Steve Case: America Online (AOL)

Emily WainwrightComputer Science 1631, Winter 2011

February 2, 2011

Steve Case

• Steve Case was the co-founder, chairman and CEO of AOL in 1991. • Resigned as CEO of America Online in 1996. • Case orchestrated what the business pressed

named “the deal of the century” when he merged Time Warner with AOL.

• Although Steve resigned as CEO, he stayed as chairman when AOL merged with Time Warner to form AOL Time Warner.

History of AOL (1996-2006)

• Before America Online became AOL, it was under the name of Control Video Corporation. CVC only had one product, called Gameline.

• AOL became one of the first providers of internet service, reaching out to customers through dial-up.

• By 1996, AOL had reached over 6 million subscribers (with a flat-rate monthly fee of $19.95).

History of AOL (1996-2006)

• It was in 1999 when AOL acquired Netscape. AOL’s previous web browser was Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, also known as Netscape’s primary competitor.

• In 2001, AOL merged with Time Warner for $160 billion, creating one of the world's largest media, entertainment and communications companies.

AOL Database Scandal

• In August 2006, AOL released a search database on one of their sites intended for research purposes. When users searched keywords, they were given an id number, which was then traceable by other AOL database users.

AOL Database Scandal

• One could tell when and what a certain person was searching, and when they were on and offline.

• Example shown here:

AIM “Keeping in touch couldn’t be simpler.”

• American Online Instant Messenger is a program that allows its users to communicate in real-time over the internet.

• AIM was introduced to the AOL community in May of 1997.

• It is currently available in several platforms, such as Windows and Mac.

AIM “Keeping in touch couldn’t be simpler.”

• AIM is not only available through the popular desktop, but now offered for free on participating cell phones and devices.

• Products that AIM is currently compatible with include iphone, ipad, android, Mac, Blackberry and Windows.

AIM Express• This “upgraded version”

of AIM, allows users to chat in real time, exchange instant messages , exchange files with oneanother, play games with other AIM Express users as well as store up to 200 contacts on its server.

Aol.ca

• The creation AOL Canada Inc. was a way for the American based brand to reach out on an international level.

• Aol.ca was completely customized for Canadian users, including relevant issues dealing with Canadians.

• The site includes a similar setup to their American counterpart, with AOL News, Radio, Video and AOL’s search engine.

“You’ve Got Mail”

• This popular saying is a trademark greeting for AOL users, which they hear when they receive a new email.

• The title and plot to the successful 1998 film, “You’ve Got Mail,” was based upon this popular greeting. • This greeting was discontinued in June

2010 to make way for more popular features.

Where is AOL today? (2006-2011)

• In August 2006, AOL began offering all of their online services for free.

• In March 2008, AOL acquired BEBO, the popular social network of 2005, for $850 million. In 2010, Criterion Capital Partners, acquired BEBO for only $10 million, creating a loss of $840 million for AOL.

Where is AOL today? (2006-2011)

• AOL’s games.com is still currently active, with thousands of free games for AOL subscribers.

• AolNews.com is also still active, providing America with current world news, including national, world entertainment, business and sports updates.

References:

• Hobot, Joe. AOL Lost $840 Millions On BEBO, Acquired Today by CCP for $10 Million. June 17, 2010.

http://www.mwd.com/2010/06/aol-lost-840-millions-on-bebo-acquired-today-by-ccp-for-10-million/

• CrunchBase Profile: Steve Case. CrunchBase. 2011.

http://www.crunchbase.com/person/steve-case

References:

• Version Downloaded. AIM 1.0.414-for-Windows-3.11. 2009.

http://www.versiondownload.com/aim/1.0.414-for-Windows-3.11

• Admin, Computers & TechnologyIntelligent Mag. AIM Express. 2011.

http://www.intelligentmag.com/aim-express/