On a level playing field (i.e., equal access), the entry of the Microsoft Network into the market would be the single best thing that’s happened to the industry – for everyone … Without a level playing field, I fear that Microsoft will become the pre-divestiture equivalent of AT&T. Since that battle has already been won once, I am hopeful, that with time, it will be won again.
Predictor: Seidman, Robert
Prediction, in context:In a 1995 article for his Internet newsletter In, Around and Online, Robert Seidman writes:”On a level playing field (i.e., equal access), the entry of the Microsoft Network into the market would be the single best thing that’s happened to the industry – for everyone. It will do at least four major things: Drive down the base price of online services; Ensure that the other online services will strive to develop better products and services; Attract a lot more media focus (even more than there has been lately) on things online and the ‘net’; Grow the market in a significant way. Without a level playing field, I fear that Microsoft will become the pre-divestiture equivalent of AT&T. Since that battle has already been won once, I am hopeful, that with time, it will be won again.”
Date of prediction: January 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Information Infrastructure
Subtopic: Internet Service Providers
Name of publication: In, Around and Online
Title, headline, chapter name: Beating the Dead Horse
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.onlineinsider.com/html/archives/071495.html
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney