Steve Case: The Unlikely Pioneer of the Internet's Frontier

Steve Case, the chairman and CEO of America Online Inc., has always been seen as a plodding, deliberate leader in an industry defined by fast-paced technological change. However, his latest strategic move, the AOL-Netscape-Sun Microsystems alliance, has put him at the center of the most significant alignment since the Internet's popularity began to rise in the middle of the decade. Case's approach to business has often been described as a technocrat politician, focusing on forging consensus and long-term views rather than being a fiery control freak.

Key Takeaways:

• Steve Case has been instrumental in the commercialization of the Internet, and his leadership has brought together two Silicon Valley powerhouses, Netscape and Sun, in an unprecedented deal.
• Case's approach to business emphasizes consensus-building and long-term views, making him a unique leader in the fast-paced technology industry.
• He has been described by friends and colleagues as a "paranoid" executive who never acts rashly, always considering multiple perspectives before making decisions.
• The AOL-Netscape-Sun deal is expected to have a significant impact on the maturation of e-commerce, and it represents Case's most dramatic manifestation of his vision for the future of the Internet.
• Case has stayed true to his vision for the company, despite many others having declared victory and moved on, and his latest move has cemented his place as the premier CEO in the Internet space.
• Case's leadership style is characterized by his ability to integrate multiple views and perspectives, making him a 360-degree thinker in a field often dominated by monomaniacal leaders.
• He is described as "much more at home behind a keyboard than a podium" and has a boyhood dream of building a company that shapes public consciousness.

Statistics:

• AOL has become the most recognizable brand name on the Internet, with close to 20 million subscribers.
• The AOL-Netscape-Sun deal is expected to have a significant impact on the maturation of e-commerce, with estimates suggesting that it will be the biggest single development in the industry.
• Case has spent over a decade building AOL into the successful company it is today, with an impressive track record of innovation and growth.

Sources:

• Paul Noglows, technology-industry analyst at Hambrecht & Quist, as quoted in the Washington Post.
• John Sidgmore, chief executive of UUNet WorldCom, as quoted in the Washington Post.
• George Vradenburg, AOL's general counsel, as quoted in the Washington Post.
• James Kimsey, AOL's chairman emeritus and co-founder, as quoted in the Washington Post.
• Mark Warner, managing director of Columbia Capital Corp., as quoted in the Washington Post.
• The Washington Post article, "Steve Case: The Unlikely Pioneer of the Internet's Frontier"