STEVE CASE

In 1985 Steve Case started a new company called Quantum Computer Services. Quantum originally developed on-line services for personal computers, beginning with Commodore and later expanding. In 1991, Quantum decided to expand its offerings further to make these services available to all systems. This expansion also changed the name of Quantum to America On-Line (AOL). Despite several large scale, well publicized operational and technical crashes, AOL now has over 8 million members, more than 6,000 employees and nearly $2 billion in revenue and continues to be the world's largest consumer online service. The key in the success of AOL is their focus on building an online community and interpersonal contacts, as well as ease of use of their services. This service has proven valuable enough to offset the mistakes and misfortunes that seem to plague their network. In November of 1998, America On-Line purchased Netscape Communications for $4.2 billion in stock.