THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS--(MARKET WIRE)--Jun 4, 2008 -- IBM (NYSE:IBM - News) today announced that online retailer Findel Direct, a division of Findel Plc., has selected IBM to create a single source of master data on all of its products. The aim of the project is to enhance Findel Direct's ability to focus on customers and customer service.

Following the acquisition of several online businesses and brands, Findel Direct needed to consolidate its e-commerce, merchandising and supply chain systems into a centralized application architecture.

Through this project, Findel expects to enhance its merchandising capabilities, speed new product introduction, plan and forecast more accurately, improve promotion planning and pricing, and to gain increased visibility and collaboration across its supply chain.

IBM's WebSphere Product Center software will serve as Findel Direct's core product information management infrastructure, underpinning both the newly acquired business' product information requirements, as well as the group's home shopping operations in the future. Using this software, Findel Direct will be able to provide a single version of product information across the enterprise and to all its customer touch points.

"Findel Direct is committed to providing its customers with great products combined with excellent service," said Tim Broughton, IT director for Findel Direct. "With such a diverse set of brands we needed a master data management solution which was capable of delivering the flexibility that our business needs for both short term consolidation and as a platform to support organic business growth. With WebSphere Product Center, we will have a much better handle on product information, consistent processes across multiple business units, a better understanding of what our customers want, and the ability to respond quickly and effectively to their needs."

"In an age when richer information is increasingly driving consumers' shopping decisions, providing the right products and services together with the right information is critical," said Jeff Paul, vice president, Software Group, IBM UK, Ireland and South Africa. "Visionary on-line retailers like Findel Direct are using IBM's master data management technology and linking their supply chains, merchandising and on-line commerce systems to anticipate and better serve their customers. This is the key to achieving a long term competitive advantage in the marketplace."

As part of the planned infrastructure, Findel Direct will also be using IBM's WebSphere Commerce, Tivoli and DB2 technologies.

About Findel Direct Ltd

Findel Direct Ltd is one the UK's leading on-line retailers with brands such as IWOOT, Kitbag, Confetti, Letterbox and the Cotswold Company. Full details of the organisation can be found on www.findel.co.uk

About IBM

WebSphere Product Center is a key element of IBM's broad portfolio of Information on Demand software offerings that are helping companies of all sizes and industries unlock the value of their business information. For more information please visit: http://www-306.ibm.com/software/data/masterdata/

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     Nancy Kaplan
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