Mainstream Online MSN-Ready For Job Seekers, HR Professionals, People Seeking Career Advancement, Entrepreneurs and Employers; "MSN Platinum Provider Ready with Unique Stores for Microsoft Network; Stresses Quality Content From over 30 Providers as Keys to Success"

Business Wire, August 28, 1995

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 28, 1995--Mainstream Online, a Microsoft Network (MSN) content aggregator, Monday announced that its five superstores are ready to go on Aug. 24, 1995 with Microsoft's Windows 95 launch.

Mainstream Online's five superstores are made up of a Career Center, Human Resources Center, Learning Center, Personal Development Center and Entrepreneur Center.

In each of the five superstores, users will have easy access to unprecedented information never before available on-line. "We have been building applications and integrating content for The Mainstream Superstores for over 20 months," said Daniel Cahn, Mainstream Online's Chief Operating Officer. "And users can expect to find the top organizations in the field represented in these superstores."

Imagine tapping into the MSN and finding out what businesses are for sale around the world -- some of which will surely surprise you. That's what the International Business Brokers Association is looking to do, according to Fred Zirkle out of Spokane, Wash.

"Mainstream Online has been aggressively developing their area on MSN," said John Williams, Group Manager, Market Development Division for The Microsoft Network.

"We're pleased to see the needs of HR professionals, Employers, Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs being met through Mainstream's use of MSN technology."

The Magellan Group in Nepean, Ontario, will be delivering the opportunity to users to purchase tickets to seminars featuring America's finest Personal and Business Development speakers including Anthony Robbins, Deepak Chopra, Paul Ritter and Ms. Giselle Briden. "The Microsoft Network will give our business global exposure, and we will be in a position to offer our clients unparalleled service," said Salim Khoja, Chief Executive Officer of the Magellan Group. "We expect our business to increase 30% as a direct result of being part of Mainstream Online's Personal Development Center on the MSN."

Pinkerton Security & Investigation Services was founded in 1850 by the original "private eye," Allan Pinkerton, but looks at MSN as a new opportunity for growth. "Pinkerton historically has marketed our services to Fortune 500 companies, and this venture opens up a new medium to reach key decision makers at their desktops," said Michael Stugrin, vice president of marketing of the Pinkerton Services Group. "It opens the door for small businesses to also benefit from our diversified services which address vital workplace issues. It's exciting for Pinkerton to be on the cutting edge of on-line business services, which should experience tremendous growth in the future."

Even the International Franchising Association (IFA) will feature its "Franchising On-Line" for entrepreneurs providing information about franchising, one of the fastest growing segments of the American economy -- 40% of all retail sales, or about $800 billion. The IFA will include its "Franchise Opportunities Guide" which provides comprehensive information about many franchise businesses, news, trends, books, and chat conferences. "We are excited about being in Mainstream Online's Entrepreneur Store...the Microsoft Network opens the door for millions of people to learn about the world of franchising, and thousands of opportunities for business ownership and personal advancement," said John R. Reynolds, Executive Vice President for the IFA.

DataTech Software will help people find jobs in both the Federal Government and the private sector with a one-stop shopping concept providing job listings, employment and financial products including `You're Hired!' -- the first automated job search and resume program, a `Quick & Easy Federal Jobs Kit,' `Rich and Retire' - a retirement planning product and more. Career Communications, Inc., will provide a 24-hour service, job hotline telephone directory of numbers from across the United States.

"The MSN is a terrific opportunity for us to get our recorded jobline telephone numbers in the hands of people who already know the importance and value of using technology in the job search," said Steven Wood, President of Career Communications, Inc.

Ornel Publishing, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario has created the Internet Job Finder that directs users to the best Internet and commercial on-line service job centers that provide both appropriate job listings and helpful hints to landing the best jobs. Ornel Publishing has been a major information provider to human resources professionals for 15 years conducting seminars and producing newsletters. CAPCO: The Capability Corp., located in Spokane, Wash., has created an entirely new division called JOBQUEST to launch a bevy of consumer oriented services through MSN including programs that will help job seekers determine other occupations which use their transferable skills and interest and the potential employers who are likely to hire for those occupations and skills.

"For many entrepreneurs in technology based businesses, getting started -- finding a suitable business structure, developing a management team, protecting intellectual property, and acquiring financing -- is a confusing task," said Jeff Eckard, Client Services Manager for Graham & Dunn, an established Northwest commercial law firm. "Entrepreneur's Legal Direct (TM) provides the information necessary to understand the issues that must be addressed in forming, operating, and growing a business in the digital media or life sciences/devices industry.