"I write this message to you in my capacity as President of the GUAM ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® as well as a real estate professional, REALTOR, e-PRO, and former computer programmer.

A few years ago our board of REALTORS® began a search to improve services to our members by upgrading/updating our MLS platform. We spoke with representatives of several MLS providers and had the good fortune of running into your firm, represented by Mr. Steve Schlangen.

There were many challenges associated with our search for a solution. I have listed the major requirements below in the order of importance to our organization.

First, we wanted to work with a company that could provide outstanding technical/customer support DIRECTLY to our REALTOR® members. We are small board with limited resources and could not afford to hire a full-time technology person to handle member support calls, etc. for system based questions. The first thing Mr. Schlangen did was make sure the FBS toll free support lines would work for Guam. We tried the lines and they worked. Second, we verified support operating hours and we were excited to find that our members would have until 11AM Guam Time (Tuesday through Saturday) time to speak with a live support person to resolve technical issues.

Second, we wanted all of the technical matters associated with the system to be handled by the MLS provider... hosting of the service, maintenance, backups etc. Mr. Schlangen proposed a specific server hosted solution at your firm that would be specific for our board that would handle our requirements and would not conflict with processing on your servers that you utilize for other boards.

Third, we wanted the MLS Vendor to come to travel to Guam to provide training and consultation directly to our REALTOR® members. FBS Data Systems again came through and Mr. Schlangen himself agreed to fly to Guam and train our members on the FLEX MLS system. This was no small feat as Guam is several times zones and thousands of air miles from Fargo. Thank you to Mrs. Schlangen. By the way, this was the first time in our Board's 30 year history that an off-island vendor had committed to this level of support and direct interaction with our entire membership.

Fourth, we wanted a proven software solution. Our present system was proprietary and any changes to data structures, field additions, even simply changing the log-on message would involve extra charges and long lead times. We were excited that the FLEX MLS solution would provide our board with the ability to add fields, additions to pick lists, create reports, data views at OUR direction and discretion AND without paying high fees or waiting for scheduling, etc. We could also add/change multiple log in messages OURSELVES and provide our MEMBERS with easy to find internet links outside the system to help with their daily tasks. We also liked the fact that would have a central platform (the INTRANET feature) where we could place HELP documents and other reference items that could be easily retrieved directly by our members.

Fifth, we wanted proof of the proven software solution. We were provided with references and all references that we called were pleased with their FLEX MLS solution.

After several months of reviewing the system and asking more questions and always receiving prompt and concise answers our Board of Directors agreed to engage the services of FBS Data Systems to provide our REALTORS® with an MLS solution.

Our Board empanelled several committees to develop file and field specifications to address the presently defined requirements as well as allow flexibility for future needs. The resulting specifications were forwarded along with sample data files from our current system to FBS Data Systems programmers for further analysis. We were then introduced to a wonderful woman by the name of Colleen Philips who would help us to realize our dream of the Guam FLEX MLS System.

I personally worked with Colleen over the next several months in finalizing the database structures, testing sample data conversions, etc. until the day came when our system went 'LIVE'. As a former programmer having worked on many data conversions, I realized (as most should) there would be a few bumps in the road. Colleen diligently worked to resolve any challenges that popped up. She is eager to make everything work just right! Like everyone else we have had the opportunity to work with at your firm, Colleen is a true asset to your organization.

We have been using the system for just over a year now and our members have commented favorably about the direct support they have received when communicating with your organization. The after-sale, after-install support that we have been receiving from your organization has been outstanding.

Mr. Wurzer, there are many people in your organization that have contributed to our present satisfaction level with FLEX MLS. Please extend our thanks to those names we've heard, Melanie, Mike, Steve (#1 and #2), Wendy and all the others that are THERE for us.

We are proud of our new system... and our members are truly taking ownership of what they now call simply their "FLEX".

In order to insure data integrity during the first several months of our system lauch we set our system to require password changes every 14 days. Recently one user was requested to change her password and accidently forgot the new password that she entered. She's a busy REALTOR® . She called me up... and said, HELP! I need my FLEX! HELP! I need my FLEX! I helped her change her password and she was relieved to get back her FLEX!

Indeed, air, food, water, shelter and FLEX. These are the neccessities of REALTORS® everywhere.

Got FLEX? Guam does and we are proud of our FLEX!

This letter was prompted, by the way, from another wonderful experience with your staff earlier today.

Anthony Godwin, President

GUAM ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®