M/C/C Celebrates 20 Years of Killer Work

Dallas, Texas - Sept. 26, 2006 - M/C/C has come a long way since its humble beginning at the kitchen table of founder Mike Crawford. But 20 years later, past the dot com boom and subsequent bust, through the evolution of cell phones from brick to sleek flip phones, and past the migration from VCR to DVR, M/C/C's unique and innovative techniques have helped the agency to develop a long list of client success stories on its way to becoming one of the Southwest?s premier advertising and public relations agencies.

"Twenty years is an exceptional amount of time to be around, particularly in the volatile technology industry," Crawford said. "One of the main reasons we have been so successful is because of the dedication of our people. They understand technology, they embrace it, and that helps us develop real relationships with our clients."

Since 1986, M/C/C has utilized an unexpected way of thinking about creativity, paired with proactive, straightforward advice, to drive its success. Whether it is for a media or PR strategy, or for a new advertising campaign, for a start-up company trying to build credibility, or for a large, publicly-held enterprise wanting to stay ahead of the game, M/C/C infuses creativity into every program ensuring that it produces killer ideas for each client.

M/C/C has lived the unexpected and adapted, even as the market continues to advance. The agency has always provided its clients with the best strategies and tactics for the marketing challenges they face, and in today's world, that means more than just a successful public relations campaign. In addition to its other, award-winning services, M/C/C has successfully added search engine optimization (SEO) to its list of offerings. These services are especially important in today's market where a company's position in search engine results can have a huge impact on bringing in potential business. In its 20th year, M/C/C continues to expand with recent client acquisitions and by broadening its new business focus to include clients in new and unexpected industries.

"It seems like just yesterday that I started M/C/C at my kitchen table. I feel very fortunate to be a part of a successful agency that is celebrating its 20-year anniversary," said Mike Crawford. "I hoped - but never presumed - that it would be around after 20 years. So as we celebrate our anniversary, I can honestly say that we have been living the unexpected in ways I didn't even expect."

About M/C/C
Dallas-based M/C/C is a public relations firm and advertising agency exclusively serving the technology industry. M/C/C offers marketing, advertising, public relations, cyberactive services and research for customers ranging from growing start-ups to some of the world?s largest technology companies. Several of M/C/C's clients are leaders in the technology industry, including Alienware, CapRock Communications, L-3 Communications Infrared Products, and SYSTIMAX Solutions. M/C/C's Website can be accessed at http://www.mccom.com/.

Accudata Named One of Fastest Growing Companies in Dallas-Fort Worth

DALLAS - Sept. 18, 2006 - Accudata Technologies, which serves as one of about 20 authorized Line Information Database (LIDB) storage centers in the United States, was named as a Metroplex Technology Business Council (MTBC) Titan Fast 50 finalist at the Tech Titans Awards Gala on Friday, Aug. 18. The Dallas MTBC hosted the event, which honors companies and individuals who develop or use technology in a unique and innovative way. The event was attended by more than 700 high-tech company executives, employees and industry VIPs.

"The DFW metroplex has one of the fastest growing technology industries in the country, and we are pleased to be recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in this area," Accudata CEO, M. Gregory Smith, said. "This award is a testament to the dedication of our employees and the success that their hard work has brought to us."

The Titan Fast 50 recognizes the 50 fastest-growing technology companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area based on percentage revenue growth during a five-year period between 2001 and 2006. This is the fifth such award Accudata has earned in four years.

About Accudata Technologies
Multi-award winning Accudata Technologies provides flexible access to data validation through innovative approaches to data transmission. The company serves as an access hub for validating information associated with traditional, mobile and IP-based telephone numbers. Its validation services include translating information between diverse protocols such as SS7, PSTN and IP in order to access local number portability and line information databases (LIDBs), name and address information (BNA) and bankcard transaction verifications. Additional information regarding Accudata can be found on the company?s Web site: http://www.accudatatech.com/.

Pontiac Dealers Dallas-Ft.Worth

Google This.
by Steve Plunkett

In June of this year Google was added to the Oxford English Dictionary as a verb, then to the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary in July. Here is the definition:

"to search for information on the Internet, esp. using the Google search engine"

Before this, General Motors ran a commercial during the Super Bowl for its Pontiac brand. The TV spot showed the letters p-o-n-t-i-a-c being typed into a Google search field instead of giving the Web address http://www.pontiac.com/. The voiceover said, "Don't take our word for it. Google 'Pontiac' to find out!"

