[May 19, 2005] 8x8 and LinkShare Launch Online Affiliate Program to Market Packet8 Broadband Internet Phone Service Tweet SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 8x8, Inc. , provider of Packet8 broadband voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and videophone communications services, announced today that it has launched an online affiliate marketing program through LinkShare Corporation, designed to boost internet visibility for Packet8. LinkShare (http://www.linkshare.com/), a worldwide leader in performance-based marketing programs for companies doing business on the Web, will enable 8x8 to create thousands of strategic online partnerships and extend its reach to consumers. By providing exclusive tools and technology necessary to structure flexible, performance-based partnerships, LinkShare will help 8x8 cost-effectively acquire new Packet8 subscribers and generate additional revenue. 8x8 chose LinkShare not only for the size and quality of its network, but also for the unique LinkShare sales approach to affiliate marketing that includes exclusive sales channel management tools and expert account management. "Partnering with LinkShare to develop Packet8's affiliate program allows us to expand our marketing efforts, service more customers and increase our distribution," said 8x8 Senior Director of Sales Paul Binder. "It's a win-win situation -- we're able to promote our products through thousands of websites on a proprietary and confidential basis, while offering website owners the opportunity to reap financial rewards as well." A LinkShare "affiliate" is a sales partner who promotes a "merchant" in exchange for a commission on leads or sales paid by the merchant. Affiliates act as a "virtual sales force" for merchants, and LinkShare is the trusted third party that brings the parties together. LinkShare tracks and reports on every ad or placement, and provides proprietary services and tools to help merchants optimize their performance. Merchants pay affiliates only when a commissionable action occurs -- such as a sale or customer lead. Merchants acquire new customers cost-effectively, and affiliates efficiently earn on their site traffic. "We are very excited that 8x8 has chosen LinkShare as its partner in developing a world-class affiliate marketing program," said Heidi Messer, President and COO of LinkShare. "Through this alliance, 8x8 will be able to leverage our established base of over 500 merchants and one million affiliates in the LinkShare network, as well as our industry-leading merchandising and tracking tools." About 8x8, Inc. VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service provider 8x8, Inc. offers Packet8 internet-based telephony solutions (http://www.packet8.net/) for individual residential and business users as well as small to medium sized business organizations. In addition to regular Packet8 VoIP service plans, priced as low as $19.95 per month for unlimited anytime calling to the U.S. and Canada, 8x8 now offers the $99 Packet8 DV326 VideoPhone, the industry's first stand alone broadband consumer videophone with worldwide video calling for $19.95 per month. Packet8 Virtual Office, 8x8's VoIP system for small to medium sized businesses, is a hosted PBX solution comprised of powerful business class features. For additional company information, visit 8x8's web site at http://www.8x8.com/. About LinkShare Corporation LinkShare (http://www.linkshare.com/ ) provides an online marketplace where businesses can build pay-for-performance relationships that minimize customer acquisition costs, and maximize the revenue-generating potential of their websites. By participating in The LinkShare Network@, B2B LinkShare(SM), LinkShare Japan(SM) and LinkShare UK affiliate marketing networks, online "merchants" desiring additional sales, registrations, or activity are able to forge alliances with hundreds of thousands of "affiliates" seeking to monetize their traffic. These affiliate relationships provide merchants with cost effective customer acquisition and additional sales. LinkShare's merchants include OfficeMax, J.C. Penney, 1-800-Flowers.com, AT&T, American Express, Avon Products and Dell Computer. LinkShare was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in New York City, with offices in San Francisco, Denver, and Chicago. As the worldwide leader in pay-for-performance affiliate marketing programs for companies doing business on the Web, LinkShare is proud to receive financial, operational and strategic support from Mitsui 8 Co., Ltd., Mitsui 8 Co. (U.S.A.), Inc., and Internet Capital Group. NOTE: 8x8, the 8x8 logo, Packet8, the Packet8 logo and Packet8 Virtual Office are trademarks of 8x8, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 8x8, Inc. CONTACT: Joan Citelli of 8x8, +1-408-687-4320, or [email protected] Web site: http://www.8x8.com/ Web site: http://www.linkshare.com/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]