REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 10, 1999 — Microsoft Corp. today announced a relationship with DSL.net Inc., a digital subscriber line provider based in New Haven, Conn. DSL.net targets select cities across the country, which generally have populations of less than 900,000. As part of this relationship, DSL.net will deliver to its small and medium-sized business customers a co-branded MSN TM portal that will provide access to a range of MSN services to help those businesses become more efficient and successful. Microsoft has also invested $15 million in DSL.net to help the company deploy its network infrastructure. This investment complements other investments made in this industry by extending new broadband services to a range of select cities in the United States.
The co-branded MSN portal will feature DSL.net content and links that will provide customers with access to additional resources specifically tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. The information and communication services available through the MSN co-branded portal include a Web-based e-mail account via MSN Hotmail TM , instant messaging via MSN Messenger Service and LinkExchange, a leading provider of services that help small businesses and Web site owners grow their online traffic sales.
“Broadband services are increasingly vital to small and medium-sized businesses as they compete in today’s highly demanding marketplace,”
said Thomas Koll, vice president, Network Solutions Group, Microsoft.
“By providing its customers with high-speed access to MSN services, DSL.net is delivering the tools that businesses need to compete and prosper — efficient, cost-effective information and communications services.”
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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