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This document
Copyright 1997, i5ive communications inc.

June 6, 1997
PUSH
The changing of the web...

Well before I get to this month's topic I'd like to point out the new link to ABCNEWS.com, a new online news site which recently opened. As you may or may not know ABC was turned down in its request for a 24-hour CNN-like news channel. This was their answer to that, and personally I think they did a very good job of it. The site loads quickly while still maintaining high quality animation and graphics.

The more I read and learn about these two new technologies from both Microsoft and Netscape the more I become skeptical. This is while at the same time I can see why On-Line News providers (ABCNEWS.com is one such site ready to go) and businesses are excited about its coming. Netscape currently has a beta version of its push client called Netcaster. Other sites that will feature support for Netcaster are CNNfn, HotWired, Hearst HomeArts, CBS SportsLine, IDG, and ZDnet.

For those of you are asking, "What is push technology anyway?" I'll explain it simply. Right now for a company to get your attention you usually have to seek them out, click on a link or type in their address to find them. With "push" this allows them to send the page to you without you even asking for it. This sends the information directly onto your desktop (Windows 97, the upcoming upgrade to Windows 95, will have these functions built in if you're willing to use MSIE). So now, you can have the latest news sent right to your desktop in living color, full text as it happens without having to wait for email or re-check a page time and time again to see if it has been updated. Of course, you may also see the downside to suddenly having advertisements blown onto your screen when you're busy. Thankfully Microsoft is currently working to make both "push" technologies compatible with each other. I shudder to think of what would have occurred if they entered the market being completely incompatible with each other.

Netscape expects to have its release version of v4.0 with Netcaster ready sometime around June 11th. While MSIE v4.0, knowing Microsoft, will be ready sometime around when your grandchildren are going to college.

ABCNEWS.com
A brand new and incredible site!

CNN Interactive Online
A very extensive site for news from around the world.

CBC Newsworld Online
The homepage of Canada's 24hr News Network

MSNBC
An extensive news site brought to you by Microsoft and NBC

CBS News: Up To The Minute
Current news, weather and sports.