AOL, Network Solutions Sign Multimillion Marketing Deal
By KEVIN MAX
NYTimes.com/TheStreet.com, 4:45 p.m.
AOL, Network Solutions Sign Multimillion Marketing Deal
The biggest domain name registration service provider, Network Solutions, said Monday it had reached a multimillion marketing deal with America Online, making it easier for AOL's 24 million subscribers to sign up and reserve Internet addresses, and taking more market share from its smaller rivals.
Under the terms of the deal, Network Solutions' services will be available through co-branded Web sites including AOL, CompuServe, Netscape Netcenter, Digital City, ICQ, and Spinner/Winamp.
Financial terms of the deal were not released.
Once with more than 80 percent of all Internet registry business, the field of dreams for Network Solutions became less dreamy when the company agreed to split its registrar business, what some considered a virtual monopoly, into two companies last year, rather than face possible actions from regulatory agencies. Dozens of new companies rushed into the lucrative business of accepting fees for registering Web names.
Jim Rutt, chief executive of Network Solutions, said in a statement the combination with AOL would help many small businesses and individuals make a name for themselves on the Internet.
Network Solutions has already registered more than 10 million domain names. Its nearest competitor is Register.com, which has about a tenth of the number of registrants.
Bob Pittman, AOL president and chief operating officer, said in a statement that the marketing agreement would provide AOL users with easy access to the services and tools they need to start Web site.
Network Solutions closed Monday regular trading down 6 3/4, or 5 percent, at 142 1/4. America Online finished down 1 1/2, or 3 percent, at 55 1/2. |
