Blacksburg, Virginia, U.S.A. — As a result of the tremendous response to VTLS offerings in Brazil, the VTLS Board of Directors authorized the formation of a new VTLS subsidiary in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The new subsidiary, VTLS Americas Ltda., will offer sales, support, and training with a staff that consists of librarians, administrators, and systems analysts. "The new office continues the VTLS tradition of providing world class software with local support in the international library automation marketplace," said Jack Bazuzi, VTLS corporate vice president. "We are delighted to add the Brazilian office to the list of business hubs from which we conduct and manage our worldwide business," he added.

The official opening of the office on Monday, 30 November, 1998, brought with it an important and visible new user of VTLS products and services, Rio de Janeiro State University. Installation of the VTLS system at the University is planned for February 1999.

Brazilian universities have a close and growing association with VTLS Inc. The Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto and the Universidade Federal de Viçosa selected VTLS software in October 1998. These universities along with Rio de Janeiro State University bring the total number of VTLS users in Brazil to 16.

The new office will replace the present arrangements that VTLS Inc. has with Fundaçao Getulio Vargas (FGV) for the distribution and support of VTLS products in Brazil. "FGV is a large and prestigious organization. It is in the process of redirecting its focus to its foundation related goals. We are proud of our successful partnership with FGV. Our cooperation with them will continue for several more months so as to insure a smooth transition of services for all VTLS users in Brazil," said Dr. Vinod Chachra, president of VTLS Inc.