Chrome Systems and Advance Internet Roll 10+ Sites With AutoBuilder; API Technology Helps Advance Internet Remain Flexible and In Control

    PORTLAND, Ore.--April 22, 2002--Chrome Systems, a leading provider of automotive data, configuration technology and commerce solutions, and Advance Internet Inc., a leading creator of highly interactive, online community-based news and information Web sites, recently announced Advance Internet will use AutoBuilder, Chrome's newest API technology, to build out the vehicle configuration and research capabilities on each of Advance Internet's sites.
    By using AutoBuilder, Chrome's accurate, up-to-date automotive data will be used across 10+ Advance Internet sites nationwide. The new technology will give Advance Internet the flexibility to modify sites based on the markets' changing needs. Chrome's Professional Services Group worked from concept to completion with Advance Internet helping develop the new functionality for each site.
    "With AutoBuilder, Advance Internet will be able to bring complete customer satisfaction to the visitors of their site. They will have the ability to react quickly to each site's unique needs and challenges," said David Mingle, President of Chrome Systems.
    The AutoBuilder enabled sections featuring new vehicle research and pricing have already launched on all of Advance Internet's Web sites, including www.nj.com, www.cleveland.com, www.oregonlive.com, and www.NOLA.com.
    "Advance Internet's Web sites are the leading local news and information online resources for the markets that it serves. Working with Chrome's Professional Services Group, we were able to quickly create a new user interface that better services both our users and advertisers. Our users can now more easily research the best new car data provided by Chrome on their favorite local Web site," said Frank Smith, Auto Category Manager for Advance Internet.
    "AutoBuilder is an Application Programming Interface (API) and developer's tool that enables Chrome clients to create custom vehicle configuration and comparison applications. Chrome's Professional Services Group, is a team of consultants who work closely with API clients to help them plan, build, and implement custom applications.

    About Chrome

    With more than 12,000 clients, including half of all automotive dealers in the U.S. and Canada, Chrome provides vehicle content, configuration technology, software and professional services to produce complete enterprise solutions for all segments of the retail automotive industry, including manufacturers, fleet companies, dealers and Internet sites. Chrome pioneered the technology behind electronic vehicle configuration and for the past 16 years has collected, analyzed and enhanced "raw" automotive data from all manufacturers. Chrome provides the North American ordering system for General Motors and its 8,300 dealers. Chrome sets the standard in ordering systems for fleet management, serving 13 of the 17 largest fleet leasing companies. The company is based in Portland, Oregon. For more information, contact www.chrome.com, 800/936-8906.

    About Advance Internet

    Advance Internet Inc. (www.advance.net) is a leading creator of highly interactive, online community-based news and information Web sites, created in alliance with newspapers owned and operated by Advance Publications Inc. The local brands engage consumers, giving them information that is relevant to their day-to-day lives, as well as empower them to share their opinions with others in their communities within contextual environments. Based in Jersey City, New Jersey, Advance Internet, Inc. is owned by Advance Publications, Inc., a privately held media company.