Counterpoint expands access to databases with password-controlled subscription.(Counterpoint Publishing Inc.)

Counterpoint has just extended its offerings to computer users who access the Net through an online service or an Internet service provider. This means that anyone who gets to the Internet through America Online, CompuServe, Prodigy, or any Internet service provider such as Netcom can access the Counterpoint Web site (http://www.counterpoint.com) and its legal and regulatory databases.

Counterpoint's Internet services include the Daily Federal Register and Archives, all Code of Federal Regulations titles updated monthly, state environmental/safety regulations, and the U.S. Code. Products such as chemical databases and official state registers are planned for the future.

Until this year, only Internet users with their own direct connection (fixed IP address) to the Internet could subscribe to Counterpoint's databases.

Now, individuals working at home or professionals on the road can access the extensive library of Counterpoint data without special software or hardware. All it takes is access to the Web and a Counterpoint password-controlled subscription for point-and-click use of Counterpoint's databases, 24 hours a day.

The immediate benefit to dial-up users is expected to be seen in the regulatory compliance arena. "Where professionals previously settled for outdated, hard copy Code of Federal Regulations titles, they now can access up-to-date Counterpoint CFR titles for browsing and searching," said Sandy Friedman, Counterpoint president. "Because our products use our own form-based search engine, they are far more accurate and convenient than books or traditional pay-as-you-go online services. And, because you're paying a flat fee for unlimited access via Counterpoint, there are no expensive surprises when you perform a thorough topic search."

Ways that the Counterpoint Internet technology can be put to use include the following:

* An at-home housing consultant accesses Counterpoint's complete 24CFR and the latest Federal Register updates using a Netcom Internet account. Time traveling to and from the local library is saved by logging on, browsing the data, and logging off right from home. Important material can be downloaded into analytical documents and remailed to clients.

* Environmental and safety professionals for a major corporation relied on CD-ROMs for tracking the latest change in environmental regulations. Because their work required much travel, they were unable to access regulations directly while out of the office. Using a commercial online service such as CompuServe or America Online they now check on the latest data from anywhere, using Counterpoint's simplified search tools.

* A law firm with offices in five domestic cities and three in Europe uses Counterpoint's Internet service to link to the complete Code of Federal Regulations, without the expense of online services.

To access Counterpoint's Internet databases for a free trial, call 800/998-4515 or send e-mail to info@counterpoint.com.