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Business Services Industry

Time To Go To Work?

Entrepreneur, March, 2001 by Liane Gouthro

With its 6.0 version, AOL looks to leave home.

You've got AOL at home but not at work, right? Version 6.0 of the utility's interface now offers some improvements that could make AOL a valuable business tool.

Version 6.0 not only enhances AOL'S core e-mail and instant-messaging features, but it also adds new features, including support for broadband access, a media player and a new AOL Anywhere service that allows busy professionals to access the service while they're on the go.

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Installing the software is easy, but getting used to its busy interface is not. Unlike most Internet access software, AOL's interface can be confusing at first. All of AOL's features and services are available from this starting point. When running, it takes up your entire screen and is heavy with bright colors and pop-up windows. Another drawback is the abundance of advertising. Ads and special offers continuously pop up. It's easy to click "No Thanks," but if you're trying to get work done, it's a major annoyance.

Yet AOL does offer advantages for businesses. For instance, the e-mail client now offers the features you want--sort mail by sender, date or subject if desired. It also supports HTML e-mail. However, while you can't filter incoming messages directly to the folders in your filing cabinet, the program does provide spam controls, which let you block messages from certain e-mail addresses and domains. Another useful feature: When you don't want instant messages to interrupt you while you're working, simply set customizable "Away" or "Do Not Disturb" messages. This capability is already available in the AIM client, which can be downloaded separately, but this is the first time it's available in the AOL package.

In version 6.0, AOL also improves the address book and calendar features. In combination with the new AOL Anywhere Web site, your address book is now accessible from your mobile phone or any PC with a Web browser. AOL Anywhere, a customizable home page that allows you to access information when you're away from your PC, does offer convenience, but it also raises privacy concerns because information important to your business will be stored on AOL's servers.

Despite plenty of useful features, the overabundance of advertising and the strong consumer slant of AOL 6.0 may make your plain old Web browser and e-mail application look pretty appealing. If only your ISP offered the conveniences of AOL, like the business travel planning and the e-commerce hosting, the choice would be a lot easier.

Liane Gouthro, a former technology reporter at PCWorld.com, freelances from her home in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Business Services Industry

Time To Go To Work?

Entrepreneur, March, 2001 by Liane Gouthro

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