From the consumer point of view, there may be questions about whether you'll have to be an AOL subscriber to get Time magazine. That combination of media with the access is one through which you may be able to block access to your competitors' subscribers.

Taking a close look at all technical options is the right thing for them (AOL and MSN) to be doing.

Despite the struggles of its ISP arm, AOL.com is well positioned because of the number of users of AIM (AOL's Instant Messaging) and the strength of its new online mail offering.

[Others say the deal could also raise flags over the combined AOL Time Warner's ability to limit access to Internet content.] From the consumer point of view, there may be questions about whether you'll have to be an AOL subscriber to get Time magazine, ... That combination of media with the access is one through which you may be able to block access to your competitors' subscribers.

There were less subscriber losses at AOL. They did a decent job there.

Microsoft is moving out of selling boxes into selling real, true services.