January 9th, 2012

CTMLS selects Onboard Informatics to launch Listings360°insight Advisor

By Kim Cipriano Prior, SVP, Marketing and MLS Market Development

Onboard Informatics announces that CTMLS (Connecticut Multiple Listing Service) has chosen Listings 360°insight Advisor as a new business tool and member benefit.

The Listing 360°insight Advisor business intelligence system tracks and reports real estate listing activity across virtually all websites where CTMLS listings appear.  Real-time information and dynamic reports are revealed to CTMLS staff, Brokers and Agent members via individual, secure portals.

“Effectively promoting listings to online buyers is a top priority for real estate professionals, yet as an industry we have been unable to validate the impact. Without comprehensive tracking and activity reporting, it is impossible to measure or modify results at the MLS, Broker and Agent level.  While we do receive reporting data from a handful of our syndication partners, it is only an incomplete picture of what’s happening with CTMLS broker’s listings on-line.  Without question, this product will empower our brokers to make better, more informed decisions for marketing the online performance of their client’s listings”, says Cameron Paine, CEO of CTMLS.

Listings 360°Insight Advisor enables CTMLS, Brokers and Agent Members to view comprehensive online activity – tracking information from CTReal.com (CTMLS’s consumer web site), CTMLS’s proprietary member system, publisher sites and member sites (agent and broker); information is transformed into on-demand, real-time reports through well designed, individual online portals.

“We’re excited to further extend our longstanding partnership with CTMLS building upon the immense value of their existing member tools”, says Jonathan Bednarsh, COO and President of Onboard. “Cameron and his team are an innovative group – thoroughly dedicated to providing the highest level of member value and support. With a number of common values between us, we’re looking forward to fun and excitement as we forge ahead”

June 23rd, 2011

Finding Amateur Golfer’s Paradise in Colorado

By Leo Vidal, Marketing Intern

Although many of you are probably preoccupied with thoughts whether McIlory Rory will take the mantle left by Tiger Woods, why these pros make it look so easy, or how to get your wife out onto the golf course – let’s not forget there is another U.S. Open awaiting us.

The month of June marks Women’s Golf Month (we all knew that!), leading into the 2011 Women’s U.S. Open, hosted on July 7-10th in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For those of you who love golf but couldn’t make it to the PGA, you still have time to play in the same area as the LPGA Pros.

Colorado Springs has many neighborhoods which make it an ideal place to play golf. We fired up our Lifestyle Search Widget to find five Golfer’s Paradise neighborhoods within the Colorado Springs metro area:

Read More

Tags: 2011 Women's US Open, Colorado Springs, golf, golf in Colorado, Golfers Paradise, Lifestyle Search Engine, neighborhood data, Women's Golf Month.

May 4th, 2011

The Data Distribution Dilemma, Part IV

By Jonathan Bednarsh, President & COO

Q&A

Onboard’s Listings 360°Insight is an evolution in Listings distribution; a comprehensive platform delivering benefit and operational enhancement to parties involved in the listing distribution process. With evolution come questions – lots of them! The purpose of this final blog in our series is to publicly answer some of the most common questions we’ve received from MLS’s we’re working with, hopefully providing  a deeper level of insight to MLSs reading these blogs and thinking about the same things.

In the near future we will launch a series of educational webinars for different stakeholders (Brokers, Developers, Publishers, etc.).  I’ll be posting more information on that shortly.

Q:  What are the key benefits of moving to API data distribution instead of via RETS or FTP?

A: The current mode of transport – delivering complete data sets – has caused a number of challenges when applied to internet-based data distribution. In addition to more selective distribution control and monitoring, an API data distribution model delivers an unprecedented level of usage reporting potential; truly providing MLSs, Brokers, Agents, Developers and Consumers with transparency to assist in a broad level of decisions.

Q: Does this replace syndication with networks like ListHub or Point2?

A: Not at all, our system is simply an access and tracking platform that we plan to integrate with syndication networks, incorporating their usage statistics into one unified suite of reports. Customers of those networks will continue to use them as they do now to manage their syndication efforts while enjoying the ability to view activity from those networks alongside all other web traffic to listings.

Q: I’m concerned about migrating our Brokers (of varying technical capability) AND the number of data licensees we have over to the Listings 360°Insight API; we have limited staff.

