Microsoft hopes to exploit fears at new giant's rivals

Article Abstract:

Microsoft is hoping to capitalize on monopolistic fears of the America Online/Time Warner merger to partner with AT&T, where they invested $5 billion last year. AOL casts a huge shadow over MSN Internet access service and gives the newly merged bride a chance to dominate broadband services. Initially, AOL was boosted by Microsoft's ineptitude Internet strategy but now MSN claims to have rebounded. Meanwhile, the software giant will continue their vociferous deal-making.

Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Internet service providers, Mass media industry, Company investment, Investments, Time Warner Inc., America Online Inc., AOL

---

Microsoft hunts its whale, the digital set-top box

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Corp. has invested $5 billion in AT&T for a shot at the inside track of the interactive television industry. Microsoft chairman Bill Gates is taking a chance with years of consumer indifference to the technology. Neverthless, the 2 companies hope that General Instrument's DTC-5000 set-top box. Microsoft is prepared to spend infinite capital to bring the technology into every home. Good thing Microsoft got AT&T to license 5 million copies of Windows CE.

Radio & TV communications equipment, Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing, CATV Equipment, Planning, Hardware product development, Product development, Computer hardware, Cable television broadcasting industry, Gates, Bill, Television equipment industry, Cooperative agreement for product development, Alliances and partnerships, Interactive television, Cable television equipment

---

Ford may soon receive orders online in an expected alliance with Microsoft

Article Abstract:

Consumers will be able to purchase motor vehicles online by way of a "build-to-order" service to be offered by Ford Motor Co. and Microsoft Corp. The joint venture, known as CarPoint, will provide buyers with a direct link to factories, distribution centers and dealers. Automobile manufacturers like Ford, General Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. have been looking for ways to reduce costs, increase production, improve distribution channels and reach and track more customers, while high technology companies have been expanding their e-commerce efforts by partnering with major industrial leaders. Microsoft believes that the alliance with Ford will provide it with a competitive edge, given its core software technologies. Ford expects to expand its Internet presence using Microsoft's technology to create the "build-to-order" system and linking its existing Web sites to CarPoint.

Motor vehicles and car bodies, Automobiles, Automobile Manufacturing, Motor Vehicles, Automobile and Light Duty Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, Economic aspects, Services, Internet, Marketing, Online services, Internet services, Automobile industry, Online information services, Ford Motor Co., F, Search engines, Internet/Web search service

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Will the future be written in E-Ink? A new printing technology sets off a high-stakes race with some big backers
• Abstracts: H-P reaches accord to aquire Compaq for $26 billion in stock; hit by global PC slowdown, firms aim for growth in the services business
• Abstracts: Intel chips are chosen for a new line of TV-set-top boxes by GM's Hughes. Intel moves from Windows with line of Web devices

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.