PBS Technology Wins Business CHICAGO, Ill. — March 30, 2004 — Publishing Business Systems (PBS), North America’s leading source for integrated enterprise newspaper business software systems, announced today that New Times Media has licensed its AdPlus advertising solutions suite. Since its inception in 1970, New Times has grown to become the largest group of alternative newsweeklies, with publications in eleven major U.S. markets.

Technology played a key role in the selection of the PBS system. Currently, New Times is supporting individual systems at each of their eleven properties. As a result, consolidating information from these properties has been a challenge, and largely a manual effort. In their review of new systems, New Times wanted a vendor who could not only replace their existing systems, but who could help regionalize selected operational areas for even greater efficiency. Gerard Goroski, CIO for New Times Media, commented, “The decision to go with PBS was driven by the breadth and depth of the functionality in AdPlus. We were impressed with the value the system could offer through its integrated environment, as well as the product roadmap. In addition to selecting a new system, we were selecting a partner that could provide us with the organization and agility to meet our strategic objectives. PBS is a proven provider with a long-term commitment in advancing systems for the newspaper industry.”

New Times Media has licensed PBS applications for display and classified advertising, accounts receivable, customer relationship management (CRM), pagination, ad tracking, and online services. In the PBS integrated environment, all of these applications are connected through a centralized customer infobase, giving users throughout the enterprise access to common customer data. This allows for a more seamless and managed workflow from order entry through the production process. “PBS has experience with alternative weekly publications that will provide a foundation for success with the implementation, deployment, and support of our initiatives. Not only will PBS save us considerably in systems support and maintenance, but their integrated environment translates into additional value in workflow efficiency, marketing opportunities, and new revenue gained through automated upselling features.” Goroski said.

PBS solutions will also support New Times in their goal to provide online services to their customers. AdPlus online services include a self-service customer order entry and ad building system for print and online ads. With these tools, classified advertisers can easily place an ad, review upselling features (including the ability to upload a picture or logo), proof the ad, and submit payment – all from the New Times web site. And display advertisers will have the convenience of proofing their ads online with an integrated ad tracking system. Through this application, the advertiser receives an e-mail with a web link, and a unique username and password that will give them access to their ad. While online, they can communicate changes through text or voice, recording comments using the microphone on their PC. This feature alone can save hours of production time.

Additional information on PBS solutions is available at www.pbs.com..

About PBS
PBS was founded in 1989 to provide the newspaper publishing industry with flexible and scalable business systems to manage their circulation, advertising, production, business intelligence, and business management operations. A strong service orientation and extensive experience in the newspaper market has resulted in a series of industry innovations from PBS, including the first fully integrated enterprise solution connected through a centralized customer infobase. Today the company’s MediaPlusâ and AdPlus™ solutions are installed in hundreds of newspapers of all sizes, at points around the globe. PBS corporate headquarters are in Chicago with additional locations in Minneapolis and Montreal, Canada. For more information, please visit www.pbs.com.

Media Contacts:
Pam Bednar
Publishing Business Systems (PBS)
651.639.2758 · pam.bednar@pbs.com

MediaPlus is a registered trademark and AdPlus is a trademark of Publishing Business Systems. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.