Updated: July 13, 2020 (October 30, 2000)
Charts & IllustrationsTimeline: MSN vs. AOL
Ever since MSN launched in 1995, the service has been locked in competition with AOL. Strategic moves by one company are usually matched by corresponding moves from the other, but MSN has lagged far behind AOL in its quest to grow subscriber numbers and Web visitors.
| MSN | AOL | |
| 1991 | ||
| Quantum Computing Services, founded in 1985, changes its name to America Online (AOL) and launches its first DOS-based PC product. | ||
| 1995 | ||
| Aug. 1995: MSN launches with Windows 95, owning a coveted spot on the default Windows 95 desktop. At this time MSN is a proprietary online servic which offers content restricted to its own customers and a gateway to the Internet. | Oct. 1995: With the introduction of Global Network Navigator (GNN), AOL allows users to range beyond the closed system to the Internet -at-large. | |
| 1996 | ||
| 1996: Microsoft moves aggressively |
Atlas Members have full access
Get access to this and thousands of other unbiased analyses, roadmaps, decision kits, infographics, reference guides, and more, all included with membership. Comprehensive access to the most in-depth and unbiased expertise for Microsoft enterprise decision-making is waiting.
Membership OptionsAlready have an account? Login Now