FirstMark Joins Forces with Microsoft and Compaq in European Internet Venture

FirstMark, a leading US tele-communications group in Europe, has partnered with Microsoft and Compaq to launch a new internet venture focused on small and medium-sized European companies. The alliance aims to establish "solution hotels" - hosting sites that provide access to software applications for business-to-business internet commerce. This strategic move will enable FirstMark's customers to access electronic business solutions, ultimately reshaping the productivity and competitiveness of European small and medium-sized companies. With Compaq computers and Microsoft's Windows software at its core, the integrated system will facilitate the distribution of e-commerce solutions, empowering local and international service providers to reach a broader audience.

Key Takeaways:

• FirstMark, a US tele-communications group, is joining forces with Microsoft and Compaq to launch a new internet venture in Europe.
• The partnership aims to establish "solution hotels" - hosting sites that provide access to software applications for business-to-business internet commerce.
• The integrated system, powered by Compaq computers and Microsoft's Windows software, will enable service providers to distribute e-commerce solutions.
• FirstMark plans to build a broadband network in Europe, targeting small and medium-sized companies.
• Solutions hotels will offer electronic business solutions, including enterprise resource planning, knowledge management, and online banking.
• The European ASP market is expected to grow from $293m in 1998 to over $7bn by 2003.

Statistics:

• The European ASP market is projected to grow from $293m in 1998 to over $7bn by 2003.
• FirstMark has operations in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Portugal, and is developing activities in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and the UK.
• Compaq's general manager for enterprise solutions in Europe, Gerard van de Aast, forecasts that the solutions hotels will extensively reshape the productivity and competitiveness of European small and medium-sized companies.

Sources:

• FirstMark, a US tele-communications group headed in Europe by former One-2-One chief executive Tim Samples.
• Microsoft and Compaq in a new internet venture.
• Solutions hotels as gateways to Europe for local and international providers of electronic business solutions.
• Compaq computers and Microsoft's Windows software integration.
• European ASP market growth prediction.
• FirstMark operations in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and the UK.