REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 24, 1998 —
— Microsoft Corp. today announced it is renaming its award-winning Internet access service MSN
™
Internet Access, formerly MSN Premier. The latest version of MSN Internet Access, to be delivered to customers in the next few weeks, offers an improved and streamlined user experience as well as nationwide 56Kbps modem support.
MSN Internet Access has improved many existing features and added more Internet access options for customers. Those who install the most recent version of the service will get the latest in Internet technology, including the Outlook
™
Express e-mail client, Microsoft Chat 2.5 and Internet Explorer 4.0 for navigating the Web. MSN Internet Access now offers nationwide support of V.90, the accepted standard for 56Kbps modem connections to the Internet, and is adding thousands of new modems every month to ensure quick Internet access.
“Internet access has become a distinct, and very important, service for customers, as many services that used to be tied to an ISP have evolved into free services on the Web,” said Laura Jennings, vice president of MSN. “Today, key differentiators for ISPs are great call success rates, fast login times and high modem connection speeds. MSN Internet Access delivers very well on all of these.”
This fall, the Internet start page for MSN Internet Access subscribers will be upgraded to MSN.com. There, customers will benefit from all of the MSN Internet-based services, including the ability to set up multiple e-mail accounts through Hotmail, and members-only features such as MSN e-mail notification and service updates. MSN Internet Access customers will continue to receive free subscriptions to the Slate® online magazine and discounts on premium services from Microsoft® Investor. Members also will have easy access to all of Microsoft’s category-leading Internet services such as Microsoft Expedia
™
.com, the Microsoft CarPoint
™
online automotive service, the Microsoft Sidewalk
™
city guide, the Microsoft HomeAdvisor
™
online real estate service, MSNBC on the Internet, the Microsoft Money Insider
™
interactive financial guide, Internet Gaming Zone, the Computing Central
™
computer user’s information service and The Microsoft Plaza.
Customers can order a free* one-month trial of MSN Internet Access by visiting http://free.MSN.com/ or by calling (800) FREE-MSN (373-3676).
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
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Microsoft, MSN, Outlook, Slate, Expedia, CarPoint, Sidewalk, HomeAdvisor, Money Insider, Computing Central and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
The Microsoft Network is operated by Microsoft Corp. on behalf of Microsoft Network LLC.
*For users of the Windows® 95 operating system or later only. The disk includes MSN client access software only. Users must additionally subscribe to MSN Internet Access to access the service. The one-month free offer is available to new members of MSN in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia or Canada only. A credit card is required. MSN premium charges, access charges (if access is purchased from a provider other than MSN Internet Access), and local phone and/or long distance toll charges may apply. Access availability may be affected by local market network activity and capacity. Offer expires Dec. 31, 1998.
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