A: In addition to working closely with each MLS to develop a unique implementation roadmap focused on goals and objectives, Onboard will provide a number of developer resources, assisting throughout the transition. As adoption increases, the number of migrating developers will decrease

Q: This solution is only for the largest MLSs in the country.  I am a small MLS, so this isn’t for me.

A: Think again. The problems caused by the current data distribution methods don’t discriminate.  This is an industry problem that impacts every stakeholder in each and every US market. Learn about what’s available to you and take action.

Q: What about performance and reliability? If I don’t have the data on my servers, I won’t be able to deliver the performance my clients expect. And, my system needs to be up 24x7x365.

A: The system is built to support millions of daily searches with sub-second response time.  When factoring Internet transport time, there may be very slight speed differences that are completely unnoticeable, from a consumer perspective.  Again, remember how many APIs (such as the maps on your website right now) typical websites use today.

Chances are you’re already relying on third party hosting providers for numerous systems and even your own system hosting.  The platform, hosted SAS 70 Type II data centers, experiences uptime in excess of 99.9% and is supported by round-the-clock professionals.  Do IT systems ever go down?  Of course. But especially in this case you have someone on the hook to keep things running smooth and to get things fixed quickly in the event something goes wrong.

Q:  How can this possibly support all my specialized search functions?

A: We realize there may be some very specialized functionality you have already built. However, we’ve yet to have something thrown at us that can’t be accomplished with the search API.  Textual search? In there.  Geographic searches like radius, standard and custom polygons…got it.  Unique search filters like “handyman special”, REO, foreclosure, city view, water front…you name it, we’ve done it. Search by any type of area including address, ZIP code, County, even neighborhood.  Yes, yes, yes, yes, and then some. We’ve even thrown in some unique capabilities like search based on commute time and search for listings near desired amenities like parks and playgrounds. Look, we’re not saying that we’ve covered every base out there. But the stand-out real estate website providers aren’t differentiating themselves on search. They’re differentiating on the great user experience, seamless integration with lead capture and management and outstanding tools to help agents and brokers get noticed. So this model helps to keep the focus squarely on what matters most.

Wel, we’ve reached the end of our four-part blog series; this end marks the beginning of an exciting time for us all. We’ll be kicking off the weekend with a very exciting announcement tomorrow and then, it’s off the the Capital! I look forward to a lively day at the CMLS session and hope to engage with new and existing connections in DC. Safe travels everyone!

Tags: data delivery, ListHub, Listings 360, listings syndication, Point2, RETS.

April 28th, 2011

The Data Distribution Dilemma, Part III

By Jonathan Bednarsh, President & COO

Onboard’s Listings 360°Insight Platform

OK, it’s time to get into the exciting part of this discussion: SOLUTIONS. In my last post, I framed out the five underpinning beliefs which are the foundation of our solution to the data distribution dilemma.  Just as a refresher, they are: (1) shared benefits/everyone must win; (2) the MLS is the best source for listing data; (3) the Broker wants destination control; (4) trusted publishing partners do add value and (5) the consumer is King. So let’s get to details.

Onboard’s technology platform is called Listings 360°Insight and it is built upon listings data distribution technology we’ve been providing to our own industry clients for more than two years.  In a nutshell, Listings 360°Insight is a real-time API data distribution and tracking system integrated with a comprehensive business intelligence portal.  The Listings 360°Insight platform is designed for MLSs to install as the primary mechanism for enabling access to listings information for use on websites and has three significant components:

• Search API: A real-time request and response system to access the Listings Data from a secure environment.  Approved data licensees submit search requests for Listings Data in real-time using the API’s expansive search capabilities, and the system returns query data for a specific search for parsing and display on a licensed website.  All search requests are authenticated in real time to restrict access to approved licensees only.   This access method eliminates the need for most recipients to access or manage data files from the MLS (via RETS, FTP etc).

• Tracking API:  Provides the MLS with the ability to collect real-time information on the usage of licensed data including identifying which websites MLS data is being displayed on.  Most tracking features can be implemented even within existing RETS/FTP data feeds.

