Recurring MCI Worldcom Problem Causes Project A Outage Until 6pm Sunday, When Backup Plan Goes Into Effect. CBOT Financial Markets Open On Time, AG Markets To Open On Time At 9:30 A.M. (Chicago Time)

Due to a recurring problem with MCI WorldCom, trading on Project A, the CBOT's electronic trading system, will be suspended until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, August 15 (Chicago time). Project A users will be informed in advance of the Sunday evening opening whether the MCI WorldCom network is available. However, whether or not MCI WorldCom is available, we will function in accordance with our backup plan. The CBOT will open Project A under its backup trading plan, in which additional Project A terminals will be available for market users on the CBOT trading floor via the CBOT's local area network. The plan also includes dial access, which will allow market users to connect to the Project A system using a personal computer with a modem and phone line. In a letter to MCI WorldCom President and CEO Bernard J. Ebbers, CBOT President and CEO Thomas R. Donovan said, "This recurring MCI WorldCom failure is unacceptable. CBOT members and market users demand and deserve world-class technology and service, and we are receiving neither from MCI WorldCom. Market users worldwide depend on Project A around the clock, and MCI WorldCom has let them down for one full week. As a result of MCI WorldCom's failure to deliver on their promises to me early last week, the CBOT is pursuing all available remedies." The Chicago Board of Trade's financial open outcry markets opened on time, as normally scheduled, at 7:20 a.m. The CBOT's Dow Jones products opened on time at 8:00 a.m. and the agricultural markets will open on time at 9:30 a.m (all Chicago time). For market user information and technical information relating to the Project A backup plan, call the CBOT Help Desk at 312-435-5600. For further information, please contact Bret Gallaway at 312-341-7917.