Andover, Mass. - February 18, 2005 - WSI Corporation,
the leading provider of weather data and graphics services
for over 50 percent of the nation’s broadcasters and
major cable networks, as well as the majority of U.S. pilots
and professional aviators, announces the upcoming launch of
NowNet™. WSI’s network of state-of-the-art cameras
and advanced weather sensors delivers the most complete and
accurate picture of the weather that matters for local broadcast
markets.
NowNet™ is the only commercial weather network of
its kind, linking the highest resolution observations and
video with the most precise proprietary forecasts ever created.
The cutting edge sensors are more accurate and reliable than
any other sensor currently deployed in TV markets. The unprecedented
neighborhood-level network will detect and forecast more
than 100 different weather conditions especially focused
on disruptive weather, and the near real-time high quality
camera views will complete the picture conditions for selected
landmark locations.
“We have spent the past two years building the capability to marry up higher
resolution observations with the forecasts of disruptive weather that matters
most to viewers,” said Dr. Peter Neilley, Vice President of Research and
Development for WSI.
WSI will begin deployment of NowNet™ in March, with
sites installed initially across all top 50 television markets
and major airport locations by summer 2005. Sites will be
deployed more broadly across additional television markets
and resorts later in the year. The rapid deployment of this
network is possible due to WSI’s deep relationships
with over 350 broadcasters, 80% of the major airlines, more
than 2,000 general aviation clients, and many of the largest
energy utilities across the nation.
“As a trusted supplier, our clients are delighted
to work with WSI in building out the network since they can
participate in the site selection in each local market. Deploying
this network at high traffic landmark locations, as well
as major airports, will be of high interest to consumers
and business travelers,” said Mark Gildersleeve, President
of WSI.
Weather is consistently ranked as the most important content
category for local news viewers, and NowNet™ content
will be displayable on broadcasters’ local weather
programming. In addition, this localized content is especially
useful to convey to viewers one by one, hence WSI’s
introduction of desktop and wireless applications enabling
broadcasters to provide NowNet’s™ advanced weather
forecast accuracy to viewers wherever they are – not
only by television, but at their workplace, home computer,
cell phone and PDA.
This combination of new services will offer broadcasters
an opportunity to present their branded content to viewers
with consistency across the wired and wireless spectrum.
NowNet™ Beta customer Debbie Turner, General Manager
of WTVF in Nashville said, “We want to reach our viewers
wherever they are. Choosing WSI’s allows us to turn
to a single company we trust to connect our weather brand
to our audience with a simple, seamless, local solution,
regardless of platform.”
About WSI
WSI Corporation is a provider of weather-driven business
solutions for professionals in the energy, aviation and
media markets, and multiple federal and state government
agencies. WSI is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts
and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Landmark Communications.
More information about NowNet™ can be found at http://wsi.sidereustech.com/pressrelease/.
For more information & press graphics contact:
Linda Maynard
(978) 983-6715
lmaynard@wsi.com
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