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STOP PRESS: Get on Board Moves Virtual

Just 24 hours after the launch of the Labor Council's computer-Internet deal, Virtual Communities has updated its package - proof that competition works!

After altering the details of their package, VC lawyers contacted Labor Council after 6pm Friday advising us that the comparison sheet prepared for the launch was no longer accurate.

They told us to refer to a schedule - which they didn't attach to the email!

We did our own investigations via web and phone and stumbled upon VC's great new deal which seems to offer:

- processor increased from 450 mhz to 500 mhz (to attempt to match getonboard's 500 mhz Intel chip)

- hard drive has been increased from 4.2 gbs to 5 gbs (getonboard offer 7.5gb - not that size is everything!)

- the delivery time - according to the VC call center (who confirmed to us that the deal had been upgraded TODAY) - is now 21-42 days rather than '42 days' as we claimed (getonboard offers 10 day delivery).

Apart from that, it all seems to be the same.

With this new information we'll update our comparisons.

Two points: one, this is proof of our contention that getonboard is good for competition, And two, those that got into VC early must be mighty pissed off by now. (We've actually got some of their comments if anyone's interested!!).

Here's a copy of the lawyers letter as received this evening:

Dear Sirs

Virtual Communities PTY LTD v get on board ? press release issued by getonboard.com.au

We act for Virtual Communities Pty Ltd.

We have been provided with a copy of a press release issued by Get On Board (the press release) which we are instructed has been provided to a number of media entities including newspapers and magazines.

The press release compares products and services offered by our client, Virtual Communities, with products and services offered by your client. It includes in particular a "real comparison" of the products and services offered by Virtual Communities compared with those offered by Get On Board under the heading "Get On Board vs Virtual Communities ? a real comparison" on page 2 of the press release. This comparison asserts that that:

1. Virtual Communities has 450 Mhz whilst Get On Board has 600 Mhz of capacity;

2. Virtual Communities has a 4.2 GB hard drive whilst Get On Board has a 7.5 GB hard drive;

3. Virtual Communities only includes Microsoft Windows 98 and Lotus Smart Suite software;

4. Virtual Communities is a virtual intranet while Get On Board has WWW content and links;

5. Virtual Communities offers no free access whilst Get On Board offers free net access;

6. Virtual Communities has approximately a 42 day delivery time whilst Get On Board has a 10 day delivery time;

7. Virtual Communities' deposit is $60 like that of Get On Board;

8. Virtual Communities' warranty is one year whilst the Get On Board warranty is three and a half years;

We are instructed that the comparisons are not correct. The true position is contained in the enclosed schedule prepared by our client based on its understanding of its own business and products and the information

contained in your website.

By comparing the product of Virtual Communities and Get On Board in the manner depicted above suggests that the Get On Board product is preferable to the Virtual Communities' packages.

These representations are made in trade and commerce and you need to have close regard to the provisions in the Trade Practices Act (Cth) 1974. The press release also clearly constitutes comparative advertising and accordingly there is an onus on your company to accurately reflect the true position of any comparison of its products to that offered by Virtual Communities.

We would appreciate that you base any further comparisons on the enclosed schedule and confirm such comparisons with our client as our client's product offerings change from time to time.

We require a response by 5.00pm Sydney time Monday 26 June 2000. In absence of a satisfactory response we will seek appropriate undertakings.

Yours faithfully

GILBERT & TOBIN

**********************************

Could get interesting ... We'll keep you posted !!!

  View entire issue - print all of the articles!

  Issue 59 contents

»	STOP PRESS: Get on Board Moves Virtual
»	Orange at Risk - Call for City's Help
»	Unions to Get Equity in New Computer Deal
»	Aussie Competition Laws Protect Fijian Terrorists
»	Union Rat Sinks Industrial Laws
»	Olympic Rail Deal Struck for Games Period
»	GST Fears for Union Delegates
»	No Cigars for Casino High Rollers
»	Frustration Boils Over Olympics Blowout
»	Support for Campaign Against TAFE Cuts
»	Private Sector Health Workers Seek Pay Equity
»	Bosses Hoist on Own Petard
»	Construction Industry Assists East Timor Training
»	AFL-CIO Leader to Address Congress
»	Full ACTU Congress Coverage on LaborNet

»	The Soapbox
»	The Locker Room
»	Trades Hall
»	Tool Shed

»	Freudian Slip
»	Volunteers in Policing
»	Tax Farce

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