New Bimonthly Magazine ``Network Life'' Helps Technology Experts Guide Their Family and Friends Through the Home Networking Maze

Business Wire, Sept 14, 2004

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass. -- Network World Insert Launched as Network IT Expert's Guide to the Connected Home; Premiere Publication Date: November 29; Web site: http://www.nwfusion.com/networklife (live November 29)

Network World, Inc. today announced the launch of Network Life -- The Expert's Guide to the Connected Home, a new bi-monthly magazine scheduled to premier November 29. Network Life provides information that Network IT Experts need in order to get the most from their own home networks and respond to the barrage of requests for hands-on help and recommendations from their less technical family, friends and neighbors.

In addition to being technology enthusiasts and early adopters, Network World readers guide the purchasing decisions of an average of four home users each month, according to publisher's research conducted August 2004 to 3000 Network World subscribers. "Network Life is a tool for Network IT Experts, who, like doctors, are constantly being asked for their professional advice," says Keith Shaw, Technology Editor, Network Life. "Rather than trying to educate the consumer, we will serve the Network IT Expert who influences this consumer."

According to Network World reader research, this audience typically devotes four hours per month advising and guiding less technical people about which products to buy and how to get them integrated with the networks and digital devices becoming common in homes today. "Our readers are the go-to guys for friends, neighbors and family who have questions about everything from networking computers and connecting to broadband, to downloading and storing music, to integrating entertainment equipment and home security systems," says Toni Kistner, Editor, Network Life. "Our goal is to be the expert's guide to the connected home by organizing this information in one comprehensive source."

Adds Network World Editor-in-Chief, John Dix, "We added coverage of home-based network technology to Network World when our readers faced the requirement of supporting telecommuters and we will continue to provide that coverage in Network World proper. But Network Life gives us the opportunity to broaden the focus by addressing the role our readers play as network consultants to the rapidly growing base of home users. The home network market is exploding."

Carrying the feature story "How to Be the Go-to Guy without Going Crazy", which provides tips for managing expectations from family and friends, the premier issue also contains the following editorial:

Five for '05: Must-have home network techs: Digital storage bins, Voice over IP, videoconferencing, wireless and advanced printing --the technologies and products that friends and family will be asking about.

Broadband revisited: How to help buyers pick the right high-speed access from the growing list of plans, options and features to ensure it will support the newest applications.

Ongoing Columns:

--Security Chief. Network security writer Deb Radcliff produces this Network Life column with advice about how best to safeguard home networks from the ever-shifting threats such as rampant viruses and worms, spyware and phishing.

--Connection Coach. Network World Lab Alliance member James Gaskin delves into the tough problems that can plague home networks, sharing hard learned advice and answering reader's queries.

--Tech Spy. Editor Toni Kistner gives Network Life readers the scoop on emerging technologies, standards efforts and battles, and predicts which technologies will make it and which are likely to have a very short life.

Other ongoing editorial includes: Sticky Notes, Off the Clock and Out of the Box.

About Network World

Network World, Inc., the Leader in Network Knowledge, empowers Network IT Executives through education, information and community. Network World, an IDG company, is the leading provider of news, analysis, reviews, events and education on information technology. Network World publishes the leading newsweekly, Network World, hosts the most active online community, Network World Fusion (http://www.nwfusion.com), and produces educational seminars and events worldwide. Network World's portfolio of strategic marketing programs provides marketing and agency professionals with the tools to generate high-quality leads, optimize marketing campaigns, and create new revenue opportunities.

About IDG

International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, research, and event company. A privately-held company, IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers including Bio-IT World, CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Network World, and PC World. The company features the largest network of technology-specific Web sites with more than 400 around the world. IDG is also a leading producer of more than 170 computer-related events worldwide including LinuxWorld Conference & Expo(R), MacworldConference & Expo(R), DEMO(R), and IDC Directions. IDC provides global market research and advice through offices in 50 countries. Company information is available at http://www.idg.com.