Excite@Home, Cisco, Com21, General Instrument, Hewlett-Packard, Hitachi, Intel, Samsung and Showtime Networks Team to Bring Leading Broadband Internet Products & Services to Consumers
CHICAGO, Ill -- June 14, 1999 -- Excite@Home (Nasdaq: ATHM), the leading provider of broadband Web services and open access to the Internet via the cable infrastructure, and Cisco Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today announced the "Cable Internet Revolution Expo," a traveling exposition of broadband Internet products and services. Building on the success of last year's tour, the Expo will increase its market presence, visiting 20 shopping malls throughout North America, and could reach more than one million consumers. Consumers will be able to experience how high-speed access to the Internet through cable is making the Internet a more important force in people's daily lives. The "Expo" will provide consumers with the opportunity to experience the power of high-speed Internet services, test drive cable modems, and sample other leading broadband related products that enhance consumers' experiences on the Internet. Consumers will be able to see how broadband can change the way they view and interact with communication, information and entertainment services.
"The mall environment is a great way to showcase the choice, performance and reliability of DOCSIS-based cable modems from our partners in the Cisco NetWorks program," said Robba Benjamin, vice president and general manager of Cisco's Consumer Line of Business. "Cable operators and consumers alike will be able to see for themselves how these modems can enhance communications, entertainment and information services."
"The Cable Internet Revolution Expo is one of the most innovative consumer marketing programs in the broadband industry today," said Dean A. Gilbert, senior vice president and general manager of Excite@Home. "By bringing the @Home service directly to busy malls, consumers can experience what cable Internet products and services have to offer. They'll be able to see how these services can help all members of their family - whether it's getting help with homework, keeping up with the latest news, weather and sports, finding recipes, or purchasing gifts online. Through this exposition, we're dramatically increasing awareness and understanding of how much more productive and fun the Internet can be when it's delivered over cable."
The Expo will begin on June 16, 1999 and continue through the beginning of November. Sponsors joining Excite@Home and Cisco Systems include: Com21, General Instrument (GI), Hewlett-Packard, Hitachi (NYSE: HIT), Intel and Samsung; leading content companies including Travelocity and Segasoft's Heat.Net; and the premium cable network, Showtime Networks, Inc. Com21, GI and Samsung will be showcasing DOCSIS-compliant cable modems that are expected to be available in retail outlets later this year. Hitachi will be the exclusive display provider featuring its cutting-edge flat panel monitors and its 36" multimedia vision TV/monitors. Intel and Hewlett-Packard have teamed up to show off the power of Intel's Pentium III Processor in the HP Pavilion personal computer line. The content sponsors will be showcasing multimedia features and compelling online entertainment content including video-on-demand, animations, near CD-quality audio and enhanced multiplayer games.
@Home's marketing programs have proven the effectiveness of hands-on demonstrations to promote the benefits of cable Internet products and services. "The Cable Internet Revolution Expo" sponsors are encouraging the adoption of high-speed residential Internet access in several ways, including their own product developments and through relationships with service providers and product manufacturers.
Also adding to the momentum of the "Expo" is the marketing support of multiple system operators (MSOs) affiliated with @Home, such as AT&T Broadband & Internet Services, Bresnan Communications Company, Comcast Corporation, Cox Communications, Garden State Cable, Insight Communications, InterMedia Partners, Jones Intercable and Suburban Cable who will support each local event by executing aggressive advertising, direct mail, telemarketing and promotional offers.
Additional information about the tour is available at the Cisco/Excite@Home Cable Internet Revolution Expo Web site at http://www.home.com/expo.
About Excite@Home
Excite@Home (Nasdaq: ATHM) is a global media company based in Redwood City, Calif. Through the company's narrowband portal, Excite, and broadband services, @Home and @Work, the company uniquely offers consumers content and interactive services across both narrowband and broadband, and advertisers highly targeted marketing solutions across all platforms of delivery. Leveraging the high-speed, always-on attributes of cable, Excite@Home empowers unique multimedia applications that go beyond current Web experiences. The company will combine the Excite brand - one of the best known names on the Internet with 70 percent recognition among Web users - with @Home's broad distribution - a worldwide footprint resulting from its agreements with 21 cable companies, to deliver on its vision of "All Band, All Device, All the Time."For more investor information about Excite@Home, please call our stockholder services hotline at 1-888-924-9248.
Brand recognition statistics quoted are from Frank N. Magid and Associates, Inc. (1/99).
Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is theworldwide leader in networking for the Internet.Cisco, Cisco Systems and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
