As we stated in a previous announcement, we have been investigating network access alternatives in a two phased process. The first phase was initiated at the beginning of this year when we connected directly to our Service Provider's T1 line. As you have probably experienced, this connection did not solve the problem--because the problem was not the connection. The problem is the Canadian backbone we are currently using. To be exact, it is the connection to the United States (the border crossing) that has caused us and you the network problems over the past few weeks.

To alleviate this problem, we evaluated the major international Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and have chosen the one that scored the highest against specific benchmarks over our evaluation period. We have selected PSINet as our provider. This is a major step in reaching our goal of rapid and reliable net access throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.

The PSI technology includes a "cell switched" ATM network, using Cascade ATM and frame relay switches. PSiNet integrates both broadband switches and high-performance routers in a POP-based logical network topology to optimize bandwidth and minimize hops and congestion. No POP is more than one hop away from the fully meshed core network and a maximum of 3 hops across the entire network. What this means to you is less likelihood of interruptions or incomplete transfers occurring and a smoother, easier network connection going forward.

If, as we transition to Phase II and install the new network, you experience an unreliable network connection to our server please remember that this is a temporary situation. CyberArts will continue to make any and all corrections necessary to provide you with quality content on the Net. Your comments are, of course, always welcome. Email generalmanager@cyberarts.com.