Welcome, you've got mail. This is the sound that over 30 million Americans hear each time they sign on to the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies, and e-commerce services (www.aoltimewarner.com). Since America Online (AOL) plays a major role in creating the consumer online experience worldwide and is leading the development of the next-generation Internet it is important that we explore: first, AOL's history and business plan, second, advantages of the service and AOL success, and third, AOL's future.
             First, to get a better understanding of the groundwork that AOL laid out it is important that we examine the history of America Online. Steve Case and James Kinsey, in Dulles, Virginia founded AOL in 1985. Originally founded as Quantum Computer Services. It officially became America Online in 1989. AOL's goal is to provide access to the Internet and to offer access to its own online information and services, which were specifically tailored to the needs and interests of the average American consumer (www.aoltimewarner.com).
             AOL's business strategy from the start included forming strategic alliances with business partners to increase its appeal and subscriber base. Some of its first alliances were with Commodore International Ltd., Apple, Tandy, and IBM. AOL also shared revenues with its content providers and used their brand names to increase visibility and further build its number of subscribers. The company also took advantage of technology company acquisitions and alliances to help it expand and keep up with demand. (Pawlak, J. Apr 5, 2002 Star Tribune)
             Second on my list is to explain what the advantages are of having AOL. America Online offers many attractive features such as online chatrooms, instant messenger, buddy list, email, games, news, financial information, and a ton of interactive multimedia. The user interface, with its different
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