Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : America On-Line (AOL) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Eski who wrote (27582)	8/1/1999 8:12:00 PM
From: ChinuSFO	Respond to of 41369

Eski, I am long AOL and what I am going to say would indicate that I am biased towards AOL. A few days ago, I was marvelling at MSFT picking on the issues of Open Access to the instant messaging system so close to the DOJ decision. And then over the weekend, some analyst came over the TV and mentioned that AOL is the only ISP that has a time tested, field proven technology that is able to support a huge customer base of around 18 million customers. They are going to protect the technology that has provided them the ability to support access to the Internet for such a large group of users. I am sure you will agree with me that real time demands on their system will increase considerably if they allow users from other ISPs to link to their servers and communicate with their users. If an outside user wishes to communicate with their users, they can send e-mails but I hope you understand why AOL is reluctant to give them access on their real-time bandwidth for instant messaging. AOL has had to jump through hoops to get to the superior access quality they provide today. No busy signals, no drop offs etc. And they are gun shy to allow others in on things that may impact this access quality. Now on the issue of open cable access. Mr. Armstrong (ATT), I presume is a intelligent person. He soon has to decide if he wants the "waiting" business of AOL's 17 million subscribers. Or is he not sure the cable technology will be able to support that much of a load? Who knows, he may not want such large a volume of subscribers for now. And you know what, if he doesn't make his mind up quickly, then they will all be lost to DSL. Happy AOL'ing this week. Now guess for us please, what AOL will open at tomorrow. Not what it closed at on Friday. LOL