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Convergent Media Systems and Sony Announce Joint Marketing Agreement for Digital Signage Networks

Posted on: Thursday, 22 January 2004, 06:00 CST

ATLANTA, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Convergent Media Systems Corporation and Sony Business Solutions Systems Company, a division of Sony Electronics Inc., today announced they have signed an agreement to jointly market digital signage products and services to corporate, retail and government end-users. This strategic alliance will take the complexity out of implementing digital signage networks by providing a single source for video and rich-media content production, networked distribution and display. Sony's technology and engineering expertise plus Convergent Media's content creation and delivery capabilities combine to form a complete service/technology offering uniquely relevant to digital signage customers.

Networked digital signage delivers video and rich-media content through a centrally managed network to multiple addressable displays, including plasmas, kiosks, TVs, PCs and wireless devices. These networks can be highly targeted to audiences based on time, location, and activity and can include advertising delivered directly to customers at the point of purchase. The result is a powerful brand-building tool that enhances image, builds customer loyalty and drives revenue. Effectively implemented, digital signage networks have been shown to create up-lift in sales revenue for those products being promoted as well as for overall store performance.

"Convergent is committed to using high-quality, engaging video and graphics to deliver messages and images that connect with target audiences at the time of purchase," said Bryan Allen, Convergent Media President and Chief Operating Officer. "For instance, grocery stores want to address different customer demographics in the deli department at noon than in the cosmetics aisle when school lets out. And the beauty of digital signage is that you have dynamic space to promote a consistent store image in both areas, while incorporating brand and product messages that drive shoppers to put merchandise in the cart."

Digital media network solutions offered by the Convergent-Sony team leverage a shared infrastructure to deliver greater value than single-purpose digital signage merchandising displays. Convergent's Content Creation and Delivery Network provide media production, management, transmission, storage and display through a wide area network system. These digital media networks support multiple applications over a common platform, enabling on-demand employee training, broadcast-quality corporate communications, and high-speed data networking as well as engaging, media-rich digital signage. Retailers can enhance their brand image, train store personnel, and inform and entertain customers through a single network.

"Digital signage represents an exciting new market for Sony, with Cap Ventures projecting a $2 billion dollar industry by 2006," said Tim Smith, Vice President of Strategic Business Development with Sony. "Convergent's expertise in creating custom, broadcast-quality content and building and operating enterprise networks makes them an ideal partner for Sony. They understand how to make it easy for corporate and government enterprise customers to buy and operate networked video solutions."

"Sony has long been the first choice for broadcasters and consumers who want the best quality video production and display products," said Allen. "They lead the industry in helping business maximize the power of digital technology. Sony's global reputation for innovation and quality products combined with Convergent's expertise in customer-focused content creation, transport and distribution will enable business to move confidently towards implementing national networks that increase revenue, improve communications and enhance brand image."

About Convergent Media

Convergent Media Systems, founded in Atlanta in 1980, is the leading provider of high-impact video and media-rich communications for digital signage, eLearning and corporate communications enterprise applications. Convergent provides services for over 70 digital media networks and 800,000 viewing locations, including design and development of custom content and courseware, digital asset and learning management, broadcast-quality studio and production services, network engineering, installation and ongoing operations. Clients include AT&T Wireless, Advance Auto Parts, Bank of America, Eli Lilly, Unisys, Volkswagen of America and other industry leaders. For more information, call 1-800-877-7800 or visit http://www.convergent.com/ .

About Sony Corporation of America

Sony Electronics Inc., located in Park Ridge, NJ, is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, based in New York City. Sony is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Its music, motion picture, television, computer entertainment, and online businesses make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world. Sony's principal U.S. businesses include Sony Electronics Inc., Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of over $62.3 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003, and employs 161,100 people worldwide. Sony's consolidated sales in the U.S. for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003, was $20 billion. For more information, visit http://www.sony.com/ .

Convergent Media Systems Corporation

CONTACT: Sonia Fuller of Cohn, Overstreet & Parrish,+1-404-870-8888, ext. 223, or sfuller@co-p.com; or Jonathan Holmes of SonyElectronics Inc., +1-201-358-4179, or jonathan.holmes@am.sony.com

Web site: http://www.convergent.com/http://www.sony.com/

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