Volvo Ocean Race emails with Lyris ListHosting

• February 12, 1998

Volvo Ocean Race Emails with Lyris ListHosting

Berkeley, CA - 8 October 2001 - Lyris Technologies, developer of the most proven email management software, announced today that the Volvo Ocean Race has chosen Lyris ListHosting to announce race results. This email service enables Volvo to communicate with a global audience to raise awareness about the international sailing event and increase Web site traffic.

"We knew that email was the best way to keep hardcore race fans informed, and that its viral nature would draw others," said Marion Brennan, Internet Project Manager at the Volvo Ocean Race. "More than twenty thousand people have opted-in to our email lists so far, and the race just recently started!" Volvo expects the number of list members to continue to grow considerably over the course of the 10-month event.

Email coverage of the race includes a weekly update list, and two special announcement lists for accidents and stage results. All lists are opt-in, and the Volvo Ocean Race Web site includes an interface for members to modify or cancel their subscriptions at any time. Volvo also gathers demographic information from list members who choose to provide it. This data will allow Volvo to use advanced Lyris ListHosting features for targeted mailings based on list member profiles.

The race organizers also use Lyris ListHosting for their media services. After registering online, media professionals may select from a number of lists that offer different types of race information. This system enables Volvo to reach thousands of journalists simultaneously, so that no one is disadvantaged, and ensures that the journalists receive news that's relevant to their needs.

Volvo's list administrators can send their messages easily by email or through a web interface. "Lyris ListHosting's user-friendly features and reliable mail sending are fundamental to a successful email campaign," commented Lyris CEO John Buckman. "And by providing a good list membership experience, we expect Volvo and other race sponsors to see a positive impact on their businesses."

About the Volvo Ocean Race
The Volvo Ocean Race is the world's premier ocean race. It started from Southampton, UK, on September 23, 2001, and covers 32,700 nautical miles. The course includes nine stopovers and finishes in Kiel, Germany in June 2002. It is the successor of the former Whitbread Round the World Race, and this year marks Volvo's first as race organizer. Information on the Volvo Ocean Race can be found at http://www.VolvoOceanRace.org.