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Newsletter: December 2004

In this issue:

Studio Director's Note: Christmas Advice

Don't worry, I'm not going to tell you how to cook a turkey. I don't think it's necessary either, to lecture you on safe online shopping this season. But we could all use a reminder about the latest sneaky viruses. The latest warning I noticed was about a clever e-card virus (Zafi-D) that is translating its subject line based on the recipient's language. We're all tempted to give in to a little seasonal fun, but don't let your guard down this year.

Jeremy Spinks, Studio Director

Launch News: New CHP Site Features Member Health Portal

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Capital Health Plan has launched a major web initiative to better serve its members. The new CHPConnect portal provides members with real power when it comes to managing their health. Through the portal, created by HealthTrio, it is possible to track appointments, medications and medical history.

For our part in the rollout, 3W Studios provided a new design for the main site, and an interactive Flash tour of the portal itself. The site also retains popular features, such as the searchable physician directory.


Capital Health Plan serves the Florida counties of Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson and Wakulla. CHP is named among the top ten health plans in the nation for Member Satisfaction by NCQA. Take a tour yourself at www.capitalhealth.com.

Client News: Countdown to Open Enrollment

This month we were busy establishing a new section on the Florida Healthy Kids website. January 1 is the kickoff of a 30-day open enrollment period for this state-wide children's health insurance program. In conjunction with Kidd Group, 3W Studios made comprehensive marketing and advertising materials available on the site. Both print-ready and pdf files were posted for easy downloading and distribution by Healthy Kids and KidCare partners.

The open enrollment campaign comes on the heels of Project Pathfinder, a Healthy Kids' initiative to reach families who had not responded to new requirements for program enrollment. Under a special "Project Pathfinder" section, 3W posted renewal forms and other valuable information for parents. Photos of Healthy Kids' door-to-door efforts to reach parents were also posted.

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Nearly 300,000 Florida children are insured by the programs. 3W Studios is pleased to be part of this most important state-wide program.

Other News: Firefox Arrives, Dents IE Market Share

Back in February we reported on the pre-release download of Firefox, the new browser from Mozilla. Last month the official 1.0 version was announced, and was promptly downloaded in huge numbers - 5.6 million in the first two weeks.

The surge in Firefox users highlights a trend that has been developing this year, namely a reduction in overall market share for Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Statistics vary depending on source, but the general trend shows Microsoft dipping below the 90% level that it has held for so long.

Firefox, and other browsers, offer a host of attractive features that lure users away. Tabbed browsing is certainly a joy (try it, you will wonder how you lived without it). An integrated search tool lets you pick the search engine to use. A helpful button appears to let you install any missing plugins when it detects the page you are visiting requires something you don't have.

And, of course, you are less likely to be worrying about one of the security flaws that plague IE - security experts have recommended avoiding IE as one of the best defense strategies a home-user can employ.

With Microsoft still not ready to release any competitive upgrade or new browser, the trend looks set to continue. This is good news for web developers, who struggle with the limitations of IE's code support. It is also good news for users, who can enjoy an improved surfing experience. Download your copy of Firefox today and test it yourself.