Sega.com
From Sega Retro
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| Sega.com | ||
|---|---|---|
| Founded: 2000-04[1] | ||
| Defunct: 2003-08[2] | ||
| Merged into: Nokia | ||
Headquarters:
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Sega.com (not to be confused with Sega's official website) was a company owned by Sega of America established to handle Sega's online presence in the United States. It was established in April 2000[1].
Sega.com was responsible for many online and communications projects during the early 2000s. It had a hand in maintaining the Sega Dreamcast Web Browser[3].
The company was initially established to manage SegaNet; a Sega-manged internet service provider tailored for use with the Sega Dreamcast. SegaNet was designed to provide responsive online gaming low bandwidth internet connections (typically users hooked up to 56kb/s dial-up modems) - Sega.com would later use this technology to develop Sega Network Application Package (SNAP), bringing the benefits to other platforms (including the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube[4]).
In December 2000 Sega.com acquired online entertainment company FamilyWonder, Inc.[5]. Sega.com also found itself establishing a mobile device division, Sega Mobile in 2002. From 2001-2003, Sega.com also operated SEGA's official website.
While its operations were based predominantly in the US, it was quick to establish an Asian division in Hong Kong[6] which attempted to bring online Dreamcast services to non-Japanese markets in the region.
Sega.com was acquired by Nokia in August 2003[2], with its SNAP technology being integrated into the N-Gage. Sega Mobile continued to operate as a separate venture within Sega, and operations of the SEGA website went to Sega of America itself.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Press release: 2000-04-04: Sega Announces Formation of New Company, Sega.com, Inc.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Press release: 2003-08-19: NOKIA AND SEGA REACH AGREEMENT ON THE TRANSFER OF SELECT SEGA.COM LEADING TECHNOLOGY
- ↑ Press release: 2000-05-11: Sega.com Introduces New Site Browser
- ↑ Press release: 2002-12-03: Sega.com to Provide Network Multiplay Solution for Nintendo GameCube and PlayStation 2 Developers
- ↑ Press release: 2000-12-06: Sega.com Acquires FamilyWonder Inc.
- ↑ Press release: 2000-04-26: Sega.com Opens Hong Kong Office