Access Data Corp. Expands Creative Offering

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2001

Access Data Corp, a leading end-to-end provider of business, technical, creative, and hosting solutions for the financial services industry, has expanded the services of The Creative Group at Access Data. The in-house full-service agency originally offered application user interface and web design, and now also provides branding, advertising, direct marketing services, and employee communications.

"Our customers have asked us to provide creative services that go well beyond a traditional consulting firm's capabilities," explained Creative Director Kevin Orzechowski. "They want a single source that can not only provide a branding strategy but also implement the marketing plan that supports it to ensure the continuity of the customer experience. The Creative Group at Access Data provides customers with a one-stop integrated branding solution."

Among the services offered by The Creative Group at Access Data are:

-- Branding

-- Web Design and Content
-- Internal and External Communications Strategies
-- Application Interface Design
-- Traditional Marketing Materials
-- Employee Communications
-- Change Management
-- Event Planning and Coordination

Here are two examples of assignments that The Creative Group at Access Data recently completed:

Atlantic Research & Consulting
When Boston-based Atlantic Research & Consulting, a full-service market research and consulting firm focusing on the financial services industry, wanted to reposition the company to reflect its expanding consulting capabilities and expertise in developing web-based research tools, the Access Data team helped to formulate a new identity and created new collateral materials and trade show booth to reflect the new brand definition. The Creative Group also developed the tagline, "The Power of Actionable Research."

"(The Creative Group at Access Data) really hit on everything that was important to our rebranding," said Lonnie MacDonald, Senior Vice President for Atlantic Research & Consulting. "They articulated exactly what we do and executed the look, feel, and design that we had envisioned for our firm."

HLM
HLM, a public equity and venture capital investment firm, contracted with The Creative Group at Access Data to analyze its market, review existing marketing materials, evaluate the company's web site, and conduct a brand audit to identify customer and prospect expectations. From that research, The Creative Group developed an HLM brand definition and strategy and created the marketing tools, including a new web site and collateral materials, needed to support it.

"We operate in an extremely competitive and rapidly changing market with hundreds of competitors," said Vin Fabiani, Principal and Chief Administrative Officer of HLM. "(The Creative Group at Access Data) helped us clearly define our brand position and promote our services in the marketplace more effectively. Our goal was to develop a message and materials that articulated HLM's commitment and passion for what we do in a professional and competitive manner with the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions. Access Data helped us define and state the message and design the materials to meet our needs. As a result, we are able to carry a common theme throughout our promotional materials and marketing initiatives."

About The Creative Group at Access Data
The Creative Group at Access Data is a full-service agency providing branding, advertising, public relations, web design, direct marketing services, and employee communications for companies seeking to reposition their brand or launch new products and services.

About Access Data Corp.
Access Data Corp. is the leading end-to-end provider of business, technical, creative, and hosting solutions for the financial services industry. Combining the extensive "domain specific" technology expertise of its consultants with its proprietary Cognition(SM) methodology, Access Data shortens time to market and minimizes risk for its clients. The firm provides solutions in areas such as: investment management, shareholder services, sales force automation, e-customer relationship management, knowledge management, and branding. Access Data is headquartered in Pittsburgh with offices in Boston, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.accessdc.com or call 1-888-799-1744.