2009 "Webware 100" Award in Social & Publishing Category Received by Bebo

New York, NY, May 20, 2009 -- AOL today announced that its social networking platform Bebo has received a 2009 'Webware 100' award in the Social & Publishing category. The Web 2.0 user community cast more than 630,000 votes in an online voting poll that ultimately selected the winners. Finalists included in the 2009 Webware 100 Awards were selected by the editors of Webware, a CNET site.

The 2009 Webware 100 Awards recognize the best Web 2.0 sites, services, and applications that are leading the next wave of innovation. Webware editors received and reviewed thousands of entries. A complete list of the winners can be found at webware.com/100

"This annual listing has become such an essential resource for people who want to learn more about Web 2.0 and the many ways it can help them stay connected," said Rafe Needleman, editor at Webware and CNET. "The Web 2.0 community and our editors ultimately selected the very best sites, services and applications that have made a lasting impression."

"To be acknowledged for our continued innovation in such a competitive industry is truly rewarding," said Joanna Shields, President, AOL People Networks. "We believe the next step is all about helping users simplify their lives online."

Bebo is a social experience that helps individuals discover what's going on with their world and helps the world discover what's going on with them. Bebo's Lifestream platform affords users a simple way to connect and keep up with everyone and everything they care about irrespective of which medium they use or where the activity takes place, be it on YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace or another site. On Bebo, users can connect with both existing friends and with other users who share common interests and similar tastes.

Bebo has already gained a strong following as a social experience in the U.K., U.S., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Poland and in March 2009 extended its international reach with launches in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, US Latino and India.

Source: Bebo