Interactive Catalog Corp. signs new sales channel partners

Business Wire, Feb 3, 1995

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 1995--Interactive Catalog Corp. is establishing a network of Value-Added Resellers (VARs) and Service Bureaus to market the company's proprietary iCat(TM) catalog engine and provide ongoing production support for engine customers.

The company recently signed Quebecor Multimedia Inc. as its first VAR and Print Northwest/Six Sigma Electronic Publishing Group (EPG) as the first iCat Authorized Service Bureau.

The iCat engine acts as a blueprint for producing an interactive multimedia catalog. The technology combines a sophisticated relational database and multimedia tools with an interface designed with non-computer users in mind. Manufacturers, distributors and service providers who want to put their catalog into a CD-ROM or online format can license the iCat engine and customize it with their own product information and visual identity.

To produce an electronic catalog, a company needs a database of digital product information and customized graphic elements that will appear on screen. These elements are then integrated into the iCat engine for use on CD-ROM or online.

"Our engine makes it possible for companies to produce rich interactive marketing materials without investing time or money in custom programming," said Craig Danuloff, president and CEO of Interactive Catalog Corp. "Marketers today are demanding this kind of productive interactive solution, and we are extremely pleased to have Quebecor and Print Northwest working with us to make this technology readily available."

Quebecor Multimedia, a newly formed subsidiary of Quebecor Inc., will resell the iCat engine license to customers of its sister company, Quebecor Printing -- the second largest printer in North America. They will also assume full responsibility for supporting these licenses on an ongoing basis. Print Northwest/Six Sigma EPG, a division of Quebecor Printing based in Seattle, will provide database integration services and customization of on-screen graphics to iCat engine licensees.

"We've been looking for a solution to offer our customers who want to supplement their traditional print catalogs with electronic catalogs," said Ian Richardson, vice president of sales and marketing for Quebecor Multimedia. "We selected the iCat engine because it offers the power our clients need combined with a truly consumer-friendly interface."

Interactive Catalog Corp. will provide comprehensive sales support and training to its VAR and Service Bureau partners to ensure that they are fully prepared to support iCat engine licensees. The company plans to announce additions to the iCat VAR and Authorized Service Bureau network in the coming months. Interactive Catalog Corp. also licenses the iCat engine through its direct sales force.

Founded in 1993, Interactive Catalog Corp. is the developer of the Know-It-All CD-ROM Series of interactive catalogs and the proprietary iCat interactive catalog engine, which can be licensed by manufacturers. For more information on the company's VAR and Authorized Service Bureau program, please call 206/623-0977.

CONTACT: Communication Northwest Inc.

Sue Whitcomb, 206/285-7070

CompuServe, 71232,344

or

Interactive Catalog Corp.

Elaine Rickman, 206/623-0977

CompuServe, 76566,1722

AppleLink: iCat