NEW YORK: Nielsen//NetRatings, the global standard in Internet audience measurement and analysis has announced the tracking of the Digital Media Universe, providing the industry with the most comprehensive view of Web and digital media usage.

This new level of reporting is made possible through NetRatings' patent on personal computer use tracking. Debuting in Q4 2002, measurement of the Digital Media Universe will offer companies the most accurate information on the growing usage of Internet applications, helping them make strategic decisions on where to expand their business.

Digital Media Universe measurement is estimated to increase coverage of the number of people who use Internet applications residing on the desktop, but do not use the Web by seven per cent, allowing companies to reach and market to a growing audience using "persistent" applications to conduct online activities.

With the launch of the Digital Media Universe, the Nielsen//NetRatings service will expand to combine Web-based traffic with Internet applications and browser channel audience data, including comprehensive measurement of AOL proprietary channels, says an official release. This enables marketers to evaluate business development and marketing opportunities for stand-alone and cross comparisons of AOL proprietary channels and Web-based traffic. The rest of the Digital Media Universe is comprised of the measurement of instant messaging, media players, media sharing applications, ISP applications, wireless content systems, Web phones, news and information toolbars, connected games, weather applications, auction assistants and shopping assistants. Examples of popular applications include RealOne media player, KaZaA media sharing application, WeatherBug weather assistant, CallWave Web phone.

Nielsen//NetRatings' new digital media universe will help advertisers and marketers understand the impact of the various Internet applications, giving them the most comprehensive picture of the online universe, says the release.