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Introduces New $9.95 Pricing for 20 Hours of Connect Time For Charter Members Nationwide Roll-Out Over Next Three Months To Make It Simple for Internet Users to Get Connected COLUMBUS, OH, February 22, 1999 -- CompuServe today announced the official launch of CompuServe 2000 -- the brand's most significant software upgrade ever -- to offer adult consumers faster Internet connections through V.90/56K bps access, easier installation and registration, expanded customization options, more powerful e-mail features and simpler navigation. CompuServe also announced that charter members can take advantage of a competitive new pricing offer: $9.95 for 20 hours of connect time with each additional hour billed at less than 5 cents a minute. Additionally, CompuServe 2000 members can choose from a monthly or annual unlimited plan. Mayo Stuntz, Jr., President of CompuServe, said: "CompuServe 2000 is the best Internet service for adults who are busy enough to demand the easiest, most useful online experience. CompuServe 2000 not only offers significantly faster connections, easier e-mail and simpler navigation, it is now more Internet value for $9.95 than any other major ISP." To build momentum around the introduction of CompuServe 2000, CompuServe is also initiating a multi-million dollar brand-building advertising campaign that will appear on cable television, radio and in print. CompuServe is also putting in place an aggressive marketing campaign that includes the distribution of CD-ROMs through targeted marketing efforts. Additionally, through an agreement with Barnes & Noble, CompuServe 2000 disks will be available at Barnes & Noble's more than 500 retail stores across the country from April 1st through June 30th, 1999. Through this special offer, consumers who sign up for and stay on CompuServe for a specified amount of time are eligible for a $25 gift certificate redeemable at Barnes & Noble stores. "We're on a roll at CompuServe, and CompuServe 2000 is the latest example of how we're raising the CompuServe brand to a higher level," said Stuntz. "In less than a year, CompuServe has forged major alliances with blue chip names like MCI WorldCom and The New York Times, signed top-notch advertising deals, and significantly boosted usage. With CompuServe 2000, we're heading into 1999 with real momentum -- and a first-class product that meets the needs of our 2 million members and appeals to adults who are ready to take the Internet plunge for the first time." CompuServe 2000: Tailored For The Fast-Growing Adult Internet Market According to Jupiter Communications, as many as 17 million people - many of them adults -- will get online by the end of 1999. And, in a recent Roper Starch study of U.S. Internet users, 73% of those surveyed said they consider themselves novices or intermediate-level users. CompuServe developed CompuServe 2000 to meet the specific needs of the growing audience of online adults. In addition to input from existing members, the majority of which are adults 35-54, CompuServe conducted hundreds of usability tests with adult consumers, as well as multiple one-on-one user interviews, focus groups and beta tests. Audrey Weil, Chief Operating Officer for CompuServe, said: "We're on the eve of a dramatically improved CompuServe. CompuServe 2000 is for grown-ups who want fast solutions to manage their busy lifestyles -- from content to commerce to connectivity to customer service." CompuServe 2000: Faster Connections, Easier E-Mail and Simpler Navigation CompuServe 2000 delivers a relevant, full Internet service for users who want serious and timely information, in-depth research and professional communities backed by state-of-the-art technologies, including high-speed access, easier e-mail and simpler navigation. The next generation software experience starts with a new, streamlined look, simplified registration, and easier installation. Getting on and getting around will be faster and more dynamic as well, with nationwide V.90 / 56K bps access and more local points of presence. CompuServe 2000 also offers: State-of-the-Art E-Mail Features, including spell-check and the ability to format and send pictures and multiple attachments in e-mail messages. Integrated Contact List and Instant Message feature makes communicating and staying in touch with colleagues, friends and family a snap. New, Customizable Toolbar offers members seamless connection to sites within the service or on the Web that can be customized for weather, quotes and news. New Main Menu is cleaner and more functional and offers a continuously updated news ticker with headlines from the Associated Press, market analysis from CBSMarketWatch.com, personalized news folders, in addition to access to CompuServe's 20 Channels of information, content and services. Five Member Names per account; each member name represents a separate e-mail address and has its own password for privacy. New, shorter cs.com domain name. New, Alphabetized Address Book allows members to store all the information they need about personal or business contacts, including names, e-mail addresses, and pictures for those with trouble attaching names to faces. Seamless Internet Access and integrated Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 SP1, a new Internet Gateway, www.CompuServe.com, CompuServe Internet Search, and tools and 10 megabytes of free space to make a small business or personal Web page. Switch Member Names Without Disconnecting allows members to move between member names without redialing. Multi-dial Capability allows members to establish settings for national and international locations. CompuServe E-Mail Scheduler makes it possible for members to schedule the automatic downloading and sending of e-mail messages, as well as newsgroup articles, periodically throughout the day. Live, Online Member Support gives members direct access to member support while online and receive feedback. Powerful Security Features such as 128-bit encryption create a safe, protected environment for surfing the Web, shopping or making financial transactions online. Bob Kington, Vice President and Executive Producer for CompuServe, said: "In addition to our software upgrades, CompuServe continues to offer such exclusive and premium areas as Executive News Service, Computing Pro, financial and business research resources, and CompuServe's Forums. CompuServe today offers an even greater range of new content through alliances with CNET, CBS.MarketWatch.com, CBS SportsLine, BankRate.com, The Dow Jones Publication Library, and The New York Times Electronic Media Company." Other highlights of CompuServe 2000 include quick access to online trading, travel information and reservation services, and a Shopping Channel with more than 100 brand name merchants - all backed by a CompuServe quality guarantee. Digital City, CompuServe's local source, will also continue to provide locally relevant news, weather, community resources, entertainment and commerce in 60 cities across the country. New Software Geared Toward Busy Professional Lifestyles CompuServe 2000 offers several advantages for busy professionals, CompuServe's core audience. First, CompuServe 2000 makes it easier, more flexible and secure to switch between dial-up and LAN connection to simplify access from work as well as home. And, CompuServe 2000's multi-dial capability allows members who are on the road to establish and store settings for multiple locations -- nationally and internationally. Finally, CompuServe offers the convenience of checking account, debit card, credit card and invoice billing. CompuServe will extend its commitment to serving business professionals in 1999 by launching a series of initiatives to provide comprehensive, customized services to key professional markets, like healthcare professionals, lawyers and small business owners. CompuServe has already had great success in serving such specialized markets, such as the airline industry for which CompuServe has developed its Crew Services offering, which helps airline personnel arrange and manage their flight scheduling. Recently, CompuServe also forged a strategic alliance with WebMD, the leading online brand for healthcare professionals, to provide a co-branded CompuServe service for the more than 700,000 physicians who do not currently use an Internet service meaningfully in their practices.