Naperville, Illinois, USA – May 1, 2006 – Allant, a Marketing Optimization solution provider, announced today that Eric Schmitt will be joining the company, effective May 10, as Executive Vice President and as a Senior Principal in its Professional Services Group. Eric is a widely recognized industry thought leader who has forecasted and documented marketing’s transformation into a technology- and analytically-driven discipline.

Eric will play a dual leadership role at Allant. First, he will advance the company’s unique industry leadership position by serving as a key architect of the company’s growth strategy and corporate development. Equally important, Eric will focus on the overall success of Allant clients. He will work at the CXO level with top clients to ensure that their marketing capabilities, from customer acquisition through retention and growth, rank at the forefront of their industry.

Previously, Eric spent more than eight years at Forrester Research, where he interviewed, surveyed, advised and consulted with thousands of marketers and technology professionals in his role as an industry analyst. He has published more than 150 best practices, forecasts and vendor assessment research reports on topics including database and direct marketing, CRM, the future of TV advertising, email marketing and Web analytics. His 2004 report “Left Brain Marketing” is widely recognized as an industry landmark, and his opinions are regularly sought out by trade and mainstream business publications including Fortune, Business Week and The Wall Street Journal.

“When I announced my decision to leave Forrester, I was humbled by the level of interest from potential employers, including many leading database marketing service providers.” said Schmitt. “After much consideration, I became convinced that Allant is the optimal fit for me. I look forward to coming aboard at this exciting stage of the company’s development, and helping to grow it into the preeminent provider of analytically-driven marketing services.”

“We have consistently found Eric’s research to be the most comprehensive and accurate source of information on the business of marketing,” said Terry McCarthy, President, Allant. “His insights have been instrumental in the evolution of Allant’s portfolio of analytical marketing solutions. In particular, Eric’s understanding of the changes in the database marketing services business is unparalleled, and we are delighted to have him on board as a strategic planner and client advocate. Allant’s clients will be well-served by Eric’s guidance on how to apply multi-channel marketing analytics and technology in order to thrive on changes in consumer behavior.”

Eric holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science from the Rutgers University College of Engineering and MBA from Bentley College.

About Allant
Allant is a Marketing Optimization solution provider that leverages predictive intelligence, strategic and analytic services and marketing automation to maximize marketing spend productivity, strategy and results for its clients. Founded in 1984, Allant has built core competencies in data management, database services, analytics and strategy which are delivered by highly skilled professionals. For more information on Allant and its products, services and solutions, call 800 367 7311 or visit Allant on-line at www.allantgroup.com.