Plodding Genie plays catch-up
Article Abstract:
General Electric (GE) first introduced its Genie online information service in 1985 when computer networks were less advanced and not very user friendly. Now that online information services have become much more advanced, it is surprising that GE's network, one of the first and most popular, is still a text-based, command-line network that reminds users of old technology. Genie offers access speeds of only 2,400 bps while competitors are offering speeds as high as 28,800 bps with plans to offer 64,000 bps. The user interface is also very simple and is basically a thin front-end. The company is planning a revamping of the network that will make Genie into a modern network but analysts question whether the service can be successfully remade. NBC, which is also owned by GE, has signed a deal with Microsoft Network, which does not help Genie's chance at success.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1995
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Peering out a 'real time' window
Article Abstract:
M-bone is an emerging technology that transforms the Internet into a virtual broadcasting medium. Developed principally by Steve Deering, a computer expert at the Xerox Corp's Palo Alto Research Center, M-bone allows multicasting, a technique that enables viewers and listeners to be broadcasters themselves. Deering sees M-bone as eventually evolving into a global video telephone system that offers 'real time' voice, data and images via the Internet. The technology was developed in 1992 and needs specialized software and equipment. Out of the 70,000 Internet networks, only 1,500 have become M-bone hubs. A number of companies have started using M-bone as a less expensive alternative to teleconferencing and business travel. Scientists and engineers use it for monitoring robot submarines and for collaborating on complex projects, respectively.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1995
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Using the Internet the Netcom way
Article Abstract:
Netcom On-Line Communications Services Inc is one of the many companies providing Internet users with access to the network by offering simple user interfaces for previously confusing access services. Netcom currently has over 130,000 subscribers, making it one of the larger Internet providers in the industry. Netcom's product is called Netcruiser, an easy-to-use software package that enables users to link to the most widely-used Internet services, such as the World Wide Web. Netcruiser is easy to install and configure and costs $25 for an account set-up fee and $20 per month for a connection to one of Netcom's 200 local connections. The $20 per month includes 40 free hours of prime time use and unlimited hours of use during off-peak hours.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1995
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