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Point2 Technologies Launches Point2 Agent for MAC and Linux – Enables Mobile Account Access on PDAs and iPhone

Upgrade enhances Point2 Agent user experience and flexibility – positions Point2 to benefit from increasing market diversity and Apple’s expanding market share

SASKATOON, SK and VANCOUVER, BC – Point2 Technologies Inc. (“Point2”) today announced the release of its highly anticipated browser and platform neutral Point2 Agent website and listing syndication solution.

The upgrade will allow Point2’s customers in over 100 countries to use their preferred operating system (OS), be it Windows® PC, Macintosh® or Linux. Users will also be able to access their Point2 Agent account through their browser of choice including Internet Explorer (IE) 6.1 or higher, Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, Safari and others.

Mobile account access through smartphones and handheld devices including the iPhone, Blackberry and other PDAs is now also enabled, further helping to enhance user experience, convenience and productivity on the road.

“A cross-browser, cross-platform Point2 Agent brings a significant new edge to our customers who today are making more diverse hardware and software choices,” said Saul Klein, Chief Executive Officer, Point2 Technologies. “We continue to invest in building powerful yet easy-to-use solutions. By facilitating hardware and browser choices, we’re now enabling real estate professionals to conduct their business within flexible, convenient environments where they can more easily tap the tools with which they are most comfortable and productive.”

Net Applications, a company that tracks operating system use and market share by looking at results from search engines reported a 9.93 percent share of Apple OS users for January 2009, up from 9.63 percent the previous month.

Browser share reported for the same month indicate Microsoft's Internet Explorer at its lowest since Net Applications began tracking browsers in 2005. According to the report, IE users now comprise 67.6 percent of the browsers online. In the prior 12 months, IE share dropped by about 8 percent.

With full compatibility with Apple’s Internet browser, Safari, Point2 Agent users will no longer need to switch to Windows in order to take advantage of the Point2 Agent online marketing and lead management suite, potentially saving them valuable time and effort.

Mozilla's Firefox, Apple's Safari, and Google Chrome continue to gain market share. Safari's share of 8.3 percent, recorded for January 2009, was a record for Apple.

According to research firm Gartner, Inc., Apple’s total share of the PC market in the United States for the 4th quarter of 2008 stood at 8 percent. For the third quarter of 2008, the firm reported the iPhone leapt to third place in global smartphone sales.

About Point2 Technologies Inc.

Point2 Technologies develops and markets web-based e-commerce and online marketing software solutions for the real estate and heavy equipment industries. In real estate, Point2 is the largest independent provider of website and listing syndication software for real estate professionals (www.Point2Agent.com), with customers in over 100 countries. Point2’s real estate user base continues to grow by over 1000 additional members each week. Point2 also owns and operates the real estate consumer search portal, Point2 Homes (www.Point2Homes.com).

In the heavy equipment industry, Point2 is a leading provider of e-commerce, inventory management and sales and marketing solutions (www.Point2Manager.com), powers Caterpillar Inc.’s global heavy equipment dealer network (www.CatUsed.com) and owns and operates www.UsedIron.com, one of the largest used equipment venues online.

Founded in 1996, Point2 Technologies is privately held and employs a staff of 125 at its headquarters in Saskatoon, SK and its Vancouver, BC offices. More information can be obtained at www.Point2.com.

Point2® is a trademark of Point2 Technologies Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

Press Contact

Point2 Technologies Inc.
Roger Noujeim
Vice President of Public Relations
Toll Free: 1-888-955-7900 (U.S. and Canada)
E. rnoujeim@point2.com

Independent Equipment Dealers Association and Point2 Technologies Expand Partnership

Deeper Alliance Boosts IEDA Membership Benefits and Value – Delivers Online Advertising and Lead Generation Program Across Membership Base

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO and SASKATOON, SK,  – Independent Equipment Dealers Association (“IEDA”) and Point2 Technologies (“Point2”) today announced an agreement that will extend to IEDA member companies online advertising and lead generation technology as well as support services, as part of a new benefit package fully subsidized by the IEDA.

Under the new agreement, IEDA members worldwide can now automatically syndicate their listing inventory of used and rental heavy equipment, as well as attachments to IEDAused.com, a leading edge equipment exchange developed and powered by Point2, and to UsedIron.com, one of the industry’s largest equipment marketplaces online.

The agreement also extends to IEDA members free training and support, including assistance for equipment listing data transfers into the Point2 system.

“The IEDA is proud to be the first heavy equipment industry Association in North America to offer Point2’s world class listing advertising solution as part of its membership benefits,” said Mike Cunningham, President, IEDA Board of Directors. “We are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to help our members to stay on the cutting edge of business and grow their revenue. With more prospective buyers today relying on the web to research, buy or rent equipment, every single IEDA member company is now positioned to gain from the trend.”

“We have been successfully using the Point2 solution to manage our inventory and advertise listings since 2007,” said Randy Gogowich, IEDA member and Sales & Rental Manager at Edmonton, Alberta-based Emeco. “To have access to such world class technology and services will be a very powerful success catalyst for independent dealers, especially in today’s market.”

