Net Shepherd is teaming with Digital Equipment Corporation's AltaVista search service to provide Internet ratings and categories.

"As a result of the successful demonstration of Net Shepherd's filtered search technology, AltaVista has decided to continue its direct support for a production scale filtered search service," said Don Sandford, CEO of Net Shepherd.

The agreement contemplated in the signed Letter of Intent provides for Net Shepherd to engage its worldwide Internet rating community in the ongoing rating and categorization of Internet content. AltaVista intends to license and use the Net Shepherd database of rated content.

The Letter of Intent provides that the parties will negotiate a definitive agreement by April 9, 1998. The agreement is for a twelve month period with automatic renewal every twelve months thereafter. The agreement is subject to performance conditions and may be canceled upon 30 days notice.