You might think "Gee, that's clever and hip!" Well, someone else obviously did - and sold the idea to Pontiac. It may be clever and hip, but Pontiac is sending people to a place where it has no control over the content.

The agency representing Mazda, on the other hand, knew a little bit more about search engines. It bought ads on Google because Mazda had information that compared its models to Pontiac models. When car shoppers Googled "Pontiac," like the Pontiac commercial told them to do, the search results included a webpage that sold Mazda as a better choice than Pontiac. In essence, Mazda used Pontiac's investment to "piggyback" some of its own advertising. Pretty shrewd move by Mazda. And Pontiac didn't learn anything from the experience.

Which brings me to, as Paul Harvey would say, "the rest of the story." Pontiac now runs similar spots in local markets. While watching television the other night, I saw a Pontiac ad that said, "Just Google Pontiac dealers dallas-ft.worth," so I did. The results were pay-per-click ads for a few local Pontiac dealers. Problem is, studies show that quite a few people never click on pay-per-click ads. (Think about it; do you?) So, out of the predictably tiny percentage of viewers who actually did go to their computers and Google "Pontiac dealers dallas-ft.worth," perhaps a fraction actually clicked the pay-per-click links to learn more. What a waste.

And for Pontiac, the story gets even worse.

When publishers announced that they would include the verb "Google" in their dictionaries, I blogged about the story. And because I used the phrase "Just Google Pontiac Dealers Dallas-Ft.Worth" in my post, guess what came up first in Google's search results for "Pontiac dealers dallas-ft.worth." Yep, my blog beat out the actual Pontiac website and the local Pontiac dealers' websites.

Being the SEO specialist that I am, I decided to experiment and try some of my Internet magic. Today, when you Google "Pontiac dealers dallas-ft.worth," the first result will be the article you?re reading right now. Still not Pontiac or Pontiac dealer websites. I can?t tell you how I did it. It's a trade secret. But go ahead and try it.

The point is Pontiac has given up entirely too much control over its own advertising. A competitor or a prankster with the right Internet skills could hijack all of the company?s hard work, actually using Pontiac?s investment to take business away from Pontiac.

Pontiac spent millions producing TV spots, buying airtime and reserving pay-per-click ads. To put it mildly, someone is spending a lot of money poorly.

Pontiac should have hired an organic SEO specialist simply to optimize the websites for individual dealers and, in place of pay-per-click ads, the website of the North Texas Pontiac Dealers. If they had done that, the company would've saved itself a lot of money ? and they'd be number one in Google instead of me, an SEO specialist with a blog.

At a time when GM needs a happier ending, "the rest of the story" could?ve been far more profitable.

Accudata Creates Database to Store VoIP Information

VIDB will enable providers to offer new services

DALLAS - Sept. 11, 2006 - Though there has been a large amount of chatter on the subject of storing VoIP information, no telecommunications company has actually done it. Until now. Accudata Technologies, which serves as one of less than 20 authorized Line Information Database (LIDB) storage centers in the United States, will begin beta testing of its VoIP information database (VIDB) in October. Accudata customers, such as service providers Synips Worldconnect and Teliax, who are already in talks to begin storing their information in Accudata?s VIDB, can then use this information to determine if a phone number is tied to a VoIP line and to provide calling name services previously unavailable about VoIP numbers.

"We've seen a lot of interest in the telecommunications industry throughout the years for just this kind of a database, and Accudata decided that the time for the VIDB is now," Accudata CEO, M. Gregory Smith, said. "With such a great demand, it is now only a matter of time before providers begin sharing information associated with VoIP numbers and begin offering services comparable to those found on landlines. And it's our VIDB that can make that happen."

VoIP telephone numbers present a unique challenge to telcos and end-users alike. For telcos and enterprises that make and validate collect calls, the mobility provided by VoIP creates billing problems since end-users can move from city to city. With the launch of the VIDB, service providers can mark which telephone numbers are VoIP numbers and store the caller name and address of the end-user; potentially providing alternate billing options.

