Zona Research Answers the Question: Where is the Wireless Web?

Business Wire, Oct 18, 2000

Business Editors & Technology Writers

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 18, 2000

With the promise of wireless Web access fused into the world of ecommerce, Zona Research, Inc. announces its latest searchable information resource entitled, Where is the Wireless Web? This comprehensive directory of 577 commercially operated English language wireless Web sites analyzes the true state of Wireless Web content and its leading sites.

Significant findings within the report include:

-- 53% of wireless Web sites offer product and marketing information ranging
from a one-screen blurb with contact information to a detailed account of the
company and services offered

-- 26% of sites offer some form of transaction such as email, order
configuration, etc.

-- 14% of sites qualify as portals or other user guides; but these sites are
not as user friendly as their wired world counterparts

-- There are few opportunities for commerce and financial services as only 14%
of sites support retail or wholesale commerce and only 8% provide financial
services

This latest information resource combined with the previously released Wireless Internet Access Devices: Tools or Toys for the Enterprise User? comprise Zona's view of the wireless Web opportunity with information spanning the wireless devices and the content they can access in the burgeoning wireless Web marketplace.

"Despite market hype, the wireless accessible Web remains a small fraction of the total World Wide Web. Subscribers with wireless Web enabled devices are discovering a very different and limited Web view than what they are accustomed to on their PCs," states Susan Billheimer, Industry Analyst, Zona Research. Continued Billheimer, "At present the wireless Web is largely comprised of company information about the computer, entertainment arts and hospitality industries. The notion of busy professionals trading stocks, buying last minute gifts and hailing taxis curbside at the airport through wireless Internet devices does not appear as commonplace as many might have thought."

Where is the Wireless Web? segments 577 wireless-enabled Web sites into 10 categories of content services and 36 industry classifications in addition to providing the company name, mobile URL, and contact information. Each site was validated as supporting wireless access for WAP, HDML or i-mode through wireless access devices or wireless browser simulators. This directory is an invaluable resource for Internet vendors, their partners and clientele as it analyzes the current state of the wireless Web market while delivering a complete inventory of wireless Web sites that are accessible to an English language audience.

The research for Where is the Wireless Web? was conducted in September 2000 and is available in Excel spreadsheet format. Both this directory and Wireless Internet Access Devices: Tools or Toys for the Enterprise User? are priced at $195 for a single user electronic edition. They are available now and can be purchased by contacting Zona toll free at 877/999-ZONA (9662), by visiting our Web site at http://zonaresearch.com or visiting our distribution partners at the following Web sites: www.thestandard.com; www.redherring.com; www.multex.com; www.tfsd.com; www.intraware.com; www.mindbranch.com.

About Zona Research

Whether you are a start up or an established player, Zona Research provides fact-based forward looking analysis about leading Internet technology and its market impact. Focusing on Internet technologies, market opportunities, and the dynamics of the electronic economy, Zona's highly regarded team of technology analysts and business consultants deliver market savvy analysis and provide comprehensive Internet commerce and business strategy consultation.

For more information, please contact us at: 900 Veterans Blvd., Suite 500, Redwood City, CA 94063; 650/298-4000 (voice); 650/306-2420 (fax); Email: info@zonaresearch.com; Web Site: http://zonaresearch.com.