GE unit teams with software concern, eShop, in electronic-shopping venture

Article Abstract:

General Electric Co's GE Capital Services unit will purchase part of online transaction processing software developer eShop Inc, and the two companies will establish an electronic mall for retailers. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but privately held eShop stated that it was significant. The GE unit will use eShop's software to create an electronic shopping system that will provide retailers with transaction-processing, credit card card services and billing services. The companies' plan will charge a nominal transaction fee, instead of one-time royalties. The software allows retailers to create display screens. The electronic shopping market is still small, but several companies have formed similar partnerships that will try to access the $400 billion catalog and TV shopping market. Customers could see PC versions of the service by mid-1995.

Communication services, not elsewhere classified, Home TV Data Service, Product information, Securities, General Electric Co., GE, Online transaction processing, Catalogs, Videotex systems, Cooperative Agreements, eShop Inc.

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Microsoft, DirecTV, Intel unveil plans to broaden use of video on home PCs

Article Abstract:

Microsoft signs separate development agreements designed to provide consumers with the ability to engage in two-way video and audio communications and access satellite-fed video imagery on home PCs. An agreement with DirecTV will provide PC users with video programming similar to that now offered to satellite-tv viewers. As part of its joint agreement with Microsoft, Intel will work to develop and establish support for an Internet communications standard. Developers can use this to provide users with Internet-based videoconferencing and computer-telephony integration-based applications. Technological advantages native to the Internet's infrastructure, such as the lack of long-distance charges and multiple-addressing capability, make Internet-based communications an extremely viable approach.

Database Vendors, Information retrieval services, Standards, Computer industry, Database industry, Internet, Intel Corp., INTC, Contracts, Contract agreement, DIRECTV Inc., Cooperative agreement for product development

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Microsoft may put $1 billion into Comcast

Article Abstract:

Microsoft is planning to invest $1 billion in Comcast, the fourth-largest cable company in the US. The companies have not yet announced specific terms and several issues are still being decided. Microsoft hopes to make the leading cable companies expand the amount of high-speed Internet access that is available to consumers in the US. The software company is also hoping to increase the rate at which digital television is evolving by investing in Comcast. Microsoft views this investment as an opportunity to supply the software for the set-top boxes that are used to provide additional channels and eventually interactive programming to cable television. Microsoft is expected to receive Comcast stock in exchange for its investment.

Radio & TV communications equipment, Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing, CATV Equipment, Internet services, Company investment, Cable television, Comcast Corp., CMCSA, Cable television/data services, Cable television equipment

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