January 5, 2007 - BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA – CNHI has announced the purchase of twin newspaper advertising and circulation management systems for their newly acquired dailies in Oneonta and Plattsburgh, New York. The Daily Star in Oneonta (17,000 circulation) and the Press-Republican (21,000 circulation) were both purchased recently from Ottaway Newspapers Inc. Both newspapers will be installing a new Sun Microsystems Sun Fire v440 server and a new Circulation Management System and a fully integrated Total Advertising Display and Classified accounting and sales management system from Vision Data Equipment Corp.

Classified ads will be entered and auto-priced directly in each paper’s Vision Total Advertising system as will display ad orders. The system will create a single file for each advertiser, regardless of whether they are running display, classified or both, simplifying accounting and receivables management while greatly improving contact management and overall sales management functions through a variety of new sales and marketing screens. The system includes on-screen credit card verification as well as the ability to directly fax classified ad proofs or e-mail bills. The system will also include a complete Classified Pagination System.

Both newspapers will also be moving their circulation functions to the Vision Circulation Management System. The system will handle all mail and carrier distribution and accounting, PostNet Barcoding, CASS certification, customer billing, sales, reporting and all managerial functions. The Vision EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) will allow each paper to handle E-Z Pay type sales. The lockbox module will handle payments made to a central payment location and post them to individual accounts. The Insert Module will facilitate the zoning and distribution of preprints.

In both newspapers, the Vision Integrated Customer Service System will link the advertising and circulation management systems to facilitate cross-selling, by making all pertinent customer information available to advertising or circulation personnel. (When someone calls to place an ad, the classified rep can instantly check on their circulation status and sell them a subscription while on the phone, or a circulation CSR can check on expiring ads and sell a renewal, while taking a subscription payment.)

Thomas A Dempsey, president of Vision Data, commented: “As recognized leaders in the rapidly changing newspaper industry, CNHI has consistently selected Vision Data systems for their new acquisitions and The Daily Star will definitely be a welcome addition to the growing list of over 1500 publications currently using Vision Data software systems.” For well over 30 years, customer satisfaction and loyalty have been a real strength in Vision Data’s pattern of continuing growth.”