Introducing Evolve, the First Web-based Platform for Auto Dealer Management; System Integration Provides More Choice, Flexibility for Auto Dealers

LAS VEGAS--Feb. 2, 2004--Ocentrix, a developer of Web-based systems for managing retail auto dealerships, announced today the release of Evolve, the first web-based platform for accounting, parts, and service that uses modern, open technology, allowing for complete integration with third-party business applications.

Evolve introduces an entirely new concept in dealer management -- the Dealership Solutions Network (DSN). By providing a platform that integrates all dealer business functions, it can dramatically improve dealer access to business information, ease consolidation of data across multi-location and multi-franchise dealerships, eliminate double data entry, and leverage the strengths of the Internet in order to lower costs.

"Dealers are demanding system integration that provides them with the freedom to choose the best software applications for their specific business need," said Jim Roche, president of Ocentrix. "With Evolve, dealers can continue to rely on their existing CRM, F&I, payroll, lead management, and other applications while increasing their productivity through shared data across their businesses."

A 2003 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) study identifies that dealership satisfaction with dealer management software (DMS) vendors is driven mainly by system integration, specifically the flexibility of system software and the ability to access data through other software applications. Evolve directly addresses this problem with modern technology, a robust partner strategy and aggressive pricing.

"The growth and success of hosted software such as Salesforce.com and NetSuite, together with the pervasiveness of broadband, sets the stage for similar solutions in a variety of industries," continued Roche. "Evolve leverages the Microsoft .NET Framework technology to build a platform that is more robust and easier to maintain while efficiently using the power of today's networking technologies."

Evolve Open Partner Network

In February, 2003, Ocentrix established the Evolve Open Partner network, in which the company and partners collaborate on the integration of complementary, best-in-class applications. Current members include EDS Automotive Retail Group and their Microcat EPC application, ProMax Online, NetSuite Payroll, PenSoft Payroll and Who's Calling. Collectively, this Dealer Solutions Network (DSN) provides 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 this industry's current vendors.

As a Web-based application, Evolve 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.

About Ocentrix

Ocentrix, headquartered in Carlsbad, California, markets the Evolve Dealership Solutions Network (DSN) to automotive retailers seeking to improve profitability by maximizing their technology investments. Built upon an open, scalable platform using the latest Microsoft technology, Evolve offers an intuitive interface with powerful data query and reporting capabilities. This arrangement offers tight integration with critical Internet and partner software applications, producing an improved access to business information and enhanced productivity.