|
|
|
Microsoft
Signs Agreement With Compaq to License Hotmail-Based Communications and
Messaging Technologies to AltaVista
Microsoft Uses AltaVista as Primary Search Engine for MSN
Search REDMOND, Wash. - Jan. 26, 1999 -Microsoft
Corp. today announced it has signed an agreement to license online
communications technologies of MSN™ - built on the MSN Hotmail™ Web-based
e-mail service - to Compaq Computer Corp.'s newly created, wholly owned
subsidiary, the AltaVista Company. The communications platform includes the No.
1 Web-based e-mail service and future communication features. In exchange,
Microsoft will use AltaVista Search as the primary Web search engine for the MSN
network of Internet services. Each company's technology will be co-branded on
the other's site. "This agreement is a win-win situation for consumers as
well as both companies. Users of AltaVista will enjoy the most popular e-mail
system in the world, and users of MSN will have access to the largest search
index on the Web in any of 25 languages," said Laura Jennings, vice
president of MSN. "Microsoft and Compaq will be able to make use of each
other's strengths and investments in their respective technologies to provide
greater value to their customers." "As we continue to evolve AltaVista into a leading
Internet destination site, our users will not only gain access to innovative
services on Hotmail, but also become part of a strong online community of over
40 million consumers," said Rod Schrock, president and CEO of the AltaVista
Company. This agreement marks an expansion of MSN Web Platform Services
offerings to include communications technologies. Previously, MSN offered
Microsoft® Travel Technologies as a platform for online travel
services. "Delivering value through software is one of Microsoft's
core competencies," added Jennings. "Licensing Hotmail as a platform
is a ringing endorsement for the popularity, reliability and scalability of the
world's largest e-mail provider." Microsoft's award-winning Hotmail is the world's leading free
Web-based electronic mail service, with more than 30 million members and an
average of 150,000 new accounts established each day. With offices in
California's Silicon Valley, the company offers globally accessible, easy-to-use
and feature-rich personal e-mail to its members. Hotmail was acquired by
Microsoft in December 1997 and is now part of the Microsoft Interactive Media
Group. Hotmail is a leader in consumer advocacy and is widely recognized for its
strong anti-spam measures. To sign up for Hotmail, go to http://www.hotmail.com/
or http://www.msn.com/. 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, MSN and Hotmail are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Copyright (C)
1998-1999 The Active Network. All rights reserved.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective
owners.
Please click here for
full terms of use and restrictions.