• Visibility Portals: Usage of the Search & Tracking API’s create a treasure trove of usage data aggregated from all of a listing searches and views across the Internet – a truly unprecedented amount of valuable information that can be instrumental in helping both professionals and consumers buy and sell real estate.  The Listings 360°Insight platform includes comprehensive, real-time reporting for:
  • Agents:  Providing access to usage data for all of their active listings;
  • Brokers: Brokers can view data across their entire firm as well as at individual office and agent levels;
  • MLS: MLSs can monitor their overall market activity as well as the performance of the underlying publishers and listings websites and provide critical information to members;
  • Seller: Clients can track exposure and activity of their listing to actually see the impact agent’s marketing efforts have on their individual property.
  • Developer:  As a key player in delivering online presence to Brokers and Agents, Developers have access to Dev / Testing / Staging environments; Documentation; Sample code; a comprehensive knowledge Base and system and usage reporting.

While there are a number of valuable benefits derived from the platform, I’ll share the three most directly related to the current Data Distribution Dilemma debates:

1. More “Valuable” Control:  Rather than the type of “hoarding control” that MLSs have been accused of for years, the platform provides MLSs, in cooperation with brokers, a remarkable level of control over the listings data usage.  This creates higher levels of accountability while generating tangible, positive impacts and opportunities for all stakeholders.
2. Enhanced Data Accuracy: Users of the listings data will be guaranteed the freshest results and most up-to-date listing data each and every search.
3. Unprecedented Visibility into Data Usage: Since all data usage is tracked in real time, MLSs, Brokers, Agents, and consumers gain access to reports offering valuable insight across the entire array of websites displaying their listings.

Implementation of Listings 360°Insight within a market will create greater accountability and visibility while improving the accuracy of listings data on the Internet.  Each of the key industry constituencies stand to benefit.

Benefits

• Brokers & Franchise Organizations
  • Maintain control of listings distribution while partnering with MLS to manage delivery of the most accurate data to the marketplace.
  • Added visibility will guide brokers in developing and measuring syndication strategies that build website traffic and lead volume while weeding out publishers that don’t contribute to the bottom line.
  • Website innovation will rise and maintenance costs will fall and as internal tech teams and vendors can focus resources on true differentiators by eliminating the expense of IDX/VOW data feed management.
• Agents
  • More accurate listings data will increase beneficial market exposure and decrease consumer complaints.
  • Visibility into the display and usage of their listings data will help make more informed decisions about pricing and marketing.
• Multiple Listing Services/Associations
  • The Listings 360°Insight platform enables MLSs to delivered valuable member benefits derived from the Listings database at the center of MLS’s core competence.
  • New non-dues revenue opportunities derived from the usage data created by the platform opens the door to even greater value to members.
  • Enabling real-time access to the MLS database will increase the accuracy of listings data across the Internet.
• Publishers and Syndication Networks
  • Partnering with MLSs to leverage Listings 360°Insight will gain Syndication Networks greater cooperation from MLSs and wider adoption from Brokers.
  • Reputable and trusted partners will gain wider MLS acceptance (and more listings) when leveraging Listings 360°Insight, all while improving data quality and accuracy.
• Real Estate Technology Developers
  • Developers and tech teams yearn to focus on innovation yet too often get consumed with tasks that don’t add competitive value to the organization – such as managing IDX/VOW data feeds.  Data management costs fall dramatically when accessing data via an API, recapturing resources for more valuable projects.
• Consumers
  • Consumers win across the board with better data, more innovative websites, and greater knowledge throughout the process.

It is important to acknowledge that the full realization of these benefits will take time as the platform adoption ramps up in a given market.  There will also be some transition costs for organizations to migrate to the API from legacy data management systems.  However these initial transition costs are relatively low compared to the substantial ongoing costs savings and revenue opportunities created by the platform.

In the final installment of this series on Tuesday 5/3, I’ll address some of the common questions and concerns that we’ve heard in speaking with industry partners about Listings 360°Insight.  That will be followed by an exciting announcement later in the week that you certainly won’t want to miss.

Tags: data distribution, Listings 360, MLS data distribution.

