Network Solutions Aligns with MindSpring

In an move aimed at tapping into the growing customer base of MindSpring Enterprises, Inc., domain name registrar Network Solutions, Inc. unveiled a new strategic agreement with the national ISP.

The deal is part of the launch of Network Solutions’ Alliance Program with other Internet businesses.

Under the terms of the agreement, MindSpring will offer its 393,000 customers Network Solutions’ domain name registration and other services, and Network Solutions will provide its customers with links and referrals to MindSpring’s Web hosting and dial-up Internet access.

MindSpring now offers Network Solutions’ InterNIC domain name registration to its customers and said it will soon offer RegistrationPlus, Network Solutions’ real-time registration service. The company added it will also market Network Solutions’ idNames country code top-level domain registration services.

Network Solutions said it will provide links and referrals to MindSpring’s four dial-up Internet access usage plans and three levels of Web hosting service: QuickWeb, Enhanced Web and Complete Web.

“This agreement represents a big change in how we’re doing business,” said Doug
Wolford, Network Solutions’ senior vice president, marketing and sales. “Now
Network Solutions can offer our customers the additional services they really need
from participating companies’ product portfolios. MindSpring is an innovative,
forward-looking company with quality products and services, and we’re pleased to
make them an ally in our new program. We’re really hyper about this link.”

To enter the Alliance Program, companies must have at least participated in Network
Solutions’ Premier Domain Registration Services program for a minimum of one year.
MindSpring has been a Gold Premier Partner since January 1997 and has registered
more than 26,000 domain names in the program, Network Solutions said.

“Network Solutions’ name is synonymous with domain name registration, and many
of its customers are also looking for Web hosting, Internet access and other services
that MindSpring provides, making this arrangement very compelling,” said Erika
Jolly, MindSpring’s vice president of product management. “Our companies already
have a four-year relationship, so we are well aware that Network Solutions is just as
dedicated as we are to serving customers well.”