NEW INTERNET INFO GATHERER LAUNCHED
By Adnews Staff
Toronto-based Lanacom Inc. released new software this week designed to automatically deliver personalized news and information from the Web to personal computers. Called HeadLiner, the product is currently available as a free download from the company's Web site <http://www.headliner.com>. Add-on products will be available through direct order and retail channels in the new year. Also in the new year, Lanacom will be introducing a corporate version of HeadLiner, allowing companies to create customized corporate information networks. Unlike PointCast, HeadLiner doesn't run its own ads or re-publish content. Instead, it reaches out to hundreds of Web sites, including a range of Canadian news sources, and takes users directly to the content providers. Currently, the product is being advertised by banner ads on the Web. A print campaign to run in newspapers and trade magazines will begin in the new year. So far, Lanacom has used several agencies for a variety of projects. DRK of Boston created the banner ads and provided marketing consultation. Luxuria & Apparatus Design Communications of Toronto created Lanacom's Web site. Michelle Designs of Thornhill, Ont. designed handouts, T-shirts and a corporate look for the company's press kits. Lanacom marketing director Randy Busch told Adnews the company has not decided who will create its print advertising yet. Founded in 1996, Lanacom's goal is "to provide products that simplify and enhance the Internet experience." HeadLiner is its first product.