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Netscape-Branded ISP Launching February 2004
Guppy06 writes "I'm too lazy to change my homepage in Netscape 7 to something else, and that's where I discovered an ad leading towards what appears to be a trial run of a new Netscape-branded ISP. While this isn't as momentous as, say, Netscape bundled with AOL would be, they seem to be aiming at Juno and NetZero with their price of $9.95/month ($1.00/month to participate in the trial run ending in February). This may just end up being a fizzle, or it could be part of a two-pronged attack on MSN by AOL."
If this is true, I have to wonder what if anything it will do for Mozilla's exposure.
C|N>K
I have been hearing ads on the radio for it here already. Sounds like one of those accelerated/compressed dial-up services.
EA David Gardner -"... but the consumers have proven that actually what they want is fun."
And they won't be bundling Netscape/Mozilla either, but will be bunding IE.
I know that Netscape is merged with AOL (AOL bought it actually *rolls eyes*). I think that if this ISP was made, it would be good. But ONLY if it was cable or DSL. Dial-Up is too slow, and has been around for too long. And hopefully it wouldnt be as crappy as the AOL browser is.
I came. I saw. I got the T-shirt
I've been hearing commercials for Netscape as a broad-band-like ISP in Canada on the radio lately.
They are going to have a tough go of it, competing against Telus.
They claim,
"Netscape Online Accelerator uses advanced web acceleration technology to increase the speed of dial up service, using your existing phone jack and modem without the expense of high speed services such as DSL or a cable modem. No additional equipment is required nor is there any waiting for installation"
Sounds like some sort of caching strategy to deliver content faster.
Overall, sounds like a step backwards to me. I'll stick with my Shaw 300KB/second cable-Internet for $30 Canadian a month.
Ironically, the browser software included in the sign-up package is a Netscape-branded version of Internet Explorer.
Pretty sad when your browser sucks so much you don't trust yourself enough to use it.
"Brand Necrophilia"
...but is there anyone who associates Netscape with anything other than ugly bloatware? If you want to sell a product, is plastering the Netscape logo all over it the best way to go? When someone says "Netscape", images of "RealPlayer" and a bunch of crappy "Subscribe to AOL Now!" icons come to mind.
By doing this, AOL not only gets to split their already-fleeing-like-rats-from-a-drowning-ship userbase, but they also get to cash in on the incredibly lucrative and growing dial-up internet market. And of course, the crowning touch, capitalizing on the Netscape namebrand, which everyone associates with fast, quality service. Good move, AOL!
While this could be part of a 'two pronged attack' on MSN, I highly doubt that. It will most certainly be a fizzle if they are merely offering basic dialup service. Unless they have a standard 'dialup accelerator' or some other value added feature that sets them apart from the rest of the dialup services, there's not much more room in this market IMHO. Unless of course they start this as their 'basic' level of service and offer a very cheap broadband solution along side (eventually). I fail to see that happening so long as DSL lines have to be bought from SBC and cable lines bought from Comcast. ~Dan
This may just end up being a fizzle
Fo shizzle, my nizzle.
It just cheapens the Netscape name, one for which many of us still have fond memories. I would guess some of the key original Netscape programmers are pretty sad too.
I already posted a comment about this once, but I'll never forget how sad jwz's resignation letters were.
This one predates the recently slashdotted article about myths in open source by many years, and probably was the first one to call attention to the fact that (his own words) "you cannot just take a project, sprinkle it with the magic pixie dust of 'open source' and make it magically work".
And this one made me so sad when it came out I threw away all plans of making a career in computer engineering. Again his own words, "sometimes the only way to win is to not play".
Yes, he's kinda dramatic in a mexican soap opera way, but then I was 17, and was deeply struck.
I don't understand this.
The Netscape ISP brand has already been tried, and AOL dumped it. The ISP was low cost.
This was done in the UK a few years ago, it lasted for not long. I don't know whether the Netscape ISP was also introduced to other countries, though.
Given the outright incompetence in the overall strategic vision at AOL/TW, there's no telling if this new plan is an act of foresight or of desperation.
Still, I have to say that it makes sense to leverage both the Netscape and AOL brands. They're obviously positioning Netscape as the low-cost bare-bones option for dialup ISP service, and I bet that subscribers will be incessantly prompted to upgrade to the features found on AOL.
I'm generally "Interesting," "Insightful," and even "Funny" here. What the hell happens to me at parties?