April 26th, 2011

The Data Distribution Dilemma, Part II

By Jonathan Bednarsh, President & COO

Part II: A 360° Approach

Onboard Informatics has been smack-dab in the middle of Real Estate’s Internet revolution for nearly a decade.  Our clients and business partners run the gamut: from the nation’s largest brokers and franchisors to major MLSs (multiple listings services) to multinational media companies.  In general, we’ve seen wide-scale access to real estate information have an enormously positive impact in the lives of consumers.  Let’s face it: buying, selling and moving are daunting tasks. And despite the fact that these decisions are among the most significant in life, the deck was stacked against the consumer for many years.  In parallel, the accuracy and freshness of data on the web has become crucial.  Bottom line? In today’s hyper-speed information cycle, yesterday’s news happened only an hour ago.

So where exactly are the problems?

While consumers have become increasingly reliant on the vast sea of real estate information found on the web, the overall quality of that information has not kept pace. Rather, as time has elapsed, data accuracy has become more suspect because of the wide capability disparity of the many websites vying for attention and as sad as it is, the underlying business models of some. (Turnkey cash machines vs. consumer property information portals).  Four of the key problems that have emerged from this landscape are:

1. Decline of Data Quality:  There are countless websites attempting to serve real estate consumers with property listings, but very few of them actually present highly accurate and up-to-date data (The WAV Group did an excellent analysis on this in their “The Property Search Delta” whitepaper).  We cannot understate the significance of this problem and its negative impact on our industry.  Almost everyone loses: (i) the consumer – wastes valuable time dealing with incorrect listings data; (ii) the seller – loses critical exposure by inaccurate presentation; and (iii) agents and brokers have to spend too much time dealing with consumer frustration resulting from inaccurate information.  The only conceivable “winners” are websites operators generating revenue via indiscriminately promoting inaccurate property information in exchange for advertising and/or lead generation fees.
2. Listing Agent Irrelevance: Many of the website publishers consuming “syndicated” data (as opposed to IDX/VOW licensed from an MLS) attempt to maximize their revenue by surrounding each listing with advertising & lead generation capabilities that inevitably siphon leads away from the Listing Agent of that property.  Clareity’s recent paper extensively documents numerous examples of this on major web portals and I agree with their assessment that this practice is only going to get worse (from the Listing Agent & Broker perspective).  These practices have an obvious negative impact on the listing agents, but also place unneeded obstacles in front of the consumer.
3. Lack of Visibility:  As data becomes more widely distributed, consumers and real estate professionals face the daunting challenge of understanding which of the many websites out there actually provide a meaningful benefit.  Which websites are driving the most traffic? Where should I double-down my advertising dollars? Which sites never update my data and cause all these damn headaches? We hear these questions all day long, and haven’t seen any real mechanisms put in place to answer these questions.
4. Improper Use:  Widespread (some might say unchecked) data distribution makes data control by the owners of the information (typically agent/broker or possibly MLS, more in Elizabeth Sobotka’s post on copyrights here nearly impossible.  The result?  Many parties not directly vested in the transaction benefit from the listings information in ways not intended by the seller and broker.  In some instances responsibility for this sits squarely on the shoulders of the broker, by not reading or understanding the terms of use when distributing listings information.  In other cases parties are accessing the data surreptitiously or using it in ways not permitted by any license or usage terms.

These problems have been simmering for some time, but today have reached a rolling boil; stakeholders on all sides are struggling to find answers.  Some within the industry advocate a wide-scale pull back of the data by MLS’s, essentially creating a face-off with many of today’s largest real estate destinations.  Others see the “horses having left the barn” and believe it’s too late to close the barn door.  Whether you’re on either side of the fence OR you are somewhere in the middle of the field, I think we can agree: the time has come to figure this out.

MLSs & Brokers On The Same Side

In my last post I talked about the need to explore the common ground MLSs and Brokers have in creating a foundation to solve the Data Distribution Dilemma.  Honestly I don’t think we’ll have to dig too deep.

Brokers want their MLSs to provide better capabilities and service in this area.  In the Clareity / REAL Trends 2010 MLS Initiatives Survey for Brokers, fewer than half of participating brokers rated their MLS listings syndication capabilities as “Excellent” or “Good”.  The brokers highlighted four primary areas for improvement:

1. Provide brokers more insight and control;
2. Enhance MLS security and control over where the listings were syndicated;
3. Enforce syndication integrity and accuracy;
4. Ensure the information wasn’t used to sell leads back to brokers.

