Microsoft Corp has confirmed that it is considering entering the on-line services market. The company has several in-house teams working on a project codenamed Marvel, expected to be part of Chicago – Windows 4.0 – which is due by the end of the year. A spokeswoman said that, among others, a group within the company’s Advanced Consumer Products division is working with Microsoft’s Money product to develop on-line services for banks. She added that several other service areas are under consideration, but stressed that no decision had yet been made and that any planned services would not be available until next year at the earliest. Paul Allen, one of the company’s co-founders, is heavily involved in on-line services, holding nearly 25% of America Online Inc.
