Job site user numbers soar

ANH-THU PHAN

Nearly half a million Internet users in Hong Kong visited an online job site from their computers at home last month, a 40 per cent increase from the same time last year.

Peter Steyn of Nielsen//NetRatings said the increase outpaced the 20 per cent growth in Internet use that Hong Kong saw that month.

Nielsen's findings were based on tracking home access habits of a panel of 3,000 Web users. Because the survey is limited to home users, it does not include sites that people access from the office during working hours.

Monster.com.hk topped the list of sites, attracting 183,020 unique users last month.

Part-time.com, which ranked No 1 last year, had fallen to No 5, with 77,154 unique users.

Mr Steyn attributed the change to Monster.com's recent heavy spending on Internet banner advertisements, especially at Microsoft's MSN portal.

"It really shows how well online promotions are working," he said.

Even if users did not click through, they often remembered names and went back later to advertised sites, he added.

The Government's job site jobs.gov.hk came in at No 3 with 99,262 users, although visitors to the site spent far more time and viewed more pages than they did at any other site.

Although Hong Kong's Internet users were becoming more comfortable with looking for jobs online, the rise was "probably reflective of the economy", Mr Steyn said.

The unemployment rate has recently hit 7.1 per cent, with nearly 250,000 people out of work, according to government statistics.

The online job-seekers were more likely to be female.

While women make up only 44 per cent of the general Web audience in Hong Kong, they make up 51 per cent of the online job-seeking audience, according to Nielsen.

Mr Steyn said this was reflected elsewhere on the Web, as women tended to go online to have access to more practical information, seeking out sites about education and career.

"They're doing a bit more constructive things online," Mr Steyn said.

email remains the most popular application

More than 500 million people in the world have Internet access. And email remains the most popular application, says Nielsen/NetRatings.

"Of all the popular Internet applications, email is the global activity of choice," said Peter Steyn, director of the Nielsen research firm. (ASP.com News May 13, 2002).

In the real world, business users are communicating via email every day. And sending your marketing message to thousands of recipients via email costs much less than traditional mail.

AutoCleanAir™ provides companies the ability to quickly and easily create HTML branded email-marketing campaigns from any computer in the world...helping you better connect with your customers no matter where you, your computer, or your data resides.

With AutoCleanAir™ you can now track online who opened your message, when they opened it, how many times they read the message, and which specific customers or prospects clicked through an embedded link within that message, helping further focus your targeted follow-up.

Stay in front of your customers and reach out to prospects quickly, easily and effectively with GHI's email marketing services:

• Capture email addresses of prospects from your web site.
• Reach out and touch those prospects with messages they are waiting to hear.
• Be consistently in front of your customer base with your company name and identity.
• Motivate, educate and inform your employees across your enterprise.
• Real-time campaign management
• No software to install, configure & maintain
• Branded HTML campaigns
• Online reporting
• Personalized emails
• Online database management

Click here for a self-guided tour of AutoCleanAir™, our Email Marketing and Management System.

Fast connection helps boost online radio usage in HK

Hong Kong ranks among the world's highest audiences for Internet radio, according to a recent survey.

The study by Internet audience measurement firm Nielsen//NetRatings found about 38 per cent of Hong Kong adults said they listened to online radio programmes.

Hong Kong ranked second - following Brazil at 40 per cent - among the 12 countries surveyed, which included Australia, Brazil and nine European countries.

Peter Steyn, Nielsen//NetRatings Hong Kong's director, said more than 70 per cent of local households were connected to the Internet, so there was little surprise Hong Kong's Internet radio usage should be high.

"As many Hong Kong people are interested in life beyond the boundaries of Hong Kong, or have lived away from Hong Kong in places such as Australia, Canada, Britain and the US, Internet radio allows them to continue the enjoyment of local radio stations in these countries," he said

Mr Steyn said it was also due to the high Internet connection speed within the SAR.

"In Hong Kong, an astonishing 58 per cent of those who responded and have Internet access use either a cable modem or high-speed telephone connection to access the Internet. Not surprisingly, their rates for using Internet radio and looking at audio-visual content were among the highest worldwide," he said.

A total of 34 per cent said they had viewed multimedia content, following Britain at 41 per cent, Australia at 40 per cent and Brazil's 35 per cent.

About 84 per cent of local interviewees said they used e-mail. That was comparatively low and ranked seventh in the 12 places. A mere 26 per cent said they had used instant messaging.

