PointCast goes to college
The PointCast College Network is available for downloading, while the company continues to narrow its search for a new chief executive officer.
The PointCast College Network is the latest attempt at trying to tap the lucrative student market, one of the most computer-literate groups around. The company had planned to announce Monday that the product was available, but it already has been posted on the Web site.
As previously reported by CNET's NEWS.COM, the service will contain channels such as E! Online, Music Xone, Student Union, Resource, Wired Esc., and U Wire, a service that aggregates news stories from more than 120 college newspapers.
"Interesting, useful, and exciting stuff that not only makes you thrive but keeps you in the know"--so says the introduction to College Network, posted on the company's Web site today. An estimated 14 million U.S. students spend billions of dollars annually on everything from books to concert tickets.
Meanwhile, sources said PointCast has narrowed its search for a chief executive officer from five to seven candidates, including one woman. The candidates run the gamut from high-ranking executives of print media and broadcasting companies to technology-savvy individuals. No decision is imminent.
As previously reported, chairman and chief executive Chris Hassett gave up the CEO title. Etec chief financial officer Phil Keon became chief financial officer.