Data quality is an important topic for most companies. This is the result of our spring survey discussed later in this newsletter. But data quality is only one of many challenges a company faces. Using the right tools is crucial for a successful data quality strategy. In this newsletter we would like to show you, how we can support your data quality efforts.

Best regards,

In this issue:

• Correct addresses 24/7: AddressDoctor for Excel
• Web Services Version 4.0 – now with FastCompletion
• T-Online subsidiary chooses AddressDoctor
• Seetours - the 500th customer of AddressDoctor
• Partner-Portrait: B2Services Inc.
• Special: Mail to Malta
• Did you know that...???

Are you currently using Microsoft Excel? Then you are now able to validate and correct addresses instantaneously. AddressDoctor for Excel, a small Add-In, offers fast and easy address correction 24/7. After a small download, AddressDoctor for Excel integrates into the familiar Microsoft Excel user interface within minutes.

Data files of up to 65,000 records can be processed without installing software or databases. AddressDoctor for Excel utilizes the powerful AddressDoctor Web Service to perform its task. An Internet connection is all that is required to process data from up to 240 countries and territories. The powerful software can even process and improve incorrectly fielded data that many data quality solutions simply reject.

Without leaving the familiar Excel user interface the data is processed on the spot and appears right within Excel in a matter of minutes. No more waits, setup fees or missed deadlines. The data is ready to be used in mailings right away. The software can be installed on as many workplaces as you like.

Download now for free!
A simple online registration will secure your immediate supply of 250 addresses to be processed for free.

More speed, flexibility, and versatility

On July 1^st, 2004, AddressDoctor launched its new family of Web Services. With 10 times more speed and three new service interfaces AddressDoctor offers new possibilities for data quality management. The WSDL for the three SOAP based services can be accessed at validator2.addressdoctor.com. A special highlight is the FastCompletion of address data capture. It saves up to 50% time in call centers and similar data capture applications.

With the launch of the new Web Services, the modernization of the AddressDoctor product range is completed. After three years of development the new system platform is now the core of all AddressDoctor products. The platform will soon be extended to include further services.

more

daybyday's "intelligent" web organizer helps to find the right zip code and address

• daybyday.de supports check of national and international addresses
• cost cutting possibilities in address directories and direct marketing

Are you tired of looking up missing postal codes? Would you like to have an electronic address book that assists you right away during the entry of street and place names?
Users of the leading web organizer in Europe, daybyday.de, can be relieved, they are now going to benefit from AddressDoctor.

more

As already announced in our last newsletter, we would like to welcome our 500th customer:

Themed ‘data quality becomes vital for success’, Seetours sets sail together with AddressDoctor. Seetours, part of Carnival Corporation and leader in the German cruise market, chose AddressDoctor eCommerce. By using this Web Service, Seetours is achieving an excellent data quality in its reservation systems and more efficiency in direct marketing.

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Easy order handling through real time address validation!

This service is provided by B2Services. The integration of AddressDoctor in the osCommerce service makes it possible to check each order immediately. The osCommerce AddressDoctor module enriches osCommerce shops with address validation and correction in the background. Results are displayed within the detailed order form page. The module is compatible with all osCommerce 2.2 versions, the implementation is included. B2Services and AddressDoctor offer interesting special conditions for shop owners.
For more information about B2Services see:
http://www.b2services.de

In this newsletter we are featuring the address format of another new member of the European Union:

Malta

Official name: Republic of Malta or Repubblika Ta'Malta

As an important EU trading partner, Malta offers various incentives for foreign production facilities, so communication in mail and parcel shipments with this new EU member is more important than ever.

Address format
Addresses are formatted as follows:

NAME
NUMBER THOROUGHFARE_NAME
SETTLEMENT POSTAL_CODE
NAME_OF_THE_ISLAND

Street names are usually written in Maltese, but some may have been translated into English. The name of the island is optional when the address is on the island of Malta, but is usually stated when the address is on Gozo or Comina.

A complete sample address would be:

1 WIED RINI
BAHRIJA RBT 04
MALTA

Thoroughfare types

Common thoroughfare types found in Maltese addresses are:

Limiti
Misrah
Triq

Postal code system

The postal code consists of three capital letters, indicating the delivery office, followed by two numbers on the island of Malta, and three numbers on the island of Gozo indicating the post person's beat. The letters and numbers have a space between them, as for example:

RBT [  ] 04

The postal code is placed after the settlement name. Government departments and ministries have the postal code CMR 01.

Of course all AddressDoctor products can handle this format.

Survey: Who is responsible for correct addresses?

...that 87.5 % of the companies questioned have one person primarily responsible for the quality of customer addresses and 50 % have one person primarily responsible for the quality of supplier addresses.

From 176 persons who submitted their answer...

... 8.0 % rate the processes for assuring the quality of addresses in their company as: excellent.
...12.0 % rate it: all right.
...27.0 % rate it: it could be better.
...29.0 % rate it: insufficient.
...24.0 % rate it: non existent.

From 176 persons who submitted their answer...

...75.0 % would like the customer...
...25.0 % would like the call center...
...12.5 % would like letter shop...
...12.5% would like front desk...
...37.5 % would like the sales team...

...to play a stronger role in the collection of correct addresses.