AOL, Netscape consider online alliance

Article Abstract:

America Online Inc. and Netscape Communications Corp. may form partnerships including an arrangement which would have America Online replacing Microsoft's Internet Explorer software with Netscape's browser or offering customers their choice of browsers. Also under consideration is an arrangement under which AOL would purchase an equity stake in Netscape. Such agreements could affect the current distribution of market share between online service firms and between browser rivals Netscape and Microsoft. Browser market share is at the center of the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft, which has come to dominate the market since 1995, eroding Netscape's share. AOL has an exclusive agreement to use Internet Explorer until January 1999, terms of which have hurt Microsoft's efforts to compete in online services. With the end of the agreement, AOL is said to expect Microsoft to become a more serious competitor. The deals under discussion with Netscape are in response to this likelihood. Both concerns emphasize that no agreement has been made.

Alliances, partnerships, Computer software industry, Software industry, Internet service providers, America Online Inc., AOL, Contracts, Internet service provider, Internet access software, Netscape Communications Corp., NSCP

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Seller beware; consumers aren't the only ones who risk being swindled online

Article Abstract:

Web merchants are taking an active role against potential Internet fraud, because they take responsibility for such unauthorized charges. These scams represent around 1% of online revenues, but industry observers expect the abuse to continue in a wide electronic commerce market that could reach $1 trillion by the year 2002. Unsavory online customers can take advantage of the anonymous online environment. A favorite technique involves asking merchants to deliver packages to uninhabited churches or houses for pickup, then absconding with the goods. A group of sellers also can collaborate on bids for lower prices from Web merchants. Online auction site eBay has taken steps to strengthen security for events that draw numerous buyers and sellers. One method includes buyers' evaluations of their sellers on the Web site, which helps to establish a seller's reputation.

Services information, Safety and security measures, Electronic commerce, E-commerce, Data security, Internet/Web technology, Data security issue

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Microsoft readies new home page for the Internet

Article Abstract:

Microsoft is developing a new home page in hopes of becoming a significant commercial gateway to the World Wide Web. The software giant said it intends to introduce the Internet service, code-named 'start.com,' in the late summer or early fall of 1998. Among its planned features are many of its Web-based properties, the Yukon search engine and page customization for stock quotes, weather and news. The new site is not being designed to replace the Microsoft Network (MSN), or its Web-based proprietary on-line service, according to Microsoft officials. Microsoft instead is following Web search and director sites such as Yahoo! and Excite with a 'portal' strategy that draws steady customer usage by creating user-friendly starting points to navigate the Internet.

Computer industry, Product introduction, Microsoft Corp., Services, Online information services, MSFT, Company service introduction, Service introduction, Online information service

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