NBCi Makes Deal with Business Services Portal Bigstep.com

NBC Internet Inc. struck a deal Tuesday with Bigstep.com , the business services-focused portal, which will bring Bigsteps online store-building tools to NBCis consumer Web sites and to AllBusiness.com , its small business focused portal.

The alliance with Bigstep.com, NBCi announced Tuesday, underscores the companys commitment to serving the burgeoning small business market. With the addition of Bigstep.com services, users of NBCi consumer sites and AllBusiness.com will now have tools to build e-businesses, create online catalogs, accept credit card orders, and receive detailed traffic and revenue reports.

Under the terms of the multiple year agreement, Bigstep.com will purchase anchor tenancies, promotion and direct marketing on NBCi’s consumer properties and AllBusiness.com. In addition, NBCi will take a minority equity stake in Bigstep.com.

Beginning immediately, Bigstep.com will launch co-branded services on both NBCi’s Snap.com and Xoom.com sites. As a new partner of AllBusiness.com, Bigstep.com services will be marketed to AllBusiness.coms small business users through personalized database marketing programs and a CD-ROM distribution program.

“It’s great to have teamed with such a powerful top-tier company,” said Andrew Beebe, chief executive officer and co-founder of Bigstep.com.

“NBCi has clearly recognized the potential and value of the small business movement. This partnership will bring a multitude of existing and new small business owners online, as well as provide unique and invaluable services and content to help them succeed,” he said.