StrikeIron and DataFlux Partner to Provide Hosted Data Quality Web Services; Simplifies On-Demand Access and Provides Pay-per-use Subscription.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- StrikeIron(TM), Inc., a pioneer of online services and software to simplify working with Web services, and DataFlux Corporation, a leading provider of data management solutions, today announced a partnership to provide components of the DataFlux(R) Web-based technology as hosted StrikeIron Premium Web services available through the StrikeIron Web Services Business Network(TM) (WSBizNet(TM)).

Available today, the first of these components is the StrikeIron Address Verification Premium Web Service. This Premium Web Service is available on a real-time, on-demand basis with a "pay-per-use" subscription, providing customers with a lower cost and lower risk option to take advantage of DataFlux's data management capabilities. Furthermore, small- to medium-size businesses and departments in larger companies can now take advantage of this capability without having to invest in additional infrastructure and tools.

"The Address Verification Premium Web Service enables a broader audience to take advantage of data quality management to improve their business processes," said Richard Holcomb, Chairman and CEO of StrikeIron. "This partnership is an excellent example of how data and application providers can broaden their market reach by providing their capabilities as Web services and making them available through the StrikeIron Web Services Business Network."

As a hosted StrikeIron Premium Web Service, customers can be assured of the Web service's reliability, performance, and security. DataFlux's technology and live data access provide for more consistent, accurate and reliable data, resulting in more cost-effective utilization of assets. In addition, customers have a natural upgrade path through DataFlux for additional enterprise-level data management capabilities.

"Partnering with StrikeIron takes advantage of their expertise in Web services to expand availability of DataFlux technology to customers wanting to realize more value from their information assets," said Scott Gidley, senior director of research and development and co-founder of DataFlux. "This solution also provides an entry path for customers and allows companies to take advantage of DataFlux's more comprehensive solution to enhance their data-driven applications."

StrikeIron Address Verification Premium Web Service

The StrikeIron Address Verification Premium Web Service instantly provides address verification and enhances a contact information record with live data provided by DataFlux. Basic address information can be verified, matched and appended with accurate data from the U.S. Postal Service, Canada Post, and the U.S. Census Bureau. Enhanced contact information includes over 25 additional pieces of information, such as precise geocoding, telephone-based statistical information, zip+4 codes, and carrier route.

This Web service can be used, for example, to expedite mail delivery and eliminate undeliverable mail and wasted postage as well as reduce customer service problems, thus lowering costs and improving effectiveness. The service can also verify addresses and phone numbers as part of any Web registration service or e-commerce service so that all future business intelligence-related activities are based on accurate and complete data.

The Address Verification Premium Web Service is only one of many Premium Web Services included as part of the over 800 Web services available through the StrikeIron Web Services Business Network. Examples of additional Premium Web Services include Tax Data Systems Sales and Use Tax Rates, Mobile SMS Messaging, and Do Not Call List access.

About StrikeIron

StrikeIron, Inc. is a pioneer in providing software and services that simplify working with Web services and make it easier to implement Service-Oriented Architectures. StrikeIron's Web Services Business Network provides a revolutionary way to expand the usage and commercialization of Web services. Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, the company was founded by a trio of veteran entrepreneurs in building innovative and successful technology companies. The Aurora Funds, Inc. provided funding for StrikeIron after recognizing the significant opportunity presented by Web services and this unique management team. For more information, visit www.strikeiron.com .

About DataFlux

DataFlux offers complete, end-to-end data management solutions for organizations that want to realize more tangible, immediate value from their information assets. A wholly owned subsidiary of SAS (www.sas.com), DataFlux helps companies improve the consistency, accuracy and reliability of critical customer and business data. DataFlux solutions - consisting of data profiling, data quality, data integration, data augmentation and data monitoring - allow companies to build a solid information foundation that can enhance the effectiveness of data-driven applications, including customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), data warehousing and database marketing. To learn more about DataFlux, visit www.dataflux.com.

StrikeIron is a trademark of StrikeIron, Inc. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders.

DataFlux and all other DataFlux Corporation product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of, or licensed to, DataFlux Corporation in the USA and other countries. (R) indicates USA registration. Copyright (C) 2004 DataFlux Corporation, Cary, NC, USA. All Rights Reserved. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.