ALL ABOUT AITA ALBAMA INFORMATION TECNOLOGY

AITA connects Alabama technology innovators
The Alabama Information Technology Association fosters growth of IT by uniting entrepreneurs with funding sources at annual forum
Contact:
Byron McCain
AITA Executive Director
205-802-7551
byron.mccain@alabama-infotech.org
Sarah Farrer
Apropos Communications
256-539-2573
sjfarrer@hiwaay.net


Birmingham, Alabama, September 19, 2001 - The Alabama Information Technology Association (AITA) together with the Birmingham Venture Club will sponsor an Angel / Seed Investors Forum in Birmingham in October. Presenting at the forum will be six Alabama information technology startups who will detail their unique solutions to potential investors from across the state.
"AITA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to actively promote the growth of the IT industry in Alabama," according to Byron McCain, the association's executive director. "This Forum is just one of the ways we promote synergy between technology entrepreneurs seeking funding and potential investors, including venture capitalists, angels, and entrepreneur-friendly banks," McCain added.

"AITA is providing a much needed opportunity to facilitate dialog between startups and investors," commented Remigius Shatas, president and CEO of 2C Computing. "The deals available in Alabama are exceptional and we're excited to be chosen as a presenter this year."

Forum presenters submit business plans which are screened by the AITA board, whose members are successful Alabama IT entrepreneurs and executives. The board looks for unique products and solution offerings and sound, well-developed business plans for bringing products to market. Potential investors benefit from the board's initial research concerning a startup's viability, and from early exposure to promising technology innovators. The competition is stiff for presenters' slots at forums, with over 14 submissions and six selected. "AITA provides us great exposure and a chance to be successful. We are grateful for the opportunity to present our company at this distinguished forum," said John Cockerham, president of TouchSafe International. "Meeting AITA's requirements in demonstrating a rational action plan, solid financials, and potential return-on-investment is a tough process. Our preparation has been intense but extremely beneficial," he added.

Companies chosen to present at the October Forum include:

TouchSafe International, develops and distributes state-of-the-art fingerprint identification methods and products for the consumer and business-to-business markets. (Huntsville)
AMS Auctions, a national real estate auction company, provides home ownership and real estate investment opportunities via Internet and "traditional" auctions. (Gadsden)
Rymic Systems, is an innovator of Web-based remote asset monitoring and management products, for industrial, medical, telecom, and military markets. (Huntsville)
Automated Metering and Billing Systems (AMBS) provides hardware, software, and service solutions allowing industrial, utility, and energy companies remote monitoring and control of electric, water, and gas meters. (Huntsville)
Progressive Systems specializes in the design, manufacture, and installation of customized network (LAN or WAN) and Internet video monitoring systems. (Birmingham)
2C Computing is a pioneer in digital bus extension technology, a new archetype in distributed computing that provides the most powerful transort method between a PC and a remote desktop. (Huntsville)

The 2001 Angel / Seed Investors Forum is open to the public and will be held October 3rd, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at the Wynfrey Hotel at the Riverchase Galleria in Birmingham. The Forum will be followed at noon by the monthly AITA Birmingham Area networking luncheon for AITA members and guests. To register for the forum and luncheon, or for more information about AITA, including membership, visit the association's Web site at www.alabama-infotech.org.
Forum sponsors include Deutsche Bank; Balch & Bingham; Price Waterhouse Coopers; Sirote Permutt; Lehman Brothers; Maynard, Cooper, & Gale; Ernst & Young; Deloitte & Touche; Burr & Forman; Bradley, Arant, Rose & White; RNR Ventures; Pentium Capital Group; Harbert Management; and Benton Newton & Partners.