Launch of International Real Estate and Building Networking Platform

New York, NY, August 08, 2007 --(PR.com)-- UPworld announces the launch of its new web-based business networking platform for real estate and building professionals.

As a new creative provider of online networking tools, UPworld facilitates connections and communication between professionals for the purchase, design, development, and construction of buildings. UPworld effectively connects people with project opportunities online.

Targeting small practitioners in eight main industries (real estate, planning, finance, development, design, construction, fabrication and products), UPworld allows these professionals to build individual profiles and portfolios, network with one another, and create simple project spaces to communicate about the progress of building projects. UPworld also integrates the eight major industries under one umbrella, which no other provider has done to date.

Launched by practicing, New York City-based architects Jennifer Magee and Oisin Clancy, UPworld improves efficiency, productivity, and communication between key participants in the building supply chain. It is widely recognized that the design and construction of a building is one of the most complicated people and process-intensive tasks that exists today. On top of that, the building industry’s manual processes are inefficient and costly.

“Oisin and I have both run our own small practices in the city and experienced frustration with finding potential project leads and professionals to work with, gaining access to resources, and coordinating projects with multiple players. There was no online community to support our needs,” says Co-Founder Magee. “We created UPworld for professionals in the building industry like us - architects, real estate developers, brokers, planners and construction managers who are seeking knowledge and expertise as well as networking and project opportunities with other like-minded individuals.”

UPworld offers each person that joins a complimentary online profile. More illustrative than a directory listing, these profile pages offer a peek into a person’s portfolio of projects, their skills and expertise, and their business contacts. In addition, people can both post and respond to jobs, professional opportunities, and RFPs. Visitors to UPworld also get access to news and events.

“With 90% of all building projects in the U.S. being built by small architecture, construction, development and interior design firms, there is a clear need in the market for an affordable, easy-to-use, and convenient online networking system,” says Clancy. “UPworld provides project team building and communication services so that players can focus their time on creating quality building projects on-time and on-budget.”

UPworld is part of a new generation of web applications emerging to meet the changing needs of real estate and building professionals in the global market who are web-savvy, working remotely, and coordinating projects from around the country and around the world. UPworld is easy to use and is accessible from any web browser. Members get password protected accounts and contact information is only given to members that the user authorizes. The site is initially available in English but will be offered in other languages in the future.

UPworld is now online and open to new members. Create your own profile by visiting www.upworld.com. You can begin exploring new professional opportunities and meeting new quality team members.

Build UP your world today.

UPworld member services fact sheet:

Basic Services
- Member Profile and Portfolio: Set up a member profile that showcases your skills and expertise to other professionals. Receive an online project portfolio where you can upload up to ten images. Browse through the profiles of other professionals to view their expertise and experience. Contact them directly for professional opportunities.
- News and Events: Access articles and blog postings for your industry and check out the latest events. Submit articles for review and post upcoming events directly.
- My Network: Invite other members to join your professional network and share contact information directly.
- Member UPdates: Set preferences and personalize the results you see through the special Me Bar feature. Receive matches to other professionals you should meet.
- Postings: Post jobs, partnerships, development properties, requests for proposals, and requests for professional services. Apply to any Posting opportunity directly through the site.
- My Projects: Start a project space, invite others to join, and share documents with people you designate.
- Projects: Submit your built projects to be part of our Projects portfolio. Publicize your project and your project team to our community.

All services currently offered for free.

###