In an effort to grow its global audience AOL has launched a dedicated portal for Italy, AOL.it…
“Free Web Tools, Such as Instant Messaging, Email, and Pictures with Unlimited Storage, Video, News and Entertainment at aol.it.”
Milan, Italy — AOL Europe today announced the launch of AOL.it, a new dedicated portal service for Italy. The launch of AOL.it marks the beginning of an expansion program in Europe.
AOL.it offers Italian users an attractive online destination, which brings together a variety of content, interactive services and safety features all combined. AOL.it will be free to anyone using the Web and will offer email, instant messaging, photo and video services, in addition to exciting tailored content including local sports, entertainment and celebrity news.
It offers email with an unlimited storage option and unrivalled safety and spam protection, along with instant messaging, and social networking applications Including AOL Foto and AOL Video.
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. AOL currently has portals in the UK, Germany, Netherlands, France and Austria. The company plans to launch local portals in 14 different international countries over the next 18 months, a number of which will be in Europe.
It is rated amongst the most trusted platforms on the Internet in the UK, Germany, Netherlands, France and Austria.
“Dana Dunne, Chief Executive Officer of AOL Europe said: “We are very pleased to be launching AOL.it. Italy is a rapidly growing online market, with high broadband penetration and huge opportunities for online advertising.”
“Launching a dedicated portal here will help us compete for both users and advertisers. AOL has the heritage, the infrastructure and the scale to offer Italy a strong local portal that meets the needs of online users.”
Among the features of the new AOL.it portal are:
- AOL’s, easy-to-use email service with an unlimited storage option, with industry-leading spam blocking and powerful security protections against viruses. Early adopters of AOL’s services in Italy 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 featuring offline messages, picture sharing, and personalization, grouped messaging, and simultaneous multiple accounts.
- AOL’s Foto service allows unlimited storage of images at original resolution, and easy sharing via blogs, IM and email.
- AOL’s Video product features video uploading and sharing tools along with 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.
- And above all the ability to share content easily within both AOL’s community and with internet users across the globe.
“By launching dedicated portals that have real appeal in local markets, we are well placed to take advantage of this opportunity. We expect to cover over 95% of the Europe online market within 18 months.”
The Italy portal launch is the latest in AOL’s efforts to grow its worldwide audience. In recent months, AOL has revamped its product and programming lineup, launched portals in India, Austria and the Netherlands, and has acquired several advertising businesses, including AdTech, TACODA, and Third Screen Media.
AOL is already extremely successful in Europe, and the launch of this new portal underlines our commitment to the continent. 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.