 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
New Hybrid Web/CD-ROM publishing software enables "push" of multimedia-enhanced Web content via CD-ROM
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- March 5 --MarketScape Inc. announced today a new version of WebCD(tm) software, the industry's leading hybrid Web/CD publishing solution. New features make it easy to combine Web content with multimedia presentations on a Net-connected CD-ROM. WebCD is used for interactive marketing and electronic publishing by leading firms including Microsoft, Intel, HP and The Cobb Group (Ziff-Davis).
WebCD combines the content, connectivity and browser interface of the Web with the speed, portability and capacity of CD-ROM.
WebCD v1.6 detects and optionally installs Shockwave for Director, Apple QuickTime 2.1.2, Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 and Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.01. WebCD works within Netscape Navigator if installed previously. With these commonly-used tools in place, anyone can browse multimedia-enhanced Web content without download delays, anywhere, combining the best of the Web and CD-ROM.
"The Web's culture of distraction makes it difficult for businesses to grab and hold customer interest," said Peter Hallett, director of marketing at MarketScape. "Our customers use WebCD to proactively distribute attention-grabbing Web content that leads buyers from product awareness, to preference, to purchase," Hallett said. "Electronic publishers are elated to develop content using HTML, add multimedia and deliver on both the Web and WebCD, dramatically cutting costs while increasing readership."
WebCD provides Web "push" delivery using the tried and true methods of direct distribution: the mail, co-packaging, retail channels, trade shows and sales calls. Businesses proactively deliver Web content to information consumers who browse the Web site on disc without download delays. Once in the consumer's CD-ROM drive, WebCD facilitates visits to specified locations on the Web for updates and transactions.
"We've found electronic media valuable for interactive product presentations," said Bob Berry, electronic commerce manager with Hewlett-Packard. "WebCD can let prospects experience our products much earlier in the buying cycle and at a much lower cost than traditional print and field demos." WebCD was picked to proactively push Web-based product information. Berry explained, "No matter how fast the Web eventually becomes, CD-ROM will always be much faster."
Multimedia support in WebCD v1.6 sparked Berry's interest. "We are using WebCD to build our Web site on CD-ROM, add multimedia content, add links to the Web and add search capability," he said.
MarketScape also enhanced WebCD Live-Links(tm), which Microsoft is using to attract users to their Web site. "Though the big files don't change frequently, we update the Site Builder site every day," said Mary Haggard, webmaster for the Site Builder Network. "WebCD's ability to jump directly to our live site helps users get up-to-date information. It provides the best of both worlds."
According to Hallett, "The combination of eye-popping multimedia, no-wait Web content and live-links to the Web via a connected CD can motivate and educate consumers more effectively than a printed page, Web site or standalone CD could achieve individually." Since WebCD delivers a fast Web shopping experience to consumers, Hallett added, "WebCD makes Web commerce practical today."
Other features in WebCD v1.6 include:
WebCD exploits three industry trends: First, the adoption of HTML as the electronic publishing standard, making the Web a content warehouse. Second, the Web browser has become the de facto standard interface for navigating interactive content. Third, fast CD-ROM drives are ubiquitous, ideal for high-bandwidth information access.
MarketScape, formed in 1995, is the leader in hybrid Web/CD publishing. WebCD, released in 1996, provides the easiest way to publish Web-connected CD-ROMs. The company is venture-backed and focused on solutions for interactive marketing and electronic publishing. Call 1-719-593-9890, visit www.marketscape.com or send email to info@marketscape.com.
| CONTACT: | MarketScape, Colorado Springs, CO
Peter Hallett 719-593-9890 peter.hallett@marketscape.com |
| URL: | http://www.marketscape.com |
| KEYWORD: | COLORADO |
| INDUSTRY KEYWORD: | Interactive / Multimedia, Software, Advertising & Marketing |
MarketScape is... | Product | News | Solution Partners | Contact MarketScape | Home