ICQ Reaches the 10 Million Mark on CNET Download.com

    SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- CNET Download.com
 ( http://www.download.com ), the Web's most popular site for downloading
 software, announced today that ICQ, a program that helps you recognize when
 friends are online, hit the 10 million downloads mark in CNET Download.com's
 software library. ICQ ("I seek you") is currently one of the service's most
 frequently requested pieces of software, averaging between 750,000 and
 1 million downloads per week.
     "ICQ debuted on CNET Download.com in December 1996, and has been going
 strong ever since," said Mr. Arik Vardi, CEO of Mirabilis, LTD. "Our presence
 on this premier site was an important marketing tool for us, and the effect
 has been enormous. We've seen our user base grow to over 13 million since our
 first appearance, and are excited about continuing to showcase our products
 via CNET Download.com."
     ICQ, is a user-friendly Internet program that notifies you in real-time
 when friends or colleagues are online. With ICQ, you can chat, or send
 messages and files, play games, or just hang out with friends as you surf the
 Net. The latest version of ICQ allows for a short download time, and is
 compatible with Windows 95/Windows NT.
     With over 500,000 downloads per day, CNET Download.com is the Web's
 undisputed leader in the software downloading space, according to data from
 Media Metrix, The PC Meter Company. CNET Download.com compiles the Internet's
 top free-to-download software titles in one easy-to-use site, making finding
 and downloading software quick and painless for Web users. Visitors to CNET
 Download.com will find today's most popular titles right at their fingertips,
 including must-have utilities, the hottest games, the latest browsers, and
 browser plug-ins.
     "ICQ is at the forefront of the booming phenomenon of real-time,
 interpersonal communication over the Internet," said Nish Bhutani, Director
 and Site Manager of CNET Download.com. Our users have long appreciated the
 quality and performance of the ICQ product, and it is no surprise that ICQ is
 now the all-time most popular download on CNET Download.com." CNET
 Download.com is highlighting ICQ's achievement this week on the Web site with
 a look back at how ICQ grew to its current popularity. ICQ is also featured in
 the #1 spot on a special CNET Download.com editorial that recounts CNET
 Download.com's "Top 10 Downloads Ever."
     ICQ is an Internet communications service that allows subscribers to
 locate and initiate communications with fellow members online. ICQ's service
 also enables subscribers to exchange instant messages, participate in chat,
 send messages, exchange files and search for information on the Web. ICQ has
 already registered over 13 million members and currently has over 6 million
 subscribers around the world actively using the service. ICQ software and
 services are available -- free of charge -- to all Internet users through its
 Web site, www.icq.com. ICQ is owned by America Online, Inc., the world's
 leader in branded interactive services and content.
     CNET:  The Computer Network ( http://www.cnet.com ) is the Internet's
 premier destination for information on computers, the Internet and digital
 technologies. CNET's network of sites is consistently ranked as the Internet's
 leading content network in terms of both audience size and revenue, serving
 millions of users each day. The company's Internet sites include:  CNET.com,
 CNET News.com, CNET Computers.com, CNET Gamecenter.com, CNET Builder.com, CNET
 Download.com, CNET Shareware.com, and CNET Search.com.
 
 

SOURCE  CNET