BALTIMORE, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Baltimore-based Round2 Communications (Round2), an Internet, marketing, and creative services firm, announced its merger with Columbia-based Business Intelligence Force (Bi4ce), an Internet software development company. The move will complement Round2's website development offering with Bi4ce's Web services technologies; including Microsoft .NET and DotNetNuke open source content management system products and expertise. As more personal and business processes move online, businesses face difficult challenges in reaching their target customers. These database- driven real-time Web service technologies provide the framework for next- generation communications firms like Round2.

"As the Internet has evolved, customer media habits have become more complex, and our clients have asked us to embrace technologies that reach their customers and inspire them," said Matthew Goddard, principal of Round2. "Bi4ce software products and services are used nationally and internationally to maximize the potential of the Internet, and Round2 has the creative and strategic expertise to incorporate those tools as part of an engaging, focused communications effort."

The resulting company will have 45 employees, and operate as two separate divisions running on parallel tracks. The Technology Division will sell its products and services nationally and internationally to both end users and IT professionals. The Communication Division will utilize those products when developing integrated communications plans for clients.

The Communications Division will continue to provide the same brand of traditional creative services, targeted marketing, and online media development for which Round2 has garnered a distinguished reputation. Simultaneously, the Technology Division will provide software products and services that help clients leverage versatile Web architectures, such as Microsoft .NET and its open-source content management system counterpart, DotNetNuke. The merger of these entities will give clients a competitive advantage in the acquisition, support, and retention of customers in online environments.

"The online solutions that work, that drive revenue and attract customers, possess a combination of critical software product offerings in conjunction with an understanding of sales, marketing, and IT operations," added Chris Chodnicki founder of Bi4ce. "The merger will allow us to deliver on this powerful combination that our clients have been seeking."

About Round2 Communications

Round2 is a leading provider of high impact brand identities, award winning web and multimedia design, creative campaign development, and online, viral & traditional marketing communication plans. The firm's clients include Heineken USA, Black and Decker, BGE, and Laureate.

About Business Intelligence Force (Bi4ce)

Founded in December 2000, Bi4ce delivers inventive, database-driven software products and services using Web application technologies (such as Microsoft's .NET and its open-source counterpart, DotNetNuke) to help clients reach new business possibilities. The company's national portfolio includes GemStar TV Guide, Texas Instruments, Progress Software, and the National Security Agency (NSA).

The companies will operate in three locations Baltimore, MD, Columbia, MD and Mclean, VA with a merger of the Baltimore and Columbia offices early next year. The respective divisions will keep their current names under the umbrella of the parent company, R2.

CONTACT: Jason Policastro, +1-410-727-6855, Jpolicastro@stantoncomm.com,
for Round 2 Communications

Web site: http://www.round2online.com/