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CONTACT INFORMATION
Hickory Tech Corporation
www.hickorytech.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NIBI Revolutionizes Cellular One's
Billing System and Customer Care with WRITE2kŪ
Next generation software
package employs rules-based design for unprecedented flexibility and
functionality
MANKAto, MN., February 17, 2000 - Leading information management
solution provider NIBI (National Independent Billing, Inc.), Mankato,
Minn., has announced the successful beta deployment of its new billing
and customer care solution software package - WRITE2kŪ. Implemented
at Cellular One in Mankato during November 1999, WRITE2k has competitively
positioned Cellular One by providing them with the flexibility to
fashion billing statements to the unique needs of their customers.
In addition, its innovative rules-based design and enterprise wide
NT environment have streamlined training and operation, saving Cellular
One both time and money.
"WRITE2k has provided us with the flexibility to easily implement
new products, services, rate plans, marketing messages, and discounts
into our billing statements," said Jerry Wilke, General Manager
of Cellular One. "Its rules-based design and browser-based
environment make system changes incredibly fast and easy."
Traditional billing solutions incorporate hard-coded or table-driven
systems with the information management systems centering around
the billing function. These outdated legacy systems severely limit
service providers by requiring extensive reprogramming to adjust
to the ever-changing marketplace.
In contrast, WRITE2k uses a rules-based design that enables the
service provider to quickly and easily make programming changes
- virtually responding to the marketplace on demand. WRITE2k features
a suite of client-server applications that support all the potential
business functions that a service provider may demand from a billing
system. WRITE2k also enables a service provider to customize the
system from any terminal in the business. Furthermore, the package
provides the basic tools to maximize marketing efforts and customer
service. Designed for wireless and wireline telecommunications,
information, entertainment, and energy service providers, WRITE2k
can be deployed as a turnkey package or as a distributed solution.
WRITE2k was developed in partnership with Sepro Telecom International,
Ltd. of Dublin, Ireland. In September of 1997, NIBI signed an agreement
with Sepro for the joint development of the rules-based software
design for WRITE2k. Sepro's proven ability to apply state-of-the-art
design and development techniques to meet the needs of innovative
telecommunication providers complements NIBI's 34+ years of billing
experience.
About NIBI
Since 1964, NIBI has offered leading software and information technology
solutions to the telecommunications industry. NIBI distinguishes
itself by serving local exchange carriers, competitive local exchange
carriers, interexchange carriers, resellers, and electric utilities.
Headquartered in Mankato, Minn., NIBI is a wholly owned subsidiary
of the Hickory Tech Corporation (NASDAQ: HTCO).
About Hickory Tech Corporation
Hickory Tech Corporation is a diversified communications holding
company located in Mankato, Minn., with operations in Minnesota
and Iowa. HTC has completed its 101st year of operations with its
roots in the local telephone exchange business. From this base,
it has expanded into five sectors: Local Telephone, Communications
Services, Wireless Communications Billing/Data Services, and Communications
Products. For more information about WRITE2k, NIBI or HTC visit
www.hickorytech.com.
About Cellular One
Cellular One is a premier wireless voice and data communications
company, offering both analog cellular service and TDMA digital
service. Based in Mankato, Minn., Cellular One serves a seven-county
area in southern Minnesota and the outer region surrounding the
Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area.
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