December 14, 2005

Intelliseek to Track 'Buzz' on Products Launched at CES 2006

The same consumers who try new consumer electronics products first tend to be the consumers who actively spread their opinions, advice and influence on Internet discussion forums, review sites and blogs, according to new research from Intelliseek Inc.

Intelliseek will tap those consumers' expertise to monitor "buzz" about products launched at the January 2006 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

On request, the Cincinnati-based marketing intelligence firm will provide reports for major consumer electronics clients interested in tracking initial "buzz" created around the digital cameras, gaming devices, video recorders, handhelds and other gadgets to be launched during the event.

"The Internet is a major source of research, price comparison and consumer reviews for the consumer electronics field, and what consumers are telling and recommending to each other is a vast source of intelligence and information for manufacturers, product designers and retailers," said Pete Blackshaw, Intelliseek's chief marketing officer.

Intelliseek clients have included Canon, Gateway, Sony Electronics, Hewlett-Packard  and Nokia. Intelliseek helps major companies and brands analyze and leverage consumer-generated media (online opinions, reviews, experiences) to promote and protect brands, services and products.

"Intelliseek is enabling HP to stay on top of consumer sentiment so we can continuously improve the total experience for our current and future customers," said Rickey Ono, business strategy manager of HP's Executive Customer Relations organization.

Prior to his ETS government relations post, Cascio served as vice president of the company's national accounts and special projects division. In that role, he was responsible for promoting ETS products and services to a growing customer base.

Before joining ETS in October 2000, Cascio was vice president for certification standards and teacher development at the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. In addition to developing standards for the NBPTS, he created standards-based products and services, organized and ran the NBPTS National Institutes program, and directed higher education initiatives and grant-site operations.

Cascio has also worked as a teacher and a journalist. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in communications.