AOL tops December Web ratings
By Frank Barnako, CBS MarketWatch
Last Update: 5:18 PM ET Jan 20, 1999
Listen to Internet Daily
America Online's Web properties again hold the title for most visited sites in
December, according to the latest Media Metrix research report released
Wednesday. AOL's sites reached 54.5 percent of Web users at home and
work during the month, up from the November level of 53.8 percent. The
balance of the top 10 trafficked Web sites includes: Microsoft (MSFT), Yahoo
(YHOO), Lycos (LCOS), GeoCities (GCTY), Netscape (NSCP), Excite (XCIT),
Walt Disney (DIS), Infoseek (SEEK) and Blue Mountain Arts. In November,
Netscape ranked seventh and Excite was sixth -- positions they traded in
December. New on the list was e-commerce site Bluemountainarts.com,
bumping AltaVista. Media Metrix estimated the total number of unique users
on the Web during the month was 56.7 million people.
Among individual Web sites, Media Metrix rated AOL.com, Yahoo.com and
GeoCities.com as the top three sites for at home users, and Yahoo.com,
Netscape.com and AOL.com for at work access.
Something old, something new, something wired
America Online (AOL) launched a wedding information channel featuring
e-commerce partners galore. Programmed primarily by Web-based The Knot
Inc., wedding planners can find articles and advice, a bridal gift registry for
Macy's, a database of 8,000 wedding gowns from 160 designers, honeymoon
trips and tools such as a budget planner and a checklist of things to do in
advance of the big day.
USWeb/CKS adds international offices
USWeb/CKS Corp. (USWB), an Internet professional services company
targeted to business users, acquired companies in France and Canada. With
the acquisitions of Sysicom of France and Internetworking Systems Group
(ISG) of Canada, USWeb/CKS will have international facilities in six
countries. Sysicom and ISG are experienced in communications and
information systems, network organization and work group automation.
Online sellers claim sales records
Travelocity.com reported what it said was an online record in booking "more
than $9 million in sales" for the week ending Jan. 10. Parent company The
Sabre Group (TSG) also said the site has more than five million registered
users.
New York-based Pegasus Internet Inc. said it saw revenue climb as much as
600 percent during the holiday season with online ticket sales for venues
such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Lincoln Center. Parent
company Marketing Services Group Inc. (MSGI) said 80 percent of its
customers during the period were first timers.
Netscape launches Y2K site
Netscape Communications Corp. (NSCP) today announced the launch of a
Web site focused on problems associated with what's become known as the
Year 2000 problem. It's available at home.netscape.com. "I
welcome Netscape's efforts to provide businesses and consumers
information on the Y2K problem through Netcenter," said John Koskinen,
chair of the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion. "I encourage
others to follow Netscape's lead and support the exchange of information
about Y2K experiences and solutions." The page offers lists of links for
government, international, business and consumer sites related to the Y2K
problem.
Reel.com raises flag for independents
Online video e-tailer Reel.com opened a section of its Web site devoted to
independent, international and cult films. CEO Julie Wainwright called the
"Off Hollywood" section a vehicle to alert consumers to new talent and new
films. A film festival section will highlight events from around the world, and
include news coverage and industry gossip from festivals in Cannes,
Sundance and Toronto.
1999 'pivotal' for Internet
The bell is tolling for companies' opportunities to utilize the Net for their own
growth and profit. Exodus Communications (EXDS) CEO Helen Hancock said
this year will be critical, for it may be the last chance for companies to get on
the Net and gain a competitive advantage. Exodus' business includes
production of Web pages for clients including Lycos Inc. and Yahoo Inc.
(YHOO). Hancock said her company is seeing 40 percent quarter-to-quarter
growth.
Broadcaster plans Web-based video shopping show
National Media Corp. (NM) said it will produce an Internet-based interactive
shopping program. Broadcast.com (BCST) will stream the "Everything4Less
Show," which is expected to begin within three months. It'll feature "blowout"
prices on name brand products in a talk radio format, the companies said.
"Cybercasting of talk radio programs is the next evolution of the format," said
NM's CEO Stephen Lehman. "This is a perfect vehicle for easily and
cost-effectively leveraging and promoting our e-commerce platform." Jacor
Communications Inc. (JCOR), owner of 244 radio stations, has equity
positions in both National Media and Broadcast.com. Its CEO called the
Web video/network radio simulcast "a great opportunity to create a business
platform which incorporates our investments."
Healtheon says docs flock to Web
Internet usage by physicians has increased 300 percent over the past two
years, according to research from Calif.-based Healtheon Corp. The study
reported doctors' interest in using the Net to access clinical and patient
information. More than 25 percent of the physicians complained about a "lack
of meaningful network content and services," which held back their online
usage. Healtheon is developing Web services catering to healthcare providers
and consumers.
DoubleClick renews AltaVista ad deal
DoubleClick Inc. (DCLK) said it signed a new three-year advertising services
agreement with Compaq Computer-owned (CPQ) search and content service,
AltaVista. DoubleClick will deliver advertisements for the site, and handle
domestic and international ad sales. The new agreement has undisclosed
economic terms similar to an earlier agreement and is binding on both parties
for the three-year term. |
