For many years marine entities have been working independently, spending millions of dollars to connect disparate systems. The Marine Association for Technology Exchange Standards (MATES) - a consortium of marine OEM’s, Dealers, Internet Brokers, DMS providers, Parts Suppliers, CRM solutions, Financial Institutions, Trade Associations, and Special Interest Groups is dedicated to successfully developing, implementing, and supporting a common set of communication and data exchange standards. MATES members are working to develop, implement, and support a common set of communication and data exchange standards for the marine industry. MATES has three targeted objectives: Create an open, non-proprietary, standard XML message that is application independent. Create a common marine industry-wide communications standard to support these messages. Reduce the cost of interface development. Membership in the association is open to corporations, firms, partnerships, that qualify for one of the three classes of membership: Manufacturers: Members of NMMA that manufacture boats, engines or accessories for sale in North America. Component manufacturers: Members of NMMA that manufacture components and equipment for sale in North America. Marine Dealers Companies who provide a service to the industry, including finance companies, DMS providers, software and internet solution providers. For more information, fill out the Contact Us form, e-mail MATESinfo@nmma.org or call John Warnik, Executive Director, MATES (p) 312.946.6295.