Relation to the Internet

Microsoft Network (msn) began in August 1995 with release of Windows 95

AT&T WorldNet Service began in March 1996.
Dial Access provides Internet access through over 200 local access numbers and an 800 number.

Now possible to send e-mail among America Online, CompuServe, Microsoft Network, Prodigy, AT&T WorldNet, Internet

xxx@aol.com
xxx@compuserve.com
xxx@msn.com
xxx@prodigy.com
xxx@worldnet.att.net

All now provide TCP/IP Internet access

America Online (14 million subscribers, Vienna, VA). In November, 1998, AOL formed an alliance with Netscape and Sun Microsystems. This will likely result in AOL taking over Netscape's high-traffic Netcenter and a tighter coupling between Netscape's software and Sun's Java programming language.

CompuServe (2.6 million subscribers, Columbus, Ohio). The original -- pioneered "online" service in 1980s, was owned by H&R Block, in a complex financial deal in September 1997 was taken over by America Online.

The Microsoft Network (msn) (2.5 million subscribers, Redmond, WA).

Prodigy (1.3 million subscribers, White Plains, NY). Began as Sears-IBM joint venture, sold in May 1996 to investor group including members of management team.

AT&T WorldNet Service (0.5 million subscribers).