Webthreads' breakthrough development tool ships: Delivers unmatched levels of Internet...

VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 11, 1996--Webthreads l.l.c., a spin-off of Image Communications, today announced the immediate general availability of Webthreads, a critical new software solution that transforms the Web into a truly individualized and interactive environment.

Webthreads

is the only product to provide an integrated solution for dynamic updating; customized interactivity; robust tracking; and reusable software development on the World Wide Web -- enabling businesses to achieve new levels of accountability, customer targeting and responsiveness.

"Webthreads has enabled our beta customers to benefit from a customized and integrated solution for enhancing the capabilities of their Web sites," said Jeffrey Spillers, Webthreads vice president, business development. "Webthreads is the missing piece needed to create viable business applications on the Web, from customer service to database applications."

"Webthreads is a total solution that goes far beyond visitor logging and tracking," said Nathan Kurz, manager of applications development, Tripod Inc. "Using Webthreads, we can decide what information a visitor will be exposed to, rotate ads and customize a site on an individual user basis. And because it offers so much functionality in one package, programmers can spend less time writing custom code and more time developing solutions critical to solving business needs."

Previously, the technology limitations on the World Wide Web made it difficult and virtually cost prohibitive to develop truly interactive Web sites. Webthreads breaks through these barriers, enabling businesses to dynamically individualize communications with customers based on their actions and choices.

"Webthreads addresses a critical business need," said Scott Nelson, research director at Gartner Group. "It provides a platform for developing higher level Web-based business applications, many of which -- such as marketing -- directly impact the success of a company. Using Webthreads, companies can develop strategies which integrate Web-based applications with their existing business-critical applications with the goal of creating a total technology solution."

"Webthreads opened up many exciting possibilities for what was originally going to be a static Web site," said Mark Henderson, president, Backpackers.com. "I was impressed by its advanced functionalities, such as its ability to develop sites responsive to individual visitors and its ability to maintain state. Many innovative features, such as our free email for travelers, have been made possible using the product. Webthreads is helping us build one-to-one relationships with our visitors."

Because companies can employ these powerful capabilities without changing any of their existing Web site technology or configuration, Webthreads is easy to implement and protects the existing technology investment. Webthreads works with any browser and server software.

Flexible Solution

Webthreads is a multi-tiered product designed to meet the requirements of every user level -- from Web site managers and HTML designers with no programming experience to sophisticated information systems programmers. At the first level, Webthreads provides accurate reporting of individual users and their actions on the site. At the second level, Webthreads enables HTML designers to build a site that engages interactivity and dynamic updating in real-time. At the highest level, Webthreads provides an environment enabling companies to field reusable and portable on-line information systems using the Web as a medium, providing tremendous cost and time savings.

Pricing and Availability

The basic two-tiered tracking and dynamic updating package with full documentation, priced at $895, is available immediately through the Internet. Customers can download a thirty-day trial copy of the software from the Webthreads site at www.webthreads.com. To purchase the product, customers can call Webthreads toll free at 888-847-3348. The professional developer's package, which includes the third product tier, will be available next quarter and pricing will be announced at that time.

Company Background

Webthreads, based in Vienna, Virginia, is the developer of a breakthrough tool that transforms the Web into a viable business environment by bringing accurate tracking, true interactivity and customization capabilities, and web-based code reuse to the Web development process. Webthreads is a spin-off of Image Communications Inc., a full service marketing communications agency that uses advanced technology tools to provide comprehensive planning, design and production of on-line, interactive and printed marketing collateral. Image is well recognized for creating marketing initiatives through kiosks, CD-ROMs and Web development for companies such as IBM Corporation, Mobil Corporation, Lillian Vernon, America OnLine, MCI and Glaxo Wellcome.

CONTACT: Alys Reynders/Stacia Anson

Miller/Shandwick Technologies

(617) 536-0470

areynders@miller.shandwick.com

sanson@miller.shandwick.com