LAS VEGAS, January 9, 2001 - While the courts continue to examine the legality of file sharing services over the Internet, a new survey by Gartner Group, Inc. (NYSE: IT and ITB) shows many Internet users think these services violate copyright laws. The companies that provide file sharing over the Internet have tried to explain their case, but the message has not convinced the majority of Internet users. Gartner analysts announced the findings during this week's CES show in Las Vegas.

The Gartner survey of U.S. Internet users found that a minority of users believe that it is not a copyright violation to use Internet file sharing sites (such as Napster, Gnutella or Scour). The survey results showed that among U.S. Internet users who listen to downloaded files, 28 percent agree that using file sharing sites violates copyright laws, 28 percent disagree, and 44 percent are downloading files but are not sure about the legality of this practice.

"It is fascinating to see that nearly a third of people who download music believe that it is a copyright violation, and another 44 percent likely have plausible deniability until there is a clear message from the courts about whether these sites are legal," said P.J. McNealy, senior analyst for Gartner's e-Business Services group.

"The absence of a legal alternative is clearly driving a significant percentage of music listeners to participate in an activity that they know or suspect to be illegal," said Van Baker, vice president for Gartner's e-Business Services group.

Gartner also surveyed U.S. Internet users that do not download files over the Internet but were interested in doing so. These users were asked if they thought it was legal to download the files. Forty-two percent of these users thought it was illegal to download the files, 14 percent thought it was legal and 43 percent said they were confused and not sure if it was legal or illegal.

Additional information on this research is available to subscribers of Gartner's E-Business Services. These programs are part of a wide range of Gartner services examining the e-business industry. These programs are designed to help senior executives, strategic planners and investors capitalize on emerging opportunities by providing research and analysis on electronic commerce and Internet marketplaces. Additional information on these programs is available on Gartner's Web site at http://www.gartner.com/1_researchanalysis/focus/2.1.1.jsp. To subscribe to these services, please call 800-419-DATA or 408-468-8009.

About Gartner
Gartner provides unrivaled thought leadership for more than 10,000 organizations, helping clients to achieve their business objectives through the intelligent and efficient use of technology. Additionally, Gartner helps technology companies identify and maximize technology market opportunities. Gartner's technology content and strong brand reach IT professionals globally through Gartner Research, its research and advisory unit; Gartner Services, its custom consulting unit; Gartner Events, including Gartner's renowned Symposia; and, at http://www.gartner.com. Gartner subsidiary TechRepublic, Inc. ( www.techrepublic.com) is the leading online destination developed exclusively for IT professionals by IT professionals. Gartner, founded in 1979 and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, achieved fiscal 2000 revenue of $859 million. Gartner's 4,300 associates, including 1,400 research analysts and consultants, are in more than 80 locations worldwide. For more information about Gartner's industry-leading products and services, please visit us on the Web at http://www.gartner.com.