Date: Sun, 30 Apr 1995 20:50:01 -0400 From: "Robert D. Seidman" Subject: In, Around and Online, Issue 2.17 --W/E 4/28/95 To: Multiple recipients of list ONLINE-L In, Around and Online- Issue 2.17 - Week Ending 4/28/95 ======================================================= Copyright (C) 1995 Robert Seidman (robert@clark.net). All rights reserved. May be reproduced in any medium for non-commercial purposes. In This Issue... ================ -Corrections to Last Week's Newsletter -Preview Version of AOL 2.5 for Windows Available -America Online Eyes WAIS Inc.? -CompuServe Tops 3 Million Subscribers -NetLauncher Earns Honors At COMDEX -Plans for Video Viewer Announced by CompuServe -There's a New Prodigy Sheriff In Town -Microsoft/Intuit Merger Update -Newsworthy Notes -Short Takes -Stock Watch Corrections to Last Week's Newsletter ===================================== There were a slew of miscellaneous errors last week. I'm chalking it up to PMSS! (Post Move Stress Syndrome). I apologize for the inconvenience. Here are the corrections: First, in the Most Worthy Web Site of the Week, I listed the URL for the American Red Cross Web page. Unfortunately, I gave the wrong address. The correct address is: http://www.crossnet.org . I encourage you to check this site out if you haven't already. I also gave the wrong URL for Interactive Age magazine's WWW site. It is: http://www.wais.com:80/techweb/ia/current/default.html . Stop by and see their list of the 100 Best Business Web Sites. But wait...there's more! In the piece on Interchange taking a 9% stake in Europe Online, I stated that Europe online was formed by two of the initial investors of America Online. While two of AOL's initial investors were among the early investors of Europe Online, they did not FORM Europe online. In the "Newsworthy Note" section there was a blurb on Japan's Nifty-Serve and rival PC-VAN going over the 1 million subscriber mark. I've confirmed based on several e-mails and other sources that they don't count things exactly the same in Japan. Apparently, they count all subscribers since inception, whether the subscriber is still an active member or not. I referred to the new STOLI Central Web site last week, but didn't list the URL! It is at: http://www.stoli.com . Bottoms up. In a move some folks would've taken personally, I incorrectly listed the URL for Daniel Dern's Gopher site. Daniel did a wonderful job moderating the panel at COMDEX. Daniel will probably never invite me to speak at a panel again, but I'm not sure if it is because I botched his Gopher address or because I took a slightly more lenient stand on CompuServe renaming an existing winsock.dll if one installs NetLauncher over an existing TCP/IP stack (more on this in the CompuServe News section). Daniel has a lot of great info on his Gopher site and I'd encourage you to check it out at: gopher://gopher.dern.com:2200 . Mr. Dern also has a WWW page under construction at: http://www.dern.com:2205 Finally, I referred to the "AOL for Dummies" book as the "OXYMORON" of the week. Obviously, I meant REDUNDANCY of the week... This misuse of the word OXYMORON seemed to have generated the most e-mail I've ever received on any one thing. Some "real-life" friends even chimed in! Please no more mail about jumbo shrimp and military intelligence! --- America Online News =================== If you're using the Windows 2.0 version of America Online to read this, stop right now and go to Keyword: AOL PREVIEW and download AOL for Windows version 2.5 preview version for FREE! Then point your WWW browser to: http://www.clark.net/pub/robert . Why? Because you can! Besides, just like everyone else on the Web, I want HITS! But enough about me! This is about AOL, and here they deserve some credit. They've done a decent job with their WWW browser as I mentioned several issues back. While their WWW browser lacks some of the customization features of other browsers, (sizing fonts, for example), it does support forms, image maps and most other browser features. While it currently lacks support for secured transactions an affiliation with Netscape means this is sure to come soon (at least as time is measured in the AOL universe). What I like the most though, is the way they plan to integrate areas online with Web information. An example of this can already be seen if you're using the Windows 2.5 preview version. Using version 2.5, go to Keyword INTERPLAY and it will pop up a slightly modified version of AOL's web browser and take you to Interplay's home page on the Web. The modifications are that the form is made slightly