"As all local telephone calls in Hong Kong are free, people are more likely to make a telephone call than to do instant messaging," Mr Steyn said.

"In large countries such as the US, Britain, Brazil and Australia, instant messaging provides a cheap option to have one-on-one communication with family and friends from across their country, which thus avoids long-distance calls."

According to International Data Corp (IDC), Hong Kong had an Internet penetration of 38 per cent this year. About 24 per cent of households had broadband Internet access.

About 93 per cent of local Internet users accessed the Internet for e-mail and 71 per cent accessed the Net to download and/or listen to music.

"Hong Kong users have demonstrated a high demand for online gaming, and surfing the Internet for recreation, travel, information about news and current affairs, sport, hobbies and music," IDC's market analyst Renee Gamble said.

"The strong take-up of broadband services demonstrates that Hong Kong users are willing to pay a bit more for better quality high-speed Internet access in order to make their online experience more fulfilling. They want always-on connectivity and unlimited access. And they are demanding higher speed bandwidth."

Mr Steyn added: "As more and more Hong Kong Internet users get access to broadband, and content providers take advantage of this increased bandwidth, streaming media applications will continue to shape our online experiences. These include TV or video or music-on-demand, live webcasts, Internet phones, and Internet radios."

Email Still the Killer App For Internet Users

Sending and receiving e-mail was the dominant online activity in 12 countries over the past six months, said the Nielsen//NetRatings First Quarter 2002 Global Internet Trends report. The report also found that at least 75 percent of households with Internet access participated in email.

"Of all the popular Internet applications, email is the global activity of choice," said Peter Steyn, director of the research firm. "We found that an impressive 90 percent of the adults in three major markets - Australia, the UK and the Netherlands - used email over the past six months, though the percentages were high for all 12 countries. In Hong Kong, 84 percent of those aged 16 and above have used e-mail".

"However, involvement in chat rooms was lower than 30 percent in all countries except Brazil, where 41 percent of adult Internet users used chat rooms, and in Spain where 38 percent used chat rooms. In Hong Kong, 28 percent of adults have participated in chat rooms.

Additionally, looking at audio-visual content and using Internet radio were well below 50 percent in all countries, and instant messaging has less than 30 percent penetration in several countries, including Hong Kong, France, Germany and Italy", said Steyn.

"The key to email's popularity is two-fold: it is a cost-effective way to communicate across great distances, and it does not require the same high connection speeds as some of the other applications.

In most countries, a 56k modem or slower modem is the most popular tool to access the Internet. However, in Hong Kong, an astonishing 58 percent of those who responded and have Internet access use either a cable modem or high-speed telephone connection to access the Internet. Not surprisingly, their rates for using Internet radio and looking at audio-visual content were among the highest worldwide" Steyn added

Handspring Releases Treo Mail

May 13, 2002

By Gretchen Hyman

Handspring went to market this week with its first commercially available wireless email service for its line of Treo communicators. The release of Treo Mail will give users more reasons to sing about a handheld device that allows them to combine the functions of a cell phone, personal organizer, and wireless email in one lightweight gadget.

Treo Mail's primary attraction is that it offers customizable delivery options for users to control when and how they send and receive email when away from their home or corporate desktop computer. Email can be received manually or it can be automatically delivered at scheduled time intervals. Filters can be set in place to blot out spam or unwanted email, and the service provides 128-bit SSL encryption for the secure exchange of email without a VPN or direct dial into a corporate local-area network.

Treo Mail will be offered in two different Visto-powered software packages that operate on worldwide GSM networks as well as GPRS and CDMA networks. GSM is a 2G network currently used by 80 percent of the global wireless market.

For enterprise workers on the move, the Treo Mail Corporate Desktop Edition gives users access to Microsoft Outlook/Exchange and POP3 email accounts behind the corporate firewall. Microsoft Outlook/Exchange users can also make use of 'wireless inbox synchronization,' so that messages that are read, deleted, or sent using a Treo device will appear as such on the desktop.

For individual use, the Treo Mail Internet Edition is for users who rely entirely on a personal POP3 email account from Internet Service Providers such as Earthlink, PacBell, or MSN. Treo Mail promises faster downloads and shorter connection times when receiving mail and can be delivered automatically at specified time intervals.

Mountain View, Calif.-based Handspring is stepping up to the plate at a time when email popularity is at an all-time high.

