Systech Corporation Joins FAST as Technology Partner

Stratford, Conn. – October 18, 2001 – Food Automation– Service Techniques, Inc. (FAST) today announced an agreement establishing a strategic alliance between Systech Corporation and FAST’s Smart Commercial Kitchen (“SCK”). FAST has created the SCK Gateway, using Systech’s port server hardware integrated with customized FAST SCK software.

An integral part of the SCK network solution, SCK Gateway enables appliances connected to the SCK Solution to communicate over the Internet or Intranet using standard Ethernet and Internet protocols. FAST will offer three versions of the gateway, with one supporting the SCK Link protocol and two supporting the emerging “Open Standard” NAFEM Data Protocol. In each case the SCK gateway bridges serial communications with Ethernet and Internet Protocols eliminating individual costly add-on modules.

“Systech port servers offer a great deal in terms of flexibility, and furthers our best-in-breed list of partners,” said Mario Ceste, vice president of business development at FAST. “Thanks to Systech’s technology, we have expanded the SCK system to use Ethernet and Internet Protocols and to connect NAFEM data protocol compliant equipment with our MySCK portal.”

The SCK Network is an in-store appliance network and restaurant management system that eliminates manual processes in the kitchen through the use of an online kitchen. FAST’s online kitchen is created by linking together appliances and other devices and systems to collect, share, and interpret data, allowing operators to automate production and preparation via the SCK Network. FAST hosts the MySCK.net Enterprise Portal, the Web-based reporting and monitoring application for data collection and remote management “above the store” of these networks.

Systech, a privately held company in San Diego, Calif., designs, develops, and manufactures a family of network device servers that connect peripherals and computers across networks. Systech communications servers are used in industrial and retail applications. Systech products are characterized by high reliability, superior software functionality, expanded hardware interfaces, and simplified remote installation. Systech port servers enable users to manage, control, program, and share access with peripheral devices over the Internet or Intranet using standard protocols.

About FAST and SCK
SCK is a division of privately-held FAST, the leading manufacturer of appliance controls and on-line kitchen networking products specially developed for use in the foodservice industry. FAST products, based on DigitalDNA™ technology from Motorola, can be found in major restaurants worldwide, including KFC, Burger King, Popeyes, Arby's, Church's Chicken, Taco Bell, Jack in the Box, and others.

Based in Stratford, Conn., FAST is committed to open networking standards in the foodservice industry. Through partnerships with Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector and Multiservice Networks Division (MND), FAST delivers interoperable, end-to-end networking solutions that provide foodservice operators with an easy migration path to a smarter kitchen. For more info. on SCK visit www.fastsck.com. For more info. on FAST, visit www.fastinc.com.

Notices: (FAST.) is a registered trademark of Food Automation - Service Techniques, Inc. SCK, Smart Commercial Kitchen, and SCK Direct are trademarks or registered trademarks of Technology Licensing Corporation. DigitalDNA is a trademark of Motorola, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. © Copyright 2001 FAST, Inc.

Certain information discussed above may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in any such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Among those risks, trends and uncertainties are the general economic climate, costs of food and labor, consumer demand, interest rate levels, the availability of financing and other risks associated with the acquisition, development and operation of new and existing restaurants.

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