AOL Continues to Dominate the Internet Landscape Despite Microsoft Feud

AOL has been generating significant media attention through its ongoing feud with Microsoft over instant messaging. The tension escalated when a Microsoft employee was found to be working undercover as a consultant to discredit AOL's tactics. Meanwhile, AOL expanded its reach through new partnerships for downloadable music and investments in interactive television. Additionally, the company's subscriber base continues to grow, with 18 million subscribers worldwide, surpassing forecasts.

Key Takeaways:

• AOL's rivalry with Microsoft over instant messaging has led to a series of publicized incidents, including a Microsoft employee working undercover to discredit AOL's tactics.
• AOL has formed new partnerships for downloadable music and invested in interactive television technology to enhance user experience.
• Despite the feud with Microsoft, AOL continues to grow its subscriber base, with 18 million subscribers worldwide, beating forecasts.
• AOL is preparing to launch its "next-generation client," AOL 5.0, later this autumn.
• The company has won various media attention and publicity through the publicized disputes with Microsoft.
• The instant messaging rivalry has led to court battles, with AT&T winning a case to use terms popularized by AOL.
• AOL is expected to appeal the court decision.

Statistics:

• 18 million subscribers worldwide for AOL (beating forecasts)
• The subscriber base represents a significant growth milestone for the company.
• The launch of AOL 5.0 is expected to further expand the user base and diversify services offered.
• The instant messaging rivalry between AOL and Microsoft has led to a series of high-profile disputes, including a court battle.

Sources:

• "It's proving difficult to avoid America OnLine." - The Times (no date)
• "AT&T wins 'You have mail' battle" - The Guardian (no date)
• Microsoft employee working undercover to discredit AOL's tactics - as reported by multiple sources.