CNET Channel Announces Its Collaboration With Microsoft to Bring the Windows Vista Logo Program to Online Retailers and Their Customers

CNET Channel, a division of CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNET), today announced it has collaborated with Microsoft to distribute information about products that have earned the Certified for Windows Vista or the Works with Windows Vista logo. Thousands of innovative products from the world’s leading hardware and software manufacturers have been tested to meet the requirements of Windows Vista Logo Program for ease of use, better performance and enhanced security on Windows Vista-based PCs. CNET Channel, the leading provider of online product content and solutions, now enables online retailers in North America, Europe and Australia to access this logo information so millions of consumers and businesses can have more confidence and higher satisfaction with the products they choose. CNET Channel’s high-quality, accurate and consistent product content helps over 2,100 high technology manufacturers and channel businesses in 35 national markets drive their online businesses and increase sales effectiveness. As an aggregator of best of breed content and e-commerce services, CNET Channel will now deliver ‘Certified for Windows Vista’ and ‘Works with Windows Vista’ logo information with its product content, rich media solutions and professional services that help retailers, resellers, distributors and manufacturers maximize their online business potentials. CNET Channel’s solutions, combined with the Windows Vista Logo Program, contribute to business by providing the solutions that help consumers make confident, rapid, easy buying decisions every day. "Manufacturers know it is essential that their products are identified as Certified for Windows Vista so customers can make fast, confident buying decisions,” said Steve Parrott, general manager of CNET Channel. "They also know that CNET Channel has the greatest reach into the online retail marketplace, providing product data and solutions to the biggest e-commerce sites. One of the reasons we’re able to work with Microsoft is because of the vast reach of our content syndication and the integrity of our solutions. We’re looking forward to helping consumers throughout the world make educated and confident buying decisions about products that are Certified for Windows Vista.” With the global launch of Windows Vista, Microsoft has worked with the world’s leading software and hardware manufacturers to bring to market innovative new products that are designed for a superior experience on Windows Vista-based PCs. Products can earn one of two logos in more than 25 categories such as software, wireless networking, cameras, printers and webcams. The "Works with Windows Vista” logo lets customers know which software and devices offer baseline compatibility with Windows Vista while the "Certified for Windows Vista” logo identifies products that are designed and tested to deliver a superior experience with Windows Vista. The goals of the Windows Vista Logo Program are to: Help customers identify products that provide superior experiences with their software, photos, music, videos, and online communications when used with their Windows Vista-based PC. Provide hardware and software developers the tools to design products for the Windows Vista platform for enhanced security, better performance and a superior experience and test them for compatibility with Windows Vista. Enable retailers to feature and cross-sell certified products to increase overall basket size and drive higher customer satisfaction. "We are pleased to team up with CNET Channel to distribute information about Certified for Windows Vista products to the e-commerce industry because of their strength in the industry and their reliable solutions throughout the channel,” said Brad Brooks, general manager for Windows product marketing at Microsoft. "Consumers and businesses face many choices in the marketplace when it comes to selecting hardware and software. We’re excited that the Windows Vista Logo Program provides an easier way for customers to shop for products that work great with Windows Vista right out of the box.” Retailers that want to participate in CNET Channel’s Windows Vista Logo Program Service should contact CNET Channel toll-free in North America at +1.877.276.5560 or in Europe at 00.800.654.654.00, or by visiting http://www.cnetchannel.com/contact/contactus.aspx. About CNET Channel CNET Channel (www.cnetchannel.com), a division of CNET Networks, is the world's leading independent source of product information, supporting both online catalogs and traditional sales processes with detailed content on over 3.2 million technology products worldwide. Over 2,100 high technology manufacturers and channel businesses in 35 national markets depend on CNET Channel to deliver world-class content solutions that maximize their sales effectiveness and minimize the cost and complexity of providing accurate and useful product information. Customers include Best Buy, CDW, CompUSA, Dell, HP, Insight, OfficeMax, Sony, Tech Data, Yahoo!, Zones and many more. About CNET Networks, Inc. CNET Networks, Inc. is an interactive media company that builds brands for people and the things they are passionate about, such as gaming, music, entertainment, technology, business, food, and parenting. The Company's leading brands include CNET, GameSpot, TV.com, MP3.com, CHOW, ZDNet and TechRepublic. Founded in 1992, CNET Networks has a strong presence in the US, Asia, and Europe. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.