MLSs want to meet these broker needs but don’t know how.  In CMLS’s 2011 MLS Operations Benchmarking Survey, nearly 80% of participating MLSs were “Extremely Concerned” or “Very Concerned” about their organization’s ability to control the distribution and unauthorized use of the listings data.

Clearly Brokers and MLSs share a common set of concerns, and both see the potential for MLSs to play an important and useful role in addressing them.  What is missing right now is a data distribution platform – a bridge – that connects the two, leveraging their common ground and building a reality based on shared benefits.

Onboard’s 360° Approach – The Bridge

There are five principle beliefs that have guided the development of our solution to the Data Distribution Dilemma.

1. Shared Benefits: You’ve seen me use this term previously in this blog series.  This concept requires a full 360° view across all key stakeholders with the goal of delivering tangible benefits directly resulting from the adoption of our solution.
2. MLSs have the best data:  It’s clear that the closer one gets to the source, the better the quality, accuracy and currency of the data.  In most markets MLSs are the single best source for listings information.
3. Brokers want destination control:  Many brokers have taken control of their listings syndication efforts and want to retain the ability to direct where their listings are sent.
4. Trusted publishing partners bring value:  There are publishers and syndication networks that provide value to consumers and real estate professionals, and have engaged the industry to address some issues with syndication.  We need to build on these trusted relationships.
5. Consumers must win: Consumers are the great equalizers in this equation and will vote with their clicks, calls and dollars on anything we as an industry attempt as a solution.

So there it is….the cliffhanger!! There is a lot to absorb in this post that will lead us into the unveiling of Onboard’s Listings 360°Insight platform on Thursday April 28 – stay tuned!

Tags: data distribution, data distribution dilemma, Listings 360, listings distribution, listings syndication, MLS listings issues.

April 5th, 2011

Onboard’s Technology Learning Series Kicks Off Today

By Colleen Staunton, Product Manager

We spend a lot of time working with content and web engagement tools at Onboard Informatics, and for the next two months, we’d like to share some of our secrets with you. Our new Technology Learning Series program will feature weekly webinars for our friends in the industry to learn how our content and products can best be implemented to save time and increase revenue. We’ll share our research insights and best practices from our clients. All webinars will be held at 3pm EST on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

April 12: Getting the Most Value From Neighborhood Information
April 14: Getting the Most Value From Neighborhood Information

• Access Community Comparison and Cost of Living Reports
• Review all the data available through the application
• Customize to blend in with your current site

April 19: All the Rage – What is a Lifestyle Search Widget & How can it Improve my Business?
April 21: All the Rage – What is a Lifestyle Search Widget & How can it Improve my Business?

• Provide consumers with the search tools they are demanding
• No development needed for quick and easy implementation
• Brokers and Agents can provide more value to their consumers

April 26: How to Improve SEO using Data
April 28: How to Improve SEO using Data

• Increase your page rank with various implementation strategies
• Learn how our data is SEO friendly
• Review strategies by current clients

May 3: School Content – It’s Free. Why do I need Enhanced School Content on my Site?
May 5: School Content – It’s Free. Why do I need Enhanced School Content on my Site?

• Provide more than just basic school profile information
• Enhance your SEO with Ratings & Reviews that are updated frequently
• Review how current clients are utilizing our school content to their benefit

May 10: Printable Reports: The Importance, Value, and Options
May 12: Printable Reports: The Importance, Value, and Options

• Customizable reports for brand recognition
• Brokers and agents can provide home buyers with detailed reports about a community
• Pick and choose which data sets you would like to provide to consumers

May 17: Lifestyle Search: The Pandora for Real Estate
May 19: Lifestyle Search: The Pandora for Real Estate

• Home Buyers search for a neighborhood ‘fit’ first, so let them search this way on your website
• Create a unique and custom search experience
• See how brokers and agents can benefit from Lifestyle Search

May 24: Neighborhood Information – for Canada
May 26: Neighborhood Information – for Canada

• Community reports for every province and postal code in Canada
• Customize the application to match your website branding
• Capture leads through a lead form

January 26th, 2011

BestPlaces.NYDailyNews.com in Action

By Jackie Berg, Marketing Manager

The New York Daily News relaunched their real estate website this week, powered throughout by Onboard Informatics content. This site is an end-to-end implementation of our services that work in concert to help NYDN bring their city and its dwellings to life. We figured we’d give you a little behind-the-scenes tour on how these pieces fit together and what it means for our client.

