TECHNOLOGY - Aug. 13, 1996

Internet Browser Wars Heat Up: Microsoft Corp. released the latest version of its Internet browser loaded with free subscriptions to popular Web sites in an unabashed drive to catch up to rival Netscape Communications Corp. Seattle-based Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, which has had 3% to 10% market share by various estimates, has miles to go to meet Netscape Navigator’s 80% market share. Features added in Internet Explorer 3.0 include easier communications, such as built in e-mail and software for allowing Internet telephone calls, to lure consumers, as well as built-in programming codes to draw Web site developers. Just as Microsoft prepared a lavish event to show off its Internet Explorer 3.0, rival Netscape announced that the newest version of its browser, Navigator 3.0, will be available in a week.