But AOL had until recently avoided a direct confrontation, sticking to a long-term deal that made IE its default browser in exchange for distribution of its software in new versions of Microsoft's Windows operating system. Microsoft and AOL have theoretically squared off in the browser market since AOL announced in November 1998 that it would acquire Netscape for $4.2 billion. Web surfers go and what applications they use. Most browsers do not generate any direct revenue, but they can influence where AOL has the largest Internet audience, and switching to its own browser could greatly affect how those people view the Web. Technology giants vying for domination of the Internet. However, Whitney downplayed the tests, noting that it is too early to speculate which browser technology will be used in the upcoming version.ĪOL's Gecko tests signal the latest salvo in an ongoing battle between two

The tests come amid speculation that AOL plans to dump IE for its 8.0 version, due in the fall. 'What better way to make sure there's another browser that has the market share to compete with Microsoft?' 'It makes sense if you're AOL and you're concerned about Microsoft's influence on the industry,' Gartner analyst David Smith said. Now, there are signs that AOL and Microsoft are gearing up for a cold war. For years, the companies have fiercely battled in the marketplace and in the federal courts, but they have maintained a business relationship. Launching new versions of the AOL service without Microsoft's IE, long AOL's default browser, could cause an enormous rift between the two technology giants. 'We've invested significant resources in continuing to develop Gecko, and it is great technology.' 'We've been testing Netscape's Gecko on CompuServe since fall, and AOL is just beginning to test now,' AOL spokesman Jim Whitney said. Now AOL has expanded the tests to its flagship service, a move that could reignite a browser war by making Netscape the default for some 34 million Web surfers. The project?code-named 'Talon,' according to one beta tester-comes as AOL is testing Gecko on online service CompuServe, which it owns. AOL and Netscape are both divisions of AOL Time Warner. Gecko technology allows Web pages to be displayed, serving as a foundation for Web browsers. In an e-mail to software testers, AOL said it is trying out Netscape's rendering engine, dubbed 'Gecko,' on its latest software, AOL 7.0. America Online said Thursday that it has begun testing technology developed by Netscape Communications within its software, fueling speculation that it may replace Microsoft's Internet Explorer as its default Web browser.

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