While we're on the subject of Microsoft . . .
(Sarkie, better put your virtual blinders on . . . remember, you're only reading this article to learn more about GNET! <g>)
seattlep-i.com
Thursday, September 23, 1999
Microsoft to introduce portal with small-business services
Watch for Microsoft to announce, possibly as early as today, an Internet portal that offers a range of services to small businesses seeking a Web presence. Yusuf Mehdi, director of marketing for Microsoft's Internet-oriented consumer and commerce group, said the new portal will offer businesses "end-to-end services" including domain hosting, lead management and ways to attract traffic to their sitesfor a monthly fee.
The announcement may come as part of a daylong news conference today at which Microsoft will discuss its plans for the money-losing Consumer and Commerce Group now that Rick Belluzzo has come on board to head it.
Microsoft's new Web portal could mean competition for Seattle-based Go2Net, which has offered free Web hosting to small-business owners since August 1998.
"We like to think that Microsoft is following our lead," said Go2Net chief executive Russell Horowitz, whose HyperMart.net site has attracted more than 295,000 member businesses. In the next couple of weeks, Go2Net will integrate credit card processing and other e-commerce features into HyperMart. |
