Storrs, CT, February 15, 2002 – The Retail Alliance, Inc. (RA), a not-for-profit organization of independent college and university stores, and Thomson Learning, one of the largest providers of college course materials and part of The Thomson Corporation, announced today a series of breakthrough electronic data interchange (EDI) capabilities that dramatically cut time and expense from a college store’s inventory management processes.

The new EDI capabilities have been integrated into RATEX, the comprehensive retail management system owned by RA subsidiary RATEX Business Solutions, Inc. (RBS), and used by many of the largest and most successful college and university stores in the country, including Cornell University, the University of Connecticut, and the University of California, San Diego. RATEX Version 7.6 users will now be able to fully automate their ordering, receiving, invoicing, and payment transactions with Thomson.

These EDI capabilities introduce the college store industry to significantly improved efficiencies patterned after those used by leading retailers in the global marketplace. College stores using RATEX will now be able to retrieve electronic sales catalogs, systematically receive advance shipment notices from Thomson, streamline product delivery to the sales floor, and automatically reconcile electronic invoices with product receiving records. Previously, EDI capabilities for the independent college store had been limited to electronic ordering.

"We’re pleased to be able to deliver these cutting-edge benefits to our college store customers and Retail Alliance members," said Ronald G. Dunn, president and CEO, Academic Group at Thomson Learning. "Everyone involved stands to benefit from the time- and cost-savings offered by these new EDI capabilities."

"This strategic partnership between Thomson Learning and the Retail Alliance further demonstrates the Alliance’s commitment to creating new and exciting opportunities for independent college and university stores," observed Richard W. McDaniel, President and Chairman of the Retail Alliance and Associate Vice President of Campus and Business Services at Cornell University. "The channel linkages that we’re developing with premier organizations like Thomson will enable RATEX users to conduct their business faster, more efficiently, and more profitably."

Retail Alliance, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization of independent college and university stores founded in 2000 with approximately 40 member stores. Based in Storrs, Connecticut, the Alliance works to enhance the ability of college and university stores to compete by sharing best business practices and developing business-to-business opportunities that deliver cost savings and efficiencies.

With 2000 revenues of approximately U.S. $6 billion, The Thomson Corporation (www.thomson.com) is a leading provider of integrated information solutions for business and professional customers. Thomson Learning serves the needs of individuals, learning institutions, and corporations with products and services for both traditional and distributed learning. Visit us on the Web at www.thomsonlearning.com.

RATEX Business Solutions, Inc. (RBS) of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, is a leading independent provider of technology and management consulting services to college and university stores. Owned by the Retail Alliance, RBS is dedicated to aligning technology with smart business to help collegiate retailers succeed. In addition to RATEX, the industry’s most comprehensive retail management system, RBS provides an array of business consulting services and training programs to college stores.

For more information about the Retail Alliance-Thomson Learning strategic partnership, contact Larry G. Daniels at (800) 417-2839, ext. 4128.