Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday said more than 50 major computer software and hardware companies have agreed to provide technical support and other services over its planned on-line network.
The companies, including Borland International Inc., Computer Associates International Inc., Dell Computer Corp., Gateway 2000 Inc. and Lotus Development Corp., become the first announced content providers for the Microsoft Network, due to be launched in August.
Announced late last year, the network will be a feature of the forthcoming Windows 95 operating system and is expected to challenge market leaders CompuServe, Prodigy and America Online.
Microsoft is luring partners by offering to let them keep more than 50 percent of any revenue generated through on-line subscriptions. That is higher than existing services, which offer a core of services for a flat rate, compared with the Microsoft Network’s “a la carte” plan.
While computer information is seen as an essential component of an on-line system, analysts noted such basic services will not lure many users. “This isn’t the kind of things that’s going to make the Microsoft Network ultimately successful,” said Peter Rogers of Bear Stearns. “You have to offer access to a rich source of online data and content: news, weather, sports, a little shopping.”
