New satellite network for Internet access isn't up to speed

Article Abstract:

Hughes Network Systems' DirecDuo is a new Internet service that combines regular satellite-TV service and disappointing Internet service. Customers still have to access the Internet through the conventional process before DirecDuo's satellite can handle customer commands. A single, rooftop dish can draw both TV and Internet signals from satellites. The TV service resembles that of a standard dish, but setting up the Internet service is more difficult. Use of favorite Web browsers and e-mail programs requires deployment of a special dialing program. Internet access speeds in reality average 45 kbps, with exceptions, because of network traffic. DirecDuo's access speed is touted at 400 kbps capacity, which is about 14 times faster than an average modem. Monthly charges for DirecDuo are $130 for unlimited Internet access, excluding regular Internet access costs. Start-up fees are $699 for hardware and about $250 for installation. DirecPC, the Internet-only portion, is around $299 plus installation. Internet upgrades to an existing satellite dish cost around $399 plus installation.

Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Column, Telecommunications equipment, Hardware single product review, Communications equipment, Hughes Network Systems Inc., Hughes Network Systems DirecDuo (Telecommunications equipment)

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The crucial connection; interactive storytellers ignore fan feedback at their own peril; just ask the producers of 'The Spot'

Article Abstract:

The first online soap opera, 'The Spot,' featured photographs and the journal-like commentary of fictional characters, who purportedly lived together in a beach house in Southern California. Fans could write in advice or comments, and receive personal responses. Ad agency Fattal & Collins, original supporter of the site, formed American Cybercast, a venture with investors including Softbank, TeleCommunications, and Intel. The site was extremely popular, but management disputes between Scott Zakarin, the originator, and other writers and American Cybercast resulted in the departure of the original staff. Fans were disappointed with the loss of the writers, disinterested in the soon-flat and stereotypical characters, and incensed that management had begun screening the advice and message boards. An alternative site set up to voice complaints drew large numbers of angry writers. American Cybercast filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1997. Interactive reader participation seems crucial for successful Web content ventures.

Telegraph & other communications, Specialized Telecom Services, Wired Telecommunications Carriers, Usage, Software, Internet services, Information services, Information services industry, World Wide Web, Internet/Web Technology, Web Site/Web Page Development

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VeriFone sets Internet payment system for banks to sell, lowering Web barrier

Article Abstract:

VeriFone announces the availability of an Internet payment system based on the company's Web-based transaction software, a service that is expected to promote secure credit-card transactions via the Internet. VeriFone will offer the encryption-based service to banks, who in turn will provide the software to merchants. VeriFone officials suggest that the service will mollify merchant and consumer fears about the illegal tampering of consumer financial information during commercial electronic transactions. The VeriFone system employs the secure electronic transaction (SET) standard recently developed by a consortium led by MasterCard International and Visa International. However, analysts suggest that complete transaction security will not be provided until consumers have SET technology in home systems, and this is not expected to occur before mid-1997.

Planning, Services, Telecommunications industry, Communications industry, Electronic commerce, E-commerce, Company service introduction, Service introduction, Company product planning, VeriFone, VFIC

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