ServiceConnex and Mailmark Partner to Promote Innovative Automotive Data Warehouse Applications
13 July 2000
Consolidated Auto Service Record Information Via Next-Generation Web-Enabled Technology Platform
WASHINGTON - ServiceConnex, Inc. and Mailmark Enterprises LLC today
announced a strategic partnership to develop and market an innovative automotive
industry data warehouse. This partnership expands ServiceConnex's business-to-
business technology and marketing platform. Mailmark will hold a substantial
equity position in ServiceConnex and contribute its strong market leadership
position with independent automotive service centers.
ServiceConnex is a leading developer of a comprehensive national network
comprised of automotive service centers that provide vehicle-specific service
record information to the ServiceConnex data warehouse. Through
ServiceConnex's sophisticated data warehouse, Web portals, car care websites
and participating service centers can receive a targeted content-based
relationship marketing tool. This powerful data, some of which is provided
free of charge to participating service centers, enables these businesses to
initiate website user and customer relationship management programs online.
With more than 18 years experience, Mailmark has become the leader in
creating effective and affordable direct marketing strategies for national oil
companies, national and independent repair shops and quick lube facilities,
car dealers and related companies, including Pep Boys, Precision Tune Auto
Care, Grease Monkey International, Shell, Pennzoil/Quaker State, Monro Muffler
Brake & Service, Meineke Discount Muffler, Discount Tire Centers, ARCO and
many Jiffy Lube franchisees.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Mailmark," said Lance Johnson,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ServiceConnex, Inc. "Our relationship
has every component necessary for success in today's rapidly paced technology
environment. Mailmark's solid relationships with "brick and mortar"
automotive service centers coupled with our innovative technology will
translate into efficiencies, scalability and momentum throughout the
industry," said Johnson. "The new alliance will offer traditional industry
automotive service centers a tremendous opportunity to serve and care for
their customers online."
ServiceConnex offers three basic information services:
* autoresume - Complete vehicle service histories are available as content
for Web portals, service center websites and Internet businesses. This
"sticky" content brings Web visitors back to participating businesses'
websites.
* autotrend - ServiceConnex uses its powerful data mining query tool to
uniquely analyze its database. However, ServiceConnex does not include
specific customer identifiable name and address information in its data
warehouse.
* Service Predictor - Gives a smart projection of a vehicle's next needed
service. Web portals and other websites can integrate the Service
Predictor service into their own advertising logic. This enables those
sites to display better targeted advertising at the right time, for the
right vehicle, and vehicle owner.
"Mailmark has been investigating 'e-business' opportunities to augment our
solid and profitable core business for some time. Our customers have been
skeptical of other technology companies and 'dot-coms,' asking for their
customer vehicle data. The ServiceConnex business model, which doesn't depend
on personal vehicle owner information, is exciting and attractive to Mailmark
customers," said Barry Silver, Director of Marketing and Sales of Mailmark.
"Our core business is thriving and will only get better with ServiceConnex
powering the technology behind some of our web-based marketing solutions.
ServiceConnex offers a great management and technology fit for us."
The strength of the ServiceConnex business model combined with the power
of Mailmark's relationships within the industry has amplified the impact of
both companies - generating substantial interest from service centers,
information outlets and capital providers. ServiceConnex based in Washington,
D.C. and Mailmark based in Canoga Park, CA are partnering to create a national
presence and awareness of the ServiceConnex services.
About ServiceConnex
Washington, DC-based ServiceConnex is a privately-held information
technology company providing data warehousing, data mining and e-commerce
services to businesses in the automotive service industry. Through
technology-based partnerships with leading automotive service centers,
ServiceConnex captures, aggregates and leverages business and vehicle
information relating to automobile service records. ServiceConnex's
business-to-business technology platform tracks service record information
independent of the service center that performed the work.
About Mailmark
Canoga Park, CA-based Mailmark is a privately-held company providing both
traditional and online direct marketing solutions for the automotive service
industry. For 18 years Mailmark has utilized proprietary technology to develop
and tailor effective and affordable Customer Retention, Customer Acquisition
and Lost Customer Marketing Solutions to the individual needs of auto service
centers nationwide. Mailmark will utilize ServiceConnex's leading edge
technology for its complete package of traditional and online marketing
solutions, which include, database driven service reminders, vehicle-specific
factory recommended maintenance look-up, vehicle-specific service history and
website design and hosting.