America Online, Inc.: Welcome To The World Wide Wow campaign

America Online, Inc. (AOL) used a strategy of mass distribution of start-up CD-ROMs and free trials along with unsophisticated late-night television spots to become the largest Internet service provider (ISP) by 1997.

America Online, Inc.: Welcome To The World Wide Wow campaign

Ed Dinger

OVERVIEW

America Online, Inc. (AOL) used a strategy of mass distribution of start-up CD-ROMs and free trials along with unsophisticated late-night television spots to become the largest Internet service provider (ISP) by 1997. Because it relied on dial-up service, AOL faced a major challenge with the advent of broadband (high-speed) Internet access provided by telephone and cable TV companies. Moreover, AOL joined forces with Time Warner in a celebrated 2001 merger, creating a media giant. Expectations for performance were heightened, but AOL found the business landscape shifting and...

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