Gates threatened to 'kill' @Home network

Microsoft CEO Bill Gates "exploded" on TCI chairman John Malone in 1996when Malone informed Gates of his plans to launch a new high-speed cablemodem Internet access service called @Home that would not feature anyMicrosoft technology. This information is according to a 1996 email messagefrom a TCI executive that was released today as part of the government's antitrust trial against Microsoft Corporation. The email was forwarded toNetscape's official stooge for the DOJ, Marc Andreessen, who seems to comeup with these documents on a regular basis for some reason.

The email, which was titled "Gates on the warpath," described an insanelyenraged CEO.

"Apparently, even by Gate's standards, it was a scalding conversation," theexecutive wrote. "Just thought you'd be interested. We just can't understand why he's so [upset] about @Home--we're no threat to them! Amazing."

To counter @Home, Microsoft invested $1 billion in TCI competitor Comcast,and bought a 10% stake in Road Runner (for over $200 million), anothercompany that offers Internet access through cable.

Since that time, @Home has struck a deal with Microsoft and now offers itsInternet Explorer browser to subscribers (Indeed, I use the @Home servicefor Internet access. I remember the "Navigator-only" days, though you couldalways use IE if you wanted to get it yourself, of course --Paul). @Homehas also started integrating Microsoft Windows NT Servers into their systems and will offer Windows CE-based Web terminals to customers beginning in 1999.

"We have a good relationship with Microsoft," said an @Home spokesperson