The Planet Opens New Data Center in Dallas [May 17, 2004]

DALLAS, May 17, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Planet Internet Services, Inc., a Dallas-based global provider of managed hosting and value-added data center services, has signed a ten-year lease for new data center space at 400 S. Akard Street -- a tier one carrier hotel in downtown Dallas.

According to The Planet chief operating officer Lance Crosby, the company has also hired about 50 new engineers and technicians in the last 45 days to accommodate The Planet's continued fast growth and in anticipation of the opening of the new facility.

The new facility, which opens today, has 21,000 total sq. ft., 18,000 of which is raised floor for information technology infrastructure. Crosby said that the space provides room for about 12,000 new servers. Based on recent sales, the company will reach capacity in the new center in about six to nine months.

"We continue to scour Dallas and other major market locations for prime data center space," said Crosby. "This facility is about half the space of our primary location, so it's a short-term solution, but we anticipate closing on another new deal in about 90 days."

Both locations feature state-of-the-art capabilities, including complete redundancy in power, HVAC, fire suppression, network connectivity and security. Product offerings in the new facility will include entry-level dedicated servers offered by ServerMatrix and the new enterprise Total Control Server line offered by The Planet.

"The Planet's expansion in 400 S. Akard is evidence that growth opportunities persist for well-managed, focused hosting strategies," said Brandon Freeman, CEO of LayerOne and a partner in 400 S. Akard. "Our third-floor data center, which is an $8M state-of-the-art facility specifically designed to support mission-critical hosting operations, is ideal for accommodating The Planet's rapid growth."

The Planet will occupy the entire third floor at 400 S. Akard Street; it was represented in the initial lease term by Cushman & Wakefield and has an option to renew for an additional 10 years.

About The Planet

The Planet Internet Services, Inc. is a fast-growing, profitable provider of managed hosting and Internet infrastructure services for businesses and organizations that require entry-level to enterprise IT support. The Planet's value-added services include advanced server monitoring, database administration, managed data storage, security products, virtual private networks and backup services. Co-location services are available for those customers desiring to use their own Web servers and rely on the Company's advanced, fault-tolerant facilities and network infrastructure. The Planet's Server Matrix Division provides entry-level and small business dedicated servers and co-location offerings coupled with managed services and a customer support portal. For further information, visit www.theplanet.com, or www.servermatrix.com.

About 400 S. Akard

The 400 S. Akard building is Dallas' first commercial property specifically redeveloped as a mixed-use technology center. It is fully equipped to house environmentally sensitive communications equipment, mission-critical data center operations and business enterprises that find it advantageous to locate within a high-security, state-of-the-art venue in the heart of the central business district. The circa 1920 seven-story building originally housed the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, effectively establishing the city as one of the Southwest's leading economic development centers. After undergoing significant modernization and expansion in 1959, the distinctive Beaux Art-style building was designated an historic landmark in 1979. An expert telecom development team carefully renovated the building in 2000, utilizing its inherent security features to create the ideal real estate solution for the technology industry. Today, the building offers maximum telecommunications connectivity, a robust, redundant power supply and approximately 256,000 rentable square feet ideally suited for telecom, enterprise data centers, disaster recovery, back-office operations and traditional office use. Please visit www.400southakard.com for more information.

SOURCE: The Planet Internet Services, Inc.

Michael A. Burns & Associates Inc.
Neil McGlone, 214-521-8596
nmcglone@mbapr.com