Above the Treeline has announced that the data analysis provider recently began field-testing its new online, interactive catalogs with publishers and booksellers.

Several Christian publishers, including Thomas Nelson and Tyndale House Publishers, will participate in the testing of Edelweiss—launched Nov. 1 and endorsed by the American Booksellers Association (ABA).

The service reduces the expense and environmental impact of printing and mailing catalogs, while improving sales force effectiveness for publishers, Treeline officials said. Edelweiss also allows retailers to manage their catalogs easily in a single online library as well as integrating orders and bibliographic information back into their point-of-sale (P.O.S.) systems.

"Instead of just porting catalogs designed to be viewed as hard copies online, we've used the opportunity to really redefine the new title buying experience in an optimal way for both buyers and sales reps," said Above the Treeline CEO John Rubin.

Participating retailers will be identified over the next two months, and after six months, Above the Treeline will release the next version of the application for wider rollout, company officials said.

"The development of interactive catalogs offers both publishers and booksellers new efficiencies and flexibilities, and Edelweiss allows every bookseller, regardless of size, the ability to participate," said Avin Domnitz, CEO of ABA.

Thomas Nelson Vice President of Design and Multimedia Group Gabe Wicks added: "We're truly excited about being part of what we hope turns into a paradigmatic shift for our industry. Paper catalogs tend to be outdated the second they're off the press yet we've come to expect that weakness as simply a 'given' in the book world."

For more information about Edelweiss, click here.

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