Culture clash seen in merger of companies; gap between Netscape and America Online
Article Abstract:
Cultural differences between America Online and Netscape could impact a combined operation, according to industry analysts. Both companies are continuing merger negotiations, but they reflect the shrinking barrier between Internet experts and a wider audience of less-experienced computer users. Some E-mail messages originating from Netscape blasted the proposed deal for what they described as selling out to corporate interests. America Online supporters, meanwhile, proclaimed victory in cyberspace. Some of the contrasts can prove useful, as tracking company Net Ratings notes only an approximate 23% overlap of America Online's and Netscape's Web sites. The more critical question is how America Online will organize the Netscape technology development subsidiary. Netscape earlier in 1998 made its Web browser's source code public, which advocates say fosters Internet cooperation and provides the best opportunity for creating higher-quality technology. By contrast Microsoft upholds the tradition of software privacy by relying on proprietary models.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Microsoft shuts security breach in E-mail system; it is unclear whether other vulnerabilities in the service might exist
Article Abstract:
Hotmail, a free electronic mail service available from Microsoft Corp.'s Microsoft Network online division, experienced a security breach which left millions of customers' accounts freely accessible to outsiders via Web sites set up for the purpose. Microsoft was alerted to the security flaw by a Swedish newspaper at approximately 2 a.m. Pacific time and had rectified the problem, after a service shut-down of several hours, by 2 p.m. Pacific time. A Hotmail log-in storage code software program, developed by programmer Michael Nobilio and available on the Internet in June 1998, was found to be manipulatable to allow users no-password access to Hotmail accounts. Microsoft has had no reports of E-mail tampering yet. The Swedish journalist who reported the story that alerted Microsoft said he got the information from a hacker who neglected to warn Microsoft.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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CD software said to gather data on users; RealNetworks receives variety of information
Article Abstract:
RealNetworks is under investigation for invading the privacy of users of their RealJukebox software. The software which allows users to create a virtual "jukebox" can be downloaded from the Internet for free, but users are not informed that the software can read the users hard drive to see what kind of music they listen to and in what format. RealNetworks maintains that the information would only used to enhance services for the user and is not used by RealNetworks for any other purpose.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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