Sunnyvale, CA-based General Magic
Inc. has begun
advertising its Portico virtual
assistant service in a Web banner campaign.
The campaign began on the CNET Web site, and will expand shortly to the
America Online and HotWired sites. Spending was not disclosed.
The Portico service, General Magic’s flagship product, lets subscribers access
voice mail, e-mail, calendar information, an address book and news and stock
quotes, all through a single phone number or from a PC using a Web browser.
The new ads represent the first time the company has marketed its service via
Web sites other than its own or those of its reseller partners. Users are
offered a reduced price Portico subscription as well as a waiver of the $50
startup fee. The ads will run over the next six weeks.
“We chose the AOL, CNET and HotWired Web sites because of their name
recognition, broad reach and popularity with mobile professionals, owners of
small businesses, and people who work at home,” said Linda Hayes, senior vice
president of marketing at General Magic.
The Internet ads highlight the increased efficiency Portico provides, while
also drawing attention to the witty way in which the female voice personality
interacts with users.