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Agespan in the News Agespan in the News Seniors Get Roadside Assistance on Info Superhighway
(CNSNews.com) - Help is on the way for senior Americans intimidated by the hi-techs of home computers and one PC service company isn't taking "no" for an answer from aging adults afraid of the information super-highway. Only 1.3 million Americans over the age of 50 are connected to the Internet. For computer corporations and entrepreneurs, that means an untapped market of 78 million individuals without Internet access or the ability to e-mail friends and families. But many of the millions of stranded are literally scared of computers, more so than the intimidation often encountered with the VCR timer. Take, for instance 75-year old Arnold German who was intimidated by the Internet and saw no practical use for computers or being online. That was before his son Gary, an Atlanta area computer services executive, opened up his laptop to share with his father an online experience. In just a matter of time, Gary found several of his father's World War II comrades he hadn't seen in decades. "He was so interested that for father's day I bought him a PC and gave him a little help to start out. Now I can hardly get him off the computer," German told CNSNews.com. "Dad told me there wasn't an easy way for people his age to find information like this or any kind of a 'community' where they can talk to each other," German added. "He never really left the house, he was lonely and out of touch except for our weekly phone calls. Now, I have to e-mail him to tell him to get off the phone." After bridging the generation e-gap with his father, German saw a business opportunity and set out on a mission to bring computers and seniors together. The result became Agespan.com, a startup enterprise which provides one-on-one beginners lessons to senior citizens. For a monthly fee German's new company, set to open in October, will deliver, set-up and install a computer, monitor, scanner, web cam and printer in the customers home. But wait, don't order yet. Not only does German deliver the equipment, he also provides Internet service, customized senior software, desktop configuration and unlimited one-on-one training that will put any senior on the road to speaking in megahertz, gigs and ram. German said the key to successfully launching seniors into cyberspace is the personalized, at-home service. "One secret to this is if you don't deliver, set up and train in their own environment, they won't pursue the issue." And before his company is even launched, German suggests the venture has paid off in more ways than one. "We're connecting these people with their grandkids. I've never seen people's lives light up so much," German told CNSNews.com, adding that many times customers are waiting for him with home-made pies, cookies and other deserts. "They can't wait to see us," German said. "They're learning and want to continue to see us." Pentium chips and salsa, anyone? Agespan.com will soon have offices in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, Florida; Los Angeles, California; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Cleveland, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois - the top five cities in the nation with the highest concentration of Americans over 50, according to German. German isn't alone in the battle against senior cyber-scare. Microsoft executive Craig Spiezle also encountered a reluctant parent when approached with the idea of personal computing and Internet access. Today, Spiezle directs Microsoft's Seniors Initiative, an effort to get senior citizens up and flying into cyberspace. But Spiezle's mission extends beyond t t typical corporate goals and towards bringing seniors into a closer "community" while developing their potential for employability. "Our work at Microsoft is about the impact of technology on seniors' lives, and the contributions technology can help them make to their community," Spiezle told CNSNews.com. "As well as fostering creativity and entertainment, computer literacy is providing seniors with the skills for continued employability, allowing them to re-enter the work force and pursue new careers." In addition to standard marketing efforts, Microsoft has produced an educational video for an introduction to computers and the Internet specifically designed for seniors. The company has also published a book, "Grown-Up's Guide to Computing." Microsoft is also taking a community service approach to getting seniors connected. With matching grants to states and local government agencies, the company has provided computers and software to senior centers, schools and libraries. In a cooperative effort between Microsoft, West Virginia's Bureau of Senior Services and Marshall University's Technology Institute, four of the state's senior centers have been equipped with computers, Internet access and a curriculum designed for older adults. Senior Services Bureau commissioner Gaylene Miller told CNSNews.com the agency plans to implement the program in all 55 counties within 18 months at an estimated cost of up to $350,000. The agency will use corporate contributions and matching grants to fund the initiative. [ Back to NEWS ] [ Back to NEWS ]
