Affinity Internet Launches WebStore

June 6, 2006; 06:29 AM

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Affinity Internet, the leading Web site, eCommerce and online-marketing service provider for Web professionals and small businesses, today announced WebStore, a powerful new eCommerce application that provides everything needed to develop and manage an online storefront. Created specifically with the small business owner in mind, WebStore is a comprehensive, flexible eCommerce solution that delivers the functionality and features of an enterprise application in an affordable, user-friendly package.

"At Affinity, our goal is to ensure that our customers not only get on the Web, but thrive on the Web," said Jim Collins, CEO, Affinity Internet. "Affinity has helped more businesses establish a successful eCommerce presence than any other Web-based services provider because we understand that an effective storefront is a critical component of any successful eCommerce Web site. We continue to remain one step ahead of our competition by developing products like WebStore, which truly enable our customers to harness the power of eCommerce."

WebStore allows customers to easily design and manage a complete online storefront. Its browser-based functionality and design wizards make setup and back-end store maintenance efficient and intuitive. Designed specifically for the non-technical user, its single interface eliminates the need to learn and use multiple applications. Features include:

-- Enhanced inventory management and reporting tools - allows users to track orders, stock and customer information and to exchange data directly with QuickBooks(R)

-- Integrated shopping cart - provides a system for customers to quickly and easily purchase items online

-- Integrated payment processing - calculates sales tax and allows customers to pay with credit card through QuickBooks Merchant Services, PayPal and more

-- Integrated shipping functionality - creates customized shipping tables and policies

-- Fraud protection - provides security technology to protect all transactions

Additionally, Affinity offers those without the time to build a Web storefront themselves the option to have a professional designer create, configure and maintain their online store for them. Customers can receive a complete and professionally designed eCommerce storefront with routine site maintenance and updates for as little as $100 per month.

The WebStore solution is powered by ProStores eCommerce technology, licensed from eBay. ProStores is an eBay Company that enables small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) to establish full-featured, customized eCommerce sites quickly and cost effectively. "Affinity selected ProStores as the application technology provider for its new eCommerce solution because of eBay's extensive background in transaction interface design," said Collins.

"Affinity Internet has a strong record of performance in helping small to mid-size businesses succeed in eCommerce," said Julian Green, director of ProStores. "We appreciate the fact that Affinity has recognized the value of ProStores technology in enabling merchants to establish a comprehensive and distinctive online presence through the WebStore solution."

"Over the past decade, we have seen an overwhelming increase in eCommerce site development and online success, especially in the small business sector," said Andrew Schroepfer, principal, Tier1 Research. "Affinity understands that eCommerce is more than just a functioning shopping cart. They recognize how much technology has contributed to the growth and evolution of the sector and have created products and services that allow SMBs to fully utilize all that technology has to offer in helping them grow their business online."

WebStore is currently available through Affinity's ValueWeb brand. For more information, please visit: www.valueweb.com.

About Affinity Internet

Affinity Internet (www.affinity.com) is committed to empowering its customers to write their own Internet success stories.

The company provides more than 180,000 web professionals and small businesses the tools to develop, maintain, market and support their web presence, making the Internet a useful and relevant part of their businesses. Affinity's brands include: ValueWeb, for web design, eCommerce hosting (www.valueweb.com) and online marketing solutions and Gate.com, the cutting-edge UNIX and Windows web hosting (www.gate.com) service. Affinity's co-brand and private-label partner programs enable leading service providers and Internet brands to extend their value proposition to include feature-rich web site, ecommerce and online marketing services and applications.

Affinity's services are supported by its customer service "success guides" - knowledgeable consultants with a passion for serving small businesses and a dedication to ensuring their growth and success.