Press Release
February 18, 2003
Retrieval Dynamics to Provide Bundled Wireless Solution for RE/MAX
'Mobile Advantages for RE/MAX' Bundles BlackBerry Handheld With Wireless MLS Access & Productivity Software to Enhance Customer Service and Increase Productivity
Greenwood Village, CO and Sarasota, FL - RE/MAX International and Retrieval Dynamics Corporation (RDC) today announced an agreement to make the latest in wireless handheld technology combined with real estate-specific productivity and communications solutions available to RE/MAX real estate agents in the U.S. and Canada.
"Mobile Advantages For RE/MAX" eliminates the tedious and often confusing task of researching and comparing competing wireless handhelds, telecommunications plans and applications by offering a complete bundled solution of device, network airtime and software applications that will enable associates to enhance customer service and increase productivity with "best of breed" wireless access to clients and information.
RE/MAX associates also will enjoy special competitive pricing on the bundled solution to spur adoption. The program will offer associates a choice of several popular handheld wireless devices, complete with voice and data plans from the leading wireless carriers and a variety of applications already provisioned onto the devices. Initially, the program will feature BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds™ from Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM). Other leading wireless devices from such manufacturers as Palm and Handspring are scheduled to become available in the program in the near future.
Through an easy-to-use handheld, RE/MAX associates can receive secure wireless access to information and communications via email, phone, SMS (Short Message Service), an Internet browser and organizer applications. In addition, they potentially can access up-to-the-minute Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) property information through Mobile Listing Advantage™ (MLA) a wireless solution tailored to the unique needs of real estate agents from RDC.
"RE/MAX has become a global real estate franchise network by leading the industry with experienced, knowledgeable, service-oriented associates," said Bruce Benham, RE/MAX senior vice president and chief technology officer. "We are dedicated to providing our associates with innovative solutions like the Mobile Advantages Program that increase productivity and improve customer service anywhere at anytime."
"The bundled solution makes it easy for the RE/MAX agent to go wireless because we've eliminated the need to sift through different devices, carriers and plans and replaced it with a simple option that combines the best devices, plans and applications for the real estate market," said John Harkola, chief executive officer of Retrieval Dynamics. "The RE/MAX bundled solution is staking a true leadership position in adopting and promoting new technologies that provide real estate agents with the ability to gain a competitive advantage through wireless, up-to-the-minute access to property data and market information."
"BlackBerry is a great fit for real estate professionals because it keeps them connected to the right people and information," said Mark Guibert, Vice President, Brand Management at Research In Motion. "The Mobile Advantages for RE/MAX bundle will provide agents with wireless MLS access, always-on email, mobile phone, web browser and organizer applications, all in a single integrated handheld."
Mobile Listing Advantage was developed by Sarasota-based Retrieval Dynamics to enable real estate professionals with anytime, anywhere access to MLS data through wireless handheld devices. The process is simple and easy-to-use. Mobile Listing Advantage provides associates with an electronic form containing standard MLS® search fields (area, development, price, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, garage, pool, school district, square footage, etc.). Associates enter their search criteria, send the form off, and then receive all available property listings that match.
The associate then has the option of viewing the listings in summary or detailed form. In addition, all searches are saved under the associates' MLA account and can be accessed later via their account at the Mobile Listing Advantage website.
The "Mobile Advantages for RE/MAX" Program will receive its formal kick-off at the 30th Anniversary RE/MAX International Convention in Las Vegas on March 3 - 6, 2003.
About RE/MAX
The RE/MAX franchise network, celebrating 30 years of consecutive growth, is a global real estate system operating in 42 countries. More than 4,400 independently owned offices engage over 80,000 member sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, relocation, and asset management. For more information visit www.remax.com.
About Retrieval Dynamics (RDC)
Retrieval Dynamics Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of RDC International, is a program developer offering wireless and wireless Internet-enabled applications and business productivity solutions to maximize the communications potential of wireless data and information connectivity. These Programs incorporate easy-to-use, cost-effective mobile access to, creation of and interaction with various forms of data and database infrastructures through wireless devices that enhance business processes to increase sales and profits. For more information about Retrieval's wireless solutions, go to www.retrievaldynamics.com. Investors may contact invest@teamrdc.com.
About Research In Motion (RIM)
Research In Motion Limited is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry™ wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.
