AOL Launches Swedish Web Portal

Free Web Tools, Such as Instant Messaging, Email, Pictures with Unlimited Storage, Video, News and Entertainment at aol.se



Stockholm, Sweden . - AOL Europe today announced the launch of a new portal in Sweden, AOL.se. AOL.se is free to anyone using the Web and will offer email, instant messaging, photo and video services, in addition to tailored content including local sports, entertainment and celebrity news.



AOL is a leading provider of Web services with 234 million unique visitors worldwide and a strong heritage based on over 20 years of operation. It is rated amongst the most trusted platforms on the Internet and already operates successful portals in the Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and UK. Following the launch of dedicated portals in Italy and Spain last month, the launch of AOL.se continues AOL’s ambitious expansion program in Europe. Within 24 months, AOL plans to launch local portals in 30 different countries, a number of which will be in Europe.



AOL.se offers Swedish consumers an attractive online destination, which brings together a range of content, interactive services and safety features into one place. It offers email with an unlimited storage option and unrivalled safety and spam protection, in addition, integrated instant messaging and social networking applications, such as AOL Foto and AOL Video. With the Winamp Player AOL offers a state-of-the art media player that can be personalized and has access to unique streaming content as well a remote function to enjoy your media on various platforms with internet access.



Dana Dunne, Chief Executive Officer of AOL Europe said: “We’re very pleased to be launching AOL.se. Sweden is a very strong online market, with high broadband penetration and huge opportunities for online advertising. Launching a dedicated portal here will enable us compete for both consumers and advertisers. AOL has the heritage, the infrastructure and the scale to offer Sweden a strong local portal that meets the needs of online users.”



Key features of the new AOL.se portal include:



· AOL’s easy-to-use email service. AOL E-post, with an unlimited storage option, industry-leading spam blocking, and powerful security protections against viruses. Early adopters of AOL’s services in Sweden will benefit from taking their pick of email addresses, as the launch of a new country specific AOL name space makes many first name, last name email address combinations available.

· AOL’s leading instant messaging (AIM) featuring offline messages, picture sharing, personalization, grouped messaging, and simultaneous multiple accounts.

· AOL’s Foto service allowing unlimited storage of images at the original resolution, and easy sharing via blogs, instant messaging and email.

· AOL’s Video product featuring video uploading and sharing tools, as well as the ability to edit videos before uploading them.

· A powerful Web search product, powered by Google that helps users find the local or international information they need.

· Numerous content channels including News, Sports, Celebrity, Cinema and Games. More channels will be added over time.

· The ability to share content easily within AOL’s community and with other internet users across the globe.



Dunne continued: “Europe is one of the key engines of growth for AOL. This market is growing faster than the US with online advertising spending in Western Europe forecast to grow by 25% per year until 2009.* We expect to cover over 95% of the Europe online advertising market within 18 months. AOL is already successful in Europe and the launch of this new portal underlines our commitment to the continent. By launching dedicated portals that have real appeal in local markets, we are well placed to take advantage of this opportunity. We understand the needs of the local markets and are building on our heritage to create local language portals that are appealing to consumers and advertisers alike.”