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Tuesday December 2, 8:02 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Online System Services, Inc.
Online System Services Works With Microsoft On Major Contract With Re/Max International to Build 'Re/Max Mainstreet': Franchise Extranet Solution
DENVER, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Online System Services, Inc. (OSS) (Nasdaq: WEBB - news) today announced an agreement with Microsoft Corporation [Nasdaq:MSFT - news] and RE/MAX International, Inc. to build and manage ''RE/MAX Mainstreet'', an international-member community based on OSS's Inergy(TM) product set utilizing core Microsoft Internet technologies and platforms.
OSS has set the value of the three-year contract at $500,000, although OSS management said that figure likely would rise over time as more RE/MAX agents and associated organizations subscribe to the system. Revenue components include a one-time development and set-up fee, a monthly subscriber fee, and revenue sharing from electronic commerce components.
Under terms of the contract, OSS will create a password-protected Extranet site known as RE/MAX Mainstreet. The site will be accessible worldwide by a registered subscriber base comprised of RE/MAX affiliates, approved suppliers, RE/MAX regional offices and RE/MAX International. The system will be comprehensive and flexible, incorporating basic functions such as e-mail and messaging as well as a host of proprietary functions designed to streamline the organization's growing worldwide operations network.
Steve Adams, chairman and CEO of OSS, said RE/MAX Mainstreet will allow RE/MAX to move toward a more accessible, feature-rich system. ''Based on the World Wide Web, the RE/MAX system under development by OSS and Microsoft will be an effective and flexible business tool for RE/MAX members, who will be able to enter the site using any Internet service provider and any web browser.''
Adams said the RE/MAX business opportunity was originated by Microsoft Consulting Services, with whom OSS has a long-standing relationship and who will be a key player in the site development and launch. He added that the site would be developed using OSS's Inergy(TM) family of software tools and products in conjunction with Microsoft's operating platform.
''RE/MAX Mainstreet is an industry leading example of how Extranets enable franchisors to extend world-class communication and information-sharing services to franchises,'' said Roger Gerdes, business development manager in the Small Business Marketing Group at Microsoft. ''RE/MAX Mainstreet will enable all of RE/MAX International to significantly enhance key business processes. It is an investment that clearly identifies the RE/MAX International commitment to providing flexible, real-time and secure information delivery to its franchisees and real estate agents worldwide.''
''This is the future,'' said Bruce Benham, RE/MAX International vice president of information technology. ''RE/MAX Mainstreet will greatly enhance the communication process -- and save everyone time and money -- by moving away from phone calls, faxes and express mail.''
The RE/MAX network comprises more than 47,000 members in more than 2,800 offices in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe, Israel, Mexico, Singapore, Southern Africa, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Under the RE/MAX franchise name, these independently owned and operated offices provide real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, relocation, and asset management. Since its inception in 1973, the RE/MAX organization has experienced 24 consecutive years of growth, attracting sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production.
Online System Services develops and markets Internet products and services, including the Inergy(TM) suite of products, which is comprised of broadband high-speed access systems, high-end interactive electronic commerce solutions and electronic banking solutions. OSS's clients include Cablevision-TCI2 of Argentina, InterMedia Partners and Rockwell Federal Credit Union. OSS's corporate Web site is at ossinc.net and its Community Access Partnership Web site is at caa.net.
Information and statements in this report, other than historical information, should be considered forward looking and reflects management's current views of future events and financial performance that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic conditions and developments within the Internet and intranet industries; product development and technology changes; competition and pricing pressures; length of the sales cycle; variability of sale order flow; and management growth.
SOURCE: Online System Services, Inc. |
