Ziff-Davis to Test Online Distribution of Books

PC Magazine DOS 6 Techniques and Utilities to be Available June 28 Through
ZiffNet

NEW YORK CITY, June 21 -- Ziff-Davis Publishing Company, a leading
publisher of computer-related magazines and books, today announced that it
will make one of its best-selling books available in online digital form,
as part of a test. The book, PC Magazine DOS 6 Techniques and Utilities by
Jeff Prosise (Ziff-Davis Press), will be available beginning June 28
through ZiffNet, Ziffs online information service all about computing
hosted on the CompuServe network.

In its printed form, the book is a best-seller at a retail price of $39.95.
Its 1035 pages and one disk contain a comprehensive collection of 48
software utilities and advice for DOS 6 users who want to get maximum
power from their operating system. ZiffNet members will be able to
"download" or copy the book, along with special viewing and search
software, to the hard drives of their computers, paying a one-time fee of
$12.95 for the book plus connect-time charges. They can then read the book
offline at their convenience or print individual pages or the entire book
on their computer printers, without paying any additional charges.

Electronic books offer computer users easier, more convenient access to
information, particularly to reference books that are frequently difficult
to use in printed form. Online is a promising distribution medium for
books, because it allows on-demand transfer of large amounts of digital
information from a centralized host computer to many individual users,
eliminating paper, printing, distribution and disk duplication costs.
According to industry estimates, 13% of American households already have
modem-equipped personal computers, the equipment needed to download online
books, and 24% will have modem-equipped PCs by 1995.

According to David Shnaider, vice president and general manager of ZiffNet,
"Online books continue ZiffNet's tradition of providing the richest, most
comprehensive online source of information about using computers.
ZiffNet's online books will give users access to valuable reference
information that they can put to immediate use. Using the ZVIEW software,
they can easily browse the books as they would print books, or search for
specific answers to questions that help them use a software program or
piece of hardware. We'll also be taking advantage of the online format to
include helpful utilities and other problem-solving software that build on
the information in the books."

"Dial-a-Book"

According to Ziff Communications Company vice-president Stanley R.
Greenfield, "In the new digital world, Dial-a-Book will be as much of a
reality as Dial-a-Movie."

Ziff-Davis is one of the first major publishers to enter online book
distribution and one of the first to offer a current trade book for sale
online. Ziff is currently evaluating additional titles from Ziff-Davis
Press and other publishers for online distribution. Based on the response
to this test, other books will be available shortly.

"Online is an untapped distribution channel for book publishers," said
Greenfield. "We hope to make it a commercially viable medium -- by pricing
online books attractively for consumers, by combining editorial content
with search and navigation software to make online books more compelling
for readers, and by paying publishers full royalties for online electronic
distribution rights."

Greenfield noted that online distribution represents a high-value,
low-overhead distribution medium for books, particularly reference titles
and books targeted at computer users.

Pricing and Availability

PC Magazine DOS 6 Techniques and Utilities will be available on ZiffNet
beginning June 28. ZiffNet members will be able to download the book, the
software utilities developed by the author, and the ZVIEW search software
for a special introductory price of $12.95 plus connect time charges.

Access Instructions

To access PC Magazine DOS 6 Techniques and Utilities, ZiffNet members
should type GO BOOKS. CompuServe members can join ZiffNet by typing GO
ZIFFNET at any ! prompt. New users who wish to access ZiffNet directly can
call (800) 666-0330 for directions on how to log on and use the service.
New users interested in joining CompuServe may call (800) 848-8199 for
more information.

ZiffNet

A private service hosted on the CompuServe network, ZiffNet is the first
place to turn for productivity-boosting software and information about
buying, using, supporting and understanding personal-computer products.
ZiffNet features high-quality, low-cost downloadable software; interactive
forums to give members direct access to industry leaders, Ziff editors and
other ZiffNet members; buying advice to help members make the best
purchasing decisions; computer industry news and reference databases to
help members stay on top of the industry and research products; and
technical support information to help members work more productively and
get the most from their personal computers.

Membership in ZiffNet costs $2.50 per month and gives members free,
unlimited access to a valuable group of services, including weekly
computer industry news from PC Week and MacWEEK, available 9:00 p.m. EST
the Friday before publication date; the PCMagazine featured utilities,
available free for downloading for 30 days after the mail date of each
issue; a searchable index of product reviews published in Ziff magazines;
product awards listings from PC Magazine, PC/Computing; and MacUser;
ZiffBuyers' Market, a comprehensive buying service of nearly 11,000
computer products available through direct vendors; and ZiffNet highlights
and information, including technical support for ZiffNet users. Additional
services are available at regular CompuServe connect-time charges.

ZiffNet is a product of ZiffDesktop Information, the leading publisher of
electronic information about computing. Ziff Desktop Information is a
division of Ziff-Davis Publishing Company, the publisher of PC Magazine,
PC/Computing, PC Week, Computer Shopper, MacWEEK, MacUser and Windows
Sources

ZiffNet Information Service, 25 First St, Cambridge, MA 02141
617-252-5000;  fax 617-252-5551

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