Ocentrix Inc. Introduces the Ocentrix Partner Network -- OPN
SAN FRANCISCO--Feb. 3, 2003--Integration of Business Functions Provides Auto Dealers Flexible,
Fully Integrated Software Solutions Using Ocentrix 360 Platform
Ocentrix Inc., a developer of Web-based systems for managing retail auto dealerships, announces the establishment of the Ocentrix Partner Network (OPN).
OPN represents a group of select partners whose applications allow open sharing of data between their programs and the accounting, parts and service features of Ocentrix 360, a Web-based solution for managing dealer operations. Initial OPN partners include EDS Automotive Retail Group, ProMax Online, PenSoft Payroll and Who's Calling.
Through the establishment of OPN, Ocentrix and its partners will collaborate on the integration of complementary, best-in-class applications. Collectively, this Dealer Solutions Network (DSN) will provide dealers with the flexibility to select applications that satisfy the individual needs of their business rather than having to settle for one-size-fits-all offerings from current vendors.
"At Ocentrix, we have a new vision for how technology solutions can transform the way dealers manage and grow their businesses," said Jim Roche, CEO of Ocentrix. "At the core of this vision is the recognition that no single company can adequately deliver all of the technology solutions a dealer may need."
As part of the OPN agreement, partners will adhere to a set of open standards for data exchange with Ocentrix 360. Partners are also encouraged to adopt Web-based strategies that leverage the Internet for inter-application communication. Ocentrix developers support partners by encouraging their employment of best practices for deploying new Web-based solutions that take full advantage of Ocentrix 360's standards-based software architecture.
According to the report Connecting Dealership Computing (June, 2002) by Forrester Research, current Dealer Management Systems (DMS) are closed, proprietary systems running on dedicated servers accessed by character-based terminals. DMS technology does not support consolidation of DMS data from multiple locations or data coming from disparate systems. This forces dealers to manually transpose data from multiple sources. To improve information access, auto dealers are looking to migrate to open systems running on standard, Windows-based PCs.
As a Web-based application, Ocentrix 360 can be accessed from any Internet-enabled Windows PC using Microsoft Internet Explorer. The software functions as the central hub of a solutions network by sharing its accounting, parts and service data with F&I, CRM, payroll and other specialized partner applications. This is accomplished by using an application programming interface (API), which allows OPN partners to adopt a standard set of rules for structuring data transactions between applications.
Dealer Solutions Network (DSN): The Next Stage in Dealership Computing
To distinguish Ocentrix 360 from the proprietary, closed DMS systems that are based on decades-old technology, Ocentrix classifies Ocentrix 360 as Dealer Solutions Network (DSN) software. This reflects the company's vision of a network of tightly integrated, best-of-breed dealer solutions. By enabling data integration across multiple applications, Ocentrix 360 provides greater access to dealership information and the ability to easily consolidate data from multiple locations while eliminating the need for expensive, on-site, proprietary servers.
For more information on OPN, or to learn how to become an OPN member, please contact Mark Fiebig, SVP/Corporate Development, at 206/625-9393 x3018, or markf@ocentrix.com and visit www.ocentrix.com/partners.html.
About Ocentrix
Ocentrix, headquartered in Seattle, supplies information services and integrated solutions to the vehicle dealership industry. The company excels in developing and supporting open-architecture, Web-centric solutions and is leading the drive toward powerful, highly flexible and fully integrated financial, inventory, customer relationship, e-commerce, service and support solutions for this dynamic and competitive market.