AOL, a division of Time Warner, the world’s leading media company, today announced the launch of www.aol.com.au, a website that offers AOL’s suite of communication products including Mail, the popular Instant Messenger, AIM, industry leading products like WINAMP, the video search engine- Truveo and content focused on information and entertainment.

AOL is a leading provider of Web services with 237 million unique visitors worldwide and a strong heritage based on over 20 years of operation. The launch of AOL Australia furthers the company’s global strategy to have a presence in 30 countries by the end of 2008. With this portal the company has created a world-class service tailor made to the preferences of the Australian audience. The company has expanded from four portals around the world in 2007 to 17 portals with this launch today.

www.aol.com.au will feature a compelling combination of information and entertainment through its bouquet of AOL products and services. These will include, an easy to use e-mail service, leading Instant Messenger, Winamp and Truveo. AOL.com.au users will also have access to a Search engine powered by Google, the Internet’s leading search engine. Entertainment content featuring Sports, Movies, TV, Celebrity and Lifestyle amongst others is also offered.

“AOL's global expansion is gathering momentum with our launch in this key market. The Australian online market that has seen rapid growth and will continue to do so as broadband uptake increases. With our strong product offering and backed by our partners -all of whom are leaders in their field, AOL is all set to make a difference in the Australian online experience”, said Maneesh Dhir, Executive Vice-President of AOL International. 

“As a global Web-based, advertising supported company, AOL is focused on products and programming leadership, and with our prior experience of the Australian market, we believe we have a strong framework which will form the core of our content rich offering to consumers and advertisers”, added Dhir.

AOL has a global association with HP in 30 countries and is now extending this partnership to Australia. Through this AOL offers co-branded, localized versions of its portal, toolbar and search on HP desktops and notebook PCs sold worldwide.

We have a content-supply agreement with Fairfax Digital, Australia’s leading provider of online news. We are also partnering with Tempest Media, Australia’s largest online advertising network.