DataLode Ships RealConnect Support Software; Marketing Automation Software Solves Technical Support Calls Before they Happen; Automates Commerce Transactions.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 17, 2002

DataLode(R) Inc., experts in marketing automation software and consulting services, announced today that it is shipping its RealConnect Support(TM) software. The third module in DataLode's suite of marketing automation software, RealConnect Support automatically diagnoses, downloads and installs software patches, bug fixes and new product releases on consumers' PCs before they need to call Customer Support for help.

Aiming to make call center agents as lonely as the iconic Maytag repair person, DataLode designed RealConnect Support to not only detect and repair software problems, but also to automatically sell software upgrades and replacement products like printer ink.

Using RealConnect Support, companies can now offer their customers timely service and avoid unnecessary call center time or costly field service calls. In an era of high customer expectations and intense competition, RealConnect Support helps companies build customer loyalty, reduce customer attrition and product returns, and increase the lifetime value of each customer.

Automated Commerce Transactions

RealConnect Support automatically analyzes consumers' computers and detects opportunities to sell software upgrades or subscriptions, or even replenish hard goods like printer ink. When used in conjunction with DataLode's RealConnect Commerce software, it can automatically complete the sales transaction on-line and install the new software or initiate the shipment of hard goods.

The software - which can be pre-installed on new hardware or downloaded from the Internet - works by gathering consumers' product and system information and sending it to the RealConnect Server for interpretation. When the software determines that an updated driver, patch or replacement product is needed, it automatically notifies the consumer and allows them to decide whether they want to get the product immediately or at a later time. The consumer can choose to go either to a website to execute the transaction, or let the RealConnect Server handle the software installation or commerce transaction automatically. RealConnect uses a proprietary, two-way communications channel - called DirectDisplay(TM) - to the consumer desktop to ensure private communications and security and to avoid the spam-ridden e-mail inbox.

DataLode's RealConnect Support can act as a stand-alone automated customer support system, or it can augment an existing service infrastructure via APIs written for all major CRM platforms.

Availability

RealConnect Support is available immediately. The software can be purchased by calling [phone] or by sending e-mail to [e-mail].

About DataLode, Inc.

DataLode, Inc. (www.datalode.com), develops technology to establish and maintain profitable one-to-one relationships - or conversations - between enterprises and their customers while respecting consumers' privacy and communications preferences by using a private, permission-based "direct-display" communications channel that is proven more effective than traditional e-mail and Web-based methods. Companies, such as Hewlett-Packard and Toshiba America Information Systems - Computer Systems Group, using DataLode technology enjoy triple-digit increases in customer response rates to marketing campaigns as well as increased up-sell and cross-sell revenues.

Based in San Rafael, California, DataLode is a privately funded company. More information can be found at www.datalode.com or by calling [phone].

Note to Editors: RealConnect(TM), and DirectDisplay(TM) are trademarks or registered trademarks and "Conversant Marketing SM" is a service mark of DataLode, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Product specifications, features sets, or functionality are subject to change without notice.