Panasonic Offers Web Users RealNames Internet Keywords For Streamlined Navigation

17-May-00

As part of its continuing commitment to providing consumers and retailers with fast, easy access to its products, technologies and services, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC) has adopted the use of time-saving Internet Keywords to directly connect consumers with the information they're seeking on the Internet. Each day, more and more people ""go online,"" turning to the Internet for all types of useful information. According to International Data Corporation (IDC), at the end of 1999 there were 102 million Internet users in the United States alone.One of the biggest frustrations Web users face in their quest for information is the difficulty of finding the appropriate Web site. Unfamiliar domain names, confusing URLs, lengthy name extensions and multiple links remain daunting and time-consuming obstacles to even the most seasoned Web user. Ever mindful of being a consumer-friendly company, Panasonic recognized the benefits of using Internet Keywords to give Internet users faster, easier access to the information they seek. Under an agreement with RealNames Corporation, Panasonic is poised to utilize up to 10,000 RealNames Internet Keywords for its Panasonic, Quasar and Technics branded products, technologies and services.Internet Keywords let users get to the appropriate Panasonic Web page for the specific information they're looking for just by entering simple words. This easy-to-use process eliminates the need to sort through numerous search results, click through multiple links, or remember exact URLs. For example, consumers looking for information about new Panasonic portable DVD players need only to type ""Panasonic DVD"" in the address bar, instead of http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/ dvd/index.htm. The Internet Keyword service was developed by San Carlos, California-based RealNames Corporation to allow individuals to easily find information they are looking for on the Web using brand names, slogans or phrases instead of Web addresses. RealNames has integrated Internet Keywords into Microsoft Corporation's Internet Explorer browser, as well as AltaVista, Google, Looksmart, Go2Net, the GO Network and Microsoft Network (MSN.)Panasonic is the first consumer electronics company to contract with RealNames Corporation, and the first company to fully integrate Internet Keywords into its marketing, advertising and support efforts. ""We intend to use Internet Keywords to help Panasonic expand awareness of our brands and trademarks, and to extend the reach of our Internet presence,"" said Fred Towns, Vice President of PCEC Sales and Marketing. ""We want to provide consumers with the simplest, fastest way to learn about our products and the latest technologies, to help them make informed purchase decisions. We believe this will lead to innovative marketing opportunities for us, and increased sales for our retailers.""""We expect to see a tremendous impact resulting from the seamless integration of traditional advertising media and the online world,"" said Bob Greenberg, PCEC Vice President and General Manager, Communications Division. ""Internet Keywords will be a major component in our advertising plans."" Panasonic tentatively plans to use Internet Keywords in print, television and radio advertising, point-of-sale materials, outdoor advertising, consumer packaging, direct mail, public relations and advertisements and announcements on the NBC Astrovision by Panasonic display in New York's Times Square. ""The use of Internet Keywords will enhance our reach to targeted audiences, and will also enable us to gauge advertising efficiency and track responses,"" commented Greenberg. ""This will help us build a bigger and better database, which in turn will help us better serve our dealers."" Greenberg went on to explain, ""We will be able to link informed, interested consumers - at their request - to the retailers who can best satisfy their needs."" ""Panasonic is a cutting-edge, Internet-savvy marketer and this relationship further strengthens their marketing edge,"" said Keith Teare, CEO of RealNames Corporation. ""In a crowded consumer electronics marketplace, Internet Keywords will help differentiate Panasonic from its competitors in the minds of retailers and consumers. We look forward to Panasonic using Internet Keywords as an important component of their marketing strategy.""""Studies have shown that consumers perceive the Panasonic brand as being friendly and accessible,"" said Greenberg. ""The adoption of Internet Keywords affirms Panasonic's continuing efforts to give consumers a more satisfying experience.""Panasonic, Quasar and Technics consumer electronics products are marketed in the United States by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a division of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America (MECA). MECA is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (NYSE/PCX: MC) of Japan, one of the world's largest producers of electronic and electric products for consumer, business and industrial use.Consumers seeking more information on the company's products can call Panasonic's Customer Call Center at 800 211 PANA or access Panasonic's home page at www.panasonic.com.

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