For a limited time, 1&1 will include a free Logitech QuickCam Express Webcam and 1&1 EasyCam software with its Shared Hosting, eShop, Microsoft SharePoint Hosting and Microsoft Exchange Hosting packages. In order to receive the free offer, customers must agree to a 12-month contract for the package they choose.

“Adding a webcam to any website—business or personal—brings it to a whole new level,” said 1&1 Chairman Andreas Gauger. “This free offer will allow customers to experience the advantages of a webcam without having to incur the expense. It’s another of the many ways 1&1 seeks to provide its customers with the latest technologies to build harder working websites.”

With the free webcam and EasyCam software 1&1 customers can integrate pictures and live video into their websites or email in a few simple steps with no programming. Specifically, the equipment allows users to take video and pictures and store them in a gallery on their computer, and to send pictures by email—all within a few mouse clicks. A “Publish” feature provides further control, allowing users to upload pictures to a specific and predefined FTP directory and to do so at certain intervals using a “Scheduled Pictures” option. A comprehensive “Publish Wizard” is also available to guide users through all the steps involved in integrating their pictures and videos, and provides a variety of templates for publishing the material to a unique-looking site.

For more information, contact 1&1 at www.1and1.com or 1-877-GO1AND1.