“Microsoft Preparing to Go After ISP Share
Microsoft is targeting America Online’s hold on the
Internet-access business, the Wall Street Journal
reported.
The paper said that Microsoft executives are laying plans to
hasten the trend toward low-price, or even free, Internet
access…”
” ‘We intend to be aggressive with access,’ Brad Chase, vice
president of Microsoft’s new consumer and commerce group told the
paper. ‘AOL might think about it as a profit center. That’s not how
we think about it,’ he said.”
“According to people familiar with the situation, the paper said
Microsoft discussed purchasing or partnering with a number of large
Internet-service providers, including EarthLink Network and
MindSpring Enterprises.
It has also considered joining computer makers such as Compaq
Computer and Dell Computer, which have launched their own access
services…”