PALO ALTO, Calif., July 21, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- MessageCast, Inc., a provider of automated messaging environments for broadcast IM, today announced it is teaming with Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:MSFT) to offer a free three-month trial of its "zero development" MessageCaster(tm) business solution for Microsoft .NET Alerts.
.NET Alerts is an innovative service from Microsoft that allows businesses to send instant message (IM) alerts to their customers' desktops and cell phones. According to Microsoft, .NET Alerts are 10 times more effective than email in gaining customer response since consumers must opt into receiving Alerts, assuring they do not receive unwanted messages. Today there are over 100 million active Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger users.
MessageCast has created a "zero development" environment for .NET Alerts. Wrapped in an easy-to-use application, MessageCaster lets businesses create, broadcast, store, report, and manage IM alerts and notifications without expensive or time-intensive programming.
To enable businesses to experience the benefits of .NET Alerts and the MessageCaster Editorial Edition, Microsoft and MessageCast will waive all fees to these services for three months. At the end of the trial period, there is no obligation to continue. Sign-up for this promotional offer expires August 31, 2003.
".NET Alerts help businesses build deeper customer relationships through more effective and timely enterprise communication," said Umaimah Mendhro, product manager for Microsoft .NET Alerts. "We're excited to work with MessageCast to offer companies an automated messaging environment for .NET Alerts."
With Microsoft .NET Alerts and MessageCaster, businesses can keep their customers up-to-date at a moment's notice with an easy-to-use application. Intelligent routing rules allow customers to request that alerts be sent as instant messaging (IM) notifications on their computer or to their cell phone, wireless PDA, or email when they are away from their desktop.
"There is no easier way to tap into Microsoft's Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger services, one of the largest IM networks in the world," added Royal P. Farros, CEO of MessageCast, Inc. "It's great to be working so closely with Microsoft to help businesses utilize this huge new communications channel in a completely effortless way."
Companies currently offering .NET Alerts include United Airlines, Nasdaq, eBay, MSNBC, MSN Shopping, and Expedia.com.
To learn more about this free, no obligation trial period, please visit http://microsoft.order-6.com/netalerts/netalertslanding.asp?ref=url.
More information on Microsoft .NET Alerts is available at http://www.microsoft.com/net/services/alerts/.
About MessageCast, Inc.
MessageCast, Inc. was formed in 2001 and is a pioneer in automated messaging environments for broadcast IM. Investors include Mobius Venture Capital and Rembrandt Venture Partners.
For more information on MessageCast, please see http://www.MessageCast.net or contact Trial3@MessageCast.net.
MessageCast is a trademark of MessageCast, Inc. Microsoft, MSN, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Survey source: Microsoft Corp.