AOL may ditch Internet Explorer

AOL is testing Netscape technology for its key web browser software, with a view to using it to replace its current deal with Microsoft for Internet Explorer.

The move would put further distance between AOL and its key rival, and business partner, Microsoft.

AOL has tested and even begun shipping a Netscape browser in some test software for its discount internet service, CompuServe.

Now the same Netscape-developed Gecko technology has begun testing with the key AOL 7.0 web browser used by the firm's 34 million subscribers around the world. It is slated to be replaced this Autumn.

AOL would be free to use Netscape in its next browser as its contract with Microsoft to use Internet Explorer expired in January 2001. It has continued using the browser under residual rights that enable it to use it for as long as AOL wants.

Relations between AOL Time Warner and Microsoft have looked to have frosted over recently.

In January, AOL sued Microsoft for damage done to Netscape, alleging the software giant's unfair promotion of its Internet Explorer harmed the product.

The two have also clashed on co-bundling deals and the emergence of new internet technologies over the last 12 months.

AOL acquired Netscape in 1999 in the midst of the Microsoft antitrust case that centred on Microsoft's monopolist efforts to stifle Netscape's operations.

In reaction to the renewed speculation, AOL said that it is always testing different products and combinations, but would not say if future versions of AOL software would use the Gecko-rendering engine or if the company would keep using Internet Explorer.

Microsoft, for its part, maintains that there has long been unfounded speculation that AOL could opt to replace Internet Explorer but that the choice remains with AOL.