Merlin Software Technologies International, Inc. and Tri-Link Technologies Inc. Sign Strategic Development Agreement

Vancouver, BC, June 28, 2001 - Merlin Software announced today that they have entered into a development agreement with Tri-Link Technologies of Burnaby, B.C., potentially valued at several hundred thousand dollars(¹), under which Merlin is to design and develop a variety of value added components for Tri-Link's Vortex^TM integrated office communications platform.

Stephen Dunn, V.P. Marketing & Business Development at Tri-Link Technologies said, "This development agreement augments Tri-Link development capabilities with strong application development skills." Dunn adds, "At the same time, Merlin's top notch Custom Products Services Group (CPSG), who offers considerable experience in project management, software design and development will provide additional functionality designed to maximize the Return on Investment our customers expect to receive."

Jim Baglot, V.P. Business Development at Merlin, welcomes the opportunity to assist Tri-Link with additional software engineering resources. "We are excited about our relationship with Tri-Link and are pleased to have been able to secure their confidence. Our Professional Services Group is dedicated to building and delivering solutions that address our client's needs."

Under the terms of the first phase of the agreement, Merlin's PSG will design and develop a new Attendant Console for the Vortex platform. Additional product development is expected over the next year. The total value of the agreement could be as high as $500,000.(¹)

Robert Heller President of Merlin Software Technologies said, "I am pleased that our company has been selected as such a strategic partner for Tri-Link. I believe this initial agreement will develop into a very significant revenue opportunity for Merlin over the coming years."(¹)

About Vortex

The Vortex^TM integrated office communication solution is designed to change the way organizations communicate. Vortex provides a complete e-communications solution for small and mid-sized businesses designed to boost customer loyalty and improve knowledge worker effectiveness. Recent accolades include Best Communications Product by CT Expo, Judges Pick by Computer Telephony and Best Channel Strategy at VARVision and CT Vision. For additional information about Vortex, visit www.vortex-system.com or call (877) 667-6618.

About MERLIN Software Technologies International, Inc.

Merlin Software Technologies International, Inc. (OTC: MLSW) is known for award winning software, such as PerfectBackUP+7.0, a fast, easy and powerful system backup application and CommunicadoFAX 4.0, a cross platform fax utility for Linux, UNIX, Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac users. Merlin's applications operate on all major Linux distributions including those from Caldera (Nasdaq:CALD), RedHat (Nasdaq:RHAT), S.u.S.E., Debian, Mandrake, Corel (Nasdaq:CORL) and Turbolinux. These products dramatically improve a system's productivity and reliability. Merlin Software Technologies International Inc. has offices in Burnaby, British Columbia and Seattle, Washington. For additional information about Merlin, visit www.merlinsoftech.com or call (877) 988-7227.

For more information, contact:

Haide James Corporate Communications MERLIN Software Technologies International, Inc. Tel.: (604) 320-7227 Email: haide@merlinsoftech.com Website: www.merlinsoftech.com

Mary-Ann Douma Director, Channel Marketing Tri-Link Technologies Inc. Tel: (604) 451-9113 Ext. 516 Email: mary-annd@tri-linktech.com Website: www.vortex-system.com

This press release contains "forward-looking statements," including forward-looking statements as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward looking statements in this press release include, among others not so identified, those identified with a (¹). It is important to note that the Company's actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties such as unforeseen difficulties in Melin's ability to complete the development required under the terms of the agreement and the ability of Tri-Link's ability to compensate Merlin for the services provided, and that the agreement may be cancelled by either party.

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