Cygnus Business Media's Imaging Group Launches Imaging-Info.com; Imaging Portal to Provide Exclusive Interactive Opportunities to Build Customer Relationships.

Business Editors

MELVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2003

Cygnus Business Media, a leading, diversified business-to-business media company, announced today that the Cygnus Imaging Group which consists of the nation's leading photo and imaging publications, has launched Imaging-info.com, an online portal for professional photographers, graphic artists, stock photo houses, design firms, specialty camera stores, minilabs, photofinishers and commercial photography studios.

"Business for the photo and imaging industry has not only expanded to online resources, but also to a more global audience," says Group Publisher Kathy Schneider. "Imaging-info.com facilitates a community of professionals with the vital opportunity for professionals to directly interact with manufacturers and service providers."

Cygnus Business Media's Interactive division has launched several portals that provide the pivotal component to their clients' marketing programs, reaching a targeted and specific group of thought leaders and decision makers. Through the use of sight, sound and motion, the portals have been instrumental in reaching customers on a more one-to-one customer/advertiser level. Cygnus Interactive also provides Internet marketing vehicles like opt-in industry newsletters, banner advertising, and Buyer's Guides. According to a study done by Ipsos-ASI, online banner advertisements are as effective as television advertisements in their ability to significantly increase consumer awareness of brands.

"We know that businesses that use interactive media can respond more quickly to market trends, reach out to a more global audience and many times lower transactional costs," says Cygnus Interactive Vice President Paul Andrews. "At the same time, well-equipped and managed portals like Imaging-info.com have the ability to empower visitors by providing vital, up-to-the-minute information and networking options like chat rooms and bulletin boards."

"Today, many photo and imaging professionals search the web for answers and information," adds PTN Editor Dan Havlik. "In an industry that can change by the hour, staying on top of what's happening is essential and Imaging-info.com will be a clearinghouse for everything that's going on in the industry from the hot styles in the world of fashion photography to the inside scoop on the latest digital camera release."

Imaging-info.com provides an "Up to the Minute News" feed with the latest news and information about the photo and imaging industry from around the world. Other features include a rotating online poll about current hot industry topics, an interactive bulletin board where visitors can meet and discuss important issues and live webcasting of press conferences, seminars and trade shows.

The Cygnus Imaging Group is made up of leading trade magazines including PTN, Studio Photography & Design, Photographic Processing and Digital Imaging magazines. To learn more about these publications or to find out about the latest happenings in the photo and imaging industry, log onto www.Imaging-info.com.

Cygnus Business Media is a leading, diversified business-to-business media company with a portfolio of over 200 media products reaching five million professionals annually within 15 major markets. For more information on how Cygnus Business Media can assist your company in achieving its advertising and marketing objectives, visit www.cygnusb2b.com.