By GEORGE NIANIATUS, Times Herald Business Editor    February 08, 2002

(To start using SiteMouse visit us at www.SiteMouse.com)

OLEAN — Groups and organizations looking to develop their own Web sites may want to consider paying a virtual visit to SiteMouse.com. Created by Blumenthals.com, a network and Internet consulting firm in Olean, SiteMouse.com is a free Web-based software that gives novices the ability to develop their own Web sites.

Mike Blumenthal, a partner of Blumenthals.com, said SiteMouse.com “is a truly free environment to build and place Web sites.” Unlike some other Web-page-building sites, Mr. Blumenthal said SiteMouse.com doesn’t have pop-up ads.

Mr. Blumenthal said he’s upgraded SiteMouse.com from its initial 1.0 version to a more user-friendly 2.0 version.The latest version “makes it easier to produce better-looking sites with less difficulty,” he said. Also, “It runs better on slower connections.”

Mr. Blumenthal said, “The software is for those who can’t afford” to buy pricey software. SiteMouse.com can best serve churches, civic and nonprofit groups and small businesses. Mr. Blumenthal said he views SiteMouse.com as a public service, but added later, “We hope it will acquaint customers to our services.”

Are you wondering: How much space will be allocated to me on SiteMouse.com? There will be 3 megabytes of space allocated for your Web site, and an additional 3 megabytes for e-mail. Mr. Blumenthal said, “If your graphics are created properly, a 3-megabyte site is enough space for 40 to 50 pages of content with pictures and graphics.”

SiteMouse.com users also can add their own graphics, links and other features, he said. “MouseTool allows you to upload many types of files to your site and, with a little work, you can create a professional-looking site that will be as functional as any on the Internet.”

And if you are a beginner and have no idea how to upload files or make links, SiteMouse.com has pre-loaded templates to help you get started. “All you have to do is start with a template, fill in some of your own information and you have a good start,” said Mr. Blumenthal. Since SiteMouse.com was launched in 1998, Mr. Blumenthal said, “Hundreds of taken advantage of it.”

If users need more Web space, Mr. Blumenthal said 10 megabytes of space can be purchased for $7 per month.

 ©The Times Herald, Olean, N.Y. 2002