Scientific-Atlanta Chosen by Wink as Systems Integrator for Multiple Launches of Enhanced TV
and E-Commerce Services
ATLANTA and ALAMEDA, Calif., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. (NYSE: SFA) announced today the company's Worldwide Services Group
has been chosen by Wink Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: WINK) to integrate its interactive TV services into five Charter Communications sites. Scientific-Atlanta
will provide systems engineering, installation, on-site technical support and project management to enable the roll-out of Wink's interactive application on
Scientific-Atlanta's Explorer(R) set-top and digital interactive networks.
"Our partners, customers and developers are leveraging Scientific-Atlanta's experience with complex IP-based digital networks to assist them in getting powerful
new applications in the hands of consumers," said Larry Bradner, Scientific-Atlanta's corporate senior vice president and president, Worldwide Services. "In
partnership with Wink, we are focusing on expanding the reach of enhanced TV and e-commerce services. Scientific-Atlanta provides a full range of innovative
professional services that help our customers design and deploy some of the most sophisticated and innovative networks in the world."
"Wink is moving aggressively to deliver interactive TV services to consumers over Scientific-Atlanta's Explorer set-tops and digital network," said Maggie
Wilderotter, president and CEO of Wink Communications. "As we deepen the relationship with Scientific-Atlanta's Worldwide Services Group, our two companies
are positioned to deliver to customers interactive TV services more quickly and efficiently than ever before."
Wink Gets Certified on Scientific-Atlanta's Digital Interactive Network This announcement follows Wink's certification on Scientific-Atlanta's digital interactive
network last fall and the commercial roll-out of Wink's enhanced TV and e-commerce application to digital customers over the Scientific-Atlanta Explorer 2000
platform in Charter Communications' Fort Worth, Texas system.
The Fort Worth system was the first Charter digital site to deploy Wink's service, with multiple sites scheduled throughout calendar year 2000. Through its
participation in Scientific-Atlanta's CreativEdge(TM) Developer Program, Wink completed certification of its enhanced TV and e-commerce applications on the
Explorer digital set-top and interactive digital network, readying the interactive application for commercial launch.
The Wink Enhanced Broadcasting service gives viewers a free and convenient way to interact with programs and advertisements while they continue to watch TV.
By clicking a remote control during an enhanced program or advertisement, the viewer can access program-related information such as weather, sports updates,
trivia and play-along games; request product samples, coupons and other free offers from advertisers; and use e-commerce functionality to make purchases instantly.
Scientific-Atlanta Worldwide Services Provides Multi-Vendor Support Scientific-Atlanta's service business has seen increased activity in recent months as
customers have upgraded networks and begun deploying new technologies and programming services. The company has implemented innovative programs including
a digital launch system that provides full-scale support to customers preparing to deploy Scientific-Atlanta Explorer digital set-tops and interactive digital services.
Scientific-Atlanta's Worldwide Services is positioned to offer a full range of services to support the design and implementation of hybrid networks that include
equipment and software from multiple vendors. Knowledgeable experts well versed in the complexities of today's sophisticated communications networks staff the
new business sector.
Services offered include turnkey construction management; network and system planning and design; testing and certification; project management; and training that
can be customized for delivery at the customer site or in Scientific-Atlanta facilities.
About Wink Communications, Inc.
Wink Communications, Inc. based in Alameda, CA, provides a complete end- to-end system for low-cost electronic commerce on television. The Wink Enhanced
Broadcasting? application allows advertisers, merchants, and broadcast and cable networks the ability to create interactive enhancements to traditional television
advertisements and programs. With a click of the remote control during an enhanced program or ad, viewers can use Wink to access program-related information,
purchase or request information about advertised products, participate in votes and polls, and play along with games and trivia tests. A complete list of industry
leaders who have adopted the Wink technology and additional information regarding Wink Communications is available at wink.com .
About Scientific-Atlanta
Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. (http://www.scientificatlanta.com) Scientific-Atlanta is changing the way consumers interact with their televisions through its Explorer set-tops
and end-to-end digital interactive network. As the gateway to a whole new generation of interactive TV, e-mail, Web-browsing, e-commerce and other services, the
Explorer set-top is expected to be a powerful new revenue-generating platform for network operators.
Scientific-Atlanta is a leading supplier of broadband communications systems, satellite-based video, voice and data communications networks, and worldwide
customer service and support.
"Forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 may be included in this news release. A variety of factors could
cause the Company's actual results to differ from the anticipated results expressed in such forward-looking statements. Investors are referred to the Company's
Cautionary Statements (Exhibit 99 to the Company's most recent Form 10-Q), which statements are incorporated into this news release by reference.
Explorer is a registered trademark and CreativEdge is a trademark of Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Wink is a registered trademark of Wink Communications, Inc. All other
products or brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. |
