QPass Inc., a Seattle start-up, Tuesday became the latest to try build an Internet business as an electronic middleman.
QPass says it provides “friction-free transactions” for both content
providers and site visitors. Working with companies that want to sell
news, documents, or other digital content online, QPass takes over the
content provider’s billing and sells accounts to site visitors.
By relieving sites of this possible headache, QPass claims it allows
content providers to concentrate on content.
QPass Tuesday announced two high-profile customers. The Wall Street Journal
Interactive Edition will participate in the QPass network, offering 2-day
passes to its site for $1.95. And Morningstar Inc. will use
QPass to sell one-page mutual fund analyses for $3 each.
QPass takes a commission whenever a visitor signs up.
Founded and headed by a former Microsoft manager, Chase Franklin, QPass has
venture backing from Oak Investment Partners, Andersen Consulting, and others.