A pedigreed and powerfully-backed Web start-up called Middlegate Inc shows that the Internet that was once the playground of research scientists and college students has given way to one that is now the battleground of seasoned corporate warriors from the computer trade and other industries. Middlegate, a New York-based company set up to provide travel information and booking services for small businesses and individuals, is led by notables from the publishing and on-line industries: John Evans, former president of Murdoch magazines and the founder of the News Corp subsidiary News Electronic Data Inc and Peter Miller, former vice-president of interactive services at Viacom Inc, head of engineering of Apple Computer Inc’s Consumer Products Division and the head of the Advanced Technology Group at Lotus Development Corp, founded the company. John Williams Jr, who while at American Express, headed its Consumer Travel Network, managed its Platinum Card operation and developed its ExpressNet on-line service, will be president and chief executive of the new venture. The new company is backed by prominent venture capitalists Accel Partners, New Enterprise Associates and Hummer Winblad Venture Partners alongside the corporate backers Intel Corp and News Corp.
