Internet mammoth Yahoo Inc. and technology maven Sony Corp. of America announced Tuesday that they have entered a multiyear agreement tying their products and services together through a cobranded Web site, an e-commerce initiative and other integrated content and promotional forays.
The main thrust of the deal is a cobranded Web site called Sony on My Yahoo! that combines current My Yahoo! content with prominent access to Sony services, content and news. Sony on My Yahoo! will also become the default start page of the hardware maker's newly launched Internet access service, Sony Style Connect. In addition, Sony's VAIO computers will come preloaded with software that allows users to register for personalized Sony and Yahoo content and services.
On the e-commerce front, SonyStyle.com, which features Sony's audio/video and PC products, will be featured on Yahoo! Shopping, receiving prominent placement on the site's home page, as well as in category pages.
As part of the deal, Yahoo will also provide Sony with business consulting services for development of Sony's U.S. Group Portal, a gateway to all of Sony's online services. In addition, the two companies will also participate in various joint marketing programs.
The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed Tuesday.
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