AccessVia Unveils Web-based Store Sign Printing for Retailers
Web dSignShop™ delivers enterprise-scale store sign printing via a Web browser

SEATTLE, March 21, 2001--At the Globalshop retail store design and marketing trade show in Chicago this week (March 22-24), AccessVia will unveil Web dSignShop™, an enterprise-level tool for publishing signs and labels using a Web browser.

"It's a liberating innovation that will change how retailers deploy in-store printing," said Dean A. Sleeper, CEO of AccessVia. "Web dSignShop represents a tremendous advance. With this product, we've demonstrated that Web-based printing can deliver economic advantages, practical results, and great-looking signage."

The new product offers several advantages over traditional in-store printing applications. First, Web dSignShop requires no installed software at store locations, a process that in the past has required significant front-end costs, ongoing maintenance and upgrade expenses. The product is also easier for store employees to learn, allowing them to use a familiar, intuitive browser interface. Central managers also see gains with this product, as it features one-source data management for sign copy and graphic content as well as tools for tracking progress among locations.

In developing Web dSignShop, AccessVia has overcome the limitations of conventional printing processes using Web technologies. Real-time compression/decompression methods and sophisticated caching make printing fast and efficient, while advanced graphics capabilities render artful results. A lightweight, self-installing browser control gives your Web browser all the printing capabilities of a desktop publishing system.

Store employees can use Web dSignShop -- deployed via the Internet, an intranet, or an extranet -- to print product signs, shelf-edge labels, fact tags, coupons, and other kinds of promotional signage. Sign publishing applications are generally designed for traditional client/server implementations. Web dSignShop though, offers the same features while delivering significant advantages in development, integration, and deployment. With full support for laser, ink-jet, and thermal printers and strong integration with backend retail systems, retailers can leverage all of the advantages of Web deployment and still enjoy robust in-store functionality.

Sleeper says there has been exceptional response from retailers who have previewed Web dSignShop. "Retailers need flexible publishing capabilities in their stores, but they also want to leverage centralized item data and graphics content. This product is ideal for retailers looking to maintain central control while maximizing in-store flexibility."

With Web dSignShop, retailers can track the progress of signage campaigns and analyze the results across stores. Having quick access to enterprise-wide information provides an immediate opportunity for retail headquarters to redirect store efforts for greater success.

The Web dSignShop product is based on the company's dSIGN software, now an industry standard that has dominated the sign publishing market for 15 years. The dSIGN architecture is unique in that data layers are completely separate from presentation layers. The result is a combination of centralized data integrity and sophisticated creative capabilities that is unrivaled.

The new product is the most recent advance in AccessVia's multichannel retailing solution. AccessVia's comprehensive technology suite enables retailers to deliver attractively designed price and product information to customers in virtually any type of purchase environment. Their technologies enable automated consumer messaging at the store shelf, on the Web, on Kiosks, by e-mail, and via wireless devices.

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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:
Gaylene C. Meyer
Public Relations Manager, AccessVia
206.285.4994 x150