PointCast to Offer Online Shopping Service

PointCast Inc., which broadcasts information and advertisements over the Internet, said it will unveil a shopping service for users in an effort to expand its offerings and retain customers. PointCast said it will unveil an electronic-commerce service called MarketPlace, where users can find links to buy computer hardware, books or other merchandise. PointCast said its MarketPlace Web site will be sponsored by Visa. It has also struck partnerships with Amazon.com Inc.’s Junglee shopping service, Compare.net and Impulse Buy Network, which will all participate on MarketPlace.