NETCOM CANADA TO GET REFERRALS
By Adnews Staff
Toronto-based Internet service provider Netcom Canada Inc. has struck a deal with U.S.-based Microsoft Corp. in which the two firms will distribute each other's products and services. Internet users who download Microsoft's free Web browser, Internet Explorer, will now be able to sign up for Net access from Netcom Canada from within the program. The copies of Internet Explorer which come bundled with Microsoft's Windows 95 operating system will also feature the Netcom sign-up option within the next few months. The automated sign-up is part of Microsoft's Internet Referral Server, which is designed to help users connect to an Internet service provider in their local area. In exchange, Netcom Canada will begin including Internet Explorer as part of the installation software it distributes through retail outlets across the country. Netcom Canada, a subsidiary of California-based Netcom On-Line Communication Services Inc., provides Internet access in 22 Canadian cities. No special advertising is planned for the new alliance, but existing Netcom Canada ads, run primarily in computer publications and the high-tech sections of some newspapers, are being modified to reflect it. Netcom Canada's creative and media buying are done by Peggy Gross & Associates of Toronto.