The Information Services division designs and maintains technical systems in support of every realm of AKC activity, and defines and implements information-management strategies.

A conspicuous success in 2005 was the launch of the Event and Awards search mechanism at akc.org. The tool allows fanciers to easily locate plans for future events, and awards and results from past events, in the conformation and companion event realms. The program was received with great enthusiasm by the fancy.

Enhancements to the online dog-registration system were introduced. The streamlined process, driven by personal identification numbers, was developed by ISD staff and implemented in August. Generally, online registration services were monitored and improved, with the help of customer feedback, throughout 2005.

Online dog registrations continue to grow at a slower but steady rate: 4.5 percent of dog registrations were done online, but the number for the month of December climbed to 14 percent.

The AKC web site receives 1.5 million visitors and 15 million page views a month. More than 40 percent of 2005's litters were registered online.

Fanciers and novices alike visit the site for its vast storehouse of information, but also for breaking news. Reports of hurricane-relief efforts were updated daily, and developments in the PAWS legislation story were posted as they happened.

Sales at akc.org of dog-related merchandise, as well as electronic statistics packages, pedigrees, and dog-ranking and dogs-defeated reports, continue to be a source of alternative revenue. New online in 2005 was the AKC Official Litter Certificate for breeders. The certificate traces three generations of a litter's lineage.

Also in 2005: the complete redesign of the AKC Canine Health Foundation web site, preparing a "dashboard" system that will allow senior staff to track productivity of AKC departments daily, and the completion of a major technology-infrastructure upgrade.