Curtco Freedom Group Announces the Launch of CRM Magazine; CFG Creates Benchmark Publication.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 13, 1999--

The CurtCo Freedom Group's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) division announced today the merger of two editorial products-- Sales & Marketing Automation, the leading industry publication, and Customer Interaction Center magazine-- to create a groundbreaking, comprehensive publication--CRM Magazine. The new magazine will debut at the eCRM 2000 Expo and Conference co-located with Internet World Expo in April.

Thomas J. Villani, Executive Vice President of the CRM Division explains, "Close to four years ago, we launched our first venture into the burgeoning CRM arena--Sales & Field Force Automation (now Sales & Marketing Automation)--which quickly became the "bible" for the industry. Since that time, we have created a variety of CRM related publications and initiatives. However, as the market continues to evolve, so do our publications. With this in mind, and in the interest of our readers and advertisers, we have decided to move and produce Customer Relationship Management(TM) Magazine."

Chris Selland, VP of CRM Research for the Yankee Group agrees: "The entire value proposition of CRM is built around developing "whole" solutions that encompass both business and technology needs, as well as all aspects of companies' relationships with their customers. When I was approached several months ago with CurtCo's decision to create Customer Relationship Management Magazine, it reflected the completeness of vision necessary for companies to not just implement CRM technology, but to truly succeed in enhancing their customer relationship and achieving their business goals."

With an initial BPA audited circulation of 110,000, CRM Magazine's audience will be representative of the "CRM buying team"-- upper level executives in the areas of Corporate/CXO, Sales/Marketing/Customer Service and IT/MIS.

Larry Tuck, Editor-in-Chief of Customer Relationship Management Magazine adds: "This merger of magazines will ensure that all the business process and technology strategies relating to CRM -- from customer acquisition through fulfillment and retention--is delivered in one cohesive publication."

Spencer Ewald, Group Publisher of CRM Magazine notes "Over the past year, the multitude of phone calls and reader inquiries validated our initial research for the decision to launch this magazine. In addition to the launch, we will be announcing a host of exciting CRM-related initiatives in the near future."

From the home to the enterprise, CurtCo Freedom Group is the leader in technology information. CFG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Freedom Communications, one of the largest independent media companies in the country. Other CRM Division titles include Knowledge Management, eCRM and Field Force Automation. CurtCo Freedom's Small Business and Home Office (SOHO) division magazines and special supplements include Home Office Computing and Small Business Computing & Communications, The Networked Home and Small Business Solutions Provider. Visit CurtCo Freedom on the web at www.curtco.com. Freedom Communications, headquartered in Irvine CA, publishes 27 daily newspapers, 20 magazine titles and operates 8 broadcast television stations along with affiliated Internet sites. Freedom's web address is www.freedom.com

Note: CRM and Customer Relationship Management are the trademarks of the CurtCo Freedom Group.

Initial Feedback From Industry Leaders on CurtCo Freedom's Launch of Customer Relationship Management(TM) Magazine:

Pat Sullivan, President and CEO, SalesLogix Corp.: "The industry is rapidly shifting to recognize that managing relationships with customers is far bigger than sales and marketing. We applaud CurtCo Freedom Group's leadership and decision to introduce CRM Magazine and put together what the market wants and needs."

David L. Grimes, President and COO, Sykes Enterprises, Inc.: " The CRM industry has evolved from a set of technology tools to a business necessity in today's marketplace. The start of a publication specific to this important area of business has been long over due. I applaud CurtCo Freedom Group for taking a leadership position in launching this type of publication".

Craig Brennan, Senior VP of Customer Relationship Management, Oracle Corporation: "As sales, marketing and service solutions are rapidly moving toward an integrated and internet focus, information needs in these areas need to reflect this similar market change. CRM Magazine represents the information source that can accurately reflect the market's trends and direction. Oracle agrees with CurtCo Freedom's strategy and recognizes it's continued leadership in this space."

Mark Hamilton, Senior VP Global Marketing, Baan Company: "CurtCo Freedom publications help frame the discussion among vendors and consumers in the dynamic Customer Relationship Management industry. We are excited about CFG's continued leadership in the area with its introduction of CRM Magazine," states

Douglas Holden, Partner in charge of Customer Management Solutions, KPMG "CurtCo Freedom is right on target by releasing Customer Relationship Management Magazine. Our customers want integrated sales, marketing and service solutions for their organizations. A publication that serves this need is in lockstep with the market need. CRM Magazine is yet another reason that CurtCo Freedom is a leader in this space."

Bob Runge, VP of Marketing, Pivotal Software: "CFG has recognized the shift to comprehensive customer facing solutions and, with Customer Relationship Management Magazine, expands to incorporate all forms of customer relationship technologies. This is in line with the prevailing trends in the marketplace. As the leading publisher in sales and marketing automation, CFG identified the need to maintain their leading edge image. Pivotal applauds this positioning of the new magazine."

Andrew Saltzman, VP Worldwide of Advertising and Branding, Siebel Systems, Inc.: "Siebel Systems applauds CurtCo's move to publish Customer Relationship Management Magazine."

Ben Kiker, VP of Corporate Marketing, Clarify, Inc: "Both the timing and market dynamics are right for a single publication that truly focuses on all aspects of the fast-paced CRM market. We praise CurtCo Freedom for understanding and addressing the issues that are important to the industry with the launch of CRM Magazine."

Frederica Carpenter, Industry Manager CRM, Microsoft Corp.: "In working closely with CurtCo Freedom for the past 3 1/2 years in the Customer Relationship Management marketplace, Microsoft is excited to be a supporter of CRM Magazine. As this publication will provide a total focus on CRM solutions, our partners and the end user community stand to benefit a great deal.

Note: CRM and Customer Relationship Management are the trademarks of the CurtCo Freedom Group.