Network World and PC World Join Forces To Fill Information Gap Experienced By Small Businesses
First to Target Content at the 2.9M LAN-owning Small Businesses

Web site: http://www.NetworkingSmallBusiness.com (launch October 15)

SOUTHBOROUGH, Ma. – October 15, 2004 - Network World, Inc. and PC World Communications, Inc. today announced the launch of a new website targeted at helping small businesses select, plan and implement network technology. Based on research by IDC, networking in small businesses is growing and will continue to grow as lower prices and easier-to-implement solutions attract smaller companies.

"For the millions of businesses in the U.S. with fewer than 100 employees, there is no dedicated source of information that addresses their special networking concerns," says Kevin Normandeau, VP of Online, Network World. "We are leveraging the content and editorial expertise from both PC World and Network World in order to better service the small businesses who will benefit from a comprehensive authority."

According to IDC Research conducted in May 2004, LAN-owning small businesses will increase from 2.9M in 2003 to 3.8M in 2008, a CAGR of 5.6%. "Network IT vendors are successfully reaching Enterprise-level decision-makers," says Michael Carroll, Associate Publisher, PC World. "These vendors now have an effective way to reach and influence the large and growing population of small business buyers specifically when these businesses are researching network IT products."

The Networking for Small Business website features articles, reviews, white papers and how-to guides to help small business owners take advantage of the efficiencies, increased productivity and improved communication capabilities that network IT technology provides. Updated daily, research centers include coverage focused on security, broadband, wireless/mobile and other hardware and software products and services. Buyers-guides, industry news and Weblogs are also included.