February 24, 2003, Dallas, Texas – SHARE Inc., an independent, volunteer-run association of IBM technology users, today recognized Caterpillar Inc. as the 2003 winner of the SHARE Award for Excellence in Technology. Announced in the opening session of SHARE in Dallas, the annual award recognizes exceptional use and innovation of enterprise-class computing technologies among SHARE's 2,100-plus member organizations.

Caterpillar was selected for this prestigious award based upon its implementation of IBM's Extended Enterprise Extender functionality. Realized in 2002, this functionality introduced Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking (APPN) capabilities between Caterpillar's corporate headquarters and select facilities in Europe and South America. The successful completion of this project resulted in higher speed links within the Internet Protocol (IP) network, improving file transfer speeds three-to-four times that of the previous method, and allowing for the elimination of dedicated international communication facilities. Furthermore, the implementation enabled Caterpillar to integrate additional business functionality on to the IP network with no significant impact on the physical network or the network's users.

"We are both honored and pleased to receive this award from SHARE because it aligns with Caterpillar's focus on information technology solutions that reflect global requirements," said Caterpillar Vice President and Chief Information Officer Sid Banwart.

"We are thrilled to receive such a distinction," added William T. Murphy, Caterpillar Senior Technical Specialist responsible for the Extended Enterprise Extender implementation, upon learning of the award selection. "SHARE was a valuable resource to me and to the project team in achieving this goal. Through participation in SHARE, I gained the knowledge and experience necessary to take on this task of this magnitude. The willingness of SHARE members to help during the implementation and testing phases of this project truly contributed to its overall success."

"SHARE is delighted to acknowledge Caterpillar for its technological achievements, and we are pleased to recognize a terrific example of technology solving business needs, " said Ken Ebbe, SHARE President. "Caterpillar's achievements in successfully exploiting the potential of IBM's Extended Enterprise Extender functionality demonstrates the core mission of SHARE and illustrates the collective strength of our members. We look forward to continuing this level of success in delivering education, professional networking and opportunities to influence the IT industry to our constituents as SHARE celebrates its fiftieth anniversary in 2005."

SHARE thanks all the organizations that submitted nominations to be considered for this award for their commitment to advancing the standards of excellence throughout the information technology industry.

About the SHARE Award for Excellence in Technology
The SHARE Award for Excellence in Technology was created to recognize outstanding achievement in information technology by a SHARE member. Nominations are reviewed by a volunteer panel comprised of practicing IT professionals. The judging panel for the 2003 Award included: Anne Caluori, U.S. Army CECOM Software Engineering Center - Belvoir, SHARE Past President; Deborah Carnes, Boeing Corporation; Bill Horton, Eastman Chemical Company; and Jeffrey S. Wilk, Defense Intelligence Agency, SHARE Director, Member Relations and Sales. Caterpillar Inc. joins the distinguished list of previous award winners, including Travelers (2002) and ISPW BenchMark Technologies, Ltd. (2001).

About Caterpillar Inc.
For more than 75 years, Caterpillar has been building the world's infrastructure and, in partnership with a network of independent dealers, is driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. Caterpillar is a technology leader and the world's largest maker of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. More information is available at http://www.CAT.com.

About SHARE
SHARE is an independent, volunteer-run association providing IBM customers with user-focused education, professional networking, and a forum to influence the information technology industry. Since 1955, SHARE has enabled IT professionals to achieve business results through a combination of credible, relevant programs and peer opportunities. SHARE currently counts more than 2,100 organizations among its active member ranks. Additional information about SHARE can be found on the Web at www.share.org.