Dendrite International, Inc. Announces Shareholder Rights Plan

MORRISTOWN, N.J.- Feb. 16, 2001 - Dendrite International, Inc., the leading
provider of sales productivity solutions, analytics, data and sales support
services for the worldwide pharmaceutical industry (NASDAQ/NMS:DRTE -
news), announced today that its Board of Directors has adopted a
shareholder rights plan (the "Rights Plan"). The adoption of the plan is
not in response to any known effort to acquire control of the Company.

Under the Rights Plan, each shareholder of record on March 5, 2001 will
receive a distribution of one Right for each share of common stock of the
Company ("Rights").

Initially, the Rights will be represented by the Company's common stock
certificates, will not be traded separately from the common stock and will
not be exercisable.

The Rights will become exercisable only if a person acquires, or announces
a tender offer that would result in ownership of 15% or more of the
Company's common stock, at which time each Right would enable the holder to
buy one one-hundredth of a share of the Company's Series A preferred stock
at an exercise price of $120, subject to adjustment. Following the
acquisition of 15% or more of the Company's common stock, the holders of
Rights (other than the acquiring person or group) will be entitled to
purchase shares of the Company's common stock at half-price, and in the
event of a subsequent merger or other acquisition of the Company, to buy
shares of common stock of the acquiring entity at one-half of the market
price of those shares.

The Company may redeem the Rights for $0.01 per Right, subject to
adjustment, at any time before the acquisition by a person or group of 15%
or more of the Company's ordinary shares. The Rights will expire on
February 20, 2011.

A copy of the Rights Plan will be filed shortly with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

ABOUT DENDRITE

Dendrite International, Inc. (NASDAQ/NMS:DRTE - news) designs and supports
technology-based knowledge systems that enhance the competitive activities
of the sales forces of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.
Approximately one-third of all pharmaceutical sales representatives and
their managers worldwide rely on Dendrite.

www.dendrite.com

Note: Dendrite is a registered trademark of Dendrite International, Inc.

The foregoing contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The statements may be
identified by such forward-looking terminology as "expect," "believe,"
"may," "will," "intend," "plan" and similar statements or variations. Such
forward-looking statements are based on our current estimates and
assumptions and involve certain significant risks and uncertainties,
including: risks associated with and dependence on the pharmaceutical
industry; fluctuations in quarterly revenues due to lengthy selling cycles,
product implementation cycles, customer budget cycles, and timing of
revenue recognition; dependence on major customers; successful and timely
development and introduction of new products and versions; rapid
technological changes; increased competition; retention of key senior
managers; and unique characteristics of the consumer packaged goods
industry. Other important factors, which should be considered, are included
in the Company's 10-K, 10-Qs and other reports filed with the SEC. Actual
results may differ materially. The Company assumes no obligation for
updating any such forward-looking statements.

Contact:

     Dendrite International, Inc., Morristown
     Brent Cosgrove, Investor Relations, 973-425-1200