America Online (AOL) acquires Netscape
In November 1998, Netscape shocked the internet market by agreeing to be acquired by America Online. That the doyen of net counter-culture was succumbing to one of the medium's dominant players was seen by some observers as a sign of the growing commercialization of the internet.
It was true that Netscape's bruising battle with Microsoft had taken its toll. But Barksdale was aware that Netscape's other business - its Netcenter e-commerce portal - also needed wider and more substantial support if it were to realize its potential. So, by partnering with AOL, Netscape gained a substantial backer for its e-commerce venture, and receive a significant boost to its browser business.
For AOL, the move gave it one ...
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