smaller and a two icons are added. One is for Interplay's message forum on America Online and another for Interplay's file library on America Online. I find the integration of the message boards especially appealing because while AOL's message board structure may not be the greatest in the world, it is easy to use and functional. On the other hand, the World Wide Web still does a pretty miserable job handling message forums. So this is sort of the best of both worlds for both AOL members and the vendors. The vendors will only have to put product information in HTML and release it on the Web. AOL members get usable message boards linked to the area. While AOL does have a new Mac client in Beta as well, the client does not offer some of the animation features or the WWW integration mentioned above. -- CMP's Interactive Age magazine reported in their Interactive Age Daily that America Online is negotiating to purchase WAIS inc. According to the story, the move would enhance America Online's ability to assist information providers in getting their information on the Web. While America Online is already providing some consulting services via its newly formed WebSoft subsidiary, in WAIS America Online would get a respected company that already has established relationships with some of the largest publishers (notably Dow Jones & Co. and New York Times). John Duhring, vice president of business development for WAIS declined to comment on the report but according to the story stated that WAIS already has a relationship with AOL. WAIS worked on certain pieces of the Internet gateway used by the America Online service. Another link between WAIS and America Online is that until recently, William Dunn, who heads up AOL's WebSoft subsidiary was a member of the WAIS' board. The report views the move as a good one for both AOL and WAIS. AOL would get a company that is well respected in Internet publishing and WAIS would be freed up to grow the business, even if that means a year or two of red ink for WAIS. If true, the move would be the latest in a series of "Internet" acquisitions by AOL and would add to their purchases of Navisoft, Booklink and ANS. The story said that no details on the financial terms of the deal were available but stated that it would probably include stock. If you like this newsletter, I know you'll like much of the information available in Interactive Age magazine and I'm sure you will appreciate the Interactive Age Daily which is available on the web at: http://www.wais.com:80/techweb/ia/current/default.html . --- On Friday, CompuServe announced they'd hit 3 million members. Barry F. Berkov, CompuServe executive vice president, Information Service Division, offered several reasons for the growth. "In the past year, there has been tremendous interest in online services and the Internet. And as the undisputed leader in online content, global networking and information services, CompuServe has become 'the' place to be for millions of people," Berkov said. Ironically, much of the press generating excitement about online services has been driven by services that aren't even commercially available yet, like AT&T's Interchange Online Network and the Microsoft Network. Clearly, the online world awaits the impact of the Microsoft Network. Also surprising is that we haven't seen an AOL press release lately on new subscriber ship highs. AOL bills itself as the largest and fastest growing provider of online services in the U.S., and this still may be true as recent reports list CompuServe as having around 800,000 subscribers outside the U.S. Still, CompuServe is saying that recently they've been adding as many as 60,000 accounts per week. CompuServe actually has taken a page from the AOL marketing schoolbook and has begun direct mailing disks with free trials and offering free kits with usage credits. AOL has not yet made any announcements on new pricing plans. At this point, CompuServe is actually cheaper than AOL for Internet Access and AOL has no plan to rival Prodigy's 30 hour for $29.95 plan which applies to ALL services on Prodigy. CompuServe's Internet pricing -- 3 hours in the $9.95 monthly fee and additional $15 for 17 additional hours ONLY applies to the Internet services and not the extended services offered on the CompuServe Information Service. If AOL doesn't do something with pricing soon, they could lose their title of "the largest and fastest growing provider of online services in the U.S." --- CompuServe's acquisition of SPRY appears to be paying dividends already. The recently released NetLauncher software for