By providing consultation on key technologies such as Software Architecture, Object-Oriented (OO) Design and Rational Software's (NASDAQ: RATL) Rational Unified Process (RUP), Blueprint Technologies will work with Nexigent in assessing the architectural needs of the tools and infrastructure to simplify the drug trial process through its new Web portal. Formed by Covance, one of the world's largest and most comprehensive drug development services companies, Nexigent provides technology-enabled services which reduce the time and cost of clinical trials. Nexigent's internet-based clinical trial services assist pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies by bringing more medicines to market at lower costs, thus meeting patient demand for new and cost-effective treatments.

"Blueprint Technologies will provide the critical support needed for Nexigent's development process and system architecture. We believe their solid track record, expertise and value of service in e-business systems will help Nexigent successfully achieve its goals." said Mark Eisenach, Senior Vice President of Nexigent.

"Blueprint Technologies provides services to leaders in many different industries nationwide," said Ralph Alexander, President and CEO of Blueprint Technologies. "Our relationship with Nexigent illustrates our ability to apply our work in virtually any new vertical trade. The pharmaceutical industry is constantly growing and we are proud to be assisting the medical field through this advanced portal system."

As part of this project, Blueprint maintains several system architects at Nexigent. This approach allows architects to consult and work with the Nexigent team in a customized team approach, supporting the importance of how to build a state-of-the-art e-commerce system. In addition, Blueprint provides state-of-the-art training in the Rational Unified Process (RUP), RMUC (Requirement Management with User Cases) and Object Oriented technology.

About Blueprint Technologies

Founded in 1997, Blueprint Technologies Inc. is a leading provider of software solutions and services for e-business applications. Innovative products and services provide Blueprint Technologies' clients with customized, adaptable and scalable e-business systems. The Total Blueprint Solution™ offers education in the principles of object-oriented and component-oriented development, iterative development and process automation. Blueprint Technologies offers a wide range of expertise in implementing technologies focused on e-business infrastructures, capabilities and business applications. Nationwide client base includes Fortune 2000 companies such as Lexis/Nexis, CapitalOne, UPS, AT&T, General Motors, McKessonHBOC and Hewlett-Packard. Additional information can be found at www.blueprinttech.com

About Nexigent, Inc.

Nexigent Inc. provides technology-enabled services to accelerate and improve the drug development process. Nexigent facilitates interactions among pharmaceutical companies, investigators, and contract research organizations for more effective and efficient clinical trial management. Nexigent offers flexible, integrated technology service solutions to help customers bring new therapies to market more quickly and at lower costs.

Nexigent was formed by Covance Inc. in October of 2000 as a new business with an industry-wide vision to e-enable clinical trial development. Building on the strengths of Covance as one of the world's largest and most comprehensive drug development services companies, Nexigent's expertise and in-depth knowledge of drug development can provide customers with tools to compete effectively in the marketplace.

Nexigent has a strong global presence with more than 100 employees in three locations - Maidenhead, United Kingdom, Princeton, New Jersey and Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information on Covance Inc. or Nexigent Inc., visit our websites at www.covance.com or www.nexigent.com.

Statements contained in this press release, which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All such forward-looking statements are based largely on management's expectations and are subject to and qualified by risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, competitive factors, Nexigent's ability to develop effective and comprehensive internet-enabled services and tools, and other factors described in Covance's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.