The newly formed strategic marketing outfit, Marketsmith, West Milford, NJ, has signed a contract with Acxiom/Direct Media, its first client.

Marketsmith will focus on technology, modeling and "innovative list hygiene processes," according to a published statement. Marketsmith founder Monica Smith told DIRECT Newsline she will also work on new business development and alliances, such as the Acxiom-Abacus Direct liaison announced May 13.

"Acxiom/Direct Media have been so focused on development that they have not educated the direct marketing community as to the numerous tools that are available today through them collectively," Smith said in a statement. "It will be the focus of Marketsmith to let the clients and the community know that technology is no longer a barrier."