PRWeb is getting faster.

As part of a new set of features to be released starting today and rolled out over the next two weeks, the online press release distributor is now offering priority distribution -- which lets customers upload and distribute their press releases in just 1 hour.

While pricing wasn't finalized when PRWeb briefed me last week, they said it would be about $100 a release and could be used with any distribution. This is an important development, as the next-day and 2-day distributions available previously were simply insufficient when working with clients making last-minute changes.

Other new features include the ability to:

• Specify the time of day a release will be distributed
• Include a release in media digests emailed to reporters every morning (based both on speciality and region)

Clearly, the acquisition of online press release distributor PRWeb by Vocus, Inc. underscores the importance of the modern press release in today's Web 2.0 world.

I discussed this in my Aug. 7 post when the transaction was announced. Now, my podcast, Talking Communications with Farrell Kramer, digs a bit deeper.

Those of you who read this blog and listen to my podcast, Talking Communications with Farrell Kramer, are aware of the growing importance of the press release.

Highlighting the press release's rise in stature, today PRWeb -- in one of its own press releases, of course -- announced it is being acquired by Vocus, a provider of PR software, for $28 million in cash and Vocus stock.