"Accudata's VIDB is keeping them at the forefront of telecommunications technology, and that is where our company strives to be," said Synips US-NAP President and CEO Kraig Beahn. "Staying on top of technology, changing as the market changes, allows us to offer the most advanced capabilities to our customers and therefore, to remain competitive."

Service providers that choose to store VoIP information in the VIDB will have a number of options. Providers can compile LIDB and CNAM information into the VIDB, or they can continue to maintain separate databases. Accudata also shares a percentage of revenue when a VoIP service provider's information is purchased from its VIDB, offering providers a new revenue stream.

The VIDB is expected to launch for general availability by the end of the year.

About Accudata Technologies
Multi-award winning Accudata Technologies provides flexible access to data validation through innovative approaches to data transmission. The company serves as an access hub for validating information associated with traditional, mobile and IP-based telephone numbers. Its validation services include translating information between diverse protocols such as SS7, PSTN and IP in order to access local number portability and line information databases (LIDBs), name and address information (BNA) and bankcard transaction verifications. Additional information regarding Accudata can be found on the company's Web site: www.accudatatech.com.

Making Waves: M/C/C to Spearhead Public Relations Efforts for Wavefront

New public relations plan will drum up new business for technology that rescues trapped oil

Dallas, Texas - Sept. 11, 2006 - Wavefront Energy has a technology that changes the way we look at oil production. The technology improves oil production in mature oil wells - something increasingly important considering today's dependence on oil. The only problem: the market is unaware of the company's oil production capabilities. So, Wavefront called on M/C/C to help communicate its services to existing and potential clients.

"Our technology and methods are extremely efficient for improving oil production, but the market doesn't realize how beneficial technology is," said Brett Davidson, President and CEO for Wavefront. "We chose M/C/C to help us communicate the value of our oil production abilities more effectively to the market and then establish partnerships within the industry."

Founded in 1997, Wavefront specializes in fluid flow technologies to improve and enhance oil production, oil well stimulation, and oilfield disposal methodologies and to optimize groundwater remediation. With its patented fluid flow technology, oil producers can improve the efficiency of waterflood patterns and increase oil production and oil cuts. Further applications include improving the effectiveness of production stimulation, diversion and oilfield disposal methodologies.

"In today's atmosphere of oil dependence and rising gas prices, this is a technology that has arrived" said M/C/C President and Founder Mike Crawford. "Oil, and in turn, gasoline, is often taken for granted, despite the fact that nearly every country in the world depends on it; oil is our livelihood. M/C/C really wanted to get behind this technology because by helping Wavefront grow and expand the reach of its message, we can have a direct impact on oil production."

About M/C/C
Dallas-based M/C/C is a public relations firm and advertising agency exclusively serving the technology industry. M/C/C offers marketing, advertising, public relations, internet marketing services and research for customers ranging from growing start-ups to some of the world's largest technology companies. Several of M/C/C's clients are leaders in the technology industry, including Alienware, CapRock Communications, L-3 Communications Infrared Products, NextiraOne (now Black Box Network Services) and SYSTIMAX Solutions.
M/C/C?s Website can be accessed at http://www.mccom.com/.

Accudata caller ID - WPRI, Providence, R.I.

Accudata caller ID clip from WPRI in Providence

Gaming Computer Vendor Alienware Targets Enterprise

Alienware execs describe life three months after Dell acquired the company. Best known for turbocharged gaming PCs with science-fictional designs, Alienware now finds that enterprises value its systems for high-performance computing.
By Darrell Dunn, InformationWeek

