SAN FRANCISCO and REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 14, 2000 — CNET Networks Inc.’s ZDNet and MSN today announced a strategic alliance making ZDNet the premier provider of technology information and services, including buying guides, to MSN® Computing Central, Microsoft’s online resource that helps people stay current on computing news and products, solve technical problems, share or develop ideas and expertise, and meet other computer enthusiasts. The companies are teaming up to establish one place on the Internet where consumers can go to get computing information that helps them make smart buying decisions and be more productive using technology in their everyday lives.
As part of the agreement, ZDNet and MSN have formed a content development team dedicated to providing customized packages of ZDNet information and services on MSN Computing Central, beginning later this month. The MSN Computing Central site will include ZDNet’s technology news, product reviews, downloads, and help and how-to content. This team will create computer hardware and software product buying guides that will help the MSN audience make faster, more informed buying decisions for technology products and services.
“MSN is dedicated to providing the richest and most relevant online offering to consumers,”
said Brad Chase, senior vice president of the Personal Services and Devices Group at Microsoft.
“By teaming with ZDNet to deliver the latest technology information, we are adding to the depth of content that makes MSN a natural home on the Web for consumers.”
“Technology-interested users look to ZDNet for the latest technology information,”
said Barry Briggs, president of CNET Networks Media Business Unit.
“The expansion of our relationship with MSN will give ZDNet increased brand awareness and extends the reach of our computershopper.com buying services to the important, active MSN Web audience.”
About ZDNet
ZDNet ( http://www.zdnet.com/ ) operates the world’s leading network of Web sites for people who want to buy, use and learn about technology. Winner of the Computer Press Association’s Best Overall Online Site Award for two consecutive years, ZDNet Sites consistently ranks among the top 20 Web properties in the United States in unique visitor reach, according to Media Metrix. ZDNet’s headquarters are in San Francisco.
CNET Networks Inc.
CNET Networks Inc. (Nasdaq
“CNET”
), is the global source of technology and commerce-related information, data, exchanges and services. As a top 10 Internet company with operations in more than 23 countries and 16 languages, CNET Networks connects buyers, sellers and suppliers throughout the IT supply chain with award-winning content via the Web, wireless devices, television, radio and print. Its respected brand portfolio includes CNET.com, ZDNet.com, mySimon, News.com, TV.com, Computer Shopper magazine, SmartPlanet.com, and CNET Radio, as well as CNET Channel Services, including CNET Data Services, CNET Media Services and CNET Apollo. The company’s vision is to educate and empower people and businesses by unlocking the potential of the technology world to make things easier and faster, and by helping them to make smarter buying decisions.
About MSN
MSN gives consumers a new home on the Internet — a central place where they can get everything they need from the Web and make the most out of their time online. With more than 210 million unique monthly visitors, the MSN integrated network of content and services is the most popular destination on the Internet. MSN is available in 33 markets and in 17 languages — a broader global presence than any other portal. MSN takes advantage of the Microsoft .NET Platform to offer leading services, any time, any place and on any device, with the most integrated and personalized user experience for communications, search, shopping, personal finance and entertainment. MSN Internet Access and the recently introduced MSN Explorer offer the quickest, most personal and exciting ways to get on to and take advantage of the Web. Best-of-breed services include the MSN Hotmail® Web-based e-mail service, the world’s largest e-mail system; MSN Messenger Service, one of the fastest growing instant messaging services on the Web; MSN Search, the second most popular online search service; MSN Mobile, the customizable wireless information service; the award-winning MSN MoneyCentral™
online personal finance guide; MSN eShop, the one-stop online shopping resource; and MSN Custom Web Sites, the easy way to share information on the Web. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/ .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
Microsoft, MSN, Hotmail and MoneyCentral are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft® Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.
