San Diego, CA and LaVergne, TN (March 28, 2001) ICON Group International, one of the world's leading publishers of global market research and business intelligence, and Lightning Source Inc.SM, a pioneer in digital content management services, today announced a strategic alliance that will expand access to business research. Under the agreement, Lightning's cutting-edge digital fulfillment services will make ICON Group's research reports available as print-on-demand (POD) titles, and for the first time as e-books. "Lightning is pleased to team with one of the most respected publishers of business intelligence," said Lightning Source President and CEO Ed Marino. "By incorporating Lightning's full suite of digital content management and fulfillment services into its business processes, ICON Group will provide customers with quick, easy access to timely reports through a wide range of retail channels." Under the arrangement ICON's entire report collection, which includes the most ISBNs published annually, will be integrated into Lightning Source's digital library and in turn can be printed and shipped in any quantity (including single orders) within 24 to 48 hours. Additionally, customers will have the new option of downloading the titles as e-books a first for ICON. The quick turnaround afforded by Lightning's digital services paves the way for enormous opportunities for the research and corporate marketplace. "This is an excellent example of how digital content is streamlining the delivery of high-level intelligence to research and corporate customers," said ICON Group Vice President of Marketing and Online Publishing, Stephanie Winters. "This new relationship will not only expand access to ICON Group's content but enhance our customers' ability to receive the information in the form that is most suitable to their needs."