... they're going to offer sub-standard service, and then blame Microsoft for having an MSN shortcut on their desktop when they tank.
This is what I get on my mac... Macintosh Users The Macintosh operating system is not supported at this time. Netscape currently supports Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. Please check back in the future for a Macintosh version of Netscape!
Well, someone please send AOL a clue. When I see messages like, "The Macintosh operating system is not supported at this time," I feel like walking over to the code-monkey and smacking him upside the head. Why?
1) Hey, I might have Windows computer, but I'm at a Mac now and I want more info.
2) It's a friggin' ISP! Cripes, just tell me the dial-in number to use and I'll be OK.
3) The closing statement of "Please check back in the future for a Macintosh version of Netscape!" is MS-worthy in its FUD. Netscape certainly is available for Macs. Just b/c your proposed ISP doesn't "support" them, no reason to lead people to believe that Netscape is a Windows-only product.
Especially if they could figure out some way to download images in the background, and maybe throw in some chat rooms. Linux types would also appreciate a command line interface, so they could just jump directly to any part of the service by typing in a keyword. Yeah, that'd be cool.
AOL is getting hit from the top and the bottom. High Speed Access is erroding their customer base from the top, and Low Cost Dialups are attracting customers from the bottom. Having their own low cost Dial Up will allow them to at least get some money from people who are leaving them for a cheaper alternitive. Using the AOL brand name for the cheaper service would cause confusion (Why am I being billed 23.95? I saw an ad for 9.95!) so they needed a different name for it. They already own the rights to a well known name associated with the Internet, Netscape, so it was a natural choice.
Quemadmodum gladius neminem occidit, occidentis telum est
To me, the Netscape brand means browsers. After IE, it's probably the best known brand of browsers on the market. I've always thought the point of branding was to create a rock solid identity for a specific product, and then extend that product to new areas. For instance, Taco Bell creates a brand for Taco Bell tacos, and through incessant marketing convinces people that the slop actually tastes good. Then, once that brand is strong, they move on to marketing Taco Bell brand taco shells, that you can buy in any grocery store. You can see how there's a connection here, and how somebody who likes TB Tacos would be more likely to buy TB taco shells in the supermarket.
But with this Netscape thing, I don't get it. If Netscape isn't a brand name for a browser, what is it a brand name for? And what does a browser have to do with purchasing internet access?
The funny thing here, is that AOL/Time Warner already owns the top brand in ISP's: AOL. So why not come out with a $9.95 "AOL-Light", which you then cajole customers into upgrading to full-fledged AOL? Using Netscape as the brand for an entry-level ISP makes no sense whatever, whereas extending the AOL name makes perfect sense.
I'm generally "Interesting," "Insightful," and even "Funny" here. What the hell happens to me at parties?
AOL is losing money to companies that are offering a cheaper service so now when a customer calls and wants to cancel they can offer them a cheaper service and still keep their customer.
Get Movie Posters
THis is merely a way for AOL to try to keep a few of the customers that it has been losing recently. Standard AOL is too expensive and/or too slow. People have been jumping ship for faster or cheaper service.
So, if they can offer a cut down service (that may appear somewhat faster) they can keep a few of those jumpers, and stave off the financial debacle for a while.
During the latter part of Albert Einstein's tenure at the Institute of Advanced Study at Princeton, management decided to ramp up its hiring efforts. One day a slew of new hires were brought in to be introduced to the great man. "Dr. Einstein, this is an amazing honor", said the first newbie. "I'm thrilled at the opportunity to work with you because, while I'm not half as brilliant as you are, I do happen to have an IQ of 180". "Outstanding", replied Einstein. "I'm sure we can have many profitable discussions regarding quantum mechanics". The second hire revealed that his IQ was 150. "Excellent", said Einstein. "There are many research areas in relativistic mechanics where we can work together". The third man stepped forward and admitted his IQ was only 110. "But you do enjoy the arts, that is quite satisfactory", said Einstein. "I myself enjoy playing the piano, rather badly I'm afraid". Finally the fourth man stepped forward and said, "Dr. Einstein? Uh, like, my IQ is only 60! So what now?" Einstein paused for what seemed to be a full minute, cupping his jaw with his hand, occasionally stopping to mutter "hmm... I see". Finally he smiled at the man and said, "So Mr. ----, have you heard of any exciting new branding strategies in corporate America?"
and therefore will be sucktastically slow. Aol has a shoddy slow network that has been overloaded ever since they went to all you can eat dialup. If your gonna use cheap dialup, go for flex.com (note i am not a customer, but thats who i recommend when people need a decent dialup).
