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Science Applications International Corporation Selects Franco

20 April 2000

Science Applications International Corporation Selects Franco To Provide Marketing Support for ANX(R) Network

    DETROIT, April 20 Science Applications International
Corporation (SAIC), the largest employee-owned research and engineering firm
in the United States, has selected Franco Public Relations Group to provide
public relations and marketing communications support for the Advanced Network
eXchange(TM) (ANX(R)), also known as the Automotive Network eXchange(R).
    The ANX(R) network is a high performance, reliable and secure global
network infrastructure that replaces complex legacy networks and facilitates
the re-engineering of supply chains.  It supports the automotive industry by
electronically connecting "trading partners" -- vehicle manufacturers and
suppliers enlisted on the network -- and allowing them to collaborate on
product design and development; solicit and process orders; and facilitate
manufacturing and post shipping schedules.
    Established by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), the ANX(R)
network was purchased by SAIC late last year.  Through its vast resources (the
organization has estimated annual revenues of $5.4 billion and more than
39,000 employees in 150 cities worldwide), SAIC plans to accelerate the
development of ANX(R) service capabilities and infrastructure, ultimately
making it the world's premier, business-to-business electronic commerce
network.
    "The contract with Franco is the next step in raising awareness and
properly positioning ANX(R) service within the auto industry, as well as other
vertical industries in the very near future," said Peter Rosamilia, vice
president and general manager for ANX(R).  "The ANX(R) network offers many
benefits to trading partners, including improved supply chain links and
communication enhancements."
    Lisa Vallee-Smith, APR, Franco president and chief operating officer, said
her firm is developing a fully integrated communications campaign, starting
with market research.  "We're pleased to work with such an outstanding
organization that is redefining supply chain management dynamics in the
automotive industry and, soon, other vertical industries as well," she said.
"SAIC is a key client in our Technology Practice, which continues to be among
the fastest-growing practice specialties within our firm."
    SAIC is a Fortune 500 company and the nation's largest employee-owned
research and engineering firm.  SAIC provides information technology and
systems integration products and services to government and commercial
customers.  SAIC scientists and engineers work to solve complex technical
problems in telecommunications, national security, health care,
transportation, energy, the environment and financial services.  More
information about SAIC and its subsidiaries can be found at http://www.saic.com .
    Celebrating its 36th anniversary in 2000, Franco Public Relations Group is
a full-service public relations agency offering marketing support, employee
communications, crisis counseling, media relations/publicity placement, trade
show exhibit and marketing support, public affairs counseling, special events
planning and management, specialized business writing, media and presentation
training, electronic production (including Internet and video production, as
well as speech support), corporate identity development, corporate advertising
and graphic design and print production.  More information on Franco can be
found at http://www.franco.com