TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Prodigy Joins Cox in On-Line Venture: Prodigy Services Co., a joint venture of IBM and Sears, said it and Cox Newspapers agreed to launch a nationwide interactive network that allows newspapers to combine print and local electronic services for their readers. Prodigy said it and Cox will encourage other major newspaper groups to join them in forming a consortium. For example, Prodigy said that under the new network, newspaper readers will be able to read a story in a Cox paper, then refer to Prodigy for background information. Prodigy said Atlanta-based Cox will begin developing the service immediately with its newspapers in Atlanta and West Palm Beach, Fla.