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 Switchboard and Net2Phone Sign Integration Deal
CBS Switchboard.com to offer Net2Phone's one-click dialing
technology as a fast and cost-effective means of contacting businesses
and people
Hackensack, NJ. and Westboro, Mass. (December 21, 1999) -- Net2Phone
Inc. (NASDAQ: NTOP), the leading provider of Internet telephony
services, and Switchboard Incorporated, the popular Internet directory
subsidiary of Banyan Worldwide (NASDAQ: BNYN), today announced that
Net2Phone's one-click dialing solution, Click2Talk, will be exclusively
integrated throughout Switchboard's on-line directories on its flagship
web site CBS Switchboard.com and its mapping site MapsOnUs.com.
Net2Phone's Click2Talk service is designed to make phone calls
anywhere in the world over the Internet, saving up to 95 percent
on traditional long distance calls. Switchboard's users will be
able to utilize Click2Talk simply by clicking on a phone number
they locate in the Switchboard yellow or white pages. Net2Phone
calls are routed over the Internet from any multimedia PC, offering
full-duplex real-time conversation. Call recipients simply answer
their telephones as they would when receiving an ordinary telephone
call.
"As Switchboard continues to grow its local merchant network, we
will continue to provide new and innovative ways for consumers and
merchants to interact and exchange information," said Dean Polnerow,
president of Switchboard Incorporated. "Now, just a click of the
mouse will give users an even faster, more comprehensive way to
locate businesses, products and service information around the corner
and around the world."
"No longer will people have to dial from a telephone," said Jonathan
Fram, president of Net2Phone. "Switchboard is highly focused on
helping local merchants generate leads and we are excited to provide
technology which can play a direct role in helping to accomplish
that objective."
About Net2Phone
Net2Phone is a leading provider of voice-enhanced Internet communications
services to individuals and businesses worldwide. Net2Phone enables
people to place low-cost high quality calls from their computer,
telephone, or fax machine to any telephone or fax machine in the
world. Net2Phone develops and markets technology and services for
IP voice and e-commerce solutions for the web and other IP networks.
Net2Phone has directory integration with many other top Internet
directory properties including, Infospace.com, Yahoo! People Search,
InfoUSA.com, Bigfoot, Inter800, and WorldPages. Net2Phone was recently
named the leader in Internet telephony minutes routed with 39% market
share by International Data Corp. For more information about Net2Phone's
products and services, please visit www.net2phone.com.
About Switchboard Incorporated
Switchboard Incorporated is a leading Internet-based local merchant
network interconnecting consumers, merchants and national advertisers.
Its flagship Web site, CBS Switchboard.com (www.switchboard.com)
- connects consumers searching for specific products and services
and the merchants that provide them. Switchboard offers a rich suite
of online services including yellow and white pages, E-mail and
Web site directories, and interactive maps and driving directions.
CBS Switchboard.com is viewed more than 50 million times each month
and has won numerous awards since its launch, including capturing
two positions in Yahoo Internet Life's July '99 list of The 10 Supremely
Useful Sites on the Web. Headquartered in Westboro, Mass., Switchboard
Incorporated is a majority held subsidiary of Banyan Worldwide (NASDAQ:
BNYN) with a minority ownership stake held by CBS Corporation (NYSE:
CBS). Switchboard is a registered trademark of Switchboard Incorporated.
"CBS" and the CBS eye device are registered trademarks of CBS Broadcasting
Inc.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results could
differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due
to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent
uncertainty of financial estimates and projections, the competitive
environment for Internet telephony, changes of rates of all related
telco rates and services, legislation that may affect the Internet
telephony industry, and Net2Phone's ability to operate the services
described on a large scale commercial level. The forward-looking
statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Net2Phone
assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements,
or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those
projected in the forward-looking statements. Investors should consult
all of the information set forth herein and the other information
set forth from time to time in Net2Phone's reports filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act
of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Sarah Hofstetter
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Net2Phone
201-928-2882
sarah@net2phone.com
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