[KLUG Members] Is this the end of Netscape?

[Adam Williams]

> There is an interesting article analyzing this agreement at:
> http://nytimes.com/2003/05/31/technology/31SOFT.html

According this article they still use IE -
"AOL wanted to be assured that Microsoft would not use its operating
system and Internet Explorer browser to put it at a disadvantage
relative to MSN. Despite its purchase of Netscape, AOL continued to use
the Microsoft browser in its software."

Maybe using Mozilla is an option?

"AOL has petitioned the F.C.C. to release it from rules that would force
it to allow other instant message systems to connect to its own if it
adds advanced features like video communications."

Wow, this reminds me of the upcoming Freddy vs. Jason movie (maybe the
sequals will finally end?).  I really despise both these companies,
either one would dip their customers in urine for an extra buck, and be
babbling on about being interested in what is best for them the entire
time.

"For Microsoft, the deal also puts the final nail in the Netscape
coffin.
AOL has been keeping Netscape alive, despite its tiny market share,
largely as a bargaining chip with Microsoft. After Netscape's latest
release this summer, AOL is likely to cut even further the small group
of people who remain devoted to Netscape's software."

That probably says it all.  (Even though the current release of Netscape
can finally access AOL mail directly...)

"Even Netscape's Web site, once the centerpiece of the effort to connect
the online versions of all of AOL Time Warner's media properties, is now
being de-emphasized. The Web sites of its magazines, including Time and
Fortune, are no longer presented under the Netscape banner."

Yep.  Wow, I dislike even "Time" and "Fortune".

"In the end, though, little in the settlement Thursday does much to
address America Online's biggest problem: the defection of its customers
to high-speed, or broadband, connections. MSN is suffering from much the
same difficulty. And both are trying to refashion themselves as
providers of extra-fee services to people with high-speed access."

AT&T's plans to build broadband wireless networks in industrial parks
and high density residential areas may finally slay these two
aberations.

Are they any statisitcs on I.M. utilization?  AOL vs MSN vs ICQ, number
of userS?  Are there any truly open IM implementations that have any
traction?  

I'm not an IM user (neven been able to get any of the Linux clients to
work reliably).  Where is the rocket science?  Am I missing something or
what is the magic?  LDAP + DNSSRV and XML-RPC and it seems like you
could build a global, open, extensible, and scalable IM system without
even breaking a sweat?