Social Media Press Release Creation Tool Completes First Round Of Beta Tests

JavaScriptSearch
Tuesday, November 14, 2006; 07:10 AM

The 'Push-Button' Social Media News Release Builder is now one month old. Following a successful launch, the service is seeking additional feedback from small firms and individuals. The service is now being offered free-of-charge to all users during this phase of its beta release.

Thousands of visitors explored the PRX Builder website during its first month of operation. PRX Builder, a product of Whitley Media, enables PR and marketing professionals to embrace the tools and principles of Social Media. Its beta service is available at http://www.prxbuilder.com.

The second phase of beta testing is starting now, featuring an Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) user interface, designed to support a wider range of computer operating systems and internet browsers. Over one hundred modifications have been made to the software as a result of individual user feedback, improving the overall experience for all users.

PR Newswire, a global leader in commercial news distribution, offers an exclusive, online distribution package through PRX Builder. PRX Builder has also been embraced by a wide range of PR professionals, from  boutique firms like ResultOne Communications to international communications organizations such as Ogilvy PR. The current version of PRX Builder is completely free for all users. Online and traditional wire distribution fees still apply.

PRX 1.0, the XML specification introduced with PRX Builder, is supported by the Press Release News Network .  Several other distribution services are reviewing the specification as an additional integration option. A new program, "PRX Ready," has been developed to assist companies with adoption of the PRX document format and to promote the PRX specification.

Shannon Whitley, president of Whitley Media, the creators of PRX Builder, said: "We've received some outstanding feedback and amazing support from industry professionals, but I also want to hear from smaller groups and individuals.  The improvements we are making are designed to benefit professional communicators and amateurs alike. Over the past month, I've been concerned that some features of SHIFT Communications' original template are being overshadowed by the technology.  We've designed PRX Builder to handle the 'techie' stuff, so that users can focus on their message; creating a simple, 'no-spin' release with plenty of links."

"We are working together with Six Apart to help businesses and organizations understand what they can actually be doing with social media to reach their business objectives," said John H. Bell, managing director of Ogilvy PR's 360 Degree Digital Influence team. "It only made sense to announce that via a social media press release. With PRX Builder, businesses have another great tool to communicate those objectives."

Whitley Media is a technology company that develops cutting-edge tools and services for professional communicators and media enthusiasts. Services are provided to companies who are trying to understand new media concepts or wish to develop technology solutions for themselves or their clients. More information is available at http://www.whitleymedia.com.