AdTools Launches ice9 Video as Its Latest Viral Marketing Tool; Universal Pictures First On Board To Use Latest Technology

Business Wire, August 17, 2000

Business Editors and Technology Writers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 17, 2000

AdTools, an Indimi company that develops high-impact, viral online marketing applications, today launched ice9 Video, its latest tool for corporate marketers looking to make a lasting impression via viral, online marketing.

ice9 Video technology allows marketers to create multimedia desktop microsites which can be used to virally distribute commercials or other video content. The ice9 Video product debuted today in a high-profile, multimedia marketing campaign for Universal Pictures upcoming holiday theatrical release of the "The Grinch."

"ice9 Video is the latest offering from our suite of business-to-business services," said Mark Wachen, CEO of Indimi, the parent company of AdTools. "ice9 Video allows marketers to create a high-impact, low-bandwidth multimedia microsite, featuring high-quality video, that is ideal for promoting a new release or distributing a commercial in the most interactive and engaging format possible. ice9 Video allows for marketing at its most viral, capturing the marketer's entire message in an entertaining and multi-functional package which is passed along easily among consumers."

To kick off its online campaign for The Grinch, Universal Pictures looked no further than AdTools' technology to virally extend its branding efforts to the users' desktops and beyond. "The ice9 Video allows us to launch our online campaign in a way that is dynamic, informative and entertaining," says Kevin Campbell, Vice President of New Media Marketing, Universal Pictures. "If you haven't yet visited meanone.com, the ice9 will bring key elements directly to your inbox. With the ice9 Video, you will be able to view The Grinch trailer, enter The Grinch sweepstakes and join The Grinch online community all in one email. " Universal Pictures plans to launch their ice9 Video email campaign for "The Grinch" in early September to announce the posting of the film's final website.

ice9 Video is the latest product to join the growing roster of AdTools' viral marketing services.

About AdTools

AdTools is the corporate name for Indimi's Marketing Tools division. AdTools offers comprehensive next generation viral, online marketing -- "one-stop shopping" for the prospective online marketer. AdTools comprehensive suite of viral marketing tools include:

-- ScreenMates (www.screenmates.com), which allows marketers to

create interactive characters that "live" on the user's

desktop over time, creating repeat exposure of a brand;

-- ScreenMate Movies, which take the interactive character

"living" on the desktop to an animated multimedia experience;

-- ice9, the complement to ice9 Video, which allows marketers to

create an interactive audiovisual desktop microsite with

audio, photos, response-oriented functionality and more;

-- The newly-launched ice9 Video, which allows marketers to add

video to the already-dynamic ice9 marketing mix.

The ScreenMates and ice9 viral marketing product lines utilize proprietary technology that enables them to deliver a rich multimedia experience at the desktop while maintaining remarkably small file sizes that consume the least amount of computer space and that require no plug-ins.

About Indimi

Indimi (an acronym for INternet DIrect Marketing Intelligence) is a company dedicated to developing engaging, personalized consumer and business-to-business brands and services that utilize email, the desktop and other unique means of delivery and display for entertainment and marketing purposes. Indimi is a leader in delivering next generation direct marketing services for the needs of the New Economy.

AdTools, Indimi's Marketing Tools company, provides corporate marketers with state-of-the-art viral online marketing options. AdTools features: Screenmates (www.screenmates.com), which allows marketers to create interactive characters that "live" on the user's desktop; Screenmates Video which takes Screenmates to an animated multimedia experience; ice9 (www.ice9.com), which offers an interactive audiovisual desktop micro-website with audio, photos and other multimedia aspects; and ice9 Video, which adds video to the ice9 service.

A complement to the Indimi Marketing Tools Division, Indimi's "Consumer Network" features best-of-breed email and desktop entertainment services for consumers that also yield opportunities for corporate marketers looking to make a significant impact. Highlights include InfoBeat (www.infobeat.com), the world's leading personalized newspaper, delivered free to more than 3.5 million subscribers every day. Launched in 1995, InfoBeat was the first service of its kind. MessageMates.com (www.messagemates.com), which offers hip, sometimes edgy, downloadable eCards that combine clever animation and music into a unique audiovisual experience; and Tooned.com (www.tooned.com) which features downloadable eCards with characters that are known and loved. Each eCard can be personalized and emailed to someone else.

About "Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas"