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COLUMBUS, OH, May 18, 1999 - CompuServe, one of the world's premier Internet services and the value leader in Internet access, today unveiled an entirely new Main Menu incorporating Macromedia's Flash technology, resulting in a media rich experience for members that is graphically appealing, but does not compromise CompuServe's tough standards for speed. The current version of the Flash technology, which was developed by Macromedia to help Web professionals create and deliver high-quality, high-impact Internet destinations, allows CompuServe to provide more vibrant content for its members while remaining bandwidth friendly. Working in tandem with Macromedia's Generator server technology, CompuServe's new Main Menu can be easily and frequently updated through simple changes to text documents. Currently, CompuServe also utilizes Flash technology in its best-of-breed Games Channel and has plans to further incorporate Macromedia's technology into other content channels. Also unveiled today, CompuServe has rolled out new daypart programming on the CompuServe Main Menu to better serve members' needs throughout a given day. For example, more business-oriented features will be showcased in the daytime hours, while more entertainment-focused stories will be highlighted in the evening hours. New daypart programming complements the Main Menu's already popular features that bring personalized and up-to-the-minute market information, local weather, news, and more than 20 channels of content to members each day. "Flash technology enables CompuServe to deliver top-level, up-to-the-minute content that is visually engaging, but doesn't sacrifice speed. The end result is an all new Main Menu that allows for better presentation and functionality," said Audrey Weil, General Manager of CompuServe. "The introduction of daypart programming further solidifies our ability to serve our audiences' growing reliance on CompuServe as a means to get information quickly and easily." David Mendels, Vice President and Co-General Manager of Macromedia's Web Publishing Group, said: "We are very pleased to be working with CompuServe to take its already top-notch Internet service to a whole new level. Flash technology will be the perfect solution for CompuServe to employ in its high-impact, vector-based Web page design. Generator helps ensure the content is always up-to-date." Members can GO: FLASH to upgrade to CompuServe's Flash enhanced Main Menu.