American Interactive Media Partners with CompuServe to Provide Internet Access Via TV

With this partnership, purchasers of AIM's forthcoming remote-controlled, TV set-top devices will have unlimited access to the Internet and web through CompuServe's Sprynet Internet access service. AIM's new set-top Internet devices will provide Internet access without the need for a personal computer.

"Our extensive research indicates a tremendous demand for our Internet set-top devices," said Michael J. Salaman, AIM's president and CEO. "Not everyone wants to purchase a new PC to secure Internet access. With this new agreement we can proudly offer our customers later this year the most affordable, convenient and comprehensive Internet package in the industry. Combined with the advantage of Co mpuServe's reliability, and solid customer support, our customers will have the best single source of Internet access and information available".

"We believe AIM has the right vision and marketing approach in set-top technology for delivering Internet access to the mass market. We're pleased to be working with them in bringing the Internet to new consumers with the help of a technology they alread y know and trust -- the television" said Peter Van Camp, executive vice president, Network Servers Division.

The AIM system is a fully functional Internet access device that can be used with a TV at a price well below $400. AIM's Internet set-top devices include a hand-held remote control which enables users to operate the system and "surf" the Internet from the comfort of their living room sofa. To make the AIM Internet system even more convenient, each device will come pre-loaded with a complex software suite, including a WWW browser compatible with HTML 3.0, E-Mail, a dialer and a printer drive. Users of the system will have Internet access a customized Internet "channel" being designed and developed by AIM and hosted by CompuServe. They will then have access to several different features common to the Internet such as E-Mail, Web browsing and access to Internet chat groups.

AIM is working with Compuserve by hosting their service directly on CompuServe's backbone network. That network is the world's largest and most experienced Internet-ready network. CompuServe also provides twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, online, technical and customer support to AIM subscribers. AIM and CompuServe will be partnering to provide customized E-Mail and registration software to be compatible with AIM's platform.

As the Internet grows and progresses, users of AIM's set-top devices will also be able to keep pace. Operating system software upgrades to the AIM system can be downloaded over the Internet as additional interactive features are added and new hardware components will be compatible with existing units.

"AIM's customized Internet channel and set-top devices are designed to simplify the Internet for users and make it as familiar to them as using the remote control for their television. Partnering with CompuServe allows our service to give our customers a user-friendly and streamlined approach to the Internet," Salaman added.

Founded in 1969, CompuServe Incorporated provides the world's most comprehensive online services, business network and Internet access. Through CompuServe, more than 5 million home and business users in more than 185 countries access the Internet and 3,000-plus online information, education and entertainment services and products. In addition, more than 1,000 corporate customers use CompuServe's value added network solutions. Among its many uses, The CompuServe-owned network serves as the world's mailbox and check-out-lane, hosting millions of E-Mail messages per month and more than one billion point-of-sale transactions per year. With world headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, CompuServe's 60 offices include European service centers in Munich, London and Paris.

American Interactive Media, Inc. develops and markets Internet-related hardware and software products for diverse audiences, including home office business users, young families, and small business owners. The company's leading-edge technology marketing focus provides a world of information and entertainment content for a variety of platforms, including the television. The company also creates transactional content and products for global Internet marketing and distribution.

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