“An absolutely amazing service! Kudos to the IEDA for being proactive in offering such a valuable service,” said Keith Smith, IEDA member and Advertising Coordinator at Richmond, Kentucky-based Interstate Equipment. “Working with the Point2 team on the equipment listings transfer was a breeze. Within a week from adding our listings to IEDAused.com and UsedIron.com, our traffic surged. We’re extremely pleased with the results.”

“Effective marketing today must include wide distribution of listings online, without which revenue and growth potential are compromised,” said Barry Willick, President, Point2 Technologies. “We’re excited to work closely with a progressive Association such as the IEDA on this important initiative. Their leadership recognizes the potential impact of the web on business today and has taken exemplary steps to support its members in this area.”

According to the Wells Fargo Construction Industry Forecast 2009 report, the number of contractors who plan to purchase used equipment in 2009 increased dramatically, reaching 48 percent, up from only 20 percent in 2008, representing a 140 percent increase. 73 percent of the contractors and 89 percent of the equipment distributors responding to the survey stated they use the Internet to locate hard to find items. 66 percent and 86 percent said they use the Web to research and to locate suppliers, respectively.

The new program replaces a member paid syndication plan IEDA and Point2 introduced in 2007.

About Independent Equipment Dealers Association

IEDA is a trade association dedicated exclusively to issues affecting independent equipment dealers. We have become a unified and powerful voice for independent equipment dealers.

The Association was established to provide the resources needed to promote participation, professionalism and advancement in the independent distribution of heavy equipment. More information can be obtained at www.iedagroup.com.

About Point2 Technologies Inc.

Point2 Technologies develops and markets web-based e-commerce and online marketing software solutions for the real estate and heavy equipment industries. In the heavy equipment industry, Point2 is a leading provider of e-commerce, inventory management and sales and marketing solutions (www.Point2Manager.com), powers Caterpillar Inc.’s global heavy equipment dealer network (www.CatUsed.com) and owns and operates www.UsedIron.com, one of the largest used equipment venues online.

In real estate, Point2 is the largest independent provider of website and listing syndication software for real estate professionals (www.Point2Agent.com), with customers in over 100 countries. Point2’s real estate user base continues to grow by over 1200 additional members each week. Point2 also owns and operates the real estate consumer search portal, Point2 Homes (www.Point2Homes.com).

Founded in 1996, Point2 Technologies is privately held and employs a staff of 130 at its headquarters in Saskatoon, SK and its Vancouver, BC offices. More information can be obtained at www.Point2.com.

Point2® is a trademark of Point2 Technologies Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

Press Contacts

Independent Equipment Dealers Association
Cindy Challis Orr, CAE
Tel. 1-970- 384-2843
E. cindy@iedagroup.com

Point2 Technologies Inc.
Roger Noujeim
Vice President of Public Relations
Toll Free: 1-888-955-7900 (U.S. and Canada)
E. rnoujeim@point2.com

MLS Public-Facing Websites-Build or Buy?

By Saul Klein

RISMEDIA, -Progressive MLSs have adopted new thinking and launched platforms designed to generate more exposure and leads for their subscribers and participants. Approximately 400 MLSs in the U.S. have now introduced consumer-facing websites to allow home buyers and sellers to research local listings as they would on sites such as Realtor.com, Yahoo!, Point2 Homes, Trulia, Zillow, Vast and other final destination Web portals. Some are better than others. Several are world class.

For many MLSs contemplating launching a public-facing site, the big question is whether to build their own or to buy an existing solution.

One of the advantages of hiring a technology team and building the solution in-house is control and choice. The ability to choose functionality and to deploy resources at will, can be very attractive, such as the ability to develop unique features that may not be part of an existing, out-of-the-box solution. A custom solution may address this issue, but always at the expense of time and money.

Counterpoints to the “build it yourself” route include:

Distraction-As an MLS, focusing on data integrity, customers and value-add services is paramount. Introducing a technology development department is a significant undertaking that will dilute management’s focus on its core mission. If the right management structure is not in place, and necessary additions are introduced, the potential negative impact cannot be overstated.

Technology Know-How-Building and maintaining a world-class portal requires serious technical knowledge and expertise. It’s also an ongoing process that necessitates constant networking and contact within the technology industry. Technologies deployed might be adequate today, but will quickly become obsolete or require constant updates to stay at the leading edge with a solution that consistently meets consumer expectations. Maintaining adequate relationships with third parties to enable functionality-such as listing syndication or traffic reporting and tools-is extremely taxing. Ongoing challenges, such as search engine optimization, will intensify over time, easily overshadowing the excitement of the first release of a “build-it-yourself” site, often within weeks or days.

High Cost-The idea of bringing on a team and releasing half or part of its members when the site is launched might be appealing. This notion is in fact flawed. If anything, the team may need to grow instead. The added cost of staffing, employee benefits, computer hardware and software will be substantial. Considering that tens of millions of investment dollars have gone into the development and upkeep of some of the popular consumer search sites on the Web today, and that many of these organizations will continue to require funding until they turn profitable, the drag on the financials of an MLS may be overwhelming.

