Re: AOL for Apple II

[icssofty@aol.com (ICS Softy)]

>they replied that their
>equipment and their access systems were set up in such a way that after any
>version of any AOL access software
>for any platform is deactivated from access use - for any reason, it was
>imposible
>to reactivate such AOL access software, without completely redesigning and
>re-programming their equipment and their access systems.
>

Tom...

That's essentially correct.  But there is a reason why that's correct.

AOL operates on a host-client setup.  Everytime AOL makes a change on the host
end, they must do so with the knowledge that each and every version of AOL
client software can work with the changes without bringing the system down.

As the number of members using a particular client dwindles to the point where
it costs more to support it than draw income, AOL has to make a decision
whether or not it's worth it.  FWIW, AOL supported the A2 client at a loss for
several months before they finally sunsetted it on 10/31/94.

To bring back the A2 client now, would mean spending millions on re-engineering
the software on the host end (and maintaining it), just to get back what, a
couple thousand members at $21.95 per month?

I dooooon't think so.

Larry :)