FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2005
CONTACT:
Diana Porter
Morris DigitalWorks
706-828-4337
diana.porter@morris.com
Morris DigitalWorks Licenses First Applications in Latin America with Brazilian Associados
AUGUSTA, Ga. - Morris DigitalWorks, the online division of Morris Communications Co., LLC, has announced its first licensing agreement in Latin America. Associados, a Brazilian communication group based in Brasilia, has agreed to license MDW's mdClassifieds, mdRealEstate and mdTransit applications. The software supports customization and translation into Portuguese, the language of Brazil.
"This is truly an exciting time for Morris DigitalWorks," said Michael Romaner, president of MDW. "The applications Associados has chosen will help them pave the way toward creating a dominant online marketplace in South America. We're pleased to be a part of this great effort.”
“We researched the U.S. market for more than six months,” said Geraldo Neto, Associados contract manager. “We found in Morris not only innovative products, but a team fully trained and prepared to deliver its solution to our needs. This is definitely the beginning of a long partnership. We have confidence in the way that Morris is preparing for the challenges of the future."
Morris DigitalWorks' online technology enables newspapers to expand their markets to the online arena. Each application can be customized to suit the unique needs of the market, enabling the client to design Web sites that fit its demographics. They are available as licensed applications or hosted solutions.
mdClassifieds is a flexible, online classified display and line ad solution that leverages newspapers' print ad inventory into revenue-generating, online marketplaces.
mdRealEstate supports a comprehensive, online real estate marketplace that features Realtors, brokers and new-home builders, with in-depth detail on property for sale or rent, and lead-generation tools.
mdTransit is an automotive online solution for newspapers that focuses on driving customer interest and demand in autos to local advertisers who are featured throughout the site in conjunction with detailed supporting information to aid in consumers' online research.
Morris DigitalWorks' first international licensing agreement was made in December 2003 with Torstar Corporation, a Toronto, Canada-based communication group with holdings that include Canada's largest daily newspaper, The Toronto Star.
Associados has 12 newspapers, including Estado de Minas, Correio Brazileinse and Diário de Pernambuco. The communications group also boasts 13 radio stations, seven television stations and three Internet service providers. Formed in 1924, Associados is credited for bringing television to Brazil in the 1950s. Today the group employs more than 4,600 people and has annual revenue of more than $250 million (US).
Morris DigitalWorks, the online division of Morris Communications Co., LLC, provides tools, technologies, consulting and Web development services to Morris newspapers and external clients. MDW award-winning technologies include: world-class hosting facilities, robust content-management software, high-performance application tools, site enhancement tools and comprehensive classified and display classified technology. For more information, visit www.morrisdigitalworks.com.
Morris Communications Co., LLC is a privately held media company with diversified holdings that include newspaper and magazine publishing, outdoor advertising, book publishing and distribution, visitor guide publishing, radio broadcasting and online services. For more information visit: www.morris.com.
