BASEL, Switzerland, Jan. 22, 2003 -- Novartis (NYSE:NVS) today unveils its new media database "media depot." At http://mediadepot.novartis.com more than 700 printable photographs, documents, video clips and backgrounders are now available, largely free of charge. Novartis is thus offering its media partners simple, efficient access to images for publication and to a wide variety of files.
After a brief registration procedure, the Novartis "media depot" can be used by journalists, picture editors, agency staff and partner companies. Users have the option of downloading or ordering on CD photographs in various resolutions, brief video clips and background information of all kinds, e.g. corporate publications and CVs of Executive Committee members. It is intended that the database will be expanded.
"Media depot" offers browser accessibility worldwide, user-friendly navigation tools and extensive search functions, together with customizable options for previewing and selecting images and documents.
"Media depot" was developed by Novartis in cooperation with Imagination GmbH, an international Internet and communication solutions corporation based in Zurich, with offices in the U.S. and Canada.
Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) is a world leader in pharmaceuticals and consumer health. In 2001, the Group's businesses achieved sales of CHF 32.0 billion (USD 19.1 billion) and a net income of CHF 7.0 billion (USD 4.2 billion). The Group invested approximately CHF 4.2 billion (USD 2.5 billion) in R&D. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ about 74 000 people and operate in over 140 countries around the world. For further information please consult http://www.novartis.com.