"We selected Macalla as our Internet solutions partner in view of their brokerage business acumen and technology pedigree. We have been particularly impressed by the multi-channel and extensible capabilities of their ECHO software", said Mr. John Keilthy, Head of Private Clients at NCB Stockbrokers. "NCB were early adopters of the Internet, and are committed to continuous innovation in this area for the benefit of our clients. Our strategy is to provide full multi-channel access to our products and expertise via all current and emerging means. These include WAP and SMS based mobile phones, PDAs and the Internet as well as the more traditional trading floor, branch and related channels", he added.

Commenting today, Mr. Niall O�Cleirigh, Chief Executive Officer with Macalla said, "The NCB decision gives strong endorsement for our products and capabilities, and follows other recent successes both in Ireland and overseas. We are especially pleased that Macalla is one of the first company�s to integrate WAP technology into its solutions and are delighted to be working with such a prestigious name in stockbroking".

The initial WAP-based content available from NCB includes Irish stock prices, World Indices, Commentaries and Charting. Order execution and enquiry, client portfolio valuation and look-up, research reports and other NCB products and services are penned for imminent multi-channel availability.

Contacts:

David Rusk,
Principal,
Curzon Associates,
t: +353+1+6792663
e: [email protected]

Niall O�Cleirigh,
CEO,
Macalla Software,
t +353+1+2608113,
e: [email protected]

ABOUT Macalla Software

Macalla Software (www.macalla.com) is a leading provider of XML and CORBA enabled middleware products and e-commerce solutions for the global financial services sector. Headquartered in Dublin Macalla has offices in London and New York. The company has extensive experience in all aspects of design, development, commercialisation and deployment of software for the international finance sector.

Macalla�s ECHO - The Financial Markets Information Framework represents a breakthrough in applying XML, CORBA and Internet technologies for rapid application development and deployment in a distributed Internet enabled financial markets environment. In addition Macalla provides a comprehensive range of design, development, project management and other implementation services relating to its products.

Macalla is a member of the Object Management Group (OMG) and a number of industry XML initiatives, and is actively working with leading global financial organisations in specifying the standards for next generation trading and investment banking systems. Its technology relationships include IONA Technologies, Microsoft, Oracle, Reuters, SilverStream, Sun and Sybase.

David Rusk,
Curzon Associates,
79 Queen Street,
Dublin 7
Republic of Ireland.
Tel: +353+1+6792663
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.curzon.ie