CCI Launches Publication Zone, an e-Business Document & Information Manager.

Business Editors

HARTLAND, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 10, 2000

Commercial Communications, Inc. (CCI) today announced the launching of Publication Zone(TM), an integrated, e-commerce solution that will help companies more efficiently manage their documents and information throughout the supply chain. The software, designed by CCI, supports automated order processing and fulfillment, B2B transactions, as well as electronic distribution of documents and other information through the Internet.

According to CCI's Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Eric Hegwood, Publication Zone is designed to help companies who want to meld the more traditional methods of printing, storing and distributing literature and other information with an e-business approach. "Publication Zone integrates offset, web and on-demand printing, fulfillment and distribution into one seamless process so clients can identify true printing costs, eliminate scrap and rework, reduce inventory and shorten time to market. Ultimately, Publication Zone will align a company's stakeholders along a streamlined, electronic information path by providing real-time information," Hegwood said.

"Part of the dynamics of our industry," Hegwood continued, "is that companies are shifting documents from long press runs to shorter digital bursts and they are using the Internet as their distribution channel for digital on-line viewing and downloading. More and more companies are moving to a distribute and print model, whereby they achieve the leanest in document management and they realize an electronic synergy among their stakeholders - providing them with information when, where and how they need it. We produced one billion impressions for our print-on-demand clients last year and we safeguarded more than 4 million electronic documents in intellectual asset libraries. Publication Zone will help companies manage their documents more effectively and in real time."

Publication Zone's version 2.0 includes library and asset management; document search capabilities; complete order processing, including billing and tracking; on-line order viewing; production tracking; inventory history and administrative reports designed to reduce costs and eliminate waste. A two-tier navigation bar supports managers and administrators on one level with detailed subscriber information and end users or customers on another level.

Using an open, Informix-based system as its backbone, Publication Zone is easily integrated with Oracle, SAP, Microsoft and any MRP or ERP system. Its open architecture is compatible with PC and Mac and Sun and UNIX systems. Publication Zone can be integrated with main frames, mini computers and work group servers to automate billing, purchase order processes and charge backs. Internet access is via a web browser.

Commercial Communications, Inc., is a world-leader in document and information management, serving B2B companies, including dot coms. In addition to printing, bindery, fulfillment and distribution capabilities, CCI distributes information electronically and manages subscriber and stakeholders databases; produces channel aftermarket and dealer locator programs, re-purposes files and databases for the aftermarket and operates call centers. Founded in 1982 by the Hegwood family, the privately held business employs 250 and maintains production and sales offices in Hartland, Wisc. and Phoenix, Ariz., and sales offices in Mexico and Italy. On-line, CCI can be reached at www.comcom.com

The business name for CCI's facilities in Phoenix, Ariz., is Communication Connections, Inc.

For a product demonstration, click on: http://www.publicationzone.com