Reynolds and Reynolds Teams with Ford Motor Company for FORDSTAR Project Choice

Reynolds offering Internet connectivity services to help Ford retailers build communications platform for the future.

DAYTON, Ohio, Aug. 28 -- The Reynolds and Reynolds Company today announced that it is collaborating with Ford Motor Company to deliver Internet connectivity services via Ford's new FORDSTAR Next Generation Project Choice initiative.

Project Choice was designed to support the goal of all Ford's dealerships having high-speed Internet access by the end of 2003. As Ford shifts their business and communication applications to a Web-based platform, retailers are being encouraged to meet the necessary connectivity requirements. Through the Project Choice initiative, Reynolds is providing dealers with a solution that integrates their dealership network infrastructure with high-speed Internet connectivity to support their needs while meeting Ford's requirements.

To assist its retailers, Ford established the Project Choice Web site and Technical Consultant Service, which provides dealerships with a wide range of high-speed Internet connectivity options available in their area. The primary goal of Project Choice is to provide dealers with a one-stop source for an array of Internet and integration services that are guaranteed to meet or exceed Ford's recommendations. Ford Motor Company has teamed with Reynolds to bring dealers the most customized, efficient service for their particular business communication needs.

As part of the agreement, Reynolds is providing Project Choice Internet Integration Services. A one-time consulting engagement, the solution allows dealerships to integrate a third party Internet Service Provider (ISP) with their Reynolds system and networked PCs.

"By collaborating with Ford, we are able to provide Ford and Lincoln Mercury retailers with access to quick, flexible and effective Internet integration services," said Jim Aten, vice president, Reynolds Networking Services. "Our expert networking professionals work individually with retailers to recommend a custom solution that not only addresses their current needs, but also gives their dealership flexibility for future growth."

Project Choice manages and monitors all service vendors, provides dealers with a convenient one-stop-shop resource in which to obtain consulting, quoting, provisioning and fulfillment. As part of Project Choice, dealers receive a free listing of locally available Internet Service Providers that match their business needs. Most importantly, they benefit from volume pricing and pre-approved solutions and vendors. In addition to providing convenience and cost savings for dealers, Project Choice keeps them abreast of future Ford applications and recommendations as they become available.

Reynolds and Reynolds ( www.reyrey.com ) is the leading provider of integrated solutions that help automotive retailers manage change and improve their profitability. With 75 years of experience serving automotive retailing, Reynolds enables car companies and retailers to work together to build the lifetime value of their customers. The company's award-winning product, service and training solutions include a full range of retail and enterprise management systems, networking and support, e-business applications, Web services, learning and consulting services, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions, data management and integration, and leasing services. Reynolds serves more than 20,000 customers. They comprise 90 percent of the automotive retailers and virtually all car companies doing business in North America. Its CRM consulting practices span approximately 15 countries around the world.