AMECE and Transora Partner to Deliver Standards-Based Data Synchronization Solutions to Mexico Through Joint Integration and Sales and Marketing Agreement.

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 21, 2003

The Mexican Association for Electronic Commerce (Asociacion Mexicana para el Comercio Electronico, AMECE) and TRANSORA announced today that they have signed an agreement to integrate their data synchronization solutions for the benefit of the Mexican market. Under the terms of the agreement, TRANSORA will be responsible for the operation and development of the data synchronization technology platform while AMECE will offer the service and provide local customer support as well as training and education to their members in Mexico.

Approximately six years ago, the consumer goods industry and the retail sector in Mexico started to demand a system that would enable accurate data to be synchronized between trading partners to improve efficiency, accuracy and productivity between enterprises. From this need, AMECE developed catalogalo.com.mx, a standard-based tool that runs on the Internet platform, designed to facilitate database synchronization between customers and suppliers. This was done in such a way, that both parties would have accurate, standard and validated information.

TRANSORA, a global application standard-based company, developed the Transora Data Synchronization Network comprised of data synchronization services to improve efficiency in the commercial process and in the relationship between producers, intermediaries and retailers in order to reduce costs and minimize the out of stocks from suppliers and retailers.

Among the most important benefits from this long-term strategic alliance between AMECE and TRANSORA, is that the service provided by The Association to its Associates will be strengthened and perfected. Furthermore, the enterprises participating in catalogalo.com.mx shall have access to a tool that manages world-class technology and services. This will allow users to make better use of the information found in it, reduce costs and improve their processes.

The Agreement was signed by Judy Sprieser, CEO of TRANSORA and Mrs. Lourdes Sanchez de la Vega, CEO of AMECE.

After the signing of the agreement, Jorge Brake, President of AMECE, said, "This new solution will be instrumental to promote productivity in Mexican enterprises. Retail companies, such as Gigante, Chedraui and HEB have begun their respective database synchronization projects with providers, and in a few weeks we expect the incorporation of more retail companies."

Judy Sprieser stated, "This is a great opportunity for Mexican companies to take advantage of a world class technological solution that will be sponsored and supported by AMECE."

Lourdes Sanchez de la Vega added, "Transora has demonstrated its leadership position in the data synchronization arena and due to their experience and given the market conditions in Mexico, we believe it is the right time for achieving this agreement."

Further details will be disclosed in the coming months.