WASHINGTON, DC- May 20, 2002 - Bantu, the leading provider of secure Instant Messaging and Presence software for business, has been selected by Booz Allen Hamilton, a global strategy and technology consulting firm, to provide intelligent, real-time communication for the United States Army's eCYBERMISSION initiative using BANTU's IM and Presence Platform.

The Army's senior leadership launched the eCYBERMISSION initiative in March 2002 as a unique, ongoing web-based program designed to promote interest in real life applications of science, math, and technology among middle and high school students. Booz Allen Hamilton is providing the technology services required to make the program a success using presence and messaging technologies as key components of the initiative.

"Instant Messaging is a highly adopted and widely recognized tool that students are familiar with," said Verna Montgomery, Senior Associate of Booz Allen Hamilton. "The ability for mission teams to communicate and also have real-time access to CyberGuides, or 'virtual mentors', using the Internet will facilitate the interaction necessary for success. Bantu will provide a tightly integrated and customized solution that team members and eCYBERMISSION CyberGuides can access from anywhere."

Bantu integrates presence (the ability to see who's online) and instant messaging (real-time text communication) into virtually any software or Web-based service. The eCYBERMISSION portal online team directories and chat forums will be presence enabled, allowing students and CyberGuides to interact with a click of the mouse. The U.S. Army is sponsoring the eCYBERMISSION initiative and will provide access to equipment, facilities and subject matter experts to facilitate the initiative.

"Bantu is proud to work with the Army and Booz Allen Hamilton on a project that combines two key markets for us: government and education." said Larry Schlang, CEO of Bantu, Inc. "As with our other government and education customers, Bantu provides immediate value to the Army's initiative by securely integrating presence and IM into the existing eCYBERMISSION platform."

About eCYBERMISSION eCYBERMISSION is a unique web-based science, math and technology competition for middle school students. eCYBERMISSION targets students of all capability levels. The competition encourages and rewards a diverse range of proficiency levels, interests and backgrounds. It promotes self-discovery and encourages all students to recognize the real life applications of science, math and technology.

About Booz-Allen & Hamilton, Inc. Booz Allen Hamilton has been at the forefront of management consulting for businesses and governments for more than 80 years. Booz Allen combines strategy with technology and insight with action, working with clients to deliver results today that endure tomorrow. With 11,000 employees on six continents, the firm generates annual sales of more than $2 billion. Booz Allen provides services in strategy, organization, operations, systems and technology to the world's leading corporations, government and other public agencies, emerging growth companies, and institutions. Booz Allen's technology expertise is deep and broad-spanning information technology, management, engineering, and systems development/integration in defense, national security, civil and international government, telecommunications, environment, energy, and transportation. To learn more about the firm, visit the Booz Allen Web site at www.boozallen.com.

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)