NBC Unveils New Internet Search Platform Powered by Overture and SLI
BURBANK, Calif. – November 10, 2003 – NBC today introduced a new search platform for its NBC.com and BravoTV.com Internet properties that will feature highly relevant NBC entertainment content, NBC retail and media products, ShopNBC commerce opportunities, and Overture commercial search results.
The new search services are powered by SLI Systems` Learning Search and Related Search solutions which automatically learn from user behavior to improve the relevance of results. NBC has maintained approximately 20 percent ownership in SLI Systems, a provider of learning search services that enhance results and revenues.
"We are committed to providing NBC.com and BravoTV.com`s Web-savvy audiences with a quality user experience that offers the best entertainment and information content," said Stephen Andrade, Vice President, Interactive Development and Business Affairs, NBC. "We are confident that the unsurpassed relevance and depth of Overture`s commercial search listings, combined with SLI`s unique Learning Search technology will match our users with exactly what they are searching for."
As part of the agreements, Overture, a global leader in commercial search services on the Internet and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq: YHOO), will provide its commercial search results to NBC`s NBC.com and BravoTV.com for at least two years. This implementation features Overture paid placement listings under a "Sponsored Listings" heading on relevant search results pages.
Overture`s global distribution network includes major Web portals, ISPs and other heavily trafficked destination sites. Overture`s search listings are generated by the company`s more than 100,000 advertisers who bid for placement on keywords relevant to their business.
"NBC is an important addition to our expanding distribution network of entertainment properties," said Bill Demas, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Partner Business and Solutions Group, Overture. "We are pleased that NBC has selected to work with Overture and to integrate our offerings with SLI`s highly adaptive search technologies."
The new NBC.com and BravoTV.com search services deliver a continuously-improving user experience. Unlike traditional search, SLI`s patented Site Search technology learns from user behavior to deliver more relevant results and to automatically generate "Related Search" suggestions that help visitors refine their queries. The technology also empowers NBC to gauge user interest in its online offerings via comprehensive reporting functionality.
"This new NBC-branded search initiative literally will get smarter every time a user uses it. It will connect users with world renowned NBC entertainment content and extensive Overture commercial search listings that match their every interest, delivered through the world`s most intelligent search technology," said Dr. Shaun Ryan, CEO, SLI Systems.
About NBC.com
NBC.com, part of NBC Entertainment, was launched in August 1995, and was the first full-scale offering from a major television network and the first to feature original episodic programming. NBC.com offers original content in addition to comprehensive updates on NBC television shows and stars. Online features include trivia games, video, music and polls, which help attract online users consistent with NBC`s target demographic of upscale adults 18–49
About Bravotv.com
BravoTV.com is the official online home of the Bravo cable network. Site content includes descriptions of upcoming specials, series and movies; an interactive online schedule, in-depth information on popular series like Inside the Actors Studio and The West Wing, as well as games, polls, sweepstakes and contests. In addition, BravoTV.com features the official Queer Eye for the Straight Guy website, including detailed episode descriptions, a comprehensive shopping guide, a vast archive of hints and tips, bios of the stars and an extensive photo and video gallery. BravoTV.com attracts smart, upscale adults 25-54 interested in great films and unconventional original series with a unique point of view.
About Overture
Overture Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yahoo! Inc., is a global leader in commercial search services on the Internet. Overture pioneered commercial search by aligning the interests of consumers; its more than 100,000 active, paying advertisers; and its worldwide distribution partners, including major Web portals, ISPs and other heavily trafficked destination sites. The company offers a full suite of Internet search products and search-related services. Overture is based in Pasadena, Calif. with U.S. offices in New York, Chicago and San Mateo, Calif. The headquarters for Overture`s non-U.S. business is in Ireland, with offices across Europe, Asia, and Australia. For more information about Overture, visit www.overture.com. Overture is a service mark of Overture Services, Inc.
About SLI Systems, Inc.
SLI Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of learning search services for corporate Internet sites, e-commerce destinations and consumer Internet portals. The company`s "Site Search" and "Related Search" technologies empower businesses to enhance customer satisfaction while increasing sales, reducing costs and yielding valuable usage data. Unlike traditional search software, SLI`s patented site search technology continuously "learns" from the behavior of users to deliver more relevant results. The company`s Related Search solution generates suggestions that help users refine or expand their searches – while improving revenues from paid search programs. SLI customers include NBC, Veritas, The Excite Network, Comet Systems, Etronics and other corporate and e-commerce concerns. The privately-held company maintains offices in San Francisco and Christchurch, New Zealand. For more information visit www.sli-systems.com.
Media:
Kim Reed
NBC Entertainment
Ph: 818-840-3637
Jennifer Stephens
Overture Services, Inc.
Ph: 626.685.6110
Roger Maes
Gramercy Strategies for SLI Systems
Ph: 608.827.7221
Investors:
Cathy La Rocca
Yahoo, Inc.
Ph: 408.349.5188
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