, business-grade Instant Messaging and Presence solutions. The Bantu IM & Presence Platform enhances communication and collaboration in industries such as financial services, telecommunications, government and education. Bantu is secure, platform-independent, interoperable, and it easily integrates into any application or service. Bantu's customers and partners include Blackboard, Citrix, The George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University, SAIC, Sprint and the U.S. Army. (www.bantu.com)

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Embry-Riddle, the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, meets the needs of students and industry through its educational, training, research, and consulting activities. Embry-Riddle educates 24,000 students annually through the master's level at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., at more than 120 teaching centers in the United States and Europe, and through distance learning.