Microsoft to Include AOL on Its Browser

Microsoft Corp. said America Online Inc.’s online service will be available through its Internet browser, while AOL will distribute its Slate political magazine and possibly other Microsoft services. The rivals already are partners when it comes to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, which AOL offers as its standard browser. AOL is also distributed through Microsoft’s Windows 95 software. The new agreement will let Dulles, Va.-based AOL directly reach users of Microsoft’s “Active Desktop” software. Details weren’t disclosed, though the publishers of services on the Active Desktop have agreed to promote Internet Explorer, Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft said. An AOL spokeswoman declined to comment.