Big Planet to Offer Palm Computing Connected Organizers From Franklin Covey
PROVO, Utah — March 11, 1999 — Big Planet, the InterNetworking(TM) Company, will now offer the Franklin Covey (NYSE: FC) version of the Palm Computing(R) connected organizers produced by Palm Computing Inc., a 3Com Company. Big Planet expands its product offerings with the Palm Computing devices providing compelling solutions for individuals, small to medium business, small office and home office (SOHO) markets. Big Planet will distribute the top-selling Palm Computing devices to help business leaders manage their businesses and improve their productivity. The pocket-sized Palm Computing devices are excellent tools for mobile professionals to plan schedules, accomplish tasks and track thousands of contacts.
"Big Planet's relationship with Franklin Covey is indicative of our commitment to provide customers with innovative solutions that will improve the way they Learn, Communicate, Work, Shop and Play," said Scott Nelson, vice president of marketing for Big Planet. "Franklin Covey's professional planning and organizing expertise, together with our broad consumer market distribution capabilities, will provide customers with the ability to enhance their personal and business performance as well as organization."
Big Planet and Franklin Covey will offer the following competitive advantages with the Palm Computing connected organizers:
— professional training from Franklin Covey, a Palm(TM) Premier Training provider
— on-site training for groups of thirty-five and above when purchased through Big Planet
— Internet-ready capabilities
— 2MB Flash ROM, 2MB RAM
— storage for 6,000 addresses, five years of appointments, 1,500 to-dos, 1,500 memos and 200 e-mail messages
— appointment Schedule, Address Book, Memo Pad and Task List with Franklin Planner(TM) Software included ($100 value)
— stylus and HotSync(R) cradle
— infrared data transfer capabilities
— Deluxe Franklin Planner binder designed specifically for Palm Computing connected organizers
— monthly and personal management tabs for note taking and long-term planning
— Covey Reference Library CD-ROM containing The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, First Things First and Principle-Centered Leadership. Each title is electronically formatted and transferable to the Palm Computing connected organizers.
— Palm Computing-based time and life management training
— large-quantity deliveries
— full line of Palm accessories
Franklin Covey developed a Task List application based on the Franklin Planner system's Prioritized Daily Task List, for prioritizing tasks both by their importance and the order they should be completed.
"We share Big Planet's goal of providing individuals and business people with the connections they need to streamline business processes," said Shawn Moon, vice president and general manager of strategic markets at Franklin Covey.
Big Planet has leveraged a highly talented distributor force to create a network of Big Planet representatives. In addition, Big Planet implements the latest technology to provide superior levels of representative support, such as on-line sign-up, training, access to sales information, electronic billing and real-time distribution of new product information.
Distribution
Big Planet Independent Representatives can purchase the Franklin Covey Palm Palm(TM) Package, which includes 3Com's Palm Computing connected organizer, Franklin Planner software, Covey CD Reference Library, leather binder and accessories through Big Planet or on the Web at www.bigplanet.com.
About Franklin Covey
Franklin Covey provides solutions to help individuals and organizations use proven principles to increase personal and organizational leadership effectiveness, trust and productivity. It trains more than 750,000 people each year. More than 17.5 million people now use its planners, agendas, software and Palm Computing devices. Franklin Covey has more than 15 million books in print with more than 1.5 million being sold each year, including Stephen R. Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. There are 125 Franklin Covey stores throughout the U.S., which provide individuals, families and organizations tools for effective living. Visit www.franklincovey.com for additional information.
About Big Planet
Big Planet, a Provo, Utah-based InterNetworking company, is an innovative provider of communications and technology products and services for individuals and small businesses. InterNetworking is the next revolution in direct marketing, combining the power of one-to-one relationships with the emerging global Internet opportunity to improve the way we Learn, Communicate, Work, Shop and Play.
Through Big Planet's network of Independent Representatives, the company offers an array of integrated, high-quality, technology products that combine new levels of customer value to capture key customer connections to the home and small office with services such as Internet access, dynamic Web pages, voice/data communications, e-commerce, education and more. For information about Big Planet, its products and services, visit the Big Planet Web site at www.bigplanet.com, or call (801) 345-7000.
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: NUS), a world leader in direct selling, has announced its intent to acquire the business of Big Planet. Big Planet has agreed in principle to the transaction, which is expected to close in approximately 90 days. The proposed acquisition is subject to, among other things, completion of definitive documentation and obtaining necessary regulatory, shareholder and third-party approvals.
Palm Computing and HotSync are registered trademarks and Palm is a trademark of Palm Computing, Inc., 3Com Corporation and its subsidiaries.
SOURCE Big Planet
CONTACT:
Rebecca Clyde of Brodeur Porter Novelli, 801-765-1500, ext. 242, for Big Planet