ZDNet Launches Prototype Broadband Web Site in the Form of a Comprehensive ZDNN Special Report
High-Speed Internet Connection Users Go To: zdnet.com
SAN FRANCISCO, June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Demonstrating the forthcoming impact of new high-speed Internet -- or ''broadband'' -- services, ZDNet (NYSE: ZDZ) today launched a prototype broadband-optimized Web site showcasing high-bandwidth content and innovation at its best. The site is in the form of a comprehensive special report created by ZDNN (the integrated ZDNet and ZDTV news team), including an in-depth overview of the coming broadband era, live Webcast coverage of a broadband conference, and a broadband super-guide answering a range of basic questions on broadband technology.
''Broadband is much more than the hottest new Internet buzzword,'' said Dan Farber, vice president and editor-in-chief for ZDNet. ''Even the skeptics believe broadband access will profoundly transform how businesses and consumers use the Internet. ZDNet attracts a technology-interested audience who turns to us to understand industry developments, and who will be the first on their block to crank up their bandwidth. Our broadband special report provides a glimpse of how ZDNet intends to deliver broadband content as the market for it expands.''
A new study by ZDNet InternetTrak (see related announcement) suggests that the number of users with high-speed access to broadband content via cable or DSL technologies could nearly quadruple over the next 12 months from 2.3 million (4 percent) to 8.6 million. This is equivalent to 15 percent of the estimated 58.4 million users who recently accessed the Internet from home.
As demonstrated by the broadband special report, ZDNet is uniquely positioned to help people understand the technology and implications of the broadband era, and to be a player as the broadband market evolves by providing optimized content and services. Because ZDNet content focuses on technology and the Internet, it attracts people who are interested in experimenting with and learning about the latest developments. In addition, ZDNet already integrates a wide range of audio and video coverage from its own award-winning editorial team, and from ZDTV, Ziff-Davis' 24-hour cable channel.
ZDNN Special Report Overview
The ZDNN Special Report, called ''World Wide Whoosh: How Broadband will Change the Web Forever,'' is available as both broadband-optimized content, and in standard Internet format, for access by people who do not have high-speed Internet connections. ZDNet built an innovative broadband interface for the special report, containing interactive graphics and video, and a range of interactive services, such as one-click access to videomail, quick-polls and TalkBacks.
ZDNet has also packaged the necessary range of software plug-ins to help visitors with Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator 4.X-versioned browsers optimize their computers for broadband content. Visitors with fast internet connections (T1 lines, cable modems, DSL or satellite) can immediately download the needed programs from the ZDNet Software Library. For full instructions on the plug-ins, a step-by-step downloading guide and links to the specific plug-ins, go to the ZDNet Broadband ''Splash'' page, at http://http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/special/broadband.
The report's content includes:
A news section consisting of a comprehensive overview and analysis of the broadband marketplace, a run-down of the companies that are emerging as the top players in the broadband market, and the outlook for broadband availability.
A live Webcast from this week's Broadband Content and Applications Conference, hosted in New York by ZD New World Networks, an arm of Ziff-Davis' Events division ( newworldnets.com ). Ziff-Davis developed the ZD New World Networks Conference Series to support the business and technical transformation of the telecommunications industry by providing education and community for the designers, developers and users of new, IP-based public networks.
A Broadband ''Super Guide,'' including: comprehensive background information on cable modems, DSL connections, and wireless; ZDTV's video coverage of its ''Fresh Gear'' program demonstrating broadband technologies and content; and a broad selection of broadband ''Frequently Asked Questions'' or FAQ's.
About ZDNet
Based in San Francisco, ZDNet (NYSE: ZDZ - news) develops and maintains the ZDNet Web site ( zdnet.com ), a leading source for technology and Internet content and commerce. By combining groundbreaking, interactive technology with editorial from its own award-winning editorial team and from Ziff-Davis' worldwide network of journalists, ZDNet produces original, compelling content and communities of common interests in technology. ZDNet is consistently ranked by Media Metrix as the number-one Web site in the News, Information and Entertainment category. ZDNet is a division of Ziff-Davis Inc.
About ZDTV
ZDTV is a 24-hour cable television channel about computers, technology, and the Internet. The channel appeals to a wide range of viewers from the computer novice to the technology expert. Produced in its own digital state- of-the-art studios in San Francisco, ZDTV's programming ranges from daily industry news to insightful features on emerging technologies. Specific shows include Internet Tonight, The Money Machine, ZDTV News, Call For Help, GameSpot TV, The Screen Savers, Fresh Gear, Big Thinkers, Computer Shopper, and Silicon Spin. As an integrated Web site to ZDTV, ZDTV.com enhances the television channel by providing dynamic, interactive programming that invites audience participation through the Internet. ZDTV, an affiliate of Ziff- Davis, is one-third owned by Vulcan Ventures.
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Although Ziff-Davis Inc. believes that the expectations reflected in its forward looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those expectations. Important cautionary statements and risk factors that would affect actual results are discussed in materials filed by Ziff-Davis Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the caption ''Risk Factors'' in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 which became effective on March 30, 1999.
SOURCE: ZDNet
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