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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
-- Info Touch Technologies Corp. (IFT: CDNX) --
Circle K Makes Technology Convenient with ZapLinkSM Kiosks
PHOENIX, Oct. 16, 2001 --- Convenience store customers will soon be able to utilize a complete array of new electronic services through ZapLink SM public access kiosks in selected Circle K locations.
Circle K has reached an agreement with Global Access Alliance, Inc. (GAA) and Info Touch Technologies Corp. (IFT: CDNX), advanced technology providers, to provide Circle K customers with high-speed Internet access and other services through proprietary kiosks.
These Internet kiosks provide Circle K customers with a greater level of convenience by offering a variety of services, including:
- Voice-over Internet Protocol (VOIP) for telephone calls anywhere in the world
- Video teleconferencing
- Pre-paid telecommunications, such as long distance and cellular
- Local news and information, including a locator service for maps and driving directions
- Bill payment, including cash payments for Internet purchases
- E-mail access
- On-line shopping
- Internet surfing
- Entertainment and games
- Capability to download electronic media, such as music and software, to portable customer devices
All ZapLink SM kiosks will offer the SoftwareToGoSM electronic software delivery system that allows users to burn their own CD-ROMs with software titles from 14 leading software publishers. ZapLink SM kiosks deployed by GAA will feature the Internet Cash Purchase SystemSM (ICPS), a unique payment system developed by Stone Mountain Data that allows customers to pay cash for Internet purchases.
The kiosk technology offers Circle K opportunities for customized programs such as in-store or system-wide on-line promotional coupons. In addition, each kiosk provider will operate a separate point-of-sale screen at the checkout counter to create ongoing media revenues. Usage fees will range from free to 20 cents per minute, based on the type of technology a kiosk customer chooses.
"We are very excited to offer our customers access to the latest web-based technologies," said Doug Hecker, retail marketing manager for Phillips 66 Company. "We think customers will respond very positively to the new technologies we are bringing to the convenience store format. Our marketing team and our kiosk partners have worked hard to create a unique kiosk presentation that expands the types of products and services available electronically and has a strong advertising component. We anticipate that both customers and our suppliers will respond favorably to this new advertising channel."
The companies will test the Internet kiosk service at 75 Circle K locations in two primary markets, Phoenix and Philadelphia, this fall. If the kiosks are successful, a larger rollout is planned for early 2002.
"We have selected two outstanding companies to test this new Internet kiosk service and are counting on them to help us make technology convenient for our customers," said David Holthe, vice president of retail operations for Phillips 66 Company.
Global Access Alliance, Inc. (GAA), based in Bessemer, Ala., is a best-of-breed coalition of kiosk companies that are committed to developing a global standard in the kiosk industry. GAA will initially develop and install 40 kiosks in the Philadelphia area and at truck stops in key southeastern locations. In the first rollout phase, GAA will deploy more than 500 additional kiosks in selected markets, including the expansion of the Philadelphia market to more than 100 kiosks. For more information about the GAA, visit globalaccessalliance.com or www.gaa.inc.
�As this network of kiosks expands, much like the ATM and pay telephone, public access kiosks will provide a much needed service to the community and the traveler," said Robert A. Needham, president and CEO of the GAA. "We are excited by the vision and the commitment by Phillips 66 Company management to expand the mission of their stores to include convenient public access to technology."
Info Touch, based in Burnaby, BC, Canada, is a pioneer in Internet kiosk technology that offers highly customized click and mortar solutions, which are applicable in virtually every industry segment. Together with its partner Compaq Canada, Info Touch will initially develop and install 35 kiosks in the Phoenix area. If successful, Info Touch could eventually deploy as many as 650 kiosks into Phillips sites in a phased rollout. For more information about Info Touch Technologies, visit www.infotouch.net.
"We are extremely pleased to have been selected to work with Phillips to introduce advanced technological services to Circle K customers and to create the next generation of convenience stores," said Hamed Shahbazi, chairman and CEO of Info Touch. �Our best-in-class public access kiosks provide superior consumer services, minimal downtime and maximum return on investment for all parties involved.�
Customers will have several convenient ways to locate a ZapLink SM kiosk nearby. Customers can log on to www.circlek.com, www.go2.com or call Circle K's toll-free customer service number, (800) 527-5476.
Circle K is a registered trademark of Phillips 66 Company, a division of Phillips Petroleum Company (NYSE: P) or its affiliates. Phillips is an integrated petroleum company with interests around the world. Founded in Bartlesville, Okla., in 1917, the company had annual revenues of $21.2 billion for 2000. Phillips markets gasoline and convenience store products in the United States through a network of over 12,000 retail sites under the Phillips 66, Union 76, Circle K Exxon, Mobil and Coastal brands. More information is located on the World Wide Web at www.phillips66.com, www.circlek.com or www.76.com.
Contacts:
| Linear Capital Corporation | Behshad Hastibakhsh | Julie Igo | Robert A. Needham, |
| John Lewis, Investor Relations | Info Touch | Phillips 66 | President/CEO, GAA |
| Tel: 416-364-2266 | (604) 298-4636 x250 | (602) 728-4516 | (205) 567-1266 |
Toll:877-600-6001
[email protected]
The Canadian Venture Exchange has not reviewed this news release and does not accept responsibility for its adequacy and accuracy.
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