Name Change Marks Final Step For Embedded Technology Partners Adastra Systems And Jumptec.

As the last step in the transition process, Adastra Systems Corporation has adopted a new name that clarifies its relationship with multinational, embedded technology leader JUMPtec.

As a result of the merger between Adastra Systems Corporation, Hayward, CA USA (www.adastra.com) and JUMPtec Industrielle Computertechnik AG, Deggendorf, Germany (www.jumptec.de), beginning today, the company formerly known as Adastra Systems Corporation will enjoy the name JUMPtec Adastra. The merger was initiated in November 1999, with final negotiations completed in February 2000. At that time, Adastra Systems became a wholly owned subsidiary of JUMPtec Industrielle Computertechnik AG. Multinational JUMPtec Industrielle is publicly traded on the Neuer Markt of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The official name change announced today is designed to solidify the brand in the global marketplace, and eliminate any confusion that may arise for those customers familiar with and loyal to the Adastra Systems name.

Consolidation strategy
Traveling in parallel paths, Adastra and JUMPtec were recognized in their core geographic sectors as front-runners in the field of embedded technology. At the time of the merger, JUMPtec was the European embedded technology leader. The name,  however, was virtually unknown in America.  Similarly, fast-growing Adastra Systems Corporation was well regarded for their high quality, technically sophisticated products, principally in the Americas. While business was brisk for Adastra, (the company was included on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing privately held companies) executive

management acknowledged the potential value in a strategic merger. Marc Brown, CEO of Adastra Systems, states, "Both Adastra Systems and JUMPtec were actively seeking partners as a means of growth; both companies share a vision of leadership in the embedded technology market. The combination of JUMPtec and Adastra will create a dynamic, powerful company, capable of keeping pace with customer demands." Mr. Brown adds, "The combined organization will continue to provide high quality products, exceptional service, and leading-edge technology–now with greater efficiency and economy." The JUMPtec - Adastra match broadened JUMPtec's marketing, design prowess, and service offerings while providing Adastra with the large scale, component purchasing power, and global manufacturing/distribution advantages, which the company had been seeking.

Improved synergy
With the merger completed, JUMPtec and Adastra will enjoy the benefits of their multinational design, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and buying power. Under the new arrangement, JUMPtec will have design, manufacturing, and sales centers in Europe, America, and Asia. JUMPtec Adastra (formerly Adastra Systems Corporation) will be responsible for North and South American sales; in addition, they will provide a support center for JUMPtec. JUMPtec Adastra will also provide manufacturing and host an advanced research and development center in North America. Because of their size and global reach, JUMPtec and JUMPtec Adastra have the ability to purchase components in greater quantities, negotiate directly with vendors and provide cutting-edge embedded products at highly competitive prices. For JUMPtec Industrielle, the European leader will have the ability to manufacture locally as needed, and take advantage of its manufacturing capacity in key locations around the world. JUMPtec and JUMPtec Adastra can now serve their growing customer base directly with local service centers around the globe. Largely, the merger has created a company greater and stronger than the sum of its parts.

About JUMPtec Adastra (formerly Adastra Systems Corporation)
JUMPtec Adastra designs and manufactures embedded subsystems for the OEM market. The JUMPtec Adastra family of embedded products include, single board computers, embedded peripheral and I/O adapters, and hardware/software development tools. JUMPtec Adastra is a wholly owned subsidiary of publicly traded JUMPtec Industrielle Computertechnik AG. JUMPtec Adastra headquarters are located near Silicon Valley in Hayward, California. For more information, contact JUMPtec Adastra at Tel: 510-732-6900, Fax: 510-732-7655 or visit their website at http://www.adastra.com

JUMPtec Industrielle Computertechnik AG
JUMPtec was founded in 1991 and specializes in advanced, embedded computer technology. By 1995, the company, which is publicly traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, had grown to become Germany's leading supplier of embedded technology. The company is now recognized as the preeminent embedded technology company in Europe. Customer-oriented solutions (single board computing technology, software, customer support and sales & marketing) are the company's core competencies. Cooperative partners include the world's leading hardware and software makers.

JUMPtec products can be combined with all popular processor technologies ranging from Intel 386™ to Pentium® processors. As a focused and competent technology partner, JUMPtec offers OEM customers the optimum balance between price and performance. For more information, contact:  JUMPtec Industrielle Computertechnik AG Brunnwiesenstraße 16 D 94469 Deggendorf, Germany Tel: +49 991 37024-0, Fax: +49 991 37024-102, e-mail: ir@jumptec.de or visit their website at http://www.jumptec.de

Adastra Systems, 3988 Trust Way, Hayward, CA 94545. Tel: 510-732-6900; Fax: 510-732-7655.