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Prodigy Surpasses 95% Market Share in PC Pre-Installation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Prodigy has made a significant announcement, stating that its software is now pre-installed on 95% of personal computers sold at retail or through mail-order, surpassing any other online service. This marks a substantial increase from 80% earlier this year. The pre-installation of Prodigy on computers provides customers with an easy way to register for the service and gain immediate access to the World-Wide Web. Consumers who purchase home computers with Prodigy software pre-installed can easily register for the service, with the first 10 hours free and no obligation to join. Upon joining, the first monthly fee is waived, with subsequent months charged at $9.95 per month for the first five hours and $2.95 for each additional hour.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prodigy's software is now pre-installed on 95% of personal computers sold, surpassing any other online service.
  • The pre-installation of Prodigy on computers offers customers an easy way to register for the service and gain immediate access to the World-Wide Web.
  • Consumers who purchase home computers with Prodigy software pre-installed can register for the service for free for the first 10 hours, with no obligation to join.
  • The first monthly fee is waived after the first 10 hours, with subsequent months charged at $9.95 per month for the first five hours and $2.95 for each additional hour.
  • Prodigy has distribution agreements with over 25 manufacturers of computers targeted at consumers, including prominent brands such as Gateway 2000, AST, AT&T, and IBM.
  • Prodigy offers its members a range of services, including news, weather, sports, financial information, educational content, games, and online shopping.

Statistics:

  • 95% of personal computers sold have Prodigy software pre-installed.
  • 80% of personal computers were pre-installed with Prodigy software earlier this year.
  • 2 million members have signed up for the Prodigy service.
  • 10 hours of service are free for new customers, with no obligation to join.
  • $9.95 per month is charged for the first 5 hours of service after the first 10 free hours.
  • $2.95 is charged for each additional hour of service beyond the first 5 free hours.

Sources:

  • BUSINESS WIRE, Nov. 13, 1995
  • Prodigy press release

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