day 1

microsoft duels with netscape 1

We all knew it was coming, and we all know it is only the leading edge of a knife that will cut the computer industry in half. Those wild and wacky Nethead Gang members are beating up on that old whipping dog Microsoft and Friends (e.g., Intel and the hordes of lap dogs that snip at the heels of everyone who crosses Wintel's path). Microsoft announces Big Deals with Big Companies, AOL (America Online) continues to press its advantage against rival CompuServe, and Netscape Communications thumbs its nose against everyone by locking in more customers for its puny Netscape navigator. Under-appreciated AT&T revs up its turbines. Everyone is jockeying for post position on the Internet. First, AT&T dumps its failed PersonalLink and InterNotes VAN (Value-Added Network) in favor of becoming the biggest, meanest, ISP (Internet Service Provider) on the block. This alone should scare off Netcom, PSINet, AOL, Compuserve, and others who had hopes of becoming the next AT&T. Seeing the handwriting, AOL agrees to provide a portion of its commercial bulletin board service (discussion groups) to customers of AT&T's new Internet Access service. AOL doesn't miss a thing. Netscape joins in with its popular browser and grants license of Navigator to both AOL and CompuServe. Talk about playing both sides of the street! Without control of the WWW standards (HTML) Netscape's plans to become the next Microsoft cannot succeed. Mark up two points for Netscape.

microsoft duels with netscape: 1 2 3 Daily Dose Index