ARK e-Tail Services Inc.

Since the late 1990's the market has witnessed a fundamental shift in global technology from processing power to connectivity. The focus on faster and cheaper computer boxes has given way to inter-connected computing devices. This technology shift has resulted in an explosion in data to/from/among consumers and businesses that, in turn, has provided opportunities for companies with the ability to cut through the complexity, harness the data, and put it to commercial use. The business discipline that has emerged to turn complex data into seamless one-on-one relationships between businesses and their customers is called Customer Response Management (CRM). To date, CRM has failed in the market for two reasons: a) the technology associated with it has been so bloated that programming time to bring new projects on line is measured in months and years, and b) technology alone does not meet the need of firms who also want to source the people trained in the use of that technology. In 1999 ARK was formed with the mandate of being a one-stop customer management solution with responsive technology and a workforce trained in the use of that technology. Our first industry efforts were in the automotive area where we have had a major impact in managing dealership customer databases into market growth. In mid-2000 we moved into our current home at 5160 Yonge Street and began to expand into other major industries including insurance, financial services, energy, and high tech. Last year (2002) ARK completed customer contacts with approximately 20% of all households in Canada.