Lawyers, MBA's, RIAA? A jedi fears not these things!
We discussed this in October ("AOL to Launch Discount 'Netscape' Internet Service", to the tune of 358 comments.
-Waldo Jaquith
No this isn't a flame its the truth. This is being marketed to people who are just looking for the cheapest price and who don't give a damn about the browser. No revolutions here. THe people won't even notice cause it'll be so customized you couldn't tell it form real stock netscape. Just a bunch of cheapskates using a dying form of internet access. If anything I'd be insulted if my favorite browser was getting marketed to the bottom barrel crowd.
Fact: Afer the disastrous merger, the TW people are re-gaining control of AOL/TW.
Fact: The AOL name is mud in the business world and approaching mud (slurry?) in the consumer world.
Fact: AOL has few friends among those regaining control of AOL/TW.
Predictions:
1. AOL/TW will drop the AOL part and revert to Time-Warner.
2. TW will start migrating AOL's content (such as it is) to TW branded properties.
3. AOL will start migrating its dial up subscribers to the Netscape branded service. "Just a name change."
4. Finally, AOL will cease to function as an ISP, and will channel everything through AOL.com, which will also eventually just whither away.
Good riddance.
"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." A. Carlson
That's not something one would normally brag about in this forum.
Oh, I am really happy that I let AOL, " We may optimize your computer settings to enhance your Netscape experience. If you have any questions regarding your Netscape account, please call 1-866-541-8233." Wow. Happy to hear that AOL won't make any changes to my computer that will be to my detriment. Any guesses on what "enhancements" AOL will add? I'll start the guessing with some easy ones:
1) Change default email program.
2) Change default email account
3) Change default browser.
4) Change browser home page (all browsers)
5) Add a load of bookmarks to your current settings.
6) Add **at least** 10 shortcuts on the desktop, start bar and quick launch menu for various AOL crap.
What are the slimier things you think AOL will do? Would they dare add AOL to "safe-sites" for pop-up blockers?
'course, I'm just paranoid. I'm sure the only "optimization" they will make will be too automatically set-up your dial-in account.
I'm too lazy to change my homepage in Netscape 7 to something else
my only question is why anyone would still be using netscape when mozilla seems to be far superior. or is there something i dont know?
Gyrate Dot Org - "Where high-tech meets low-life"
Much to my amazement, after moz on osx fscked up, as mentioned above, thought i'd see how it coped....amazed that they're suporting lynx on *bsd but not moz on mac os :)
gw@archer: -->uname -a
FreeBSD archer.xxxx776.org 4.8-RELEASE-p4 FreeBSD 4.8-RELEASE-p4 #2:
gw@archer: --> lynx http://isp.netscape.com/software/index.jsp
++++
Netscape Netscape Preview
Netscape [tan_line.gif]
Welcome to the Beta preview of the Netscape Internet Service.
Sign up to Beta test the new Netscape Service for $1.00 per month through February 2004.*
We need your help Beta testing the following features for the upcoming Netscape Service:
o Unlimited Internet Access
o Personalized E-mail Addresses
o Nationwide Access
o Access e-mail anywhere, from any Internet connection
o Top-rated Search, enhanced by Google
o 2-minute download to get started
Netscape - Just the Net You Need.
If you are new to the Netscape Beta preview, please select 'Create a Preview Account' to get started.
Create Preview Account
If you already have a Netscape Beta preview account, please sign in below with your assigned screen
name.
Enter Your Screen Name:
http://milkshake.dexy.org
AOL is losing money to companies that are offering a cheaper service so now when a customer calls and wants to cancel they can offer them a cheaper service and still keep their customer
This is less than true; granted, AOL's suffered some encroachment on the bottom, but it's not nearly as significant as the destruction from above from broadband availability. Over 80% of the rural broadband customers the company I work for signs up comes from AOL - not from low-cost dialup. Those $5 to $10/mo. Internet users stay with their low-use plans. It's the $22 for AOL + second phone line to use all the included hours (at another $20 with taxes) = $42/month for crummy old AOL that gives consumers a very easy decision going broadband.
Consider AOL's focus the past 10+ years: "unlimited hours." They were never the low price; consumers that wanted a $10 or less service found plenty of local ISP options and in the past 5 years, Netzero, ad-supported dialup and various sub-$10 approaches flooded the market.
