USERPLANE EXPANDS OUTREACH TO ONLINE MUSIC COMMUNITY

[SalesManager]

BRINGS LIVE INTERACTION TO ‘SOUL DECISION’ FANS WITH WEB CHAT VERSION 1.5

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 29, 2004) – Bringing an unprecedented level of interaction to online music buffs via live audio/visual communication, Userplane (www.userplane.com), a pioneer in developing innovative Web applications, today announced the deployment of its multi-user web chat room system for the official website of Vancouver-based band Soul Decision (www.souldecision.com).
The implementation of Userplane’s multi-user, multi-room chat room system enables band members to conduct chat sessions and stream live video and music for their fans. Soul Decision and its fans can log into the website and interact with one another through the ease of a Flash chat system, eliminating the hassles of installing and downloading traditional software. Userplane Web Chat Version 1.5 features streaming audio and video through the Flash MX-based client, mini-profile, a user-image display and the flexible Flash interface.
Web Chat 1.5 capabilities enable extensive user interaction for online dating and social networking communities. With the deployment of Web Chat for an online music community like SoulDecision.com, seamless communication tools now can facilitate live, intimate interaction between musicians and their fans in real-time – giving established and new artists a way to reach fans directly, whether or not they have the backing of a major record label.
“With Macromedia Flash, our applications provide an entertaining way of connecting people – and in this case, helping artists truly interact with their fan base,” said Michael Jones, president of Userplane. “The new version of Web Chat enables users to watch and listen to other members in the current room. Soul Decision deployed the Web Chat system to stream audio and video for the pleasure of fans and site visitors – an excellent channel to encourage fan loyalty within the music community.”
Userplane currently provides one of the premier social networking sites with a Web-based MP3 player application, allowing for audio streaming of music – helping to fuel a growing trend of using online viral marketing tactics to promote the recordings of big-label and independent artists alike. Bands and artists can upload their songs and allow secure streaming through the Userplane audio/video streaming network.
“We continue to help online communities grow and thrive, by equipping them with robust live communication tools that build visibility, brands and revenue,” Jones said. “Music has been a fertile ground for innovation online, and we believe that the entire music business is now being transformed by these kinds of tools.”
Beyond generic and ubiquitous chat rooms, Userplane Web Chat is a feature-rich, solidly-built, and easily-integrated Flash Application that enables real-time text messaging and streaming audio/video communication for any website. Leveraging Macromedia’s robust Flash Communication Server technology, Web Chat enables community, dating, corporate and collaborative websites to rapidly deploy a scalable, centrally-hosted A/V chat room for their users. It is easily and seamlessly integrated with existing user databases, login systems, and buddy lists through fast and simple XML and any web scripting language: PHP, .NET, ASP, ColdFusion, XML, JSP, etc.
Userplane’s Community Suite also includes the Instant Communicator, a one-to-one A/V instant messaging and the Web Recorder, an A/V recording application. Userplane Apps provide full website administrative control, integration via XML with a (members-based) site's user database, and customization for each deployment to match the business model and branding of the site.

About Userplane

Based in Los Angeles, Userplane is the premier provider of enterprise social software for online communities. Userplane Apps are elegant, easy to use, and rapidly deployed Web-based applications. Leveraging Macromedia Flash, the Apps are lightweight, cross-platform with no user installation, and customizable for a site's specific needs. Userplane Apps are deployed internationally on sites ranging from online communities to intranets. The application suite reaches tens of millions of users and supports more than three million live conversations a month in twelve countries. Userplane continues to provide forward-thinking Web and software development for industry-leading clients including Red Bull, Honda and 1-800 Flowers.

Note to editors: High-resolution Web or print Userplane Application screenshots are available at http://www.userplane.com/partner/press.cfm
Media Contact:

Ken Greenberg
Edge Communications, Inc.
818/719-9292
ken@edgepress.com