08/14/07 FROM: NATIONAL MARINE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION 200 E. Randolph Dr., Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601-6528 312-946-6200 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Lindsey Johnson ljohnson@nmma.org 312-946-6204 MATES Endorses Partners Standard Protocol (PSP) Multi-industry specification rooted in powersports compliments association goals CHICAGO, August 14, 2007 - - The Marine Association for Technology Exchange Standards (MATES) has formally endorsed the Partners Standard Protocol (PSP) as a best practice model for the transaction standards supported by the initiative. PSP is an agreement among Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), aftermarket companies and dealer management system providers regarding the exchange of business transaction information, with a current focus on parts orders, pricing and availability checks, product registrations and warranty claims. Additional transaction types will be added as prioritized by industry users. PSP allows dealers to transact business with suppliers entirely from within their Dealership Management System (DMS). “Marine and powersports dealers face many of the same technical and customer service challenges, and many even carry both product lines,” says MATES executive director John Warnik. “For some business transactions, agreeing on how to transport the information, handle security and authenticate users transcends vertical industries. PSP strives to be industry independent, but more importantly, inter-operable between all companies complying with the standard. MATES’ role will include communicating the unique needs of the marine industry to PSP development teams.” “PSP is a finished standard that has been proven successful by those dealers and suppliers using it in the powersports industry,” says Eric Johnson of ADP Lightspeed. “Endorsement of PSP by the MATES board provides the marine industry with a complete communications solution that can be implemented in the shortest possible time. The implementation of PSP by MATES member companies shows the greatest promise of delivering better, more efficient information to marine dealers and the consumer.” “Endorsing a proven standard like PSP allows us to more quickly help marine dealers and suppliers increase sales, improve product quality and deliver better customer service,” adds Tony Pimentel of Watch Captain. “Replacing the paper shuffle and manual processes for product ordering, registration and warranty claims will allow time for people to do more of what they want and less of what they don’t.” Originally founded by a small group of industry leaders, MATES is working to unite the marine industry by developing, implementing and supporting a common set of non-proprietary communication and data exchange standards. MATES’ ultimate goal is to create an environment where people and companies in the industry can focus on value-added activity by reducing IT burdens and eliminating system incompatibility, making it easier for companies to transact business with one another. For more information about MATES, visit firstmates.org or contact Warnik at (312) 946-6295; jwarnik@nmma.org. National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.