Verticalnet and WingSpan Team to Deliver Comprehensive Spend Analysis for DeCrane Aircraft Across More Than $300 Million in Direct and Indirect Spend

Spend Visibility for DeCrane, a Mid Market Company, to SpanMultiple Global Facilities Forming A Strategic Sourcing Platform Aimedat Improved Efficiency and Cost Reduction

Verticalnet, Inc. (Nasdaq:VERT), a leading provider of on-demandsupply management solutions, announced today that it has teamed withits partner, WingSpan, to meet the spend analysis needs for DeCraneAircraft. DeCrane is the largest manufacturer of cabin systems andcomponents for corporate, VIP, and head-of-state aircraft. Clientsinclude distinguished OEMs such as Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna,Dassault, Gulfstream, and Raytheon.

DeCrane's business requirements included the need for a spendanalysis solution that provided visibility into over $300 million ofboth direct and indirect material spend across approximately 12 keyfacilities worldwide. DeCrane decided to leverage the on-demandcapabilities of the Verticalnet XE Supply Management Solution Suiteand related services from WingSpan. The combined spend solution willform the basis of a global strategic sourcing initiative that isdesigned to significantly reduce DeCrane's cost structure and improvethe efficiency within its supply chain.

"We evaluated several companies and approaches to meet our spendvisibility requirements," said Dick Kaplan, DeCrane's Chief ExecutiveOfficer. "The comprehensive spend analysis capabilities, rapidimplementation timeline, and strong experience of WingSpan andVerticalnet met the unique needs of a mid-market company likeDeCrane."

According to Michael Hamel, President of WingSpan, "As aVerticalnet partner, and as experienced purchasing professionalsfamiliar with the on-demand Verticalnet XE Solution Suite, WingSpan isable to combine our sourcing expertise with the right technology fromVerticalnet to meet the sophisticated demands of customers such asDeCrane Aircraft."

"Verticalnet is excited to be working with our partner WingSpan tomeet the needs of our joint customer DeCrane Aircraft," statesNathanael V. Lentz, President and CEO of Verticalnet. "Many mid-marketcompanies like DeCrane are beginning to leverage software andspecialized services to gain visibility into corporate spend. The factthat the Verticalnet XE suite is on-demand means that our customerssee results sooner without lengthy software implementations and costlysoftware upgrades." Lentz concludes, "We are excited to be part of thewinning partnership with WingSpan and DeCrane."

The Verticalnet XE Supply Management suite is available on-demandand includes:

-- Verticalnet(R) Program Manager -- lowers the total cost of ownership and improves productivity through sound and re-usable program and process management

-- Verticalnet(R) Spend Manager -- a fast, intelligent, and repeatable solution for identifying, evaluating, and quantifying enterprise-wide sourcing opportunities while measuring compliance

-- Verticalnet(R) Negotiation Manager -- accelerates and improves negotiated savings through online auctions and eRFX events

-- Verticalnet(R) Procurement Manager -- simplifies and improves control over the procurement process to help companies realize the maximum cost savings identified through supplier sourcing and negotiation

-- Verticalnet(R) Contract Manager -- provides real-time insights into contract obligations, exposures, expirations, changes and renewals delivering greater control, reducing costly oversights and minimizing supplier risk

-- Verticalnet(R) Performance Manager -- enables companies to effectively track and manage supplier performance, contract compliance and identify potential areas of supplier risk

About DeCrane Aircraft

DeCrane Aircraft Holdings, Inc. is a leading supplier ofintegrated assemblies, sub-assemblies and component parts to theaerospace industry. Through its operating groups, Systems Integrationand Cabin Management, DeCrane refurbishes, retrofits and equipsbusiness, VIP and head-of-state aircraft. The company provides thelatest furnishings, audio visual, communications systems, cabinmanagement systems, auxiliary fuel tank systems and other products andservices to the aerospace industry.

About WingSpan Partners

WingSpan Partners, Inc., a proven team of purchasing specialists,focuses on practical sourcing programs that help Private Equity firmsand pre-IPO companies rapidly increase earnings and cash flow fortheir clients. To help achieve cost leverage, WingSpan offers unique"On Demand" e-sourcing events with by-the-drink pricing on the mostdesirable e-sourcing tools in a hosted environment. Additionally,Wingspans "Instant ROI" programs shortcut lengthy data collection andRFP projects with pre-negotiated savings for most indirect categoriesof spend. For more information about WingSpan, visit us on the Web at:www.wingspanpartners.com

About Verticalnet

Verticalnet is a leading provider of on-demand supply managementsolutions that enable companies to identify and realize sustainedvalue across the supply management lifecycle. Going beyond traditionalspend management and sourcing approaches, Verticalnet's solutionsprovide the visibility, insight and process control required tomaximize the sustained value realization from supply management. Largeenough to help customers attain supply management success worldwide,yet nimble enough to provide individual attention and remain focusedon customer priorities, Verticalnet is helping leading Global 2000companies and mid-market enterprises move their supply managementefforts to the next level through an optimal blend of software,comprehensive services, and deep category knowledge and domainexpertise. To learn more, please visit us at www.verticalnet.com.

Verticalnet is a registered trademark or a trademark in the UnitedStates and other countries of Vert Tech LLC