ACD Systems Catches the Next Wave in Private Instant Messaging Software
December 1, 1999
Victoria, BC -- ACD Systems International Inc. (CDNX: ASA) announces the release of
its latest entry into instant messaging, one of the fastest growing niches in the on-line
software market. Software industry experts predict that instant messaging will be a key
building block in the creation of the next generation of the Internet.
ACD Systems is well established in the development of private instant messaging
software based on its proprietary platform technology. The company has developed a
line of "Express" products for real-time network messaging in Windows. The newest
release, Version 1.0 of both Express Communicator and Express Messaging Server,
reinforces ACD Systems' strong position in a market niche that is currently used by an
estimated 78 million people worldwide and is evolving rapidly.
"Instant messaging is the next evolution of Email," says Mark How, Marketing
Coordinator, Express Products. "While corporate giants like America Online and
Microsoft debate over protocols and the free public use of instant messaging, ACD
Systems is already selling private instant messaging for networks and the Internet."
Express is a fast, secure, easy way to send notes and files across a private network or
the Internet. It allows users to send or receive messages instantly from desktop to
desktop. All files are transferred directly between the sender and receiver using a
proprietary protocol. The Express software is currently offered in two forms: Express
Communicator, which allows the end user to send each message, and Express
Messaging Server, which coordinates the initial log-in and stores messages.
A key feature of Express Communicator is that the user can quickly determine -- in real
time -- who is on-line with Express. Express Messaging Server provides options for
privacy, auto-reply and other efficiencies, which allow organizations to host an internal
messaging system over an Intranet or the Internet. A version of Express can also be
branded by Internet service providers and portals.
ACD Systems predicts that, in the instant messaging market, factors concerning
privacy and reliability will be as important as instant communication. "Express utilizes a
distributed server system which facilitates security and means users will always be able
to connect," stated Doug Vandekerkhove, President and CEO of ACD Systems. "We
estimate that our Express users are replacing up to 70 percent of their E-mail with
instant messaging because it is so fast and easy to use."
In addition to software products for private instant messaging, ACD Systems develops
innovative software for digital image management. The ACD Digital Image Management
Suite is used by an estimated 15 million people worldwide.
A new public company listed on the Canadian Venture Exchange, ACD Systems
International Inc. was formed by the shareholders of ACD Systems Ltd., a private
company based in Victoria, British Columbia, which has been actively developing
software since 1993.
Through effective Internet distribution and strategic partnerships, the company has
experienced rapid growth and has achieved commercialization of several software
products based on its proprietary platform technologies.
The Canadian Venture Exchange neither approves nor disapproves of the information
contained herein.
For further information, contact Martin Winstanley, Vice President Corporate Affairs, at
(250) 382-5828, or by electronic mail at: martin@acdsystems.com.
ACD Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACD Systems International Inc., a public company listed on the
Canadian Venture Exchange under the symbol "ASA". |
