Costco Chooses WhatCounts Solution for the Future of e-Communications

The WhatCounts Broadcaster™ solves security, reliability, and scalability concerns.

Palm Desert, CA (PRWEB) February 14, 2007 -- WhatCounts, Inc., a leader in comprehensive e-communication programs that leverage targeted email marketing, personalized RSS, interactive surveys/blogs and best-of-breed strategic coaching, announced at today's eTail Conference the recent acquisition of an additional key retail client. The latest agreement with Costco Wholesale solidifies WhatCounts as a leading e-communications provider for large retailers. The WhatCounts Broadcaster™ solution allows Costco to optimize the efforts of its IT and marketing departments without the costs of a CPM-based hosted solution. We needed to increase the relevance of our email marketing efforts. In addition, we wanted a solution that offered the flexibility to create dynamic content, and could personalize and segment our vast customer database The Costco team was charged with finding a solution that could provide security, reliability, and scalability for their multinational corporation. WhatCounts was able to provide a custom pre-configured hardware and software solution to meet Costco's requirements for permission-based email, RSS and interactive communications with their subscribers and customers. With the Broadcaster™ appliance option, all of Costco's proprietary data is securely stored within its own data center while WhatCounts' client services and professional services teams manage deliverability relationships with internet service providers.

The mutual benefit of campaign relevance was a primary driver for Costco's decision. "We needed to increase the relevance of our email marketing efforts. In addition, we wanted a solution that offered the flexibility to create dynamic content, and could personalize and segment our vast customer database," said Robb Walters, Director of Internet Marketing for Costco Wholesale. "The WhatCounts e-Communications Suite was able to address all of our needs."

"We are proud to add Costco Wholesale to our already impressive client roster," said Simon Mutlu, Vice President of Sales and Service for WhatCounts, Inc. "We were able to work with them to provide a customized e-communications platform for Costco's unique needs. We are also providing strategic guidance as they hone their permission-based loyalty communications during 2007."

Costco is an international retail giant providing the largest and most exclusive product selection under one roof. Costco is known for carrying top quality brands with guaranteed satisfaction at prices consistently below traditional wholesale or retail outlets. Costco currently operates 503 warehouses, including 371 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 70 in Canada, 18 in the United Kingdom, five in Korea, four in Taiwan, five in Japan and 30 in Mexico. The Company also operates Costco Online, an electronic commerce website, at www.costco.com and at www.costco.ca in Canada.

About WhatCounts, Inc.
WhatCounts is a leader in comprehensive e-communication programs leveraging the power of targeted permission-based email messaging, interactive two-way dialogue, personalized content syndication (RSS) and extensive marketing services. Deliverability management, strategic coaching, best practices benchmarking and professional services ensure substantial returns on loyalty marketing investments.

The powerful WhatCounts e-Communications Suite represents over ten years of industry expertise and development, and enables marketers to build brand loyalty through enhanced communication and granular analytics. This robust platform can be delivered through a hosted Web-based application for direct customers and agency resellers or via the unique proprietary Broadcaster TM appliance. With the development of the Broadcaster™, WhatCounts was the first company to offer a hardware solution with pre-installed software to eliminate metered fees. Flexible application programming interfaces allow for seamless integration between the e-Communications Suite and customer relationship management, marketing and reporting platforms.

Founded in 2000, WhatCounts is a private Seattle-based company with offices across North America. For more information, please visit www.whatcounts.com or call (800) 440-7005.

Media Contact
Ola Bateman
WhatCounts, Inc.
805.492.4152