The Microsoft - AOL Settlement

Besides the fact that it probably means the death of the Netscape browser, the settlement between Microsoft and AOL has a couple of other interesting provisions, as mentioned here.

The companies will explore ways for AOL and MSN Messenger to interoperate. Microsoft has sought such access for years, while AOL has advocated walling off its millions of subscribers from competing messaging products

I think it is safe to assume that Microsoft is moving to an "embrace, extend, assimilate then lock-in" strategy in IM.

Microsoft will help distribute AOL CD-ROMs to PC builders around the world, which could help stabilize AOL's sagging subscription numbers

Is there anybody left in the world who doesn't have an AOL CD-ROM?