When America Online
Inc. announced its $4.2 billion acquisition of Netscape Communications Corp. in
November, one question many was asking was what role Marc Andreessen would
play in the new company. That question has apparently now been answered.
Andreessen, Netscape’s co-founder, has agreed to become AOL’s chief
technology officer, according to published reports. Andreessen will report
directly to AOL Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Steve Case.
He will be in charge of evaluating various technological alternatives for
AOL and determine how it can better compete in the market. He will not be
in charge of AOL’s technical operations or Netscape’s software development.
Both companies declined to comment on Andreessen’s status, although reports
say his hiring is one of the conditions of the AOL-Netscape deal.