ACCESSVIA ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF WEB DSIGNSHOP 4.0
Newest version features improvements for users, developers, and site operators

SEATTLE, January 9, 2004 - AccessVia®, the leading provider of automated sign printing solutions and electronic display technologies for retailers, today announced the release of Web dSignShop® 4.0. The release includes significant expansion of out-of-the-box features, new tools for developers, and improvements in scalability and performance.

The award-winning Web dSignShop has been enthusiastically received by retailers looking for the operational efficiencies, easy deployment, and instant return on investment that a centralized Web-based sign printing application offers. Retailers such as Staples, Supervalu, The Sports Authority and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) have quickly and affordably implemented automated in-store printing across the enterprise using AccessVia Web dSignShop.

Improvements in In-Store Web dSignShop, the baseline application that stores use to print signs, focus on additional out-of-the-box functionality-including support for handheld scanners, enhanced search capabilities, and streamlined and more sophisticated screens for editing signs.

Also new in this version are significant advances in scalability and reliability that require fewer servers at headquarters to handle peak-time printing loads-and fewer resources to manage those servers. Print engine refinements have increased by fourfold the number of concurrent users that a single server can handle, allowing over 1,000 users to use Web dSignShop simultaneously.

This release also marks major advances in tools for customizing and deploying Web dSignShop within an enterprise. The new, patent-pending Tokenized Query LanguageTM (TQL) architecture allows for rapid change and testing during development and maximum performance in production. New language developments include support for active server pages (ASPs) for data acquisition-allowing site developers to work with a single development language and minimizing the need for training and developer application licenses. Support for the latest SUN Java Software Developer Kit (SDK) ensures that enterprise developers can build applications with the latest Microsoft or Java technologies. A new and updated Web dSignShop Product Guide provides complete information about installing, configuring, and using Web dSignShop, including detailed use cases and concepts for operations. Finally, site operators will be able to easily add AccessVia product upgrades and sign template updates to a running production site.

AccessVia Web dSignShop was recognized in both 2002 and 2003 as a Microsoft® Retail Application Developer (RAD) Award winner. The Microsoft RAD Award highlights the most innovative Microsoft-based software solutions for the retail and supply chain industries.

The AccessVia Print solution includes both Web dSignShop and dSIGN to provide clients with accurate and attractive signs, shelf-edge labels, fact tags, coupons, and more. Web dSignShop is designed for retailers who want to use the Internet, an intranet, or an extranet to publish signs using a Web browser without installing or maintaining in-store software. dSIGN is built for classic client/server implementations and offers advanced product data delivery and unmatched integration with legacy systems. AccessVia also offers a solution for automated electronic displays, including customer-facing POS displays, self-service terminals, and kiosk applications for price verification, assisted shopping, endless aisle services, and gift registry.

AccessVia customers include Bed Bath & Beyond, Kroger, LCBO, Petco, Safeway, Staples, SUPERVALU, Target and Walgreens.

AccessVia customers include Bed Bath and Beyond, Kroger, LCBO, Petco, Safeway, Staples, SUPERVALU, Target, Walgreens and Wal-Mart.

About AccessVia, Inc.
AccessVia takes retailers beyond price point to a place where they can truly connect with customers at the moment of choice. Smart consumers expect more than flashing lights and red type. The new consumer requires new messaging.

AccessVia Consumer Messaging Optimization Services help you to envision that future and make it happen. Seasoned retail professionals, armed with best practices, industry benchmarks and new ideas, work with your team to transform your consumer messaging effectiveness and efficiency. AccessVia Publishing Platform solutions provide the software tools to extend your retail brand promise to the Last Mile – where the customer chooses to browse or buy.

Create new business processes for the future then manage your publishing systems with software being used today by Global 500 companies in over 40,000 retail stores. Take your customers beyond price point with AccessVia.

For more information contact:
For AccessVia
Gaylene C. Meyer
206-285-4994 x150