Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.

The new HP is a leading technology solutions provider for consumers and businesses with market leadership in fault-tolerant servers, UNIX® servers, Linux servers, Windows® servers, storage solutions, management software, imaging and printing and PCs. In 2002 HP and Compaq officially merged, and began operations as one unified company.

Cisco Systems was founded in 1984 by a small group of computer scientists from Stanford University. Since the company's inception, Cisco engineers have been leaders in the development of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking technologies. Today, with more than 34,000 employees worldwide, they remain committed to creating networks that are smarter, faster and more durable.

IBM is the world's largest information technology company, as well as the world's largest business and technology services provider; and the world's largest IT financier. IBM strives to lead in the invention, development and manufacture of the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, storage systems and microelectronics. They translate these advanced technologies into value for their customers through our professional solutions, services and consulting businesses worldwide.

Thawte acts as a trusted third party by providing digital trust solutions to anyone, anywhere and at any time. A truly global enterprise that transcends geographical and virtual borders, Thawte is renowned for assisting the new breed of pioneers to trade and communicate digitally. The company has the full backing of VeriSign, while it maintains full autonomy in its day-to-day business.

VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq:VRSN) is the leading provider of digital trust services that enable businesses and consumers to engage in commerce and communications with confidence. VeriSign's digital trust services create a trusted environment through three core offerings—name services, authentication services, and payment services—powered by a global infrastructure that manages more than five billion communications and transactions a day.

Mediasurface software helps customers to rapidly publish and effectively manage content across their organisation for both internal use and to facilitate online business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) e-business. By separating design and navigation from content, Mediasurface software allows a wide range of users within an enterprise to monitor, update and administer prescribed areas of an enterprise's content over the Internet and other digital networks in an easy to use, secure and centrally controlled process.

Founded in 1996 with the vision that enterprise content management is a pre-requisite for e-business success, Mediasurface now operates in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe and the United States. Mediasurface has sold its software and related services to over 50 customers to manage over 70 websites in Europe and the United States, across a broad range of industries.

G.B. Telecom is the largest Scottish dealer of Alcatel Telecom, one of the largest telecommunication equipment manufacturers in the world. G.B. Telecom provide a complete telecommunication package including sales, installations, maintenance and training. They deal with and are extremely knowledgeable in the most up to date and cutting edge equipment. Within their current marketplace they have around (60%) of local business and pride themselves on customer care and subsequent customer loyalty.

With the support of the Scottish Borders, G.B. Telecom has been awarded “Investor in People” recognition. The purpose of the award is to demonstrate the high quality of the GBT management and staff.

WorldPay's services are unique in the eCommerce arena, making them the provider of choice for customers and partners such as Virgin, Freeserve, PSINet, The Financial Times, Oxfam, Christian Aid, News International, Carlton Television and Boots Healthcare

Worldpay systems are bank-endorsed and are constantly being enhanced to ensure complete transaction security. As the longest established player in the eCommerce arena, there are many notable 'firsts' to their name:

• First online shop with secure payments
• First bank endorsed payment system (by NatWest Bank)
• First multi currency payment system

With a global outlook and presence, Worldpay provides multi-currency and multilingual eCommerce systems in nearly 50 countries. If you require further information about WorldPay please visit their website at http://www.worldpay.com/.