Building a site that will build a following

NYDN approached Onboard Informatics in the hopes of creating a new and unique website to highlight the Best Places to Live in the metropolitan New York City area. In the process of creating a destination real estate website, NYDN needed to employ techniques to drive search engine rankings, enable highly targeted on-site search, and deliver compelling navigation capabilities.

One of the most crucial pieces of the development of this project was the delivery of rich content to create a user experience enabling consumers to immerse themselves deep in communities and neighborhoods of the city without going further than their browser. The result is Best Places to Live in NY, an intersection of hyperlocal editorial content, accurate neighborhood data and property listings for buyers. Here are some of the key pieces of the site:

One of the reasons our clients come to us is for a complete solution that is non-disruptive with parts that are capable of creating a synchronized user experience. So how exactly are these parts intertwined?

• The Best Places Lifestyle Profiler is NYDN’s implementation of Lifestyle Search Engine
• Results of neighborhood recommendations feed to neighborhood profiles that are based on real boundaries that truly reflect the vibe and culture of the city’s hundreds of neighborhoods
• Neighborhood profiles are supported with Community and School data (also part of the “Explore NYC Neighborhoods” section)
• Best Places guides are interspersed throughout, including custom top neighborhood lists for niche lifestyles based on our Best Places methodology
• Listings Search Engine drives property search with advanced search criteria (filter by distance to parks/transportation/schools, find a house with pets allowed or a roof garden, etc.)

We invite you to check out the site, find your ideal hood, drool over some ridiculous real estate, and see the city come to life in the process.

Tags: Best Places, Best Places in NY, Best Places to Live, New York Daily News, real estate websites.

March 25th, 2010

Listings Web Service Pre-Wired for Touchscreen Search

By Scott Petronis, Senior Director of Product Management

Joel Burslem at 1000watt had a great post yesterday about the potential for application developers in using Apple iPad. Multi-touch technology, as Joel says, will bring back simplicity in search.

Case in point: Yahoo’s new Sketch-a-Search application. A user can draw on the map to “lasso” results and confine their search for places of interest to specific regions.

Finding lunch near our office is now as easy as creating a fingerprint.

The adaptation of touchscreen and multi-touch services for real estate search will depend on the flexibility of the content it is attached to.

It’s worth mentioning that our Listings Web Service is equipped with the capabilities to take advantage of rich search experiences quickly.

Onboard’s Listings Web Service allows you to send in a polygon and retrieve all the listings within that polygon, whether it was drawn in a computer browser or on a touchscreen.

In addition, applications built with widely available services like Yahoo! Sketch-a-Search, Google Maps or Bing Maps can be easily integrated with our web service to deliver a cutting-edge search experience. The developer simply needs to capture the polygon created in that app and send it to our service.

These advances in mapping applications will continue to help reduce development time and effort. Keep in mind, most of these devices also have GPS capabilities so a latitude/longitude point can be quickly determined so the user doesn’t have to input anything. Of course, the Onboard Listings Web Service also accepts a point and radius to conduct a search. For more accurate results, the service also approximates drive times and walk times so people can search for listings within a 20 minute walk from where they’re standing, for example.

Tags: 1000watt, Listings Web Service, mobile, mobile real estate, neighborhood search, search polygons, Yahoo Sketch-a-Search.

February 23rd, 2010

Z57 Inc. Reports New Client Acquisition Based on Industry-Leading IDX Solutions from Onboard Informatics

By Stacey Ret, Director of Marketing

Z57 Inc., a leading provider of real estate online marketing services, announced the company has transitioned thousands of their clients to the Onboard Informatics’ Listings Web Service platform, their Internet Data Exchange (IDX) solution. With the 2009 integration of Onboard Informatics’ state-of-the-art IDX solution, Z57 REALTORS® websites deliver timely, accurate and useful consumer listing information.

