Big Planet and InfoGear Bring the 'Net into Your Home with the iPhone
October 12, 1998 PROVO, Utah, and REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 9
/PRNewswire/ via NewsEdge Corporation -- Big Planet(TM)
today launched the iPhone(R) at its Fall '98 Conference in
Orem, Utah. The iPhone is an award-winning Web-phone
based on technology and services developed by InfoGear(TM)
Technology Corp. that allows users to communicate through
the phone to receive e-mail, get information from the World
Wide Web and conduct e-commerce transactions from a
single device. Distributed through Big Planet's nationwide
distribution network of 40,000 independent representatives,
the iPhone adds an exciting new product to Big Planet's
Internet product line.
The iPhone brings the power of the Internet into the daily
lives of a large new audience by providing an affordable and
easy-to-use alternative to the Internet. Introduced at a
promotional price $299, Big Planet will distribute the iPhone
for $200 lower than the current retail price. iPhone can be
purchased through a Big Planet representative or through its
Web site at www.bigplanet.com.
"The iPhone is an important addition to our product line of
Internet access devices because of its affordability and
ease-of-use," said Richard King, president of Big Planet. "We
are committed to offering products, such as the iPhone, that
enhance the way people learn, communicate, work, shop and
play in their everyday lives."
"We believe the network marketing channel is a superb
channel for Web phones at this time. As a new device, the
iPhone is best appreciated when the customer gets to see,
touch and use the phone while having it explained to them.
Big Planet's independent representatives have the training
and ability to make this happen," said Ed Cluss, CEO of
InfoGear Technology Corporation.
Big Planet customers who use the iPhone can expect the
following benefits and features:
-- Easy-to-Use: The iPhone is easy to learn and use. Simply
tapping the
iPhone's touchscreen gives users one-touch access to the
Internet and
email without having to learn complex programs or configure
software or
hardware.
-- Convenient: The compact, modern design of the iPhone,
coupled with a
slide-away keyboard and built-in monitor enable users to
place the
iPhone conveniently on a kitchen counter or desk, eliminating
the need
for a large computer table and bulky computer monitor.
-- Affordable: The iPhone is less expensive to maintain than a
computer.
Simple in design, the iPhone has all the software and
hardware
necessary to access the Internet, eliminating the need for
costly
additions and upgrades.
-- Fast Access: Always ready, the iPhone can log on to the
Internet faster
than most computers. In just 30 seconds, users can be
connected to the
network and downloading e-mail, looking up an address, or
checking on
late breaking news.
About Big Planet
Big Planet, a Provo, Utah-based InterNetworking company, is
an innovative provider of communications and technology
products and services for individuals and small businesses.
InterNetworking is the next revolution in direct marketing,
combining the power of one-to-one relationships with the
emerging global Internet opportunity to improve the way we
Learn, Communicate, Work, Shop and Play.
Through Big Planet's network of Independent Representatives,
the company offers an array of integrated, high quality,
technology products that combine new levels of customer
value to capture key customer connections to the home and
small office with services such as Internet access, dynamic
web pages, voice/data communications, e-commerce,
education and more. For information about Big Planet and its
products and services, please visit the Big Planet Web site at
www.bigplanet.com, or call 801-345-7000.
About InfoGear
Founded in December 1995, InfoGear Technology Corporation
is a privately held Silicon Valley technology company that
licenses its client/server architecture and hardware reference
design to consumer product manufacturers and Internet
Service Providers. The client side includes software and
hardware reference designs and a graphical user interface.
The server software includes a network management
package. InfoGear also partners with content providers and
other technology companies to provide complete solutions for
communications-based Internet Appliances. InfoGear has
developed the iPhone, the award winning Internet screen
phone, in conjunction with CIDCO Incorporated, which
provides manufacturing and distribution. In addition, InfoGear
provides custom content solutions. Visit InfoGear on the
World Wide Web at infogear.com.
SOURCE Big Planet |
