New interface enables 850+ Mac's Convenience locations to leverage PDI's back-office software and ECRS’s Catapult POS system

Temple, Texas – March 2004 – ECR Software Corporation (ECRS) and Professional Datasolutions, Inc. (PDI) have recently joined forces to implement the latest NAXML interface between ECRS’s Catapult point-of-sale (POS) and the PDI/Resource Management Series (PDI/RMS) back-office software. Together, the two solutions provide an advanced integrated retail automation system for Mac's Convenience Stores, Inc., a subsidiary of Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc. The interface is NAXML-based, the industry standard established by the Petroleum Convenience Alliance for Technical Standards (PCATS).

“ECRS and PDI have provided a powerful integrated solution which offers a maximum return on investment,” said Mac's Director of Accounting and Information Systems, Don Vannatter. “This integrated solution will provide Mac's with several benefits, including improved functionality at the point of sale, in addition to a reduced overall cost of ownership. The ability of ECRS and PDI to work cooperatively to make this solution as seamless as possible enables us to take our day-to-day business to the next level.”

“The interface between PDI's back-office software and the Catapult POS gives Mac's and other PDI users an easy path to modern touch screen POS systems,” said ECRS CEO, Peter Catoe. “The simplicity, reliability, flexibility, and extensive functionality of the Catapult POS solution enables PDI users to extend store-level capabilities to enhance the overall customer experience. The ECRS and PDI development teams worked closely to achieve the seamless integration.”

“Integrating these products enables operators to combine PDI's store- and host-level capabilities for automating tasks, such as managing fuel, merchandise, and pricebook, with ECRS’s POS system,” said Greg Gilkerson, PDI's president. “This interface will enable current customers such as Mac's, as well as future prospects, to take a best-of-breed approach when selecting a total solution that best fits their business needs.”

About Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc.

Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc. is the fourth-largest convenience retailer in North America and the leader in the Canadian convenience store industry. The company operates a network of 4,672 convenience stores. These stores are located in three large geographic markets in Eastern, Central, and Western Canada, and in 23 states in the United States. Couche-Tard employs approximately 34,000 people at its head office and throughout its network of stores. Visit Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc. on the web at www.couchetard.com.

About ECRS

Since 1989, a unified vision–to provide commonsense, value-based solutions that allow retailers to compete and expand–has propelled ECRS to its position as a leading provider of integrated retail software, hardware, and services. Distributed through a nationwide dealer network and direct sales specialists, ECRS products can be found in more than 10,000 store locations throughout North America.

About PDI

PDI delivers enterprise-wide software and services that meet convenience store and wholesale petroleum marketers' specialized needs. Over 300 companies worldwide rely on PDI's systems to automate key business processes. From retail automation to decision support, fuel management, workforce support, and financial reporting, PDI continually enhances offerings to leverage new technologies and industry standards. For over 20 years, PDI has offered customer-focused services and innovative software solutions with proven results. For more, visit www.profdata.com.