text: **Operating Expenses**Total operating expenses increased to $88.1 million for the year ended 
  December 31, 2000 from $68.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1999 and from $34.5 
  million for the year ended December 31, 1998. The increase from 1999 to 2000 can be broken down 
  by segment as follows: (1) a $3.5 million increase in Network Services Segment operating costs due to growth in the size of the network 
  operations; (2) a $15.2 million increase in Software Services Segment due to write down of intangibles of $11.2 million and investment in 
  personnel and re s o u rces; and (3) a $1.1 million increase in Corporate Services Segment operating costs due to the expended operations. The 
  i n c rease from 1998 to 1999 can be broken down by segment as follows: (1) a $13.0 million increase in Network Services Segment operating costs, 
  (2) the addition of $19.6 million of Software Solutions Segment operating costs, and (3) a $1.2 million increase in Corporate Services Segment 
  operating costs. Operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 are discussed more fully in the Segment Results of 
  Operations sections below. 
  
  **1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000**