It was time. Aside from the fact that our old system — built in 90s technology — was growing increasingly troublesome, we wanted to introduce a wide range of new features that members have been requesting since our rollout of ProfNet 2.0 (our automated emailer) in 2002. That includes the addition of a ProfNet Inbox in which you may more easily filter and manage queries, the ability to deliver queries to this inbox in real time, and the ability to autoforward queries to experts by key words or interest categories.

We also wanted to expand the range of influencers with whom we’re able to interact in ProfNet, which is why you may now opt in or out of queries from meeting planners, academic and corporate researchers, analysts, authors, publishers, bloggers, and your PR colleagues. In a survey we conducted in April 2005, members voiced overwhelming support for our moving in this direction.

And, finally, we wanted to improve the user experience for reporters, enabling them to better target their queries and manage large quantities of responses.

Once you learn how to navigate our new user interface and become familiar with all of ProfNet’s new features, we’re confident you’ll agree the change was well worth it.

We’ve created an animated tutorial and a getting-started guide to help make the transition as painless as possible. Also, our product support team is standing by to help. Write us at productsupport@prnewswire.com or call us at 1-800-482-4220.