AOL, MSN engage in all out battle
InfoWorld | at | by Mike
One day before Microsoft is set to release the latest version of its MSN Internet access software, rival America Online (AOL) said Wednesday that its new 8.0 software has set download records since it launched last week, setting the stage for an all-out battle between the two Internet service providers (ISPs).
AOL, the current market leader with over 35 million members, is faced with numerous challenges, not the least of which is to prove itself financially fit in the face of increasing scrutiny from both investors and its parent company AOL Time Warner (AOLTW). Meanwhile, Microsoft is sparing no expense in its effort to gain ground in the ISP market, where it is currently in second place with 9 million users. And the Redmond, Wash., software giant's seemingly bottomless coffers will no doubt play in its favor.