Today Brand Thunder LLC announces the first use of its innovative browser tool in the National Hockey League via their client, The Washington Capitals.

The Washington Capitals are now the first professional sports team with a customized web browser (http://www.washingtoncapitals.com). “Brand Thunder’s customized theme helps our fans show their love of the Caps while keeping them informed about the latest Caps news,” says Sean Parker, the Capitals’ Director of New Media. “We are extremely pleased to be the first professional sports team to have a customized browser.”

Internet marketers are scrambling to find ways of keeping visitors riveted to their web sites. By customizing the web browser with a company theme, marketers can keep the attention of consumers, even as they navigate away from the marketing companyís page. “In a web marketplace where users expect personalization, our unique themes facilitate that and something far more valuable: a persistent channel of communication from businesses to consumers,” explains Patrick Murphy, CEO of Brand Thunder. “We integrate the brand into the browser, so businesses extend their reach regardless of where their customers or fans wander on the internet.”

Nearly every aspect of the browser was customized to reflect the Capitalsí spirit, color and web presence. After fans install the Capitals’ custom theme on the popular Firefox browser, the otherwise generic browser is transformed into a branded arena that puts the fans right in the game. Team colors flood the screen and browser navigation features are transformed with familiar hockey elements. Directly beneath are permanent links to the Capitals’ season schedule, team roster and ticket sales page. In addition to driving traffic to the Capitals’ website, the browser theme also includes a real-time ticker so fans can stay on top of the latest team news. Such a display seamlessly integrates the traditional use of a web browser with revenue generating links and tools.

The advantages of a themed browser are manifold. “It extends the brand using a fresh, innovative and effective channel,” says CEO Patrick Murphy. “Themes offer passionate users another avenue to display their affinity while facilitating more frequent and focused communication to consumers.”

Brand Thunder is the brainchild of interactive marketing expert Patrick Murphy. His marketing channel development experience spans several well-recognized brands including Netscape, Verizon, Swiss Re, Conseco and JP Morgan Chase / Bank One.

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