Otis to Join Forces with IBM and Next Generation Network to Provide Internet-Based Information in Elevators

Farmington, Conn. (PROTEXT) - Otis Elevator Company todayannounced its plan to join forces with Next Generation Network(NGN) and IBM Corp. to provide information from the Internet intoelevator cars worldwide. Otis is a subsidiary of UnitedTechnologies Corporation (NYSE: UTX). (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991207/NYTU015 ) With the assistance of NGN and IBM, Otis intends to provide abroad range of internet-based content to elevator passengers,including world, national and local news, local weather, trafficreports, sports scores, and building information. Otis said ithas signed letters of intent with both NGN and IBM and intends tofinalize definitive agreements before the end of the year. The new service, known as e*Display, will be integrated intonew models of Otis elevators beginning next year, and will alsobe available as an equipment upgrade onto existing elevators. Otis President Stephen F. Page said the company's strategy"will link the worldwide elevator presence and experience ofOtis, the out-of-home media content management and digitaltechnology expertise of NGN, and the hardware, software andnetwork capabilities of IBM's e-Business Solutions unit.Together, we can provide the first true global application ofInternet technology inside an elevator." Separately, Otis also announced the rollout of itscomprehensive e-business strategy. In addition to e*Display, Otisis creating two other internet-based services: e*Direct, which will allow new equipment customers to specifyand eventually order their elevators and escalators on-line e*Service, which will allow Otis service customers to monitorthe performance of their elevators and escalators on line e*Display, e*Direct, and e*Service will be accessible globallyat Otis.com, the newly redesigned and revised company websitethat was launched today. The new site features workingdemonstrations of the new e-business tools. The servicesthemselves will go on line next year. "Elisha Graves Otis invented the safety elevator in 1853, andthe company he founded has been a pioneer ever since," Page said."We now extend this tradition of innovation into cyberspace. Ourindustry will change, and Otis will lead the way." Page said the primary motivation behind Otis' e-Businessstrategy is to enhance customer service. "The Internet providesour customers with the opportunity to conduct business with Otisthrough a simple process at any time, day or night, from anywherein the world." The e*Display service features a flat-panel screen installedinside the elevator car. The screen will feature internet-based,full-motion, full-color displays of information that change every5-10 seconds. The e*Display screen also opens up a potential new advertisingchannel. Otis and NGN are already in active negotiations withadvertisers who want to reach some of the hundreds of millions ofpeople who spend part of each day riding an Otis elevator. Otis'installed base is more than one million elevators -- the largestof any company -- and growing. Otis Elevator, with headquarters in Farmington, Connecticut,is a subsidiary of Hartford-based United TechnologiesCorporation, a worldwide leader in the aerospace and buildingsystems industries. ots Original Text Service: Otis ElevatorCompany Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.de Contact: MatthewBroder, Director International Public Relations of Otis Elevator(USA) 860-676-5402, matt.broder@otis.com Photo: NewsCom:http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991207/NYTU015

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