These newly integrated services combined with the historically available products from Onboard Informatics, such as home sale values, comparative values, local information on schools, community, businesses and more, have led to an industry-leading complete solution for both REALTORS® and consumers. This product provides MLS-approved Z57 clients and their site visitors the ability to search for home information based on a variety of parameters including, but not limited to: address; zip code; and local community — with filters for distance, time periods, price range, and property types with relevant localized content.

Z57 recognized the need for REALTORS® websites to meet the changing times and demands of buyers and sellers. With the addition of these data-rich tools, Z57 clients now have a competitive advantage throughout the real estate cycle.

Some of the key benefits of Onboard’s Listing Web Service platform include:

* Fully integrated branding, to convey a consistent message, look and feel.
* Administrative tools are easily accessed in the host’s Marketing Control Center (MCC).
* Visually compelling search forms invite visitor interactions.
* Property search results are integrated with Google maps.
* Comprehensive IDX statistics track results for valuable feedback.

“Over five years ago Z57 identified in Onboard Informatics a technology partner we could grow with — one that provided enterprise-class data gathering, processing and distribution,” said Ryan Whitlock, Z57 COO. “In 2010 we anticipate the expansion of our long-term partnership with Onboard based on new client acquisition from the superior functionality of their IDX solution.”

“Since 1998, Z57 has proven that stamina and technological innovation in the business of real estate website marketing is a winning combination,” stated Marc Siden, Onboard Informatics CEO. “Our strategic partnership with Z57 further supports their commitment to providing their clients with industry-leading content through powerful end-to-end solutions, helping them gain strong advantages in a highly competitive marketplace.”

About Z57 Inc.
San Diego-based Z57 Inc. is a personal Web marketing company for thousands of real estate professionals. Founded in 1998, the company specializes in feature-rich designed websites, with content, listings, lead capture and conversion tools, buyer/seller traffic generation through effective online marketing plans, listing syndication, Search Engine Optimization, drip e-mail marketing and a highly trained and responsive customer service team. Z57 provides clients nationwide with proven real estate solutions matched with personal service from more than 150 dedicated employees. The Southern California Internet marketing firm was recognized as an Inc. 5000 company and San Diego’s No. 1 Web Development and Design Company. For more information, call (800) 899-8148 or visit http://www.Z57.com.

About Onboard Informatics
Since 2001, Onboard Informatics has provided comprehensive local, regional and national real estate data solutions, powerful Web tools and Web services to some of the most innovative companies in the real estate, publishing, and technology. Onboard delivers seamless integration of property listings, community, school, neighborhood, geographic and demographic information to support clients in achieving business objectives on Web and mobile platforms. Privately held since its founding, Onboard is located in the heart of the world’s financial center in the Wall Street area of New York City. For more information about Onboard Informatics, visit http://www.onboardinformatics.com.

Media Contact:
Sue Almon-Pesch
For Z57, Inc.
Phone: 858-205-0516
E-mail: sue@speschialpr.com

Tags: IDX, listings, Listings Web Service, Onboard Informatics Listings Web Service, Z57.

February 12th, 2010

Z57 Client Acquisition Up 107%

By Jackie Berg, Marketing Manager

Our partners at Z57 had an outstanding 2009; new client acquisition was up 107% over 2008. Z57 provides thousands of clients nationwide with websites, content, listings, lead capture, and web traffic generation programs. This recent growth echoes the sentiments of Inc. 5000, who named Z57 one of the country’s fastest growing privately held companies.

Last year, Z57 expanded its customer service department to enhance the client experience. Clients are pleased as well; revolutionizing the client experience resulted an 82% overall “great” ranking in feedback surveys issued after site implementations.

Z57 chose Onboard as an IDX provider in 2003 to strengthen agent value proposition and provide access to “real and accurate data” on both IDX and content services levels. What began as a simple IDX vendor relationship has evolved into a highly successful partnership. With the addition of neighborhood level content in addition to Onboard’s IDX listings, Z57 is able to provide added stickiness on agent websites, resulting in increased sales and customer value.

In its 11th year, Z57 continues to provide thousands of real estate professionals nationwide with professionally branded, top-performing, search engine optimized websites.

Congratulations to the Z57 team for their steady focus on customer satisfaction – even during the recession.

Tags: Clients, real estate websites, Z57.