HARRIS INTERACTIVE DIVISION RECEIVES ISO 9002 CERTIFICATION

Rochester, NY, October 7, 1999¾ The Harris Interactive Data Collection Services Market Research Group is proud to announce that it has achieved certification to the ISO 9002 Standard for Management Quality Systems. The award gives a "seal of approval" to this group by saying that they signify a high level of quality and set an industry standard. The group operates call centers in Rochester, Binghamton and Youngstown, Ohio.

ISO 9002 is a globally recognized, demanding set of management quality system standards centered on documenting consistent company procedures as a basis for continuous improvement and increased customer satisfaction. This award, however, is normally given to other industries and virtually unheard of in market research. "Achieving certification is unusual in the service sector, we are the first major U.S. firm in the Market Research Industry. This truly shows the outstanding and reliable service that we possess," said David Clemm, President & COO of Harris Interactive.

In a time of phenomenal growth in a company, such as Harris Interactive is experiencing, it is very important to focus on establishing a strong foundation based on clear and consistent procedures. "The pursuit of ISO certification was a logical next step to be taken by the ‘production’ arm of a company already well known and recognized for its dedication to quality," said Rick Geiger, Data Collection Services (DCS) Group President.

Having seen the benefits of ISO in a manufacturing setting, Geiger stated, "I gave full support to the ISO initiative by ensuring that necessary human and financial resources are allocated." As a result, the Harris Interactive Data Collection Services Market Research Group certification project, managed by Patricia de Souza, DCS Manager, Quality Systems and Processes, was completed in fourteen months¾ from initial gap assessment to certification.

"Thirty-seven staff subject matter experts worked on ten task teams to write and implement procedures, and twelve staff members were trained as Internal Auditors who monitor the quality system regularly for compliance with requirements," said de Souza. Another tactic used to ensure the highest quality of service was the hiring of Bob Stein of Advantage Quality Consulting, who provided invaluable training and expert advice throughout the project. Stein encouraged task groups to write documentation unique to their business yet compliant with ISO standards. Rick Geiger further announced that BVQI-Bureau Veritas Quality International (N.A.) Inc., which has certified over 15,000 other companies around the world, was "chosen to partner with Harris Interactive Data Collection Services and will audit the quality system every six months."

With ISO 9002 Certification, Harris Interactive’s Data Collection Services Market Research Group will set the standard as a leader in quality and service. "This is further recognition of our company’s continued dedication to quality, and gives us a preferential position with customers who require their suppliers to have ISO 9002 Certification," said Gordon S. Black, chairman and CEO for Harris Interactive.

Harris Interactive (www.harrisinteractive.com) is the unquestioned leader in conducting market research over the Internet. With the world's largest cooperative database of over 4.2 million online consumers and proprietary, leading-edge technologies, the firm conducts political, business-to-business and business-to-consumer online and traditional research for Fortune 500 companies, foundations and educational institutions worldwide. Harris Interactive is built on a distinguished 40-year tradition spanning six former operating companies - including Louis Harris & Associates, responsible for the renowned "Harris Poll." Formerly known as Harris Black International, the company was ranked the second fastest growing market research firm in the nation by "Inside Research" in 1998.