VeriSign Introduces New Wireless Internet Addressing Service

VeriSign Introduces New Wireless Internet Addressing Service

WebNum^TM global navigation services link telephone numbers

to Internet domain names, easing wireless Internet use

VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq:VRSN), the leading provider of Internet trust services, today announced the public beta launch of its WebNum™ services, simplifying navigation over the wireless Internet. The WebNum services enable businesses to register traditional telephone numbers and one- to seven-digit numbers tied to domain names, allowing end users to reach Internet sites without the hassle associated with entering alphanumeric domain names on a handset’s keypad – an exercise that can often entail 50 or more keystrokes.

According to Forrester Research, for every key press required to access a mobile service, the potential users drop by half. Accessing alphanumeric addresses from a mobile device can be especially tedious since typing a single letter often entails multiple keystrokes (e.g., to enter the letter "v" a user would key the number "8" three times). VeriSign’s WebNum services significantly improve the mobile commerce experience by replacing long alphanumeric domain names with familiar and "brandable" numbers to reach Internet sites for information, services and mobile commerce. Instead of wireless users entering a domain name on the numeric keypad of any cell phone or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with Internet access, users enter a number that is mapped to the domain name of an Internet site to reach their destination.

The initial WebNum services will allow customers to register:

Existing Telephone Numbers (ETNs^TM), exactly matching telephone numbers customers already use. These are universal, easy-to-use and include individual, wireless, business and toll-free numbers
Logo Numbers^TM, one- to seven-digit "shortcuts" that can work globally and extend a company’s existing services onto an entirely new distribution channel. These are "brandable" numbers and when combined with a VeriSign certificate can quickly create a secure WPN – Wireless Private Network – for a mobile workforce or customer service support

"Growing numbers of consumers want to access the Internet wirelessly and are looking for solutions," said Stratton Sclavos, VeriSign president and CEO. "Our new WebNum navigation system will make it much easier for wireless users to find and use their favorite Internet-based services, unleashing the potential of the mobile commerce market."

VeriSign is forming alliances with global carriers to bring WebNum services to customers. WebNum services provide several revenue opportunities for carriers, without requiring any changes to existing telecommunications infrastructure. As the demand for WebNum Services grows, carriers can increase their Average Revenue Per User, realize the potential of increased up-take and usage of wireless data devices, and decrease their churn rates.

VeriSign expects user-friendly WebNum services to be the catalyst that alters the way the wireless Internet is navigated. Even today, using complex, unfriendly user interfaces, consumers are beginning to use Internet-enabled phones for mobile access. Traffic figures recently released by Genie, the mobile Internet division of British Telecom, show high levels of traffic in December 2000 with 62.5 million wireless page impressions, compared to 10.2 million at the end of September 2000 -- an increase of more than 513 percent in one quarter.

Industry analysts recognize the potential of WebNum services to stimulate wireless Internet use.

"Wireless Internet access will not achieve mass market acceptance until the experience is less technology-centric and more user-centric," said Callie Nelsen, senior analyst at IDC. "An assignment of meaningful numbers to an existing Web site is one way to help ease the navigation burden while maintaining the branding and online identities of companies."

Organizations will need to protect their "identity" in the wireless world just as they had to scramble to register their company names and brands as Internet domain names. To facilitate this process, and to ensure that all interested parties have an equal opportunity to obtain their desired Logo Numbers, VeriSign has established a special Logo Number Application procedure. Individuals and organizations may indicate their interest in specific Logo Numbers by completing an application at www.webnum.com. Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2001.

In the event VeriSign receives multiple requests for a specific Logo Number, applicants will be asked to submit additional information regarding their intended usage and planned promotion of the Logo Number specified. Applicant’s responses will be considered in the final selection process. Beginning May 1, 2001, unassigned Logo Numbers will be available on a first-come, first served basis.

Users who visit VeriSign’s WebNum site, www.webnum.com prior to May 1, 2001, will be able to register and use their existing telephone number (ETNs) at no charge until May 1, 2002.

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