According to a Global Internet Trends report published by Nielsen/NetRatings, email is still the primary reason people use the Internet. The report states that 75 percent of households worldwide access email via the Internet.

"The key to email's popularity is two-fold: it is a cost-effective way to communicate across great distances and it does not require the same high connection speeds as some of the other applications," said Peter Steyn, director of the research firm.

However, in most cases the Treo's new email service will not liberate users from using a separate Internet Service Provider (ISP). Only a limited number of carriers currently provide Internet access as part of their mobile wireless service, which in some cases could mean that users could be sacked with three monthly fees to maintain the multi functions of the Treo: one to an ISP, one to a wireless carrier, and the yearly Treo Mail fee which varies from $49.99 to $99.99.

According to Paul Cousineau, product manager for Treo Mail, Treo and many other wireless device manufacturers are currently in limbo as network carriers make the leap to 2.5G and 3G networks that can support voice and data in all areas of the country.

"It's really a mixed bag depending on how the networks are set up," said Cousineau. "Some carriers have already included Internet access for users, but in general ISP-level service is still limited among carriers. By the end of this year, there should hopefully be more options for Treo customers. The one thing we're finding out is that there is a high level of people who already have an ISP account for their PCs and we're not finding that customers are upset by the added payments."

Both Treo email options are available for a 30-day free trial.

Earlier this month, Handspring's Treo 180 received high ratings from PC Magazine for being one of the top smart phones of choice in an industry-wide analysis of wireless devices.

Handspring is also offering a rebate on its Treo 180 communicators for consumers wanting to upgrade to a single wireless handheld device.

The offer extends through June 2, 2002.

Internet radio proves a big turn on

Hong Kong iMail

by By Sherman Chau
HONG Kong people are among the highest users of Internet radio and audio-visual content, thanks to a high penetration of broadband access.

In the latest ratings by ACNielsen and NetRatings, the SAR was second only to Brazil in Internet radio usage of 12 countries studied, and fourth highest in viewing audio-visual content.

``In most countries in this report, a 56K modem is the most popular tool to access the Internet. However, in Hong Kong, an astonishing 58 per cent of those who responded and have Internet access use either a cable modem or high-speed telephone connection,'' ACNielsen eRatings director Peter Steyn said.

``You have a better Internet experience with broadband, so there's higher usage for things like Internet radio and visual content.''

The survey, of 1,500 Internet users in each country, found email to be the dominant online activity, with an average of 85 per cent of those surveyed having used it.

The survey said email's popularity was because it was a cost-effective way to communicate across long distances and did not require high-speed connections.

The use of instant messaging, such as ICQ, was relatively low in Hong Kong, which was seventh on the list with 26 per cent of people having used the application in the past six months.

``Instant messaging is a great way to communicate person-to-person. It's especially popular in large countries where long distance rates are high. Perhaps that's why it isn't widely used in Hong Kong. Usually it's just easier to pick up the phone to call someone,'' Steyn said.

The report studied people aged 16 or older who had used the Internet in the past six months. Hong Kong was the only Asian territory in the survey.

Web ratings merger buoys industry

South Achina Morning Post

SIDNEY LUK

A decision by United States-based Internet research company NetRatings to acquire 80 per cent of ACNielsen eRatings.com for US$9.6 million in stock is a vote of confidence in the beleaguered Internet economy, according to industry watchers.

ERatings.com, owned by ACNielsen, was a joint-venture service of the two firms to measure online advertising and user activities.

"Bringing these two companies together really helps us to integrate our business in combining our operations and also consolidating all our services under a global brand," Nielsen//NetRatings Hong Kong director Peter Steyn said.

Over the past two years, Web measurement companies have been badly hit by the Internet bust. Local start-up iamasia closed in November last year.

At the same time, NetRatings axed its sales and client services staff in South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. NetValue Asia, the third major player in the Hong Kong market also cut staff.

Mr Steyn declined to say if the merger would lead to further job cuts at Nielsen//NetRatings or affect the local operation. He said the changes "certainly strengthen our position globally, including in Asia-Pacific".

The company reported revenue of US$23.5 million last year, up 15 per cent from US$20.4 million in 2000. Last October, it was issued the first licence to conduct Internet research in China under new mainland regulations.

The firm conducts Internet audience studies for firms in Hong Kong such as Cathay Pacific and HSBC.

Interactive marketing company Modem Media said companies were increasing their spending on Internet use studies.

