Internet Service Providers Web Sites Benchmarked in New Web Marketing Association Study

Boston, MA (PRWEB) May 5, 2006

According to the Internet Standards Assessment Report (ISAR) released by the Web Marketing Association, Internet Service Providers (ISP) are the backbone of Internet access for millions of users around the world. Historically, they have matched the overall standard of Web excellence in recent years with the exception of a major under performance in 2005. The ISAR study provides industry benchmarks for Web site development and is based on data collected from 9,748 Web site evaluations in more than 80 industries over the past decade. A copy of the full report can be downloaded at http://www.webaward.org/isar_report.asp.

“ISPs are true portals for most of the Internet’s newest users,” said William Rice, president of the Web Marketing Association. “The best ISP Web sites don’t just sell products and services; they educate the users and help them to understand how to get the most from their online experience.”

Since 1997, the Web Marketing Association has been conducting its annual WebAward Competition for Web site development. The Internet Standards Assessment Report is the results of nearly a decade of independent evaluations of Web site development based on seven categories: design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copywriting and ease of use.

Here are some of the past WebAwards Best ISP Web site winners.

2005 Fios Internet

2004 Verio Global IP Solutions

2003 AT&T Worldnet Service Registration Movie

2002 Verizon.net Redesign

A complete list of past winners and the entry form for companies who wish to compete for 2006 honors can be found at http://www.webaward2006.org.

ISPs wishing to have their Web site evaluated against the ISAR Index and be considered for a WebAward, which can help boost a Web sites credibility and marketing efforts, can nominate their site at http://www.webawards2006.org.

“Of course, as in every industry, there are Internet Service Provider Web sites that stand out and others that don’t make the grade,” concluded Rice. “Our goal has always been to be more than just a popularity or beauty contest that rewards brand names and good design. Instead, this ISAR study is designed to return some value to every entrant with input as to what Internet professionals should strive for in their Web site development efforts in an objective, empirical and constructive way.”

2006 WebAward Call for Entries

The Web Marketing Association is now accepting entries into its 10th annual international WebAward Competition. The WebAwards is the standards-defining competition that sets industry benchmarks that the Internet Standards Assessment report is based upon. The Internet service provider industry represents an important category in the WebAward competition, and the Web Marketing Association will again be honoring the Best ISP Web site of 2006. The deadline for entry is May 31, 2006 and the WebAward Web site is located at http://www.webawards2006.org.

About the WebAwards

The 10th annual international WebAwards competition sets the standard of excellence in 95 industry categories by evaluating Web sites and defining benchmarks based on the seven essential criteria of successful Web site development. The goal of the Web Marketing Association, sponsor of the WebAwards, is to provide a forum to recognize the people and organizations responsible for developing some of the most effective Web sites on the Internet today. Entrants benefit from a Web site assessment by a professional judging panel and the marketing opportunities presented to an award-winning Web site. For more information, visit http://www.webawards2006.org.

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