Snap To Offer New Multimedia Online Shopping Service

Web surfers equipped with high-speed Internet connections will be able enjoy new multimedia-based online shopping sites, to be offered through Snap’s upcoming portal, named “Cyclone.” Snap is an Internet portal from NBC and CNET.

Initial e-commerce and shopping partners for Snap “Cyclone” will include iVillage Inc., Preview Travel, and Tower Records, with others to be announced. These online shopping sites will utilize Cyclone’s multimedia capabilities to showcase and sell their goods and services.

In addition, the new multimedia portal will include content from CMP Media’s TechWeb, CNBC/Dow Jones Business Video, CNET, MSNBC, The Rolling Stone Network, SonicNet, Sony Online Entertainment, and Total Sports.

Following the industry trend of combining TV and Internet content, Snap “Cyclone” will be integrated into all NBC Television Network and CNBC analog and digital enhanced telecasts.

The company has also set deals with high-speed ISPs to deliver Web traffic to its virtual doors. The “Cyclone” service initially will be carried by GTE InterNetworking, SBC Internet Services, Bell Atlantic Internet Solutions, Epoch Internet, JPSnet, DSLnetworks, EastLink Cable, and Triax Communications.

Cyclone E-Commerce Debuts

Tower Records

Tower Records, the world’s largest independent music retailer, will become the premier music retailer on Snap “Cyclone.” The record company will enable Cyclone users to preview Tower’s music inventory, and sample every track from every featured album online at “virtual listening stations.” Tower will also supply Cyclone with other content, including material from its Pulse! Magazine and Tower’s Top 1000 Album Chart, offering special features that take advantage of the multiple media format.

iVillage

iVillage, an online network targeted at women aged 25 through 49, will offers its iBaby store on Snap “Cyclone.” iBaby offers more than 20,000 products from 200+ manufacturers. iVillage will also provide content in the areas of family, health, work, money, food, relationships, shopping and travel.

Preview Travel

Preview Travel, a provider of online travel services for leisure and small business travelers, will enable Snap “Cyclone” users to view travel videos online, from its extensive Video Gallery. Users with high-speed connections will be able to plan and research their travel destinations online, and then purchase travel services over the Internet.