NBC Internet Inc.
struck a deal Tuesday with Bigstep.com
, the business services-focused portal, which will bring Bigsteps
online store-building tools to NBCis consumer Web sites and to AllBusiness.com , its small business
focused portal.
The alliance with Bigstep.com, NBCi announced Tuesday, underscores the
companys commitment to serving the burgeoning small business market. With
the addition of Bigstep.com services, users of NBCi consumer sites and
AllBusiness.com will now have tools to build e-businesses, create online
catalogs, accept credit card orders, and receive detailed traffic and
revenue reports.
Under the terms of the multiple year agreement, Bigstep.com will purchase
anchor tenancies, promotion and direct marketing on NBCi’s consumer
properties and AllBusiness.com. In addition, NBCi will take a minority
equity stake in Bigstep.com.
Beginning immediately, Bigstep.com will launch co-branded services on both
NBCi’s Snap.com and Xoom.com sites. As a new partner of
AllBusiness.com, Bigstep.com services will be marketed to AllBusiness.coms
small business users through personalized database marketing programs and a
CD-ROM distribution program.
“It’s great to have teamed with such a powerful top-tier company,” said
Andrew Beebe, chief executive officer and co-founder of Bigstep.com.
“NBCi has clearly recognized the potential and value of the small business
movement. This partnership will bring a multitude of existing and new small
business owners online, as well as provide unique and invaluable services
and content to help them succeed,” he said.