Gary German spent Memorial Day weekend setting up a computer with Internet access for his 76-year-old father. Teaching his father how to e-mail his five grandchildren was the hardest part of the job, said German, 39. German's experiences with his own family led him to form Agespan.com, a start-up company targeting the over-50 market for computers and Internet service. Seed money from iXL Enterprises Inc.'s Bert Ellis and a strategic deal with a local Web company have positioned Agespan to hit the market early next year. Agespan's business plan calls for a hands-on approach to selling technology to the older market . The company sell a brand-name computer and then goes into the customer's home to set it up and instruct the user how to surf the Web and e-mail grandchildren. Agespan then provides Internet service through a portal designed to connect seniors to information and services for their banking, health-care and other community needs. A portal is a site that provides a variety of services, which may include Web searches, free e-mail and links to a number of sites. German would not disclose how much money the company has raised so far, but Ellis and former Mindspring Enterprises Inc. chief financial officer Mike Misakoff are the lead investors. The company now is in the process of raising venture capital with the goal of $3.5 million for the first round. German began putting the business plan together in July, but competition for this market has thickened since then, said Craig Spiezle, president of the AgeLight Institute in Kirkland, Wash. Spiezle formerly headed Microsoft's Senior Initiative program. "Several companies are in the similar state as Agespan with announcements [of funding and alliances] to come in the next few weeks," Spiezle said. "It's a market surging from the need and opportunity." According to the AgeLight Institute, 30 percent of Americans over the age of 50 now own personal computers. However, those numbers drop off in the more defined older age groups. Personal computer ownership stands at 23 percent in the 60-69 age group, 14 percent for those 70-79 and 4 percent for the 80 and over segment. Booming market Americans 65 and older make of 13 percent of the population now, but that number is projected to grow to 20 percent in the next century. "The bad news if that the majority don't believe that have a need for computers, or they are intimidated," Spiezle said. The size of the market has attracted companies such as Agespan, but the ability to create a recognizable brand and to be the first in the market will determine the success of competitors, he said. "The timing is now, and the market is large. ... I was surprised that no one was able to make the holiday season," Spiezle said. Spiezle said he is working with a handful of companies targeting the senior market. Because of nondisclosure agreements, he would not give any names, but he said the list includes well-known computer companies as well as start-ups. Large companies such as Dell Computer Corp. or Gateway, Inc., will install a computer in private homes for a fee. Atlanta-based Simpliance, Inc., are designing e-mail-only devices that target seniors who are intimidated by computers. "The market is large enough for more than one company. The number of businesses involved validates the market," Spiezle said. Targeted to seniors German said Agespan will attempt to differentiate itself from its competitors with a high level of service and a computer designed for seniors. Agespan has a deal with Micron PC to sell a package that includes a 17-inch monitor and a keyboard with larger-than-normal keys. Agespan plans to target Georgia and Florida first before spreading to other markets in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas where there are high numbers of retirees. The idea is to single out retirement communities where Agespan can focus its efforts with service representatives who can troubleshoot problems as they occur. German now serves as chairman and chief executive of Agespan but will step aside after the first of the year to let an executive from a "highly branded" company take charge. Agespan is now negotiating with Barbara Eden, the star of "I Dream of Jeannie," to be a spokesperson for the company. Reach Moran at bmoran@amcity.com [ Back to NEWS ] PR Releases
