Message board launched within RPLS.

CORVALLIS, OREGON--October 29, 2001--Tripod Data Systems (TDS) today announced the launch of their TDS message board within the RPLS.com website. RPLS.com hosts a message board for land surveying professionals. The primary purpose of the TDS message board is to provide a valuable discussion forum on issues, suggestions, or questions about TDS and TDS products. It will be monitored daily by TDS to respond to messages when direct response is appropriate. The TDS message board can be found at http://www.i-boards.com/bnp/pobtds/. “The true value of the TDS message board will be customers helping customers,” said Bill Martin, TDS Director of Survey Marketing and Sales. “Our hope is that the board will foster discussions between users about their experiences and solutions to certain problems, rather than requiring direct input from TDS. We also look forward to learning how we can improve our products to better serve our customer’s needs.” In addition to the TDS message board, RPLS.com hosts a general message board and message boards by other equipment manufacturers. Posts include a wide range of topics including discussions on surveying practices, standards and equipment. About Tripod Data Systems Tripod Data Systems Inc. (TDS) develops software for land surveyors and others who collect and process spatial data. The company’s software runs on programmable calculators, rugged handheld computers, and desktop and laptop PCs. Handheld computers running TDS software can work with many brands of total stations, digital levels, laser rangefinders and global positioning system receivers. The company’s easy-to-use survey data collection software is used by more surveyors than all other competitors’ combined. (According to Business News Publishing Company’s “Surveying and Mapping Industry Study.” Includes TDS software sold by dealers and TDS partner companies.) TDS was founded in 1987. The company’s headquarters is in Corvallis, Ore. TDS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Trimble. Visit www.tdsway.com.