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Sears, Roebuck and Co., the largest retailer of appliances in the nation, today announced its involvement as a founder of a new industry alliance -- Internet Home Alliance -- dedicated to enhancing consumers' understanding, appreciation and adoption of the Internet lifestyle.

"Sears goal is to become one of the family's favorite places to go for Internet lifestyle products and services," said Bill Kenney, vice president, strategy, home and online services, Sears, Roebuck and Co., and president, Internet Home Alliance.

"We plan to serve as a major consumer advocate, driving cross-enterprise collaboration aimed at ultimately serving the customer. We also plan to ensure that the products and solutions created for the Internet lifestyle are affordable, easy to purchase, use and install in the home, and enhance the quality of life for our customers. Participation in Internet Home Alliance is critical to accomplishing our goal. Sears recognizes that no company can achieve this on its own."

The Internet Home Alliance is important in helping Sears become a major catalyst for influencing the attitudes and behaviors of the customer around the Internet Home. Just as Sears brings to the Alliance its authority in the home with millions of consumers nationwide, other members of the Alliance provide Sears with technology expertise to help propel the Internet lifestyle forward.

"As a service organization that more than 15 million Americans trust each year in their homes, Sears has the resources to help educate consumers about the Internet lifestyle products and services," said Kenney.

The Internet lifestyle is about using the Internet to enhance the quality of life. Technology is enabling a new generation of Internet lifestyle solutions that include streaming audio/video for entertainment and learning, energy and security monitoring, remote diagnostics, personal and family communication, and simultaneous Internet access from multiple personal computers or Internet appliances. These enhanced services will bring new levels of comfort, convenience and security to consumers, and are the foundation of the Internet lifestyle.

Internet Home Alliance, Inc., is an association of leading companies working together to advance the home technology industry by developing the ecosystem needed to support the delivery of Internet lifestyle solutions and educating consumers on the value of an Internet lifestyle. The Internet Home Alliance is an open alliance that encourages cross-industry participation. Founding members include 3Com, Best Buy Co. Inc., Cisco Systems, CompUSA, General Motors, Honeywell, Invensys, Motorola, The New Power Company, Panasonic, Sears, Roebuck and Co., and Sun Microsystems. For more information on Internet Home Alliance, visit .

Sears, Roebuck and Co. is a leading U.S. retailer of apparel, home and automotive products and services, with annual revenue of nearly $40 billion. The company serves families throughout the country through approximately 860 department stores, more than 2,100 specialized retail locations, and a variety of online offerings accessible through the company's Web site, .

SOURCE: Sears, Roebuck & Co.

Contact: Larry Costello, Sears, 847-286-9036

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