Microsoft to Expand Its Internet Reach

Software giant Microsoft Corp. said it agreed to use content from the Internet-based PointCast Inc. news service in its next-generation Web browser, endorsing so-called push technology, which delivers customized news to Net users. Microsoft said it will include the PointCast network in its Internet Explorer 4.0 Active Desktop software, the next version of the Redmond, Wash.-based company’s Internet browser. Internet Explorer 4.0 is due in the second quarter of 1997. The PointCast network is an Internet-based “broadcast” service that delivers customized news, even when users are not at their personal computers. Privately held Santa Clara, Calif.-based PointCast delivers news from sources such as The Times and CNN. Microsoft also said it will market USWeb Corp.’s Web publishing service, a network of 30 affiliates around the country that helps companies set up shop on the World Wide Web and create corporate computer networks. In exchange for the chance to reach Microsoft customers, PointCast and USWeb will publish their products using Microsoft’s Active X software and offer its browser as their preferred way to explore the Web. Microsoft’s shares rose $1.125 to close at $83.375 on Nasdaq.