Rivals face battle with AOL Time Warner, despite deal's conditions
Article Abstract:
As part of the merger deal, consumer advocates and competitors won some promises from AOL Time Warner. One point of contention was AOL's dominance of the online instant-messaging market. AOL Instant Messager has 23.3% of the market. MSN Messenger Service follows with 13.4%; Yahoo has 11.7%. AOL has refused to open its system to competitors, citing security concerns. It agreed to do so, under terms of the merger, for what is touted as the next step in instant messaging: instant video conferencing. However, many feel that consumers will be slow to adopt video messaging, since the current text system is fast and convenient. So whether AOL will have to share its software and network is still a question.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 2001
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High-tech hardball: Microsoft and AOL's battle over Windows XP echoes past, could end up in court
Article Abstract:
The contract talks between Microsoft and AOL Time Warner have collapsed. At issue is Microsoft customer-access to America Online Inc. services. AOL contends that Microsoft's new Windows XP operating system, which includes streaming-media and instant messaging software, will point customers toward Microsoft's online services to the detriment of the competition. This 'monopolistic competition' issue may land the two companies in court and is reminiscent of the same complaint against Windows 95 that ignited a Justice Dept. antitrust case against Microsoft.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 2001
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PC users battle help lines, and pay for the privilege
Article Abstract:
Computer users still must often spend long periods of time on the phone to receive adequate technical support from software and hardware vendors, but the customers are increasingly having to pay for assistance. A growing percentage of computer firms are charging to provide technical information that is not related to product malfunctions, leaving consumers to pay for services that have traditionally been included in the product's purchase. HP and Compaq each charge their customers for general computing assistance, and most companies require that customers at least pay the long-distance charges associated with the call. This increase in customer charges does not necessarily coincide with enhanced customer service. Many software and hardware firms keep consumers on hold for extended periods of time, and the support costs users incur can be substantial.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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- Abstracts: Microsoft, AOL battle on Windows XP; talks on online deal falter, as sofware-maker plans instant-message future
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