PRODIGY releases enhanced version of its Internet Newsgroup Reader

Business Wire, April 10, 1995

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 1995--Prodigy Services Company today unveiled an enhanced version of its popular Newsgroup Reader, which will provide PRODIGY members with faster and easier access to the Internet's USENET Newsgroups. The new release includes:

o Advanced Threading Functionality -- Unlike the previous Reader that restricted viewing to 100 Newsgroup articles at a time, the new Reader will display up to 1,000 threads containing thousands of articles. This allows users to scroll through all requested articles at the click of a mouse, greatly reducing their online time. Threads are also sorted alphabetically, which makes finding favorite subject matter a snap.

o Windows Control Functionality -- The new Reader now supports standard Windows control functionality. This allows users to, among other things, select multiple articles and binaries for viewing and downloading. For instance, a member can now select all parts of binary file, name it once, and download it for offline viewing. Previously, a user was required to open, name and download each part of the file separately.

The Newsgroup Reader upgrade, on demonstration this week at the Internet World trade show in San Jose, Calif., will be downloaded to existing PRODIGY members the next time they access USENET Newsgroups. New subscribers will automatically receive the enhanced version the first time they enroll in PRODIGY's Newsgroup Reader.

In a related announcement, Prodigy also has introduced a low-cost combo PRODIGY/Internet pricing plan. The new 30/30 Plan provides 30 hours of monthly usage for $30. That $1/hour rate includes access to the PRODIGY service and its Internet offerings.

Anyone can subscribe to PRODIGY by calling 1-800-PRODIGY (1-800-776-3449). Software is shipped free. First month's fee is waived and 10 free hours are provided to explore the service and the Internet.

Prodigy Services Company is a partnership of IBM and Sears.

CONTACT: For press information only, contact:

Mike Darcy, 914/448-8846, darcy(at symbol)prodigy.com