This deal gives Excite@Home (ATHM) important placement as the "Internet" button on IBM's (IBM) new Rapid Access II Keyboard, a simple stroke the lets users have one-touch access to their favorite tools.

"Distribution continues to be key for the Excite portal and this relationship extends that strategy to a new audience," said Mark Stevens, executive vice-president, corporate and business development, Excite@Home. "IBM wants to give consumers the easiest solution possible for getting to, and using, the Internet."

After hitting the "Rapid Access Key," users are taken to a joint IBM/Excite site where they may personalize their own Excite page with personalized stock quotes, news, sports scores or other information. They may also access Excite's free voice mail.