Activant, Winsby Group Expand ACES Aftermarket Data Mapping Alliance

Activant to Distribute New Release of Popular AceMapper Software; Company Now Converting All Manufacturer Data into ACES Format

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 21 -- Activant Solutions Inc. will be the exclusive distributor of Winsby Group, LLC's latest release of the proven AceMapper data mapping technology and is offering an expanded range of data mapping services for aftermarket suppliers through a strategic alliance announced today.

AceMapper and Activant's comprehensive in-house data mapping services already are the leading choices of many automotive aftermarket suppliers converting data to the industry's new AAIA Catalog Enhanced Standard (ACES). AceMapper, developed by Doug Winsby, lead architect of the ACES delivery format, dramatically reduces the time and cost required to convert data to the new standard. Activant and the latest AceMapper technology can now convert all manufacturer-supplied structured application files - including those not mapped to the AAIA legacy standard - to the ACES format.

"While legacy conversion support is important, we've received a large number of requests from manufacturers who maintain their core application data in other structured formats or are not confident in the quality of their existing mapped files. This new release will enable us to address this need," Winsby said.

"Leading manufacturers have found that Activant and AceMapper enable them to eliminate the risks and unnecessary delays associated with third-party or homegrown conversions to ACES," said Steve Bieszczat, vice president of information services for Activant. "Aftermarket suppliers can be confident that by choosing Activant and this exclusive technology they are leveraging the industry's best tools and knowledge base. Then, when the mapping is complete the manufacturer's data will be at the 60,000-plus counters where parts professionals use our catalog every day."

Developed as an industry-sponsored solution to the multiple data standards previously required by electronic catalog providers and automotive parts retailers, ACES may involve extensive conversion of legacy AAIA eCatalog data and other structured files. AceMapper and Activant's in-house data team dramatically simplify this process, leading to faster, easier delivery of highly accurate manufacturer data.

Unlike many alternative conversion sources, Activant has extensive experience in converting data from multiple formats and can work with virtually any manufacturer-based catalog management system.

"AceMapper and Activant are the smart choices for aftermarket suppliers seeking fast, flexible support that results in significantly higher data quality at lower cost," said Doug Winsby. "These competitive advantages will benefit not only the manufacturer, but also every supply chain partner seeking to grow their share of the parts market."

About Activant

Activant Solutions Inc. ("Activant") is a leading provider of business management solutions designed for companies with complex products in high- service distribution environments. Over 16,000 specialty wholesale, retail and manufacturing customer locations use Activant to help drive new levels of business performance. With proven experience and success, Activant is fast becoming an industry standard for companies seeking competitive advantage through stronger customer integration. The company's business management solutions include advanced software, professional services, content, supply chain connectivity, and analytics. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Activant has operations in Livermore, CA; Denver, CO; Canada, France, Ireland and the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.activant.com .

About Winsby Group

Established in 2002, Winsby Group, LLC is a premier supplier of application-specific data solutions for businesses in the automotive aftermarket. The company was founded by Doug Winsby, a widely respected consultant to aftermarket businesses and industry organizations. Winsby Group is based in St. Louis.