AOL and Dell Form Strategic Partnership for Internet Access
Dell Computer Corporation and America Online (AOL) have formed a multi-year marketing agreement to feature AOL on Dell consumer computers sold in the United States and Canada. Starting today, Dell Dimension and Inspiron systems will ship with CDs containing AOL 4.0 software, including 100 free hours of service in the first month. Early next year, Dell users will be able to access a pre-installed, customized version of AOL 4.0 software through Dell's ConnectDirect program. This initiative aims to provide easy, fast, and personalized access to the Internet for Dell customers.
Key Takeaways:
- Dell Dimension and Inspiron systems will ship with AOL 4.0 software CDs, providing 100 free hours of service in the first month.
- Early next year, Dell users will have access to a pre-installed, customized version of AOL 4.0 software through Dell's ConnectDirect program.
- The partnership aims to provide easy, fast, and personalized access to the Internet for Dell customers.
- Steve Case, President and CEO of America Online, stated that the partnership will make it easier for consumers to access AOL and get connected.
- Michael Dell, Dell's chairman and CEO, emphasized the goal of enabling Dell customers to be on the Internet within minutes of turning on their machines.
Statistics:
- Dell Computer Corporation generated revenues of $16.8 billion for the past four quarters, ranking the company No. 125 among the Fortune 500 companies and No. 363 in the Fortune Global 500.
- America Online has 14 million members, while CompuServe has approximately 2 million members.
- America Online's AOL.COM is the world's most accessed Web site from home.
Sources:
- "AOL To Be Prominently Featured on Dell Dimension and Inspiron Personal Computers." Business Wire, December 21, 1998.
- "About America Online." America Online website, no date stated.
- "About Dell Computer Corporation." Dell Computer Corporation website, no date stated.