CALGARY, Canada, March 18, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Cybersurf Corp. (TSX Venture Exchange:CY), one of Canada's leading Internet technology companies today announced that it has signed an agreement with Google that will enhance the functionality of the company's 3webXS Internet service. Under the terms of this agreement, Google's award-winning search engine and highly relevant sponsored links have been added to the 3web Gateway (the first Web page 3webXS subscribers see when they go online). The addition of this new feature creates an enhanced online experience for 3web subscribers while adding incremental revenue to the Company's bottom line.
"As we approach the pre-marketing and deployment of our much-anticipated cable high-speed Internet product, we maintain our commitment to constantly improve our customers' online experience," said Paul Mercia, Cybersurf's President and CEO. "The addition of Google's search services to the 3web Gateway provides vital and powerful reference tools within the 3web gateway for both our dial-up customers and future high-speed customers."
By using Google's industry-leading search services with the 3web Gateway, Cybersurf has created an even better search experience for 3webXS subscribers in an effort to enhance brand loyalty and reduce a churn rate that already is below industry standard. Additionally, when 3webXS subscribers visit the 3web Gateway and search the Web, they view highly relevant advertisements provided through the Google Sponsored Links Program. Cybersurf receives revenue from Google if users click on these relevant advertisements. Through Google's advanced search technology, all 3webXS subscribers will have access to Google's index of more than 3 billion web pages. Google's search technology has earned numerous industry awards and citations, including three Webby Awards; three WIRED magazine Readers Raves Awards; Best Internet Innovation and Technical Excellence Award from PC Magazine; Top Ten Best Cybertech from TIME magazine; and Editor's Pick from CNET.
"We're thrilled to enter into agreements with one of the Web's most powerful players," continued Mr. Mercia. "We are committed to providing our 3web customers with the best possible online experience, and we're very pleased to bring the popular and highly useful Google platform to our users. Google's award-winning search engine is a great addition to the 3web brand, and already has started to generate revenue. This company shares our strong consumer focus, and by leveraging Google's technology and experience we can make 3web an even more vital and valuable service than it already is."
About 3web
3web Corp. is Canada's largest independent Internet service provider, having served hundreds of thousands of Canadians from coast to coast since 1998. Through its 3webXS service, 3web provides its subscribers with premium, unlimited Internet access at a fraction of the cost of other competing services.
3web provides service in 30 major centres including Barrie, Calgary, Chicoutimi, Edmonton, Gatineau (formerly Hull), Guelph, Halifax, Hamilton, Kingston, Kitchener, London, Montreal, Newmarket, Oshawa, Ottawa, Peterborough, Quebec City, Saint John, St. Catharines, St. Jer0me, St. John's, Sherbrooke, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Trois Rivieres, Vancouver, Victoria, Windsor and Winnipeg.
Canadians are invited to visit www.get3web.com to download the latest version of the 3webXS software. 3web also operates a national long distance service under the brand 3webLD.
About Cybersurf Corp.
Cybersurf operates through two separate wholly owned subsidiaries, Cybersurf Technologies Corp. and 3web Corp. Cybersurf Technologies Corp. is responsible for the development of Internet-related software products and services, and for all implementation and licensing initiatives pertaining to these unique technologies. The software developed by Cybersurf Technologies Corp. creates revenue opportunities for any Internet company focused on client acquisition, content delivery or advertising revenue, elements vital to any company in the Internet sector.
3web Corp. utilizes Cybersurf Technologies Corp.'s products and services in its national Internet service. 3web Corp. is the first business model to showcase the various proprietary software applications developed by Cybersurf Technologies Corp.
Forward-Looking Statements: This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and Cybersurf does not undertake an obligation to update forward-looking statements should conditions or management's estimates or opinions change.
For more information about Cybersurf and 3web, please visit www.cybersurf.com and www.3web.com.
Cybersurf's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX:CY).
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
For more information, please contact: investor.relations@cybersurf.com.