Universal Studios selects rights management solution from REAL Software Systems to track all domestic and international television sales

Business Wire, May 13, 1997

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 1997--Universal has named REAL Software Systems, Inc. (RSS) its lead provider for an ambitious rights management solution to track, report, and account for the sale of its television rights worldwide, RSS has announced.

Terms of the agreement between RSS, the leader in intellectual property management solutions, and Universal were not disclosed.

With thousands of domestic network, syndication, and international licenses, Universal exploits one of the largest filmed media television libraries in the world.

Universal started the implementation of REAL's robust software solution, after putting its functionality through rigorous testing during a two-week "Conference Room Pilot." "Universal had every opportunity to shoot holes through our software," says Dave Aloisi, General Manager of RSS. "Our industrial-strength solution coupled with our decade of experience in the entertainment industry proved to be the only solution capable of managing rights at the level Universal requires." After careful analysis Universal Studios Television concluded that RSS could deliver a cost-effective solution more quickly and with less risk than all other alternatives.

"We're excited that one of the world's most recognized leaders in the filmed entertainment industry has chosen RSS for this key element of their software needs," said Aloisi. "While Universal's requirements are clearly large-scale and distinct, the business problems they face are becoming increasingly familiar to companies that license and exploit intellectual property at various levels of detail."

"The fact is, distribution and license agreements are growing more complex every day, thanks largely to the explosive growth of new and existing markets and the sheer volume of content available," Aloisi said. "While it's often regarded as a 'back office' application, our Rights Licensing suite of applications provide a powerful tool that allows companies like Universal to maximize revenue potential and deal with challenges in the marketplace."

REAL Software Systems, Inc. is an independent unit of El Camino Resources, a leader in the marketing and financing of high technology products and services. Based in Woodland Hills, CA, RSS develops and markets high-end solutions for managing intellectual property for businesses who require accurate and timely information on content distribution and talent compensation.

Some of world's largest entertainment and information conglomerates rely on REAL's expertise including, MGM/UA, IBM, International Thomson Publishing, Reader's Digest, the BBC, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, among others. The company serves the entertainment, publishing, information processing and licensed merchandise industries. RSS' product line includes Rights Licensing, Royalties Payable, Title-Based Distribution and Participations management solutions.

CONTACT: REAL Software Systems, Inc., Universal City

Rajan Samtani/Lorie Raileanu, 818/313-8000