AgeSpan to Offer Seniors an Easy Way to Read Vitals Over the Net Atlanta, Ga., February 15, 2000: — Agespan, an Atlanta based Web enabler and on-line community geared to helping seniors with new technology, announced today an alliance partnership with LifeMasters, a California company with breakthrough on-line technology. With LifeMasters, members now have the ability to have their vital signs remotely monitored over the Internet. The information is then evaluated and sent back to the patient. "This is a major breakthrough for our customer base. We want to provide the best possible information and the best company to offer this kind of technology is LifeMasters. Our customers now have a way to reach a valuable on-line resource if they need to", said Gary German, Chairman of AgeSpan. "Five years ago, my mother died of a stroke resulting from complications with Diabetes. My mother hated going to the doctor - if she had this kind of simple and non-intimidating technology, she might be still alive today," added German. AgeSpan is an Atlanta based Internet company targeting mature adults age 50+ through their website portal Agespan.com. For more information about AgeSpan contact: Farley Barge Lewis Massey, Former Secretary of State of Georgia, Joins AgeSpan Advisory Board Atlanta, Ga., February 15, 2000: — AgeSpan, an Atlanta based Web enabler and on-line community geared to helping seniors with new technology, announced today that Mr. Lewis Massey, former Secretary State of Georgia has joined the AgeSpan Advisory Board. "We are very excited about Lewis joining our team," said Gary German, Chairman of AgeSpan. "Mr. Massey brings a tremendous business background and Government knowledge to AgeSpan." added German. Other Advisory board members include:
AgeSpan is an Atlanta based Internet company targeting mature adults age 50+ through their website portal Agespan.com. For more information about AgeSpan contact: Farley Barge ©2000 Agespan.com. All Rights Reserved. AGESPAN TO PARTNER WITH HEWLETT PACKARD, OFFERS USB PRINTERS AS STANDARD FOR MEMBERS Atlanta, Ga. (September 25, 2000) — Agespan.com, Inc. has chosen the Hewlett Packard 930C model as their primary printer solution for their "Internet in a Box"-like package. AgeSpan is an Atlanta based company that offers an all inclusive enabling solution, helping Americans over 50 years of age most easily connect to the Internet. Using the Internet as a portal for knowledge, community access and services (www.agespan.com) , AgeSpan is devoted to making life easier and better for mature adults. Of particular note, AgeSpan chose the Hewlett Packard printer for its:
AgeSpan uses Hewlett Packard’s printer to offer their affinity portal members a complete package including ISP services, a ‘bulletproof’ PC preloaded with software for this age group, a large monitor, a BigKey keyboard, and ergonomic chair and desk combinations. "Our foremost intent is to connect this society to their families as easily as possible," says Gary German, Chairman and Founder of AgeSpan.com, Inc. "I believe that AgeSpan has wrapped up some of the best components in the industry for an Internet in a box kind of approach," Mr. German says. "Using superb components means members spend less time with technical support. Our end-users will truly appreciate this packaged product. And it makes a perfect gift to those parents who have everything but want a no-hassle, convenient service to connect them to the rest of the world." STOP ©2000 Agespan.com. All Rights Reserved. AgeSpan to partner with Micron PC in order to offer 'bulet-proof' PCs to their members Atlanta, Ga. (September 25, 2000) — Agespan.com, Inc. has chosen the Micron Client Pro CN model as the primary system for providing member access to their affinity portal. AgeSpan is an Atlanta based company offering an all-inclusive solution enabling Americans over 50 years of age easy Internet access, products and services. AgeSpan is devoted to making life easier and better for mature adults by packaging enabling technologies. Test program members most often say they need a stable, easy to use and easily maintained set-up, rarely picking out specific hardware issues. The Micron Client Pro CN tested out to be a perfect fit. Of particular note, AgeSpan chose the Micron configuration for:
AgeSpan couples Micron’s advantages with a suite of easy-to-use and highly readable home pages catering to this age group’s needs. The visually simplified portal uses the look of a 1950 town square and lends itself to use by both beginners and experienced computer users alike (www.agespan.com). "Our foremost intent is to connect this society to their families as easily as possible," says Gary German, Chairman and Founder of AgeSpan.com, Inc. "AgeSpan takes the Internet in a box approach one step further," German says. "Folks can start easily and learn at their own pace. We help them build computer and Web skills without being intimidated by technology." The AgeSpan / Micron program will be offered to retirement communities as well as to individuals. In addition to the age-group targeted offering, AgeSpan’s complete package will also be offered to children of mature Americans as a perfect gift to parents who want a no-hassle, well-supported and convenient service to connect them. STOP ©2000 Agespan.com. All Rights Reserved.
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