Daily Oklahoman Computer Company Microm Closes Doors Jon Denton 07/01/2000   Norman-based Microm Computers Ltd. has closed after three years' operation, former employee Larry Gerads said Friday. He has formed a company with a similar name, Microm Technology Solutions, to help the closed store's customers reclaim their machines, many of which were being repaired, he said. Microm Computers Ltd. closed Wednesday. Gerads, chief executive officer at the new Microm Technology Solutions said he opened a new business Thursday morning at the same Norman address. Although the two computer companies have no legal tie, Microm Technology Solutions is returning computers left at Microm Computers Ltd.  Gerads said the arrangement was made through a bankruptcy attorney and Arvest Bank in Norman. Attempts to contact the Microm Computers Ltd. owner, Rebecca "Becky" Hammons, were unsuccessful Friday.  A lawyer said to be acting in the case could not confirm the status of Microm Computers Ltd.  Arvest Bank officers did not return calls. Gerads said Hammons left Wednesday.  Her former employees decided to start over with a new business.  They became majority owners in a new company.  "We're doing this out of the goodness of our hearts," Gerads said.  "However, we hope to retain some customers.  Certainly, as a new company, we can use them." Microm Computers Ltd. corporate offices were at 1315 SW 24 in Norman.  Secondary offices were at 7500 Broadway Extension in Oklahoma City.  Gerads has no plans to use the Oklahoma City store, he said. Former Microm Computers Ltd. customers can call the Microm Technology Solutions store at the store will be open Wednesday, Gerads said.  Regular store hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Microm Computer Ltd. marketed it's own Microm brand.  Last year, for a second time, Microsoft ranked Microm among the top 100 computer system builders in the country. Gerads, also known as "Network Larry," said 10 former employees of Microm Computer Ltd. have formed Microm Technology Solutions.  The new company will focus on computer service and Network installation and maintenance.  It will avoid all retail sales. By 5 p.m. Friday, customers had retrieved have of the 90 computers left for repair at Microm Computers Limited.  Gerads declined to say why Microm Computers Ltd. closed. "It's a bad situation, but we are doing everything we can to make it at right as possible.  When people ask me about it, I stay with a black and white rule: "I am not my former employer's employee and not responsible for its actions,'" Gerads said. Cyndi Dempsey, a former bookkeeper at Microm Computers Ltd., is treasurer of the new Microm Technology Solutions. At one time, Microm Computers Ltd. had 45 employees.  They cared for government, school and military contracts.

Tuesday, July 11, 2000, 8:00 a.m. Central Standard Time Company Press Release Cole Computer Corporation Announces Strategic Alliance with Microm Technology Solutions, Inc.   OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)---July 11th 2000--Cole Computer Corporation (OTCBB:COLV - news), an Oklahoma City-based manufacturer or personal computers, announces a strategic alliance with Microm Technology Solutions, Inc.  ("MTS"), where by Cole Computer Corporation ("Cole") becomes MTS single source vendor for computer hardware. Microm Technology Solutions is an Oklahoma City, Oklahoma base network systems integrator. MTS provides technology design, implementation, management and support.  MTS employees have over 40 years combined experience in the field of computer manufacturing, software development, technology consulting, network engineering and system installations. Larry W. Gerads, President of Microm Technology Solutions, Inc. stated, "Microm Technology Solutions is proud to have created a sole source alliance through Cole Computers, for all of our customers technology hardware needs.  Cole Computers has risen to a level in which timely, cost efficient, flexible, dependable PC hardware solutions are a guaranteed component of our businesses product line.  Working with Come Computers ensure we can leave the hardware issues behind and allow us to focus on the one thing we do best, "Taking the frustration out of technology". Brad Cole, founder and CEO of Cole Computer Corporation, responded to the alliance by stating, "We are thrilled with our new alliance with Microm Technology Systems.  MTS first purchase order was over 160 systems!" Cole Computer Corporation manufactures and sells wholesale and retail "Ready-to-Go" and customized personal computers.  Each system is manufactured with quality components and given the Cole Computer personal touch.  Additionally, the company sells components to repair, upgrade or build complete personal computers.  For more information on these goods and services, visit the Cole Computer e-commerce Web site at http://www.okcmasters.com/, the Cole Computer home page at http://www.colecomputercorp.com/ or one of the companies 11 retail outlets operating under the name "Computer Masters" in Oklahoma, Arkansas and "Your Computer Masters Store" In Texas. Cole Computer's corporate strategy combines the custom-designed to your specifications, model with the "small town" America Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT - news) approach, coupled with personalized service. Except for factual information contained herein, certain matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements that are subject to uncertainties, including, but not limited to, government regulation, taxation, spending, competition, general economic conditions and other risk factors.  For additional information concerning Cole Computer Corporation, please contact our investor relations representative, Juan Ferreira of Corporate Image Bureau, at 407/774-1529.