MindSpring Launches MindSpring Biz;
New MindSpring Biz sDSL Service Coming this Fall
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 21, 1999--National Internet
Service Provider, MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: MSPG), today
announced the launch of MindSpring Biz, a new division of MindSpring
that provides business customers with a complete package of Internet
access and Web-based tools for small businesses. Before MindSpring
Biz, small business owners were forced to use numerous vendors to
create an online presence that supported their growth. But now, with
MindSpring Biz's Internet solutions, small businesses have a one-stop
resource for everything they need to be successful online, from
dedicated Internet access to Web hosting, Web design and electronic
commerce - a first for the ISP industry.
"MindSpring Biz provides a starting point for our customers to be
successful on the Internet, as well as a migration path to support
their needs as their business grows, all backed by MindSpring's high
caliber customer service and support," said Ed Douglas, vice president
of sales and marketing, MindSpring Biz. "With the number of small- to
medium-sized businesses using the Internet expected to double next
year, MindSpring Biz is well-positioned to become not only the
industry leader, but also the brand name of choice for small business
Internet connectivity and productivity."
High Speed Internet Access
New to MindSpring Biz is a series of high speed Internet access
products including sDSL and dedicated Internet access. The new
MindSpring sDSL service offers small business owners a high speed,
always-on connection to the Internet at a fraction of the cost of a T1
line. Because the service is delivered over a traditional phone line,
it offers SOHOs an affordable entry point to high speed and dedicated
Internet access. With sDSL or Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line,
customers can download and send information simultaneously over the
same high speed connection. MindSpring Biz's new DSL service will be
offered over Covad Communications' (Nasdaq: COVD) networks, and will
be initially launched this fall in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta
and Dallas. MindSpring also plans to offer its sDSL service over Covad
networks in additional markets by 2000. The Covad DSL network is the
largest in the U.S., currently reaching more than 13 million homes and
businesses.
"MindSpring sDSL is a low-cost, high speed alternative to a T1
line or an ISDN service," said Greg Stromberg, executive vice
president, MindSpring Biz. "The solution is perfect for small business
owners that frequently transfer large files or download content-heavy
material from the Internet. Business owners will find the connection
comparable to Frame Relay, with download and upload speeds of up to
1.1 megagbits per second, or up to 40 times faster than a traditional
28.8 kilobit per second analog connection."
MindSpring's NetDirect product line provides a full range of
scalable, dedicated Internet access services for businesses, from
56Kbps, ISDN and Frame Relay to a Flex and Full T1 line. NetDirect
provides full-time connectivity for businesses that need fast and
reliable Internet access for multiple users on a LAN, or to support
Web and e-mail servers. NetDirect dedicated services give businesses
the power to host their own Web site, drive e-commerce, and use
important communication tools such as e-mail, video conferencing and
file transferring. In addition, MindSpring's dedicated services are
backed by MindSpring's industry-leading Service Level Agreement that
guarantees 99.5% service availability on a monthly basis.
Web Hosting, Web Design and E-Commerce
MindSpring Biz's new series of Web hosting plans have been
restructured to include an affordable entry point for small business
owners that are establishing their first Internet presence.
MindSpring's multi-tiered Web hosting options help customers easily
transition from a simple Web page, designed and hosted by MindSpring,
to a sophisticated electronic commerce-driven virtual store. In
addition, MindSpring's customer service and support team is available
24/7 to help customers decide which MindSpring Biz Web hosting plan is
right for their business. The online e-commerce design wizard asks
specific questions to help site owners determine the options they
need, then guides them through the ordering process. MindSpring's
proprietary Web Site Control Panel and Web-based back office store
administration tools allow owners to grow their Web site with just the
click of a mouse.
MindSpring's Web hosting solution features Microsoft Front Page
2000 server extensions, domain name registration, Web site design,
storefront/back office applications, e-mail services, bundled Internet
access, search engine registration, encryption security certificates,
and credit card and online payment processing services. Small business
owners may order MindSpring Biz products now by calling 1-888-MSPRING
or by visiting MindSpring's Web site:
business.mindspring.com.
About MindSpring
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: MSPG) is a leading Internet
service provider focused on delivering outstanding service and support
to its customers. By following its Core Values and Beliefs, MindSpring
is committed to doing an exceptional job of serving its customers, its
employees, its owners and its community. MindSpring's dial-up
subscribers can browse the World Wide Web, send electronic mail,
participate in informative online chats and access over 20,000
newsgroups. MindSpring offers local Internet service in 775 locations
throughout the United States. MindSpring also is a leading provider of
Web Hosting services and domain registrations. |
