ICIA Acquires Pacifiq’s A/V Database
Jul 1, 2001 12:00 PM
ICIA announced its purchase of an A/V-product database from Pacifiq Technologies. The database of 92,000 entries will be made into a service offered as a trademarked subsidiary of ICIA, called “InfoComm iQ.” The products offered by InfoComm iQ represent the professional audio, video and audiovisual offerings of over 600 industry manufacturers.
InfoComm iQ serves as an instantly updateable and customizable tool to help A/V dealers, independent representatives, design consultants and the distribution chain to manage their product data inventory and better serve their customers. The data on the iQ site is monitored and kept fresh by a team of editors who regularly get manufacturers’ updated information. The dealers can also implement customized services offering a variety of unique functions including online proposals that incorporate links to the up-to-date information.
A Revolution in Service
The acquisition has the potential to revolutionize ICIA’s level of service to its members and the greater A/V industry by providing them with an electronic library of the product specifications they need to serve their customers. In addition to this custom solution, a password-protected site containing all the products of the entire database, the InfoComm Resource Center, is accessible to industry professionals. Have a look at www.infocomm.org.
“As the premier association for the A/V industry, we have an obligation to empower our members by providing them as much information about our industry as possible,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., executive director of ICIA. “This centralized data service is our way of giving them a one-stop shop for the product information they need to grow their businesses. This acquisition provides our industry a phenomenal informational tool that helps manufacturers, dealers, designers and others in the trade to conduct business more effectively and efficiently.”
With InfoComm iQ serving password-protected data through an industry-wide Web portal, manufacturers are able to convert printed product spec sheets to an electronic format with descriptions, specifications and photos. InfoComm iQ allows manufacturers to upgrade and present more information to dealers by providing a virtual showroom and a full product catalog with links. Importantly, InfoComm iQ strengthens the manufacturer/dealer relationship by offering a constantly updated site that is specific to the products a dealer carries.
“ICIA has secured its spot as the voice of our industry,” said Spencer Bullins, president, ICIA and vice president, Long Communications Group. “This acquisition provides our members access to the most comprehensive database of unbiased product information assembled in the industry. We also now have a venue to act as a liaison with international press to deliver news to our members worldwide in a matter of minutes.”
A New News Network Also Added
‘ICIA has secured its spot as the voice of our industry.’
— Spencer Bullins, President, ICIA
Another aspect of ICIA’s recent database acquisition is the addition of the InfoComm News and Information Network. This online news service, available to ICIA members, allows users to promote their Web sites with customized news about products and services of interest to their customers. Live updates of news and information are fed to member Web sites for instant viewing. It also allows dealers to mass-market products and services over the Web, and lets them customize their Web sites with industry news and features that will lead to more sales. This Internet information service provides technology overviews, detailed product specifications and the technical aspects of specific applications. This network was created to act as a forum that allows all industry participants to stay well informed about the latest developments and opportunities.
ICIA launched the offerings at INFOCOMM 2001 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
