CORAL SPRINGS, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 22, 1999--
WebClassified.net, an Interactive Technologies.com, Ltd. company
(OTC BB: INTR) today announced a new Internet service that offers
localized, personally relevant content to WebClassified.net
subscribers. The new service, produced by Planet Direct, the Web's
leading personal online service, is now available free to
WebClassified.net's subscribers through a branded link on
WebClassified.net's home page.
With Webclassified.net's new personalized Web service,
subscribers will be able to create a personal start page customized
for their individual interests and local community. The first step
toward making themselves at home on the Internet will be as simple as
providing a zip code to access local weather, interest areas, and
events. Each member's start page will also feature a unique "Info
Center" - continuously updating the day's top headlines and stocks
while providing easy access to the Web's most popular links and
subject areas; including sports, entertainment, travel, weather and
more, plus access to a personalized investment portfolio and the
current chat and events online service.
The new WebClassified.net service, brings together the best of
the Web in a highly personalized format that makes getting the
information consumers need easy and meaningful. WebClassified.net's
service offers subscribers a growing set of personalized features,
integrating more than 100 brand name content and commerce partners.
The new personalized features for WebClassified.net subscribers
include:
-- A personal Email Center, allowing members to monitor and maintain
email accounts from any computer worldwide through Planet Direct.
-- Comprehensive financial and market information, including free
real-time stock quotes and a personal stock portfolio that allows
members to track investments.
-- A personalized calendar with self-programmed reminders.
-- A personal Info Center, delivering Reuters and New York Times
news in eight categories.
-- 24-hour weather updates plus four-day extended forecasts.
-- Online mapping and driving directions.
-- Topical information specific to more than 380 local communities.
-- A Friends Online instant messaging feature.
-- Personal and public chat rooms, plus other community building
tools such as discussion groups and online polling.
"Despite its dynamic growth, the Internet is still unfamiliar
territory to a large number of consumers, and endlessly surfing for
sites and information is frustrating," says Richard Orlando, vice
president of distribution for Planet Direct. "By partnering with
Planet Direct, WebClassified.net allows consumers to use the Internet
in a way that's relevant to their daily lives and specific to the
cities in which they live and work. This is a critical part of
providing an enjoyable Internet experience and fostering loyal,
long-term subscribers."
WebClassified.net joins other growing net-savvy consumers who
have discovered the value-added benefits of joining forces with Planet
Direct. The Planet Direct business model has been a powerful
proposition for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) across the country,
delivering highly personalized and localized content service with
features Internet users are looking for.
"This type of alliance is consistent with our mission to send our
members to the Web, instead of sending the Web to our members", says
William R. Becker, chairman and CEO of Interactive Technologies.com.
"Other Internet companies have created some interesting products and
services with no customer base to market to. We have the pleasant
problem of having access to millions of potential customers relying on
us to introduce the Internet product or service that fits their needs.
That is why we have chosen Planet Direct as one of our alliances to
accomplish our mission."
About Interactive Technologies.com, Ltd.
Interactive Technologies.com, Ltd. is a leading provider of
high-technology Internet business solutions. Its Internet company, Web
Classified.net, is an international provider of auto-generated
high-technology Web sites in an Internet yellow page-like format. Web
Classified.net hosts its operations at Florida's only Internet Network
Access Point (NAP), through United Interactive Technologies, Inc.
("UIT Net. World"), another Interactive Technologies.com company. The
UIT Net.World NAP is not congested and utilizes high-speed fiber-optic
connection to the Internet. UIT Net.World is a leading provider of
high technology Internet business solutions and e-commerce business
solutions. For additional information, please visit the company's
investor Relations Web Site at intrifo.com.
About Planet Direct
Planet Direct, a majority-owned company of the CMGI Internet
Group (NASDAQ: CMGI), is a personal Web service that tailors members'
online experience to their interests and local community while
providing necessary, everyday information such as news, weather,
financial data, calendars, and topical interest areas. Planet Direct
integrates brand name content with enhanced links to popular content
sites and other services, all presented logically and intuitively to
provide consumers with quick access to personal interests in a
community atmosphere. Planet Direct is distributed free through more
than 650 ISPs nationwide. To learn more about Planet Direct go to
planetdirect.com.
This release contain forward-looking statements which are based
on current information available to management and which are subject
to other important factors disclosed from time to time in the company
Form 10-k and Form 10-Q, Registration Statements and other Securities
and Exchange Commission filings, including specifically, among other
factors, changing market and economic conditions.
--30--emb/ny*
CONTACT: Porter, LeVay & Rose Inc., New York
Ken DiPaola, Sr. VP
Elisa Keys, VP-Media Relations
(212) 564-4700
or
Interactive Technologies.com Ltd., Coral Springs
Allan Brooks
(561) 994-0800 |