"Definitely, they are spending more," Modem Media's regional director Brett King said. "They are getting smarter in using this medium."

Mr King said studies were mostly data-targeted and could provide more information and background on potential and present customers, enabling companies to adjust their marketing programmes and optimise the benefits.

"In this environment, people are very concerned about streaming online and the most important thing to them is their return on investment," Mr King said. "The research can provide a more accurate understanding of the audience so companies know how to address their needs, which would be impossible without the data."

Yahoo! Hong Kong marketing manager Quinnie Ng, a subscriber of eRatings' information, said Internet audience studies were of high value. "There is a need for such research so we can learn more about online surfers and their behaviour," Ms Ng said.

Nielsen//NetRatings Finds E-Mail is the Dominant Online Activity Worldwide

Hong Kong usage of Internet radio and looking at audio-visual content among the highest worldwide 531 Million People Now Have Internet Access

Sending and receiving e-mail was the dominant online activity in 12 countries over the past six months, according to the Nielsen//NetRatings First Quarter 2002 Global Internet Trends report, released today. Nielsen//NetRatings, the global standard in Internet media and market research, found that at least 75% of households with Internet access participated in e-mail.

"Of all the popular Internet applications, e-mail is the global activity of choice," said Peter Steyn, Director, Nielsen//NetRatings. "We found that an impressive 90% of the adults in three major markets - Australia, the UK and the Netherlands - used e-mail over the past six months, though the percentages were high for all 12 countries. In Hong Kong, 84% of adults 16+ have used e-mail".

"In contrast, involvement in chat rooms was lower than 30% in all countries except Brazil, where 41% of adult Internet users used chat rooms, and in Spain where 38% used chat rooms. In Hong Kong, 28% of adults have participated in chat rooms. Additionally, looking at audio-visual content and using Internet radio was well below 50% in all countries, and instant messaging has less than 30% penetration in several countries, including Hong Kong, France, Germany and Italy", said Steyn.

"The key to e-mail's popularity is two-fold: it's a cost-effective way to communicate across great distances, and it doesn't require the same high connection speeds as some of the other applications. In most countries in this report, a 56k modem or slower modem is the most popular tool to access the Internet. However, in Hong Kong, an astonishing 58% of those who responded and have Internet access use either a cable modem or high-speed telephone connection to access the Internet. Not surprisingly, their rates for using Internet radio and looking at audio-visual content were among the highest worldwide." (See Table 1)

Table 1. Internet Activities Over the Past Six Months: % of People Ages 16+

Country	Sent/Received e-mail	Participated in Chat Room	Used Instant Messaging	Looked at Audio-Visual Content	Used Radio via the Internet
Australia	90	23	30	40	20
UK	90	16	35	41	21
Netherlands	90	21	29	30	17
Denmark	89	20	13	27	23
Switzerland	89	21	24	22	13
Sweden	88	19	32	29	25
Hong Kong	84	28	26	34	38
Germany	83	25	18	24	18
Spain	82	38	43	32	23
France	80	27	26	27	20
Italy	79	20	16	25	19
Brazil	75	41	42	35	40

Among population 16+ who have used the Internet in the past six months
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings Global Internet Trends Q1 2002

Globally, the number of people with access to the Internet via a home PC increased from 498.2 million people in Q4 2001 to 531.3 million in Q1 2002.

The findings are from the Nielsen//NetRatings Global Internet Trends service, a quarterly subscription service reporting information on worldwide Internet access and usage trends drawn from surveys conducted in January 2002 using consistent research methodology. With the Q1 2002 reports, Nielsen//NetRatings has expanded the range of topics covered in the survey, now reporting on the top Internet Service Providers by country, speed of connection to the Internet and online activities such as email, chat, instant messaging and online radio usage.

Collecting Email Addresses

"More than 500 million people in the world have Internet Access and email remains the most popular application", says Nielsen//Net Ratings. "Of all the popular Internet applications, email is the global activity of choice," said Peter Steyn, director of the research firm. "We found that an impressive 90 percent of the adults in three major markets - Australia, the UK and the Netherlands - used email over the past six months, though the percentages were high for all 12 countries."

However, organisations need a simple, yet cost effective way of being able to obtain the email addresses of their customers and update their customer databases. Organisations need to be able to implement a scaleable activity that will allow them, in a very short amount of time, to obtain large volumes of customer email addresses.

If you would like to find out more about how this can be done, please contact Neil.S@srd-grp.com and we will forward you some more information.