Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) is soliciting proposals until Sept. 1 from independent testing laboratories to conduct certification testing of its members' HVACR equipment for the 2005 test year.

Intuit announced the release of Intuit Eclipse 8.0 software, which includes applications that address business processes including general ledger, warehouse logistics and customer relationship management.

The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) launched a Web site, www.ari.org/cert, that contains information about ARI's certification programs including: detailed program descriptions; consumer tips on utility rebates, the benefits of purchasing ARI-certified equipment and the difference between certified and rated products; a section where independent laboratories can solicit bids for conducting product performance testing of HVACR equipment for the 2005 testing year; frequently asked questions; and a link to PrimeNet, ARI's online database of product performance equipment and certified directories.

Technology is becoming more widely accepted in the distribution industry, however, many distributors are still relying on more traditional methods to complete everyday tasks, according to a recent survey by the American Supply Association (ASA) Center for Advancing Technology.

Prophet 21 released Knowledge Management Center 4.0, the latest version of its executive information data warehouse software.

Sanyo Electric Co. will begin offering a residential fuel cell system in April 2005.

HydroTherm launched www.hydrothermkn.com, dedicated exclusively to the company's new KN-10 gas-fired, commercial boiler.

Agilisys Inc. announced it acquired NxTrend, a provider of enterprise commerce management software.

DDi System released version 16 of its Distribution Management software.

The Build.com Building and Home Improvement Network announced the network has new resources including Plumbing.com, designed to be a supplement to the site's users' usual buying sources.