connecting to the Internet via the CompuServe network, complete with an integrated mosaic browser, took top honors for a connectivity software program in the "Best of COMDEX/Spring '95" awards competition. But even as the software was winning awards, rumors (untrue) were circulating that the software went on a "search and destroy" mission to delete other Internet client software. As reported last week, there are reports that installing the software would tamper with existing configurations. These reports have caused much confusion and along with the false rumors are causing some netizens to suggest that CompuServe was either extremely arrogant or extremely stupid. I stand by the blurb I put in last week, because as written, it was true. The software indeed may affect existing TCP/IP configurations. But the software doesn't delete any files. The only thing it does is rename any existing winsock.dll files. The software warns that this will happen and give users the option of canceling the install. In truth, those claiming CompuServe was arrogant or stupid probably don't fully understand the reliance on the architecture of MS-Windows and the winsock.dll file that the software clients (Netscape, Mosaic, etc.) rely on. I confess that when I installed the TCP/IP stack that comes with the Win '95 beta, I messed up my configuration and found myself moving and renaming the winsock.dll files around when I wanted to switch to a different configuration. Not exactly seamless, but MS-Windows doesn't offer much flexibility for those wanting more than one TCP/IP implementation on the same machine. Given that, I'd suggested at the COMDEX panel moderated by Daniel Dern on Wednesday morning that CompuServe had probably just configured the install program optimized for the majority of those that would install the software -- that is, users who had no pre-existing TCP/IP software and users who wanted CompuServe as their main Internet connection. Coincidentally, later that same day I received e-mail from CompuServe's director of Internet services for the CompuServe Information Services division, Dave Bezaire, confirming my speculations. "It would have been more useful if Windows provided a line in a common file like WIN.INI that apps can rely upon to determine where to find the DLL that provides TCP/IP services. Then it would be a simple matter for a Control Panel to switch between alternate solutions. But, since hindsight is 20/20, we won't worry about trying to change history," said Bezaire. Given that NetLauncher is a Microsoft program and reliant on the structure of that environment, Bezaire confirmed that they decided to configure the install for what they felt were the majority of users. And based on the early results, CompuServe is satisfied with their decision. "Proof of the plan is that it has worked for some 75,000 users in the past 2 weeks, and that's quite a feat compared to ANY previous record of mass installation of a FULL Internet connections!" according to Bezaire. "Sure, there have been a small number of situations where people have been surprised, but mostly when they ignore the warnings we present. We never delete a user's files, and we do present an option before renaming any files. We even tell users to check with their network administrator first if they are in a LAN environment," Bezaire added. Users who want to reactivate Internet connections that require the renamed Winsock files will find a detailed explanation in the CompuServe NetLauncher Forum (GO NLSUPPORT) Go to the Common Solutions section of NetLauncher Support Forum. The NetLauncher Support Forum is free. This information comes from a notice from the CompuServe PR department. The announcement ends with CompuServe's commitment to open standards: CompuServe fully supports open standards and will continue to provide non-proprietary solutions. It's true folks, they didn't do anything dastardly. If you have one TCP/IP configuration (e.g. Internet In a Box) and then try to install another one (e.g. Netmanage), the likelihood that your initial configuration will not be affected is about as likely as you sending me a check for a million dollars. -- CompuServe announced they are developing a technology that will bring video images and real-time text transmission to its online service by the end of the year. The product, called the CompuServe Viewer, will add televised content in the form of still video images that will be refreshed every 30 seconds and real-time closed-captioned text. The first company to demonstrate use of the new technology will be the Cable News Network (CNN). CNN uses a CompuServe link as part of its weekday "TalkBack Live" show. --- PRODIGY announced that Ross Glatzer, its president and Chief Executive since 1992, will resign May 1. He will be replaced by Ed Bennett, who was once a senior executive at Viacom Inc.'s VH1 music video channel. Glatzer's departure comes on the heels of Scott Kurnit jumping over to MCI to head up its recently formed Information Services unit one month ago. While many industry analysts had predicted Glatzer's departure on the basis that IBM wanting to exercise more control, Prodigy and Glatzer deny this. According to Prodigy, Glatzer wanted to resign late last year, but agreed to stay on during the transition period. Bennett, who most recently worked on projects with renown television producer, Norman Lear, said in an interview that one of his objectives is to attract more subscribers in the lucrative 25-35 year old advertising demographic. In the interview, Bennett discussed ways this could be accomplished. "Music, for one," said Bennett. "You go after the artists and create chat rooms where subscribers can talk to them on line. You attract the fans that surround the artists." Bennett also offered: "Say you are thinking of buying a new album. You can get a 10- or 15- second sample from it on Prodigy," Bennett said. Not exactly new concepts as these things are pretty much being done now on all of the big 3 services INCLUDING Prodigy. Speaking for myself alone, and not IBM, I think what Prodigy needs most of all is a working version of P2 out the door soon. Repeat after me, "We need a cool interface, We need a cool interface..." Prodigy's P2 client looks very cool in the demonstrations. Hopefully any marketing blitz focused towards the 25-35 crowd will be in conjunction with the release of P2. Bennett's appointment should be good news for Prodigy. His television background should serve Prodigy well as the online world migrates towards television like "programming" and his appointment will also help to fill the void created when Kurnit exited. As for Glatzer, 48, he maintains this is a planned retirement. He has no immediate business plans other than "coaching a Little League team." Makes one wonder if he read the recently published book entitled "Silicon Snake Oil". --- Microsoft/Intuit Merger Update ============================== At the beginning of the week the U.S. Justice Dept. argued that the decree blocked by Judge Stanley Sporkin is valid and should go into effect. Later in the week, the same folks arguing FOR Microsoft turn around and sue to block the proposed Intuit/Microsoft merger. Further, the Justice Dept. rejected Microsoft's plan to transfer the MS-Money software client to Novell. "Novell simply can't replace Microsoft -- with its leading position in the personal computer software industry -- in competing against an entrenched, dominant product like Intuit's Quicken," Assistant U.S. Attorney General Anne Bingaman said (yep, this is the same person who argued FOR the consent decree to be approved.) "Allowing Microsoft to buy a dominant position in this highly concentrated market would likely result in higher prices for consumers who want to buy personal finance software and would cause those buyers to miss out on the huge benefits from innovation," Bingaman added. Analysts are predicting Microsoft has a tough battle ahead and that the chances of the merger going through now are no more than %50. This is also something of a reprieve for online services wishing to crack the interactive personal finance market. The combination of Microsoft and Intuit, who makes the successful Quicken personal finance software, would be very tough to compete with. There is a lesson to be learned here. In the suit to block the merger, internal documents from Intuit chairman Scott Cook were cited. A September '94 memo from Cook referred to Microsoft under the code name "Godzilla". According to the lawsuit, the memo also offered the following outlook analysis by Cook: "Elimination of competition will enhance that success, perhaps greatly." So be careful with what you put in internal memos and be especially careful when using Yogi "It ain't over till it's over" Berra as your ghostwriter. Newsworthy Notes ================ Knight-Ridder Inc. has bought a 50% interest in Destination Florida, the Orlando-based online tourism-information service owned by Tribune Co. The service is available on America Online (Keyword: FLORIDA). The Orlando Sentinel newspaper also launches on AOL on 4/30. It is available either via Destination Florida or directly at Keyword: ORLANDO . -- Prodigy announced that their e-mail traffic is up over 20% since launching its multimedia e-mail features last week. -- Netcom On-Line Communication Services Inc. stock fell 8.4 percent Tuesday after the company released quarterly results showing a first-quarter loss of 1.3 million. The stock rebounded though, to finish the week up $1.50 over the previous week's close. Netcom said it plans to sell up to 2 million new common shares. The loss was attributed to expenses involved in building up its high speed digital network and higher marketing costs. -- New Century Network's initial funding will be as much as 8 million dollars according to Tribune Co. chairman and CEO Charles Brumback. Interim CEO Peter Winter also unveiled a 3 phase plan for the venture that will take place in phases over the next 4 years. -- The popular EDGAR site is in for some improvements. The site, which offers free access to thousands of documents from Securities and Exchange Commission. According to Carl Malamud, president of the non profit Internet Multicasting Service, beginning this summer, company annual reports, proxy statements and other documents filed will be available on the Internet the same day they are filed with the SEC. The EDGAR database is available on the Web at: http://town.hall.org/edgar/edgar.html Short Takes =========== BUY SOME ART WORK, or just browse in the Wentworth Gallery. There's a lot to look at and while this is a fairly graphic site, it isn't bogged down with huge graphics. See for yourself at: http://wentworth-art.com -- CBS GLAMOUR GIRLS Cybill Shepard and Jane Seymour will each be making appearances on Prodigy. Ms. Shepard on 5/8 at 10pm ET, and Ms. Seymour on 5/15 at 9PM ET. JUMP: CHAT . -- SEE HOW THE other half lives. Join "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" host Robin Leach in an online conference on CompuServe on Thursday, May 4 at 7 p.m. ET in CompuServe's Entertainment Drive (GO EFORUM). -- VIRTUALLY VISIT THE VIETNAM MEMORIAL, on America Online. The new area, The Wall, is a joint effort between AOL, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and Military City Online. Keyword: WALL . -- SEINFELD FANS will want to test their knowledge of Jerry, Kramer, Elaine and George by taking the SAT (Seinfeld Aptitude Test). To find out whether you qualify as "Master of Your Domain" or just a "Wuss," point your Web browser to: http://www.books.com/releases/release.htm . -- VROOOM VROOOM. I dedicate this "Short Take" to the Hog riding beauties of America Online. Once AOL gets their WWW home page stable you can see the "Hog Riding Women of America Online" for yourself. In the meantime, Harley fans of all genders should check out the new Harley-Davidson site provided by Harley-Davidson of Stamford on the web at: http://www.hd-stamford.com/ . This is a great site for Harley enthusiasts and those, like me, who are merely curious... -- 3-D CHAT IS HERE NOW. You can download Worlds Inc. (formerly Knowledge Adventure Worlds) new software client that offers "graphical" chat in 3-D space. Visually, this thing IS pretty impressive, and those of you with Pentiums finally have an application to test how good your system is. The system requirements (386's need not apply) and the downloadable beta software are available on the Web at: http://www.kaworlds.com . -- POSTCARDS FROM THE NET? The gang at the MIT media lab are at it again. They're offering a new form of communication on the net. Feel like insulting me this week? Make it fun for me and do it with a postcard. See for yourself on the Web at: http://postcards.www.media.mit.edu//Postcards// -- IS THIS THE FUTURE of business to business services? Check out the Access Business Online WWW site and decide for yourself. The site is still under construction at: http://www.futuris.net/touch/welcome.html . Check it out while it's still free! -- Stock Watch =========== This Last 52 52 Week's Week's Week Week Company Ticker Close Close High Low ------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------- America Online* AMER $46.38 $38.94 $47.38 $13.75 Apple AAPL $38.25 $39.13 $48.06 $24.63 Netcom NETC $24.75 $23.25 $31.75 $16.75 Bolt,Beranek & Newman BBN $18.75 $18.63 $22.25 $10.00 AT&T T $50.75 $49.13 $57.13 $47.25 General Elec. GE $56.00 $55.00 $56.50 $45.00 H&R Block HRB $42.13 $41.38 $47.63 $33.00 IBM IBM $94.63 $91.63 $96.88 $54.50 MCI MCIC $21.75 $22.63 $25.88 $17.25 Microsoft MSFT $81.75 $75.00 $81.75 $45.44 News Corp NWS $19.38 $18.75 $25.31 $14.38 Sears S $54.25 $53.88 $54.75 $43.50 *2 for 1 stock split went into effect this week. See you next week.