Previously, the Business Network had been a part of AT&T's Interchange proprietary online service. The announcement marks the next step in the previously announced transition of the Business Network from Interchange to the Web; a process that started last January, Newsbytes notes.

In an interview with Newsbytes, Kolowich said the Business Network Webbased service is different from Web search engine services or directory services in that it is devoted exclusively to business. "By mixing consumer and business applications" like search and directory sites tend to do, "the value to the business user gets compromised," Kolowich said. "In order to get to valuable business information, business people have to fight through a morass of information that was designed for consumers."

Among other offerings the Web site will feature "Business Bookmarks," containing reviews and links to what AT&T calls the "best 1000-plus business" Web sites. AT&T's Lead Story site will also be a part of the Business Network, officials said. Lead Story daily features one business or general-interest topic, and provides in-depth coverage of the story of the day.

While the site is currently free and supported by advertiser revenue, registration is required for certain specialized services. Over time, subscription or other content fees will be charged for additional services, Kolowich said. Already announced today, MarketPlace Information Corp. is one service provider that will offer premium services over the AT&T Business Network, officials said. The "Marketing Service Network" is a database of marketing services needed to plan and execute direct mail and marketing programs. The other service, "Market Analysis Reports," provides in-depth views of markets by variables like type of business, number of employees, revenue, and geography.

The AT&T Business Network will remain on Interchange until the proprietary online service ceases to exist in September, Kolowich added. On the Web, the Network can be found at URL (uniform resource locator http://www.bnet.att.com/ . Newsbytes reported on the network's relocation to the Web in today's main edition.

(Bob Woods/19960617/Press Contacts: Lisa Landa, 617-252-5211, or Jennifer Christensen, 617-252-5477, both of AT&T New Media Services; Janice Brown, Janice Brown & Associates, 603-764-5800. Public Contact: AT&T Business Network, 800-660-2299)