SureWest Launches Broadband Ajax-Powered Web Portal

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Tuesday, June 13, 2006; 08:19 AM

Laszlo Systems and independent telecommunications holding company SureWest Communications launched SureWest's new broadband Web portal, which offers high-speed Internet subscribers access to personalized content modules and services, including weather, news, stock updates, email and online games -- all of which can be customized to meet an individual's needs and preferences. Built by Laszlo Studios on the leading open source Ajax development platform, OpenLaszlo, the interactive Web portal can be previewed by non-subscribers at http://www.surewest.net.

Hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses in the greater Sacramento, California metropolitan region benefit from SureWest's local telephone, directory advertising, long distance, Internet, wireless, digital TV and commercial high-speed data services. With the new SureWest portal, more than 60,000 broadband Internet customers will have the ability to manage their personalized content in a rich, fluid way while also taking advantage of SureWest's free subscriber options, such as online bill payment and IPTV programming guides.

"We believe that as the communication sector's business model continues to focus on bundled service offerings for consumers, the industry is in dire need of competitive differentiators," said Bill Demuth, senior vice president and chief technology officer of SureWest Communications. "SureWest's commitment to innovation led us to discover Laszlo's open source development approach and their professional services arm, which resulted in the best array of online application offerings we've seen to date. It's with great excitement that we announce our online portal that will offer our valued customers something new and truly unique in today's market."

Designed by Laszlo Studios, the professional services arm of Laszlo Systems that builds custom applications using the OpenLaszlo platform, the SureWest portal encourages users to extend their online visit and engage more thoroughly with the informational content. Each modular application offers a number of attractive features, such as personalized display and search functions, and subscribers can also change and save their preferences, ranging from layout and color to background and content.

"We are delighted that SureWest has selected the OpenLaszlo platform and the services of Laszlo Studios to provide their customers with a dynamic, memorable Web experience," said Steve Ciesinski, chairman and CEO of Laszlo Systems. "Today's announcement not only heralds innovation, but also demonstrates our understanding of market needs and OpenLaszlo's scalability. Whether companies need an appealing application now or want to deliver rich experiences to set-top boxes and mobile devices tomorrow, OpenLaszlo is uniquely architected to support them."

Adds Pete Drozdoff, vice president of marketing for SureWest, "As one of the country's most advanced communications providers, SureWest's longevity depends on our dedication to providing our customers with the highest level of service and online interaction. With the implementation of the multi-faceted portal powered by Laszlo, we have increased confidence in our continued success."

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