Some MLSs have done very well with in-house teams. For the majority, however, the option to buy versus build is probably the best alternative. If you choose this route, partner with a vendor:

- Who has a proven track record
- Whose core business is technology development
- Who has staying power

These are critical considerations.

Saul Klein is CEO of InternetCrusade and Point2 Technologies Inc.

Real Estate Marketing Report Card Keeps Agents, Brokers on their Toes

 By Joel Burslem

International Listings, an search portal for global luxury properties, has put together a very clever marketing device they’re calling their Real Estate Marketing Report Card.

The idea is pretty simple; a seller can punch in their address and listing price and the system will quickly check a handful of real estate search destinations to make sure the home is displayed and the price is accurate.

(It’s missing Realtor.com oddly enough - but this is probably due to the FSBO element of the IL site)

It’s a great promotional tool -  one that’s clearly designed to encourage people towards listing their home on the site (a $299 one-time fee).

The proliferation of consumer search portals has given rise to all kinds of syndication tools like International Listings as well as Listhub, Postlets, vFlyer, Point2 and others, that do the heavy lifting for agents and brokers to get their listings out across the web.

Savvy sellers, who in this market are going to want to see that their agent is doing all they can to move their home, are likely going to be checking the various search sites to make sure that they find their house. A tool like this one, while clearly a gimmick, helps make that possible.

What I’d really love to see is a big brokerage implement something similar on their site — it would be a fantastic way to build engagement with consumers by letting them come to your corporate site and see how their listing is doing. Keller Williams, who has their own internal listing syndication tool (KWLS), would be a natural fit for this kind of application.

Even better, find a way to white label the technology and brand it for every single one of your agents to deliver monthly to their clients; a full report of where the home is listed and activity on each of the sites.

Point2 Technologies Announces Senior Executive Promotions

Zach Scott and Aidan Rogers in New Leadership Posts Deepens Management Core and Supports Growth Plans

SASKATOON, SK and Vancouver, BC,  – Point2 Technologies Inc. (“Point2”) today announced the promotion of Zach Scott and Aidan Rogers to new leadership roles. 

Zach Scott, formerly Point2 Chief Technology Officer has been promoted to the post of Chief Operating Officer. As a key member of the executive team, Scott will be responsible for operational management and improvement, working with the company’s leadership to deliver and ensure the company’s success worldwide.

Aidan Rogers has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer, assuming Scott’s former role. Effective immediately, Rogers also joins the Point2 executive management team. Rogers will oversee Point2’s systems and technology development across the company’s business divisions. Rogers most recently held the position of Development Manager.

 


“We are fortunate to have Zach Scott and Aidan Rogers fill such important roles,” said Saul Klein, Chief Executive Officer, Point2 Technologies. “Zach is a well respected leader who makes things happen. He is ideally positioned and ready for this role. With Aidan Rogers spearheading our technology efforts, Point2 will continue to improve on what are already the leading web marketing tools available in the real estate industry.”
 
“We’re proud to be able to offer a work environment where top talent is willing to move great distances to join our team, where promotion from within is part of the culture and where people can look forward to long term careers working with world class professionals and leading edge Internet technology,” said Barry Willick, President, Point2 Technologies.

“I am very excited with the challenge and the opportunity to make a difference at the operational level,” said Zach Scott. “It is a privilege to participate in Point2’s growth and innovation. 2009 will be a year of innovation and vision as the market begins to shift and awareness of our products and services reaches new levels.”

Point2 staff has grown by 25 percent over the past twelve months. The company continues to seek highly skilled professionals for its development, systems, quality assurance and customer support teams.

About Point2 Technologies Inc.

Point2 Technologies develops and markets web-based e-commerce and online marketing software solutions for the real estate and heavy equipment industries. In real estate, Point2 is the largest independent provider of website and listing syndication software for real estate professionals (www.Point2Agent.com), with customers in over 100 countries. Point2’s real estate user base continues to grow by over 1200 additional members each week. Point2 also owns and operates the real estate consumer search portal, Point2 Homes (www.Point2Homes.com).

In the heavy equipment industry, Point2 is a leading provider of e-commerce, inventory management and sales and marketing solutions (www.Point2Manager.com), powers Caterpillar Inc.’s global heavy equipment dealer network (www.CATused.com) and owns and operates www.UsedIron.com, one of the largest used equipment venues online.

Founded in 1996, Point2 Technologies is privately held and employs a staff of 125 at its headquarters in Saskatoon, SK and its Vancouver, BC offices. More information can be obtained at www.Point2.com.

Point2® is a trademark of Point2 Technologies Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

Press Contact

Point2 Technologies Inc.

Roger Noujeim
Vice President of Public Relations
Toll Free: 1-888-955-7900 (U.S. and Canada)
E. rnoujeim@point2.com