PlanetPortal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Elizabeth Scanlon Bils
Scanlon Corporate Communications
312/787-5277
elizabeth@scanloncc.com 

PLANETPORTAL.COM AND GOOGLEGEAR.COM CEMENT DISTRIBUTION DEAL TO PROVIDE CONSUMERS WITH AN EASY-TO-USE INTERNET PERIPHERAL

GoogleGear.com To Give Away PlanetPortal.com's WebRemote Control 
FREE to 2,000 Internet Shoppers

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. March 1, 2000 - PlanetPortal today announces a distribution agreement with Googlegear.com to offer PlanetPortal's WebRemote Control to Googlegear shoppers. Consumers can log onto the Googlegear Web site to purchase anything from scanners and digital cameras to Asian ceramics and beach balls, and receive a free PlanetPortal WebRemote Control, which features PlanetPortal's patent-pending print-to-web technology. Googlegear, recognized by consumers as the Internet retailer that gave away thousands of free scanners earlier this year, will provide WebRemote Controls to the first 2,000 online buyers. This agreement marks the first consumer distribution of the WebRemote Control. PlanetPortal expects to announce several more distribution deals over the next few months.

The WebRemote Control is a colorful device that attaches to a PC, enabling users to instantly access their favorite Web sites. Just like a TV remote control, the device's one-click buttons connect to the sites, information and shopping that interest consumers most. Users can also program the buttons themselves, customizing the WebRemote Control to fit their specific online needs.

In addition to the programmed buttons, varied sponsors will offer customized SlideCards, designed to provide users with exclusive promotions, offers and discounts on the Web. Similar in shape and feel to a credit card, consumers simply swipe the card through the device's unique SlideCard reader and are instantly driven to targeted messaging and unique content on the sponsor's site. SlideCards can be found at participating retailers, as magazine inserts and in direct mail pieces. Other applications range from personal business cards and trading cards to travel discounts and event promotions. Additional SlideCards will be mailed every few weeks to recipients of the Googlegear WebRemote Control.

"Use of the Internet is a highly personal experience," says Brent Kleinheksel, founder and CEO of PlanetPortal. "One person's Web site preferences will be different from the next, which will be different from the next. The WebRemote Control allows numerous Web surfers even greater possibilities to customize their navigation of the Web, at the touch of a button. Because of Googlegear's knowledge of the tech-savvy Internet consumer, we are excited they have chosen to provide this valuable opportunity to their customers."

Phil Yeh, online marketing executive for Googlegear (and Gracie jiu-jitsu practitioner) is enthusiastic about the potential PlanetPortal's WebRemote Control and SlideCard technology holds for consumers. "With our core business in the computer retailing environment, we're always looking for ways to make ourselves stand out in the overcrowded arena. When we heard about PlanetPortal's revolutionary device, we knew that our technology-oriented consumers would immediately see the value that the WebRemote Control will add to their everyday Internet experience," Yeh says, "When the WebRemote eventually gets onto the desktop of every Internet user, we want the industry to remember that Googlegear was there from the beginning."

About PlanetPortal

PlanetPortal's mission is to provide businesses with services, technologies and infrastructure to build, maintain and accurately value one-to-one relationships with consumers. The company's WebRemote Control simplifies web navigation, increases sponsor site traffic and also includes a powerful set of brand loyalty tools and incentive programs - information and e-commerce is always just one click away! PlanetPortal also has kicked off the worldwide deployment of the SlideCard Network, a global print-to-web technology that promises to revolutionize the way in which all direct marketers and advertisers utilize the web as a customer relationship tool. Licensees of the network are given real-time access to campaign response rates, customer demographics and other information critical to measuring the ROI of marketing campaigns. PlanetPortal received seed funding from Deutsche Telekom's investment arm, T-Telematik Venture Holding GmbH (T-Venture). The company was T-Venture's first investment in an East Coast start-up. For more information about the company, visit www.PlanetPortal.com or contact, Lorien Golaski, at 919/425.0140, extension 3120. Please also contact Scanlon Corporate Communications at 312/787-5277.

About GoogleGear

Googlegear ( http://www.googlegear.com ) was founded in May of 1999 in Newark, California, under the name XtraPlus.com. Its mission was to provide computer components and peripherals to the consumer at outstanding prices and with paramount customer service. Because of overwhelming requests to expand its selection of products while maintaining our stringent standards, the company has since announced the opening of its Ceramics and Novelties stores. To cater to this broader offering, it relaunched as Googlegear in January 2000. The new name reflects the company's commitment to present a never-ending line of products to its customers, all at extremely competitive prices. The Computer store is built on Googlegear's core expertise, and a result of carefully selected items from reputed manufacturers. The Ceramics collection includes handpicked pieces from Asia, many of which are one-of-a-kind, available only from Googlegear. The Novelties section demonstrates Googlegear's festive side, with products consumers wouldn't expect to be able to purchase from a reputed retailer, such as pool toys, glow sticks and yo-yo's. Tacking on a track record of reliable and timely product shipment, Googlegear is living up to its commitment of delivering an enjoyable shopping experience backed by speed, convenience, and unparalleled customer service. Even with an average growth of more than 200% per month, the company still maintains its founding commitment to customer satisfaction and the delivery of a rewarding shopping experience. Come visit today at http://www.googlegear.com ! 

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