Transora Launches the Transora Data Synchronization Network for Small and Mid-Sized Enterprises.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 22, 2003

      Web and Excel data load options now available for the CPG,
Hardlines and Consumer Electronics industries to synchronize data with
  key retail trading partners including Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowe's,
           Ace and more than 30 other retailers world-wide.

Transora, the leading provider of data synchronization solutions to the CPG, Hardlines and Consumer Electronics industries, today announced the availability of the Transora Data Synchronization Network (TDSN) for small and mid-sized companies, which is designed to provide a cost-effective, standards-compliant solution to quickly comply with retailer requests for synchronized data in one to five days.

According to a study sponsored by the Global Commerce Initiative (GCI) and produced by Cap Gemini Ernst & Young (CGE&Y), global data synchronization can provide a significant improvement to the bottom lines of retailers and suppliers committed to data synchronization. Retailers are now requesting that their suppliers support data synchronization as a means to standardize how item information is exchanged.

The Transora Data Synchronization Network for Small and Mid-sized Enterprises

Transora has bundled together key components of the Transora Data Synchronization Network into two distinct offerings for small and mid-sized companies:

TDSN Express Compliance

TDSN Express Plus Compliance

TDSN Express Compliance includes a web-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) for small manufacturers that have a limited number of items to load, register and synchronize with one or two retail trading partners.

TDSN Express Plus Compliance includes the web-based GUI as well as a Transora-developed Excel Spreadsheet load option for small and mid-sized companies with hundreds of items to synchronize and multiple retail trading partners to connect with.

Both solutions include the following key features:

-- UCCnet Global Registry item registration

-- Content Management

-- Ongoing message management

-- Compliance checks

-- Multiple data extract options for flexible reporting

-- Error handling

-- Message choreography with UCCnet and targeted trading partners

-- Access to the Transora Solution Center

-- New customer set-up

-- Online documentation

-- Implementation Services

-- Training Services

-- Ongoing Customer Support

Data Synchronization involves more than just a subscription to the UCCnet Global Registry

For many small and medium-sized companies, there is a perception that all that is required to comply with retailer requests for synchronized data is a subscription to the UCCnet Global Registry. However, this is only one of the requirements necessary to engage in data synchronization. Transora offers customers a total solution that includes not only the features and functionality required for data synchronization but also the retailer connectivity, services and support necessary to fully reap the benefits.

"Transora has taken a holistic approach to data synchronization that includes much more than just registering items with the UCCnet Global Registry. Transora's offerings also include the software, service, support and retailer access necessary to strategically engage in data synchronization," said Ken Fleming, President and COO, Transora. "Successful data synchronization requires a provider with proven standards-based data synchronization functionality, a commitment to future development, testing and geographic expansion as well as training, education, implementation services and ongoing support - all of these components are necessary for data synchronization as defined by the Global Standards Management Process."

"Two of the key factors when selecting Transora were their reputation and knowledge as well as the flexible, scalable options they have to get up and running with data synchronization," said Sandy Tietjen, MIS Director of DASCO Pro. "More and more retail customers are requesting synchronized data and we are secure in the knowledge that we have chosen the industry leaders to provide proper guidance while leveraging our investment to connect to as many retailers as necessary - without having to worry about the intricacies of the process such as maintaining compliance with UCCnet."

Scalable Solutions Protect Investment

Transora offers customers a scalable migration path in the event that more sophisticated data synchronization processes are required. Many customers begin with TDSN Express Compliance or TDSN Express Compliance Plus to get up and running quickly, but intend to migrate quickly to machine-to-machine XML-based synchronization once their data synchronization program is underway.

Transora's scalable solutions ensure that as our customers' needs grow, no investment is wasted and customers feel secure knowing that Transora has the knowledge, expertise and technical functionality to address current and future data synchronization requirement regionally, nationally or internationally.

Pricing and Availability

The Transora Data Synchronization Network for Small and Mid-sized companies is now available. Pricing begins at $100.00 for the TDSN Express Compliance Service and scales based on company-size, retailer connections and global connectivity.

About Transora

Transora is a standards-based, e-commerce software and services company specializing in data synchronization and collaborative commerce technologies that facilitate trade efficiencies, reduce the cost of commerce and streamline trading relationships among manufacturers, suppliers and retailers. With headquarters in Chicago, Transora's global operations include regional offices in Birmingham (UK), Sao Paolo and Mexico City. To find out more about Transora, visit www.Transora.com or call [phone].