Reading AOL's 10Ks, they've been pretty clear that they don't see themselves in this market. Instead, they proclaim more of a value pricing model - lots of hours at a good price. The only problem is that their unlimited buffet quickly became a fare that was unpaletable to an increasing amount of consumers, especially those who spend more time online and were AOL's primary market. Somebody opened up a buffet next door, and for another $10-$20/month (about 50% to 100% the price of that second phone line, so in many cases, the consumer ends up saving money by switching), it's several dozen times the quality.
So I wouldn't expect they perceive this move as a defensive one. Perhaps, in fact, its a low risk (no AOL brand name at stake) move to test the waters on the sub-$10 market where they never have been strong. I'll contradict a previous post - this actually might make sense. After all, AOL's a cash cow and they're going to have to do something with all the dialup foundation to keep it competitive as the dialup market loses most of its upper 80% of consumer. They're going to be left with 100% price-based market.
Move the AOL operations over to the Netscape brand (and rebrand as AOL) and you've got another lease on life. This sounds to me as if non-AOL execs made this call. This is a move 1 year out from cutting over AOL to a low-cost, low-price operation and Netscape (in a rather perverse way) might actually end up being the beginning of the end of AOL.
Interesting move, Time Warner...
*scoove*
1. AOL/TW will drop the AOL part and revert to Time-Warner.
Didn't they already do this? I could be mistaken, of course, but when you go to www.aoltimewarner.com, it redirects you to www.timewarner.com, where I can't find a single thing that has the AOL and Time-Warner names together.
Perl - $Just @when->$you ${thought} s/yn/tax/ &couldn\'t %get $worse;
Nobody seems to have pointed this out yet, so I will.
Imagine for a moment that you're a phone-support tech working at, say, Dell or some other consumer PC manufacturer. You get a call from a customer who says they can't "get on the Internet".
You ask this customer, "What Internet service are you using?" and the customer responds "Netscape".
Until now, anyone hearing such a response could immediately recognize that the user was talking about their browser, not their ISP (which is what the question referred to). Now, that conclusion can't be made.
With the introduction of this service, someone who is "using Netscape" is either:
Needless to say, this makes it difficult to ascertain which is the case when talking to a user who doesn't know the difference.
I've talked to people before who thought Netscape was their ISP. Not quite as common as thinking Yahoo is their web browser, but not terribly unusual. Now imagine how annoying it will be for tech support reps when they talk to a customer who's using Internet Explorer with Netscape's ISP and insists their browser is Netscape...
$x='S24;r)>63/* h@<5+oZ)32"5cz';$me='phroggy'x$];
$x=~y+ -xz+\0-Tx+;print$_^chop$me for split'',$x;
I talked with those representing the Mozilla project at Comdex/LasVegas, They said that they were going to roll out the netscape branded ISP service. That is the true part. The fase part is that Mozilla/Netscape (Which Trademark AOL owns) Will only be involved as the name of the service, the Browser of choice will be Internet Explorer. Name Branded Marketing Strikes Again.
I remember beta testing this service. I was a paying member for a few months, then decided to switch to a local ISP.
Hopefully AOL will learn from their previous experience and dedicate modem pools solely for the internet service. It was quite frustrating when you couldn't log into GNN because all the lines were being used by the more popular AOL service.
They set up a "netscape online" ISP in the UK, which has since been axed. It was back in the day when everyone and his aunt had started an 0845 "lo-call" isp, and then ran it off the profits from the telephone calls. The reason this one didn't make any money might have been something to do with the fact that you could use your netscape online username and password with AOLs freephone dialup. Although I don't know how many people noticed that.
I wonder if they'll manage to do the same thing again?
I'm curious as to how the American ISP market works. See, here in Scandinavia, dial up internet accounts have been free for years now.
That does however not include line usage, so you're still stuck with your telco's minute charge. In fact, there are (as far as I know) nobody selling "free" online hours with the service.
In central Europe, however, bundling a number of hours, or even an infinite number of hours, together with the service seems to be commonplace.
This is not a big issue here anymore, as DSL is now available for the vast majority of the population. Not like two years ago when I had to fight for my right to an internet service that was not charged per minute.
So how's the (average) situation in the USA?
I received a couple of CDs for their service. I never used the ISP although I did install Netscape Communicator (4.6? or 4.7?) from one for a friend.