"We found when looking at how people like to buy software, that there were two different service models. One is like a magazine subscription, where you buy one or two years' worth a time. The other is to combine it with another bill, as, say, long distance and wireless phone charges are bundled on one bill. That's what we're doing here," added Lane.
Users can download the software, or if they prefer, request a CD be mