Acxiom and AZ Bertelsmann Direct Strengthen International Ties With Development of AbiliTec in Germany.

Business Editors and Technology Writers

LONDON and GUETERSLOH, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 10, 2000

Two industry leaders - AZ Bertelsmann Direct (AZB), the data management division of Bertelsmann Services Group, and Acxiom(R) Corporation - have strengthened their alliance agreement designed to deliver international marketing data and information management solutions to multinational clients operating in the major European markets.

The two companies will jointly develop AbiliTec(TM) for the German market. AbiliTec is the Customer Data Integration (CDI) software powered by patented linking technology launched by Acxiom (Nasdaq: ACXM) in the United States in 1999 and already adopted by several major U.S.-based companies to help them create a single view of their customers across the enterprise. This revolutionary software will become available to German companies early next year, shortly after the U.K. version is released. AbiliTec will allow businesses to operate more profitably by allowing a single comprehensive view of their customers as a result of fully and efficiently integrating what they already know about their customers. This will lead to an enhanced consumer experience.

The introduction of AbiliTec to the German market will be accelerated and enhanced by AZB's substantial access to high quality data content. AZB will be the primary re-seller of AbiliTec in Germany and will also be adopting the software for all internal CDI needs, thus providing their clients with the fastest, most accurate CDI service and the premier ability to provide online, real-time integration of customer data. AZB will become the first non-U.S. based company to license the software.

"The tremendous power of AbiliTec will surpass anything available in Europe today, and we are delighted to be working as partners with Acxiom to introduce this innovative technology to the European market," said Dieter Schefer, managing director of AZB. Hartmut Ostrowski, CEO of Bertelsmann Services Group, commented: "I see this co-operation as a significant element in AZB's strategy to become the leader in the Customer Data Integration field in their core markets."

In addition, AZB has been appointed by Acxiom as a global AbiliTec Alliance partner and will look to provide the benefits of faster, more accurate, real-time CDI to their global clients and across the many businesses within the Bertelsmann media empire worldwide.

Charles D. Morgan, Acxiom's company leader, said the two companies plan to continue building on their alliance initiatives in Europe and the U.S. in the coming months. "The alliance with Bertelsmann Services Group is key to the rapid globalization of Acxiom's services and of AbiliTec in particular," Morgan said. "In Bertelsmann Services Group, we have found a world-class partner who not only shares our vision of the importance of accurate real-time CDI in enabling the Customer Relationship Management initiatives of our clients, but also brings us the skills to help speed that vision in Europe."

About AZ Bertelsmann Direct

AZ Bertelsmann Direct provides a wide range of direct marketing services in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain and either owns or has access to substantial consumer and business data. Its market approach is a full range offer combining high quality reference and marketing data (both consumer and business), large scale information management solutions and fulfilment services. AZ Bertelsmann Direct is a part of the Bertelsmann Services Group which provides global solutions for the flow of information, goods and payments. For more information, please visit www.az.bertelsmann.de

About Acxiom

Acxiom Corporation, the global leader in real-time, multi-channel Customer Data Integration, enables businesses to develop and deepen customer relationships by creating a single, accurate view of their customers across the enterprise. Acxiom achieves this by providing Customer Data Integration software, database management services, and premier customer data content through its AbiliTec(TM), Solvitur(R) and InfoBase(R) products, while also offering a broad range of information technology outsourcing services. Founded in 1969, Acxiom (Nasdaq: ACXM) is based in Little Rock, Arkansas, with locations throughout the United States and with operations in the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Australia. Acxiom revenues were $998.5 million for the 12 months ended June 30, 2000. For more information, please visit www.acxiom.com.

The discussion in this release regarding Acxiom Corporation contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks detailed from time to time in the company's SEC reports. Actual results may differ materially. Acxiom undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revision to any forward-looking statement to reflect any future events or circumstances.

Acxiom, InfoBase and Solvitur are registered trademarks of Acxiom, RTC, Inc. AbiliTec is a trademark of Acxiom Corporation.