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To: Night Writer who wrote (384)	5/14/2002 2:21:25 PM
From: PCSS	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 4345

Whirlpool Joins Internet Home Alliance 5/14/2002 12:10:00 PM BENTON HARBOR, Mich., May 14, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Whirlpool Corporation (WHR) announced today that it has joined the Internet Home Alliance, a nonprofit association of leading high-tech companies and consumer brands working to advance the market for consumer products and services in the Internet-connected home. In addition to Whirlpool, principal members include Best Buy Co., Inc.; Cisco Systems, Inc.; General Motors; Hewlett-Packard Company; Invensys; The NewPower Company; Panasonic (Matsushita Electronic Corporation of America); Sears, Roebuck and Co.; and Sun Microsystems. "The commitment of the industry leaders that are partnering with the Alliance helps ensure that in the future the Internet-enabled products made by all consumer companies will deliver real and beneficial differences in people's lives," said Jim Fanning, director of Whirlpool's Integrated Home Solutions program. "Membership in the Alliance will expand Whirlpool's already extensive knowledge about customer preferences when it comes to i-enabling their home appliances and about offering customers solutions to better manage their homes and families." Whirlpool has been developing and testing Internet-enabled appliances through its Integrated Home Solutions program. The company plans to launch its initial suite of i-enabled appliances in master planned communities later this year. As currently configured, an array of Whirlpool brand home appliances can be controlled by a portable Whirlpool(TM) Web Tablet, an Internet Web browser that provides Internet access from anywhere in the home. The tablet also gives customers control of their networked appliances, whether it is to activate and monitor them or to get helpful cooking and washing information. Among the Alliance's pilot programs are: -- OnStar at Home, providing consumers with an easy-to-use system to control home lighting, temperature and security through home and mobile computer system, and; -- Enhanced Educational Environment, aiming to make faculties and classes available on the Internet to commuter students at home. "We welcome Whirlpool's membership in the Alliance," said Internet Home Alliance President Tony Barra. "Like the Alliance and its members, Whirlpool sees a great opportunity for integrating the Internet into emerging home technology products. The company shares our belief that to be truly beneficial to consumers, these products need to be easy to buy, easy to use, and they must work together smoothly to make the consumer's life easier." Internet Home Alliance is an open, nonprofit association of leading companies working together to advance the home technology industry. In innovative pilot programs, Alliance members create and test new home technologies with broadband or persistent connections to the Internet. Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. Headquartered in Benton Harbor, the company manufactures in 13 countries and markets products under 11 major brand names in more than 170 countries. Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet at www.WhirlpoolCorp.com.