CompuServe Debuts 'Virtual Passport'
Columbus, Ohio, June 16, 1996
CompuServe today introduced the "Virtual Passport," the technology initiative that will enable CompuServe to deploy its fee-based services using Internet technology. The Virtual Passport will also allow other sites to identify CompuServe members and enable them to use just one password, such as their CompuServe password, to gain access, often at no extra charge, to many sites on the Internet.
The Web Made Easier
"Today’s announcement will simplify the Internet by letting users go to many places with just one password for just one price," said Denny Matteucci, CompuServe’s president of online services. "The Virtual Passport is the next critical step in the evolution of CompuServe’s fee-based services from proprietary technology to the open standards of the Internet. It will enable us to control access to content, like CompuServe Forum(R) areas, on the Internet."
The Virtual Passport will offer CompuServe users unmatched content and convenience by enabling them to use the privileges of CompuServe membership to access premium content not only from CompuServe, but from other leading fee-based Internet sites without the need to subscribe and/or pay an additional charge.
The Virtual Passport: One Technology With Many Benefits
CompuServe’s Virtual Passport also:
Enables Web sites to verify who is visiting. This means that the extent of access to specific information on the Web and within a Web site can be controlled and monitored both by the individual user and the Web site.
Verifies the authenticity of a Web site for the user. This will help ensure that a site being accessed is not a fraudulent "copy-cat" or "spoofed" site.
Benefits content providers by delivering a large customer base to their content in a secure, authenticated way.
Enables small businesses to set up a secure Web site which can be accessed only by approved, authenticated users, delivering global networking and communications power to any size business. |
