ARKONA Inc. on Jan. 6 announced the certification of its dealer management solution with DaimlerChrysler's new Web-based DealerCONNECT factory communications interface. This certification provides the more than 4,800 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealerships with a more technologically advanced and cost-effective solution to managing and exchanging information with DaimlerChrysler.

"With the ARKONA certification, we now have access to the latest data management and transfer tools included in DealerCONNECT," said Bob Geiger, dealer principal, Fayetteville Dodge, Fayetteville, N.Y. "DealerCONNECT is much more streamlined and doesn't require dedicated hardware. Our dealership personnel can now more easily process warranty claims, do parts transactions and submit financial statements."

Using the leading edge technology of DealerCONNECT, ARKONA said dealers will now experience a faster, more secure, more reliable and lower cost environment for factory communications. According to the company, all DealerCONNECT interfaces can be accessed using ARKONA's dealer management solution. "This means dealership employees retain the familiar look and feel of the ARKONA dealer management system while receiving the benefits of DealerCONNECT," ARKONA said in a prepared statement. "With DealerCONNECT, dedicated hardware and communication lines are no longer needed."

"This certification was truly a cooperative effort between DaimlerChrysler and ARKONA and represents an important milestone in our corporate efforts to provide dealers with increased value through enhanced dealer solutions," said Richard Holland, president, ARKONA. "DaimlerChrysler's DealerCONNECT interface is at the forefront of the industry with its implementation of Web services and XML. ARKONA's integration with DealerCONNECT brings an improved level of information access to dealers and streamlines the flow of data to and from the dealer."

Holland said that ARKONA's Web-based software is one of the most comprehensive dealer management solutions available. "This powerful and user-friendly solution includes a full range of reporting capabilities and features necessary for dealerships to maximize customer satisfaction and dealer profitability," Holland said.

About ARKONA Inc.

ARKONA is a public company and specializes in automotive management solutions.

ARKONA's Dealer Management Solution is an e-business solutions for automotive dealers which is designed to fully integrate back office systems with a retail Web presence. ARKONA is an Application Service Provider (ASP).

For more information visit the ARKONA Web site at www.arkona.com.