CCGI and CMGI partnership. Sounds good to me. Jeff
CMGI) Networks On-Line and CMGI Subsidiary Planet Direct Announce Agreement
BUSINESS WIRE - September 28, 1999 13:34
HOUSTON, Sep 28, 1999 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Networks On-Line Inc. (NOL) -- a subsidiary of ComTech Consolidation Group Inc. (OTCBB:CCGI) today announced launch of a new Internet service in partnership with Planet Direct, a subsidiary of CMGI Internet Group, (NASDAQ:CMGI) to offer localized, personally relevant content to subscribers.
The new service, produced in a partnership with Planet Direct, the Web's leading personal online service, is now available free to NOL subscribers through a branded link on NOL's home page.
With NOL's new personalized Web service, NOL's 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 on the service.
The new service, produced by Planet Direct for NOL brings together the best of the Web in a highly personalized format that makes getting to the information consumers need easy and meaningful. NOL'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 NOL 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," said Jeff Cunningham, chief executive officer and president of Planet Direct. "By partnering with Planet Direct, NOL 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."
NOL joins growing ISPs and 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 ISPs across the country, delivering highly personalized and localized content service with features Internet users are looking for.
"Our partnership with Planet Direct allows NOL to provide 'Best of the Web' local and national real time information via our Web site www.nol.net," stated Don Brown, president of Networks On-Line Inc. "NOL evaluated several content partners but selected Planet Direct based on their extensive but easy to use content portal approach and their ad revenue sharing program."
"Since NOL's deployment of DSL in conjunction with Southwestern Bell (NYSE:DSW) our subscriber's can now down load their 'Best of the Web' content at speeds of 50 times faster than a 56k modem. NOL's ability to deliver its users the content they demand across its high speed DSL network is a key factor in the company's growth and customer retention strategy."
For more information on how to access the new Internet service please contact NOL's Customer Service desk at admin@nol.net or 713/554-7100, www.nol.net.
About Networks On-Line Inc.
Networks On-Line Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary company of ComTech Consolidation Group Inc., www.ccg.net, provides DSL Internet access, Internet video conferencing service, Web hosting and ecommerce solutions to the greater Houston and Galveston, Texas areas. The company's Web site can be viewed at www.nol.net.
About Planet Direct
Planet Direct, a wholly owned subsidiary company of the CMGI Internet Group, 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 PARTNERs nationwide. To learn more about Planet Direct go to planetdirect.com.
About CMGI
A recognized leader in the Internet arena, CMGI combines operating companies with strategic venture investments to create a diverse set of businesses delivering Internet solutions. Microsoft, Intel and Sumitomo hold minority positions in CMGI. The CMGI Internet Group consists of its majority-owned subsidiary companies: ADSmart, Engage Technologies, NaviSite, NaviNet, Planet Direct, Magnitude Network and ZineZone.
The company's CMG@Ventures affiliates have ownership interests in Lycos Inc. (NASDAQ:LCOS), blaxxun, GeoCities (NASDAQ:GCTY), Vicinity, ThingWorld.com, KOZ, Silknet, Chemdex, Speech Machines, Softway Systems, TicketsLive, Critical Path, MotherNature.com, Raging Bull, Universal Learning Technology, Visto, Virtual Ink, Ancestry.com, ONElist, Furniture.com and Asimba. CMGI also includes CMG Direct, SalesLink, InSolutions and On-Demand Solutions as majority owned subsidiaries in the direct marketing, fulfillment and turn-key arenas.
Corporate headquarters is located at 100 Brickstone Square, Andover, MA 01810. Telephone: 978/684-3600. Fax: 978/684-3814. Additional information is available on the company's Web site, cmgi.com. |
