DATA#3 LIMITED — M&A Activity 2003

Nov 5, 2003

Data^#3 announces acquisition of f5

Data^#3's commitment to Microsoft software consolidated with acquisition of web development company f5

Brisbane 6 November 2003: Data*3 (ASX:DTL) announced today the acquisition of Brisbane based Microsoft web development company, f5.

With the acquisition of f5, Data*3 will become one of Microsoft's largest and most capable partners in Australia. This will create an expanded business unit 100% focused on Microsoft Application Solutions - one that maximises the formidable experience of both companies including the strengths in software licensing.

"With this acquisition we have signalled a clear and substantial ongoing commitment to Microsoft software." said Data#3 CEO, John Grant. "f5's accreditation as a Gold Certified Partner for Collaborative Solutions combined with Data#3's accreditation as a Gold Certified Partner for Enterprise Systems and our Microsoft Attain business provides the winning formula for our customers. They will now benefit from integrated expertise in Microsoft applications, infrastructure, services and licensing. Importantly, we have an experienced and energetic leader for the business in Warren Wood, ex-Managing Director of f5, now Manager for Microsoft Application Solutions for Data*3."

"f5 brings six years of specialist experience in Microsoft-centric applications development, particularly in the emerging fields of Internet. Intranet and web services software and in f5's Freedom Communication Server. This allows us to build, deploy and manage high performance web sites. Skills in this area are in high demand as customers seek to leverage existing IT investments via Internet and web services technologies," said Warren Wood, "This is tremendously exciting for Data#3's customers. Data#3's new Microsoft Application Solutions business will 'hit the ground running' offering highly competitive products and services into the market from day one and is well positioned to take advantage of demand from the growing small to mid-market sector for a total IT solution built upon Microsoft technologies," he said.

The acquisition demonstrates Data*3's commitment to the new breed of exciting products built upon Microsoft. Net such as Microsoft Customer Relationship Management Server and the Microsoft Office System. These products are designed to help customers connect people, systems, information and devices through Microsoft technology. Data 3's Microsoft Application Solutions business will provide customers with the specialist skills needed to combine these exciting products to create a customised solution.

-ends-

About Data*3 Limited

Since listing in 1997, Data^#3 has evolved from a Queensland oriented IT Solutions Company to one of national significance. In its first year of listing, Data#3 revenues were \$69 million and staff numbered 250. This year revenues were \$192 million and 415 staff served customers from Data#3 offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Gladstone.

As an IT Solutions Company, Data^#3 seeks to provide value for its customers from their IT investment by providing expertise in:

• business solutions delivered through application software $\bullet$
• the design, implementation and management of reliable technology infrastructure
• cost effective procurement of IT hardware and software products, and $\bullet$
• sourcing the right IT people.

Applying this expertise in its broadest sense provides a total solution to Data#3's customers' business and technology needs. This in turn can maximise shareholder value by delivering performance that meets or exceeds the company's financial objectives.

Data^#3's customers cover a wide range of industries including banking and finance, mining, tourism and leisure, legal, healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, government and utilities and are located throughout Australia and into Asia and China.

For more information visit www.data3.com.au.

For further information please contact:

John Grant Chief Executive Officer Data^#3 Limited 07 3371 8088 0411 429930