Press Release

FMS TOTAL ZIPCODE DATABASE™ NOW SHIPPING
New product helps users improve data entry speed and accuracy

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VIENNA, VA - January 2, 2001 - FMS, Inc., in conjunction with the United States Postal Service (USPS), is pleased to announce the shipment of Total ZipCode Database. Designed to improve data entry speed and accuracy, Total ZipCode Database contains every zip code in the entire United States – over 50,000 records – in three easy to use formats: Access 97, Access 2000, and ASCII file.

With the Total ZipCode Database, applications can be built to let users enter a zip code with the corresponding city and state names automatically inserted.  The database includes both the primary city name and state abbreviation for each zip code plus other acceptable names. User can easily select from the list and never type in the names manually.

Because the zip code data changes quite often, the product includes a subscription service that includes monthly downloads from our web site. Subscribers are emailed monthly when the new data is available.

Feature Summary

The Total ZipCode Database (in Access format) includes many resources to simplify and standardize data entry of addresses:

• A table with the list of every zip code and its acceptable city name, state abbreviation, county number, county name, and which one is the primary one
• A table with the list of zip codes and just the primary city and state
• A table with a list of all countries
• A table with a list of state abbreviations and names for the US, Canada, Mexico, and Australia
• A sample form and class library with open source code showing how to automatically fill the city and state when the zip code is entered or changed

“It’s amazing how the zip code database simplifies the effort and accuracy of people entering address data," said Luke Chung, President of FMS.  "Working with the USPS, we've converted their official data into a format that’s readily accessible by PC users. Most importantly, because zip codes continually change, we’ve created a monthly subscription and download mechanism to ensure our customers have the latest data. Best of all, through our volume licensing arrangement with the USPS, we can offer this data and service at a fraction of the cost of individuals doing it themselves."

Distribution

The USPS requires users to update their zip code databases on a regular basis (at least once a year). To ensure customers have the most up to date information, FMS is pleased to distribute Total ZipCode Database electronically on a subscription basis that entitles the user to the current copy plus 11 monthly copies. Once signed up, users will be contacted via email with the URL, user name, and password for downloading the data. Customers will be notified via email each month when a new zip code database is ready. Getting and maintaining an accurate list of US zip codes and associated city and state names couldn’t be easier!

Licensing

FMS has licensed the USPS zip code database for customer use; therefore, customers are subject to USPS restrictions:

• The underlying zip code data is property of the US Postal Service. Customers may not claim ownership of it, nor do they have the rights to re-distribute it.
• Licensing is on a per copy basis. If a customer deploys one copy on a network, all users on that network can share the license. However, if a customer deploys multiple copies, a license is required for each copy.
• Licensing is valid during the period of the subscription.

Pricing

A single subscription (one license) is available for the special introductory price of $99 (regular price is $149), and entitles the customer to monthly updates for one year and a 12-month rental fee.  A five pack is available for the special introductory price of $299 (regular price is $449). The cost for 25 licenses is $999. Additional quantity discounts are available. Total ZipCode Database can be purchased directly from FMS, through most corporate resellers, and international distributors.

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