Microsoft's Internet Explorer 5 Gains Unprecedented Industry Support at Launch

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft Corp. today announced that Internet Explorer 5 has garnered unprecedented industry support from leading portal sites, Internet service providers (ISPs), and PC manufacturers. Over 140 top portal sites and ISPs, representing approximately 20 million Internet users, are making Internet Explorer 5 available to their customers at launch. This widespread adoption is a testament to the benefits of Internet Explorer 5's open platform architecture, which enables vendors to provide a more integrated and compelling online experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 140 top portal sites and ISPs have chosen to offer Internet Explorer 5 to their users at launch, making it the most broadly available version of Internet Explorer to date.
  • Portal sites creating customized versions of Internet Explorer 5 include AltaVista, Excite, Lycos, InfoSeek Corp.'s Go Network, the MSN network of Internet services, Snap, and Yahoo!.
  • Leading Internet service providers making Internet Explorer 5 available to users at launch include AT&T WorldNet Service, BellSouth.net Inc., BT Internet, Cable and Wireless USA, and many others.
  • Internet Explorer 5 enables vendors to customize the browser and provide a more integrated experience for their customers, with features like IntelliSense technologies and Web Accessories.
  • More than 200,000 PC makers ship Internet Explorer and are excited about the new benefits Internet Explorer 5 brings to their customers.
  • Internet Explorer 5 is available immediately for free download at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ and http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/.

Statistics:

  • 140+ top portal sites and ISPs are making Internet Explorer 5 available to their users at launch.
  • 20 million Internet users are represented by the ISPs making Internet Explorer 5 available.
  • More than 200,000 PC makers ship Internet Explorer.
  • Internet Explorer 5 offers breakthroughs in ease of use, functionality, and reliability.
  • The customized Internet Explorer from AltaVista includes features like Babel Fish for instant translation of Web pages and the AltaVista Tracker for personalized news and information.

Sources:

  • Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) - press release dated March 18 (no specific date mentioned in the original text)
  • AltaVista - quote from Celia Francis, director of marketing
  • BellSouth.net Inc. - quote from Ray Smets, president
  • Compaq Computer Corp. - quote from Tom Mitchell, vice president and general manager
  • Media Metrix - mentioned as a leader in the field of Internet and digital media measurement services