Verizon Information Services Partners with Digital:Convergence to Offer Internet-Enhanced Phone Directories
Verizon Directories to Instantly Link Consumers to Valuable Content within the Deep Web via Digital:Convergence 'Cues'
Dallas, TX, November 6, 2000 — Verizon Information Services, the world's largest directory publisher, announced today that it will Internet-enhance its directories with :CRQ technology from Digital:Convergence Corporation. The technology will link Verizon directories to the Internet, providing consumers instant access to online content. Verizon will launch the technology in the Greater-Dallas area directory available February 2001, with additional directories and markets to follow. Verizon is the first directory publisher to license the Digital:Convergence technology and will be distributing approximately 112 million interactive directories next year nationwide.
The :CRQ ("See Our Cue") technology uses embedded cues to empower manufacturers, broadcasters, and publishers like Verizon Information Services, to enhance content for consumers. Any product with a UPC or ISBN code, including printed and broadcast material containing one of Digital:Convergence's proprietary 'cues', is instantly interactive with the Internet.
"Digital:Convergence's technology is the de facto standard in information convergence, enhancing the value of our print directory for both consumers and advertisers," says Lester Chu, group vice president - strategic planning for Verizon Information Services. "Not only does it drive interested consumers to advertisers' websites quickly, but it sends subscribers instantly to the specific information they need without requiring them to type in lengthy URLs or wade through dozens of irrelevant web pages."
Verizon will include the cues in several sections of their new directories, including Yellow Pages advertisements and specialty directories, such as Dining Your Way and the Community Pages, taking consumers to related features within SuperPages.com. For example, the Yellow Pages ad for an auto dealer could contain a printed cue that sends the customer directly to the dealer's service department Web page. And the same ad could contain a different cue that directs consumers to the "Special of the Week" - a dynamic Web page with a coupon that the buyer prints and takes to the dealer to close the deal.
"With the Digital:Convergence technology, every phone book becomes an interactive tool for the consumer," said Jovan Philyaw, CEO of Digital:Convergence. "Our technology fits perfectly with Verizon's mission to provide customers with easy access to relevant information. From online shopping to finding a doctor, our technology enables companies to close the gap between the online and offline worlds."
Verizon customers can pick up the :CueCat technology, a free-to-consumer handheld device, along with the :CRQ software, at any RadioShack store nationwide. Verizon Information Services will provide advertisers who purchase the cue with free :CueCat devices and software. |
