News Release: i.SHOP Announces the Release of the Version 2.0 Specification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
AAIA-08-03-04				

For more information, contact:
Rich White at 301-654-6664
  

i*SHOP Announces the Release of the Version 2.0 Specification

BETHESDA, MD - Aug. 3, 2004, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) announces the release of the i*SHOP version 2.0 specification, marking a significant advance in the industry standard for the interoperability of shop equipment and systems.

Building on the strengths of the first specification released in July 2001, version 2.0 provides additional interface standards for parts information, parts line filtering, parts buyer's guide, specification data, parts photos, supply chain stocking locations and XML-based diagnostic and inspection results information.

When a shop is equipped with certified i*SHOP service management systems, diagnostic machines and information servers, all the data needed to service the vehicle is available at the fingertips of technicians and service writers. Shop productivity increases dramatically with integrated shop equipment by allowing the technician to view needed information right from their bay. i*SHOP integration enhances communication with the vehicle owner, enabling the service writer to use multiple information sources to effectively demonstrate how the job was done.

Equipment manufacturers and software providers benefit from i*SHOP's single universal standard interface language. Vendors who engineer their products around i*SHOP can add valuable integrated features and functionality that contribute higher return on investment for their customers. As i*SHOP continues to evolve, all vendors and customers will benefit from improved technology and interconnectivity. 

Scott Luckett, AAIA vice president of technology standards and solutions, said "i*SHOP compliant products allow shop owners to choose the best products for their needs in the front and back shop, and enjoy all the advantages of full connectivity. i*SHOP version 2.0 is evidence of the continuing evolution and growing sophistication of the industry standard."

About i*SHOP
i*SHOP is a North American industry-wide initiative that was created to develop a single open standard for communication between different pieces of shop equipment, shop management systems, part catalogs, labor guides and repair information providers. A growing number of companies are adding to the current 30 companies who participate in the i*SHOP standard. Visit the i*SHOP Web site at www.ishopstandards.org for more information and a complete list of the i*SHOP participants including: ALLDATA, Bay-MasteR, Delphi Integrated Service Solutions, Hunter Engineering, Lankar Systems, Snap-on and many others.

About AAIA
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose member companies manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. The organization is comprised of manufacturers, distributors, jobbers, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers' representatives and other companies doing business in the automotive aftermarket industry. For more information, visit AAIA's Web site at www.aftermarket.org.


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