BT: David Pincott, BT Internet & Multimedia Services, +011 44 171-492-8470,
[email protected]
USWeb/CKS: Tim Shorrocks, USWeb/CKS, +011 44 193-226-7799,
[email protected]
BT and USWeb/CKS to Provide Online Retail Consulting Services
BT and USWeb/CKS sign up first customer, Next PLC
LONDON - February 1, 1999 - BT (British Telecommunications PLC) and USWeb/CKS (Nasdaq: USWB) are launching a consulting service for online shopping initiatives to enable retailers in the United Kingdom to benefit from the rapidly growing electronic shopping market estimated at $1.7 billion (�1 billion) this year, according to a recent report from Verdict Research.The new service has already signed up leading High Street and home shopping brand, NEXT, as its first customer.
BT's Internet & Multimedia Services division and USWeb/CKS in the UK, an Internet technology and marketing communications firm, will offer a range of online services from strategic planning to technology design and implementation to help retailers develop and maximise their online presence.
The new consulting service offering will typically begin a project by analysing the retailer's existing business processes, customers, infrastructure, technology and branding. This provides a comprehensive strategy and platform from which to develop an action plan integrating both marketing and technology related issues.
The service also develops strategies and systems that will enable secure and rapid purchasing, confirmation and order tracking, as well as audience and brand development through one-to-one relationship marketing. These strategies are supported by integrating existing sales and marketing systems with easy to find and use Web sites, as well as measurement and analysis tools.
BT and USWeb/CKS also have technology alliances with Microsoft and Compaq which provides the service offering with technology to help clients build customised IT systems that support their online retailing strategies.
Neil MacDonald, general manager, business internet services of BT's Internet & Multimedia Services division, said, "online shopping in the UK is growing rapidly and is forecast to be a market worth $10.2 billion (�6 billion) by 2003, according to Verdict Research. Britain's retailers risk being left behind in the electronic retail revolution as half have no online presence and many sites that do exist offer no way for the customer to buy online. BT and USWeb/CKS are providing online shopping consulting services that will help retailers take advantage of the booming electronic economy."
Neal Gandhi, client services director at USWeb/CKS, commented that "around 15 percent of the UK population now have internet access, which is comparable to the US about two years ago. Increasingly, we see US retailers aggressively targeting the UK through the Internet. Fletcher Research reports that US retailers already have one third of the UK's online sales market, with this share set to grow considerably over the coming months. The time has come for UK retailers to have an effective online presence that is fully integrated with their other marketing initiatives. USWeb/CKS has a strong track record in the UK and US in online shopping. With clients like Levi Strauss and Dockers, we will bring the benefits of our experience to leading UK retailers."
About BT
BT's Internet & Multimedia Services division provides a broad range of online services for consumer and business use. The BT product portfolio includes:
o BT Internet - provides a range of Internet services.
o Click+ - pay-as-you surf Internet service with no registration, fixed term contracts or monthly subscriptions.
o Talk21 - a free email address service.
o Connect to Business - a range of Internet services enabling UK independent businesses to communicate, find information and promote products and services
o WebWorld - a World Wide Web site hosting services that offers site design and management.
Other joint venture initiatives include:
o Experienced internet users a personalised and content-rich starting point on the Web.
o LineOne, a web-based service offering Internet connection and online UK focused content.
o BiB, - providing 'Open' digital interactive television services.
About USWeb/CKS
USWeb/CKS is a professional services firm that works with companies to define strategies and implement innovative ways to build their businesses by combining the expertise of strategy, Internet technology and marketing communications. USWeb/CKS helps clients differentiate their products and services, strengthen customer relationships, leverage human capital, and improve business efficiency in the new electronic economy.
With more than 2,000 professionals world wide, USWeb/CKS has helped hundreds of businesses advance their marketing communications programs as well as IT infrastructures and Internet systems - everything from brand development and advertising to business process automation and e-commerce solutions. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. UK offices for USWeb/CKS are in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. Additional information about USWeb/CKS is available at uswebcks.com.
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" (as defined under securities law) regarding USWeb/CKS' work with clients in the online retail and e-commerce markets. There can be no assurance that these projects will be successful or that they will contribute positively to the company's results of operations. Further, these projects do not necessarily indicate that the company will be able to secure additional similar projects. For additional information about factors that could affect the business of USWeb/CKS, see the documents filed by the company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.