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AltaVista Unveils MicroPortal, A Revolutionary Web Application

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

AltaVista, a pioneering online media and commerce network, has introduced the AltaVista MicroPortal, a groundbreaking downloadable application that provides users with a personalized desktop window to premier AltaVista services. This innovative platform allows users to browse the web and use other desktop applications while maintaining a dynamic information window, offering real-time updates on news, weather, sports, and stock information. The AltaVista MicroPortal is the world's first micro-browser that can be accessed as a separate desktop window, regardless of the user's browsing location or desktop activities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AltaVista MicroPortal is a downloadable Internet application that provides a personalized desktop window to premier AltaVista services, including search capabilities and customizable information.
  • The service is accessible to any user with Internet Explorer version 4 or higher installed on their PC and will be made available by the end of July.
  • Users can pre-register for the service by visiting www.microav.com and earn electronic cash by using the service and following directions supplied.
  • AltaVista will give away an Internet record $5 million in AltaVista Shopping.com electronic cash certificates to first-year AltaVista MicroPortal users.
  • The AltaVista MicroPortal is designed to support AltaVista's goal of creating the most satisfied, brand-loyal user audience and will be part of the premier AltaVista Network that will add several new services throughout 1999.
  • The service will enable users to conduct keyword and stock quote searches without disrupting their browsing and other desktop activities.
  • AltaVista is offering the first program of its kind to reward loyal users for their usage of the AltaVista MicroPortal, by presenting multiple opportunities throughout the day to click on and earn electronic cash awards.

Statistics:

  • The AltaVista MicroPortal will be accessible to over 10 million Internet users immediately after its launch.
  • AltaVista will give away $5 million in electronic cash certificates to first-year users, with the amount increasing each month as the number of registered users grows.
  • The AltaVista MicroPortal will provide a wide range of constantly updated useful information, enabling users to stay apprised of the latest news, weather, sports, and stock information.
  • The service will be made available by the end of July and will be accessible to any user with Internet Explorer version 4 or higher installed on their PC.

Sources:

  • "AltaVista Company Announces AltaVista MicroPortal, Internet's First Down-loadable Micro-Portal Window to Relevant Content." Business Wire, June 28, 1999.
  • "AltaVista Unveils MicroPortal, a Revolutionary Web Application." AltaVista Company Press Release, June 28, 1999.

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