Microsoft's Internet Programming So far, Microsoft's Net offerings have had mixed success MSN: The Microsoft Network debuted in 1995 and was relaunched as a Web-based online service last November. But with 2.3 million subscribers, MSN remains a distant second to America Online, and its Microsoft-made entertainment has drawn catcalls. Now, Microsoft is turning to partners such as Disney for content. MSNBC: Microsoft handles the Web site of this $400 million cable-TV/online-news joint venture with NBC. A redesign of the year-old site debuted on Aug. 18. Thanks to its 1.25 million visitors per month and the estimated $20 million Microsoft will spend on it this year, the MSNBC site has pulled even with CNN's and USA Today's. SIDEWALK: Microsoft will spend $100 million this year expanding its local arts-and-entertainment guides, to 10 by yearend. Sidewalk relies on Microsoft database software to let visitors search for events or restaurants. And ads are pouring in: The Seattle and New York Sidewalk sites have 500-plus local advertisers each. EXPEDIA: This online travel agency has emerged as Microsoft's first Web slam-dunk. Launched last October, Expedia is expected to book $100 million in airline tickets this year. Microsoft is licensing Expedia's core technology to American Express and airlines such as Continental and Northwest. INVESTOR: In June, Microsoft began charging a $9.95 subscription fee for ''premium'' financial information on this investment-advice site. So far, response has been slow. Forrester Research estimates that only 10,000 have signed up. INTERNET GAMING ZONE: Last spring, Microsoft launched this game site, which already has some 350,000 registered members. With such success, Microsoft is considering charging a subscription fee for premium play starting in October. SOURCE: FORRESTER RESEARCH, BUSINESS WEEK Return to main story

Updated Aug. 28, 1997 by bwwebmaster
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