CompuServe Information Service and WOW! to Be Available as Part of Industry-Leading Operating System; Microsoft Internet Explorer to Be Primary CompuServe Browser
REDMOND, Wash. and COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 4, 1996 — As part of a broad strategic alliance announced today, CompuServe Inc. (NASDAQ
“CSRV” ) and Microsoft Corp. have agreed to make access to the CompuServe® Information Service and the new WOW! service available to users of the Microsoft® Windows®
95 operating system.Users of Windows 95 will now be just a click away from obtaining access to CompuServe, the premier global online information service, and WOW!, a cutting-edge service for home and family use. Microsoft will include icons for the services in a folder on the Windows 95 desktop.
CompuServe reinforces its commitment to market, promote and distribute Microsoft Internet Explorer as its primary browser for CompuServe online services, including CompuServe Information Service, WOW! and other customized branded services. Microsoft Internet Explorer will be the default Web browser distributed on the installation CDs for the CompuServe Information Service and WOW! as well as in CompuServe’s packaged software offerings.
“Easy access to CompuServe services in Windows 95 adds tremendous value for users of our operating system,”
said Bill Gates, Microsoft chairman and chief executive officer.
“As the primary browser for CompuServe, Microsoft Internet Explorer provides a rich and interactive browsing experience for CompuServe users.”
Bob Massey, president and chief executive officer of CompuServe, said,
”
Microsoft will implement icons within a desktop folder that can connect users to the CompuServe Information Service and WOW!
This is a significant opportunity for us to expand distribution channels and be part of the most successful desktop operating system in the world.
“The alliance announced today also includes a strategic technological partnership. CompuServe will deploy Microsoft’s new platform for commercial Internet services, code-named”
Normandy,
”
in its suite of online services, including the CompuServe Information Service, WOW! and SPRYNET, as well as in its commercial network and data hosting offerings.
CompuServe becomes the first major online provider to license Microsoft’s Normandy technologies – the only Internet platform solution specifically designed for Internet service providers and commercial Web publishers.This open-platform technology is an advanced set of software tools for delivering interactive services and creating, managing and distributing content. It enables the creation of compelling Internet services. The technologies licensed today include the major components needed to run a commercial fee-based service, including mail, forum areas, chat, news, indexing and other content-management services. By taking advantage of externally developed technologies such as the Normandy platform, CompuServe will decrease time to market, significantly cut development costs, and more effectively deliver leading-edge information products and services to its members.Founded in 1969, CompuServe Inc. provides the world’s most comprehensive online services, business network and Internet access.
Through CompuServe, more than 4.9 million home and business users in more than 185 countries access the Internet and 3,000-plus online information, education and entertainment services and products. In addition, 982 corporate customers use CompuServe’s value-added network solutions. Among its many uses, the CompuServe-owned network serves as the world’s mailbox and check-out lane, hosting millions of e-mail messages per month and more than 1 billion point-of-sale transactions per year. With world headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, CompuServe’s offices include European centers in Munich, London and Paris.
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.
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe Inc.
For online product information: CompuServe: http://www.wow.com/
Microsoft Internet Explorer Web page: http://microsoft.com/ie/
