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Fun Characters and Scenes Burst Across the Computer Screen with Rich Animation and Sound

DULLES, VA -- May 22, 2003 -- America Online, Inc., the world's leading interactive services company, today launched AOL(r) Instant Greetings(tm), a new feature that combines two favorite online activities -- instant messaging and sharing greeting cards. AOL(r) members can send an unlimited number of free, animated and personalized greetings to others on the AOL service as well as to members of the AOL(r) Instant Messenger(tm) service with the same ease of sending an instant message.

AOL Instant Greetings are not displayed in a single browser window but instead move across the computer screen with rich animation and sound. With a selection of more than 150 characters and scenes, AOL Instant Greetings can be used for any occasion, whether to wish someone Happy Birthday; good luck; feel better; or just to let another person know "I'm thinking of you." They are also great for sharing everyday sentiments such as "feeling happy" or "having a bad day."

"AOL Instant Greetings really take advantage of the best that AOL offers -- fun, convenience and the connection among members -- and we know they'll make a lot of people smile," said Jim Riesenbach, Vice President and General Manager of AOL Core Products for America Online. "E-Greetings are a hugely popular online activity and with AOL Instant Greetings we're providing another way for people to stay instantly in touch, share everyday sentiments and commemorate any occasion. Over the years, we've also seen firsthand the power of AOL's instant messaging features and their impact on how people communicate. And now, as easily as sending an instant message, AOL members can share a personalized greeting that will animate immediately across the computer screen of their friend or loved one."

AOL audiences send more than one billion instant messages every day and more than 25% of AOL members are active users of online greetings, sending three million online greetings each month. More than 60 percent of AOL members on AOL 8.0 use the service's unique "expressions" features to personalize their instant messages and e-mails with animated Buddy Icons, Buddy Sounds, colorful backgrounds and stationery.

Sending an AOL Instant Greetings message is quick and simple. AOL members can select from dozens of greetings in a number of occasion categories -- from "Love and Caring," "Inspiration" or "Just Because." Members can further personalize their Instant Greetings message with their own text as well as preview an AOL Instant Greetings message before sending it. If the recipient is not online, the AOL Instant Greetings message can be automatically delivered via e-mail.

Receiving an AOL Instant Greetings message is just as easy. When an AOL Instant Greetings message is received, a window appears on the recipient's AOL or AIM? desktop, similar to an incoming instant message asking if he or she would like to accept the message. After clicking the "Accept" button, the Instant Greetings message automatically plays across the computer screen with entertaining animation and matching sounds, such as a cartoon dog jumping around and playfully barking, with text reading: "What's up, PARTY animal!" After viewing their greeting, AOL members can respond to an AOL Instant Greetings message by sending one of their own back to the sender.

So that AOL members are always on top of upcoming birthdays, anniversaries and other special events, the AOL? Alerts and Reminders feature makes it easy for members to set up personal reminders that are delivered online via an instant message or e-mail, or via a text message on a wireless phone. Available at AOL Keyword: Alerts, AOL members will never again forget to send a friend or loved one a special greeting.



Availability

AOL Instant Greetings messages are free to send and receive and are available now at AOL Keyword: Instant Greetings. AOL members using AOL 8.0 or AOL 8.0 Plus can send and receive AOL Instant Greetings messages. Additionally, AOL members using AOL 7.0 and AIM? users with version 5.1 or later can receive AOL Instant Greetings messages.

AOL Instant Greetings messages are best experienced with AOL? for Broadband, which makes sending and receiving messages even faster, and its always-on connection means messages will never be missed.

An electronic press kit is available at www.aolepk.com/aolinstantgreetings.