Virgin Web Device Offers Online Shopping Keys

Los Angeles-based Virgin Entertainment Group and the Internet Appliance Network are offering Virgin-branded Webplayer Internet devices that provide free, unrestricted Web access, free email and full, and "convenience keys" to online shopping and information sites. To qualify, consumers must be 18 years or older, have a valid credit card and spend at least 10 hours per month online. "Rent-to-buy" fees for the first year will be waived for the 10,000 qualified applicants. Fees for the second and third years are $50 per year. S1 Corp. subsidiary VerticalOne Corp. will deployment its account aggregation services through the Internet appliance. The Atlanta-based company's service is now available through the Webplayer device and its VirginConnect portal, managed by IAN. Using IAN's Internet appliance platform, Webplayer deploys a Virgin-branded browser. Through the VerticalOne service integrated into the unit, users can view a summary of their personal accounts such as banking, investments, credit cards, bills, reward programs and communications in one place.