A little more than three months after Dell completed its acquisition of gaming-computer specialist Alienware, there are few outward signs to indicate the two operations have any relationship. But Alienware executives say its ownership by the world's largest computer maker is already paying dividends, including the ability to more effectively target commercial accounts.
Dell acquired Alienware, known best for high-end desktop and mobile PCs used by gaming enthusiasts, in May. Operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary with separate product development, marketing and sales teams, Alienware had revenue of $180 million in the fiscal year ended shortly before the acquisition, and is growing at a double-digit rate, says Mark Vena, VP or marketing.
About 10% of Alienware's revenue is derived from commercial and government accounts, a segment the company believes it can expand by utilizing new resources gained from the Dell acquisition.
"There are platforms that we bring to market where there is synergy with the requirements for high-performance gaming and workstation users," Vena says. "We are looking at opportunities in those commercial and government accounts that are quite different from those addressed so well by Dell."
Alienware continues to operate under the direction of founder and chief executive Nelson Gonzalez. The only significant change made to the Alienware's product line following the acquisition was to discontinue its recently launched line of high-end servers.
"We felt that it didn't make sense to continue that effort," says Frank Azor, senior VP and general manager of Alienware's worldwide product group. "Dell is hugely successful in that category with a lot of experience and there was no reason to try and fight an uphill battle to win some market share."
Although the operation has remained relatively intact, Alienware has begun to realize some improvements related to its association with Dell. By tapping into Dell's supply chain it is able to take advantage of Dell's much larger economies of scale to source components at a lower price and reduce the prices Alienware charges to its customers, Vena says.
Alienware is also able now to more quickly introduce new systems based on the latest processor technologies, such as instantly adding three new laptop PCs based on Intel's new Merom processor that was introduced on Monday. In the past, Alienware generally lagged weeks behind in its ability to get systems based on the newest processor technology into the market.
Alienware is also able to take advantage of Dell's more advanced enterprise operation to speed up its direct sales effort on the Web, particularly its ability to provide instant financing.
"It may not sound very sexy, but you've got a direct model, giving the customers the ability to be approved instantaneously is a big deal," Vena says. "It was highly manual process for us in the past, and using Dell's back-end has really made a difference."
Alienware has begun to leverage its relationship with parent Dell to address some specific commercial opportunities that Dell could not adequately address. While there is no misconception that Alienware will compete with Dell in most large commercial accounts, there are specific areas within those accounts that require specialized desktop and mobile computers where Alienware can exert its expertise.
"You can find a Dell computer for $399 than runs Outook just fine," Azor says. "That's not our application. Our applications include Photoshop, Illustrator or Pro/Engineer, which are very specialized and high-end. Our strategy is to go after IT departments, design groups, and CAD and CAM engineers within those large organizations that have need for 10, 20 or even 100 specialized machines."
Alienware's manufacturing capabilities are more suited to small quantities and custom configurations than Dell. The Area 51 and Aurora mobile workstation lines have been particularly applicable to commercial applications, Vena says.
The mobile workstations are targeted mostly as desktop replacements. The systems can offer desktop-grade processors with higher performance than mobile processors because the users are not as concerned with battery life. The systems also generally use GL graphics cards instead of more traditional graphics cards used in gaming platforms.
Rob Enderle, an analyst with The Enderle Group, says Alienware's budding success in government and corporate accounts was a major reason that Dell decided to make the acquisition.
"Alienware was showing some incredible growth in a market you would think would have locked them out," Enderle says. "Their growth rate was outpacing other players in the market, and certainly was enough to give (Dell) a wake up call that there was a large government and business piece that was being missed."
In addition to being able to leverage Dell's supply chain, joining forces with Dell provides Alienware with the instant credibility needed to continue to expand its presence in commercial accounts that tend to shy away from small companies with uncertain futures, he says.
Perhaps most significantly Dell was likely impressed by Alienware's ability to create some highly unique platforms for a workstation market "that has become largely stagnant and saturated."
And while Alienware does not want to relinquish is reputation in the gaming industry, it would like to grow its overall market awareness.
While Dell's brand awareness is among the best in the world at 90 plus percent, Alienware's brand awareness in the general market is around 10%, Vena says.
"We tend to be a word-of-mouth brand, and we don't spend millions on TV advertising," he says. "In the consumer space there is a panache and brand elegance associated with our product and they are esthetically cool. Those are elements we like about our reputation, but we do want to build overall brand awareness. We're not going to accomplish that overnight, but we believe the more people know about us, the more they'll like our product."
Alienware has relatively small revenue compared with Dell, which means sheer volume of Alienware sales won't be able to help Dell turn around its recent revenue and earnings slide, Enderle says. But adding Alienware provides a new "image" boost, and adds new blood the executive pool.
"They've gains some fresh eyes," he says. "It's an expansion of thought that can lead you out of a hole, and Dell is clearly in a hole right now.