Microforum Inc. (ticker: MCF.TO, exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange)
News Release - 22-Nov-1999
Microforum announces ValueVision to license the iFrontECSTM eCommerce solution
Toronto, Ontario, Canada November 22, 1999
Microforum Inc. (TSE:MCF) is pleased to announce that Internet Frontier Inc. (iFront), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Microforum, has licensed its iFrontECSTM e-commerce solution to ValueVision International, Inc. (NASDAQ: VVTV), the third largest and fastest growing home shopping network in the U.S.
Value Vision's technology partner Micro Modeling Associates (MMA) selected the iFrontECSTM e-commerce solution as a key component to building ValueVision's newly rebranded, online shopping environment under SnapTV.com.
"ValueVision's e-commerce site represents the first sale of the iFrontECSTM by reseller in the U.S. market, and is a significant step forward for Microforum and the iFrontECSTM solution. MMA's confidence in our product demonstrates the viability of iFrontECSTM to support robust, large scale e-commerce sites," said Howard Pearl, President and CEO of Microforum Inc.
MMA, an eSolutions consultant and participant in Microforum's partner program, is leveraging iFront's suite of applications, including the database enhancements and marketing function add-ons to Microsoft Site Server 3.0 Commerce Edition.
Cary Deacon, President of ValueVision Interactive, a wholly owned e-commerce subsidiary of ValueVision, said, "We recognized the advantages of purchasing the iFrontECSTM e-commerce solution as a faster, more efficient method to bringing our Microsoft Site server e-commerce site to market. iFront has unparalleled experience with the Microsoft Site Server and has a proven successful track record of implementing high volume e-commerce sites."
About MMA
Founded in 1989, MMA is an eSolutions consultancy that helps businesses thrive in the digital economy. Integrating strategy, technology and creative services, MMA specializes in four digital eSolution areas - Online Commerce and Service, Knowledge Management, Business Intelligence and Analytics and Core Systems Innovation. MMA works with a broad range of companies from the Fortune 1000 to innovative start-ups and has deep expertise in the financial services, healthcare/pharmaceutical and telecommunications industries. MMA is headquartered in New York City with 10 offices nationwide. The Company is a member of the Microsoft Commerce Advisory Board and is the 1999 Microsoft Solution Provider Partner of the Year.
About ValueVision International
ValueVision International, Inc. owns and operates the third largest and fastest growing home shopping network and a companion Internet shopping website, both which are being re-branded as SnapTV and SnapTV.com, respectively, as part of a wide-ranging direct e-commerce strategy the Company is pursuing with NBC Internet (NBCi). The moves are expected to position SnapTV and NBCi as the leaders in the ongoing convergence of television and the Internet, combining the promotional and selling power of television with the purely digital world of e-commerce. ValueVision, which is approximately 40% owned by GE Equity and NBC, offers live programming 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. As of October 31, 1999, approximately 31 million homes are able to receive the Company's programming on either a full or part-time basis. Subject to shareholder and regulatory approval, NBCi is a new entity being formed as a result of the proposed merger of Snap.com, XOOM.com, and several Internet assets of NBC. For additional information on ValueVision, please visit the Company's web site at http://www.vvtv.com.
ValueVision Interactive is a wholly owned e-commerce subsidiary of ValueVision. Founded in mid-1999, the subsidiary's purpose is to manage and develop the Company's Internet e-commerce initiatives using the SnapTV.com brand, as well as manage the Company's e-commerce investment strategies and portfolio.
About Microforum
Microforum Inc. (www.microforum.com) is a professional services firm providing a broad range of electronic commerce, Internet strategy and integrated marketing, creative and database services.