Microsoft Corp has obviously been eyeing internet-over-cable provider @Home Network Inc for some time and has now decided to make a move. It is linking up with the Redwood City, California company to offer a customized version of Internet Explorer 4.0 to @Home’s customers. Since its inception two years ago, @Home has only offered a customized version of Netscape Communications Corp’s Navigator browser. But perhaps more importantly to Redmond, @Home has agreed to begin incorporating Windows NT into its network infrastructure and also support NT in the suite of business applications that its business division – @Work – is developing as a value-add to its internet service provision. There is a link already between the two companies however, as @Home is backed mainly by cable companies, including Comcast Corp, and Microsoft holds an 11.5% stake in Comcast following its $1bn investment in the cable company in June. However, both @Home and Netscape also have a principal backer-in-common, the venture capitalists Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and Netscape chairman Jim Barksdale sits on the @Home board.
