Company Press Release
Metatec Launches New Distribution Affiliate Program to Simplify File Delivery and Management via the Web
Provides ASPs, ISPs, and Channel Providers With Tools and Services to Facilitate Online Software and Information Delivery
SOMERVILLE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 1999-- The Metatec Internet Products Group today announced the launch and immediate availability of its Distribution Affiliate Program, enabling application service providers (ASPs), Internet service providers (ISPs), and other channel providers to resell Metatec Express, the company's Web-based, hosted service that automates the delivery of software, electronic documents, and content files via the Web.
Metatec's hosted service provides affiliates with the ability to offer enterprise-class software and document distribution solutions, without the capital cost of installing and supporting such a system in-house.
Through the program, affiliates can deploy a complete software and document distribution service to their business customers in less than a week - supporting end-to-end software and document delivery with advanced tracking and management. As resellers of Metatec Express, affiliates can significantly increase revenues, deliver enhanced customer service and support, and dramatically reduce the cost and time associated with distributing software and files to customers.
As ASPs, ISPs, and channel providers extend their business models to offer products and services online, there is an increased need to keep their corporate customers and partners current with the latest software, documents, and other business information. Addressing this need, Metatec offers Metatec Express, a hosted service aimed at providing a Web-based system to facilitate secure and reliable software and file distribution, as well as advanced management reporting - on a completely outsourced basis.
Easy Integration
Utilizing Metatec Express, affiliates can leverage Metatec's enterprise-class technology to offer high-speed, low-cost distribution services via single click from any Web or Extranet site, without investing in purchasing and managing a system in-house. As a Web-based service, Metatec Express can be easily integrated into existing transaction processing systems, facilitating ``on-demand' downloads. The service supports all major platforms, including Windows NT, Solaris, and Linux.
Rapid Deployment
Metatec Express can be accessed through a stand-alone software site, or linked directly from the affiliate's Web site. Customization capabilities ensure that the distribution process remains transparent to the user, without compromising security. With the Rapid Start program, affiliates can implement a basic set of services within a week of deployment.
``As organizations increasingly seek to outsource solutions to the Internet, online service providers can enhance support and build revenues by offering managed software and data support services. Current solutions that support FTP server- or traditional disk-based distributions are unreliable, inefficient, and expensive,' explained Jeffrey Tarplin, vice president and general manager of the Metatec Internet Products Group. ``With the Metatec Distribution Affiliate Program, affiliates can implement a secure, revenue-enhancing model for the distribution of business documents and software updates overnight, with no money down. By accessing a low-cost, completely hosted service, our partners focus on their core business, and leave the distribution to us.'
Reliable Technology Platform
Based on Metatec's Web Transporter product, Metatec Express combines a flexible browser interface with secure distribution technology, ensuring same-day, confirmed delivery of updates worldwide. Distribution affiliates can specify an unlimited number of applications, software, and files to be delivered. Metatec hosts the entire service, providing complete distribution management and reporting from one of several high-capacity sites. The Metatec Express management server manages libraries of software and data files, authenticates users, and directs them to a customized portal site, where they can securely download the updates. The management server maintains a database to automatically confirm and track downloads, providing comprehensive reports that detail all distribution activities.
``Secure, reliable online document delivery over the Internet is central to our product strategy,' said Peter Schmitt, president of DPC Data, a major Internet provider of information products for the municipal securities industry, and a participant in the Metatec Affiliate Program. ``We are launching several new products at www.dpcdata.com in 2000, with a distribution system built around the Metatec Express service. Metatec's package management and Internet distribution technology is allowing us to rapidly deploy our specialized municipal securities data products, providing cost-effective, instant delivery to our customers nationwide.'
Special Pricing for Channel Providers
Available today, the Distribution Affiliate Program includes marketing development funds for seminars, training, and support. Pricing is structured at margins of up to 25%. Affiliates can instantly access a distribution facility on the Metatec Express software center, running on Metatec's secure, hosted servers, or opt to install Metatec Express Web Server on their in-house systems, with full customization and extended support capabilities. Contact Metatec Sales at 888-565-7726 or 908-253-3350 for additional information.
About Metatec
The Metatec Internet Products Group develops and markets Web-based products and online distribution services for business on the Web. The company's flagship product, Metatec Web Transporter, provides an open technology platform to deliver, track, and manage, any type of software application, document or other digital file via the Internet, corporate Intranets, and Extranets. For more information, visit the group's web site at metatec.net.
The Metatec Internet Products Group is a business unit of Metatec International (NASDAQ: META - news), a global information distribution services company with world headquarters in Dublin, Ohio. Metatec offers information distribution solutions utilizing CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and online services, to business customers requiring high quality service and predictable, on-time performance.
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Contact:
Company Contact: Metatec International
Richard A. Baker
Director of Corporate Communications
614/766-3184
rbaker@metatec.com
or
Agency Contact: Springboard Communications
Domenick Cilea, 732/863-1900
dcilea@s-board.com |
