Nielsen Media Research, NetRatings Launch New Service

Nielsen Media Research Inc. and NetRatings Inc. launched a new service called Nielsen//NetRatings for tracking and measuring Web audiences, combining banner tracking with panel-based research.

The new service combines Internet user and banner tracking measurement technology, and the highest-quality online research panel in the industry, the companies said. At launch, the Nielsen//NetRatings panel includes more than 9,000 users providing data as they surf the Web, move within sites, and are exposed to ad banners.

The new service tracks advertising-banner information such as audience demographics, exposure of banner ads and how many users are clicking on the ads, and can analyze competitors’ advertising campaigns. It also offers competitive electronic-commerce statistics such as who is advertising online and on what Web sites. And it offers information about how much money advertisers are spending to target particular audiences.

The data represents the universe of people with home Internet access. The data is collected on a “real-time” basis and sent to Nielsen//NetRatings via the Internet as activity takes place. Aggregated information is available to customers weekly, monthly or quarterly.

Nielsen//NetRatings is the first offering from a strategic alliance between the companies that was announced in October 1998. Initial media customers include Amazon.com, AltaVista, iVillage, TV Guide, The Weather Channel, USA Today and Yahoo Advertising agency customers include: BBDO, Bates USA, Cox Interactive Media, OgilvyOne and Starcom IP.