ZD Net/Microsoft Network Edition Launched for Computer Enthusiasts
Microsoft and Ziff-Davis Interactive have launched ZD Net/Microsoft Network Edition, the leading source of computing content on MSN, catering to both new and experienced online users. This new service includes news, reviews, technical tips, buying advice, free or inexpensive downloadable software, interactive discussions, and special online events. It also features some of the first advertising available on The Microsoft Network, which is heavily integrated with Ziff-Davis' successful interactive advertising program on its World Wide Web site.
Key Takeaways:
- ZD Net/Microsoft Network Edition offers a comprehensive range of computing content, including news, reviews, technical tips, buying advice, and free or inexpensive downloadable software.
- The service features an integrated World Wide Web browser, allowing users to access additional magazine content, as well as other Ziff-Davis magazines located on Ziff-Davis' Web site (http://www.zdnet.com).
- ZD Net includes daily news feeds from PC Week and other weekly Ziff-Davis publications, providing users with the latest information on computing.
- The service offers special online events, including chats featuring Ziff-Davis editors and special guests from inside and outside the computer industry.
- Ziff-Davis Interactive will also provide special collections of shareware supporting other areas of the network.
- PC Magazine has hosted one of the most popular areas on MSN during its Beta test, featuring news, information, and live chats and interactive discussions about computing.
- Access to ZD Net/Microsoft Network Edition will be free to MSN members through the end of 1995.
Statistics:
- 300,000 members have access to ZD Net's content through multiple online services, including CompuServe, Prodigy, eWorld, and AT&T Interchange Online networks.
- Millions of people can access ZD Net's material through the Internet.
- Ziff-Davis offers 10 magazines (including PC Magazine, PC Computing, PC Week, Computer Shopper, and Windows Sources) covering various topics related to computing.
- Ziff-Davis Interactive has a successful online computing content business model with thousands of registered users on its ZiffNet trademarked online service.
Sources:
- ZD Net/Microsoft Network Edition Press Release (Aug. 24, 1995)
- PRNewswire: "Ziff-Davis Int'l, Microsoft Corp. to Launch Highly Credible Computing Content on MSN in Japan" (July 24, 1996)
- Ziff-Davis Interactive press release (August 24, 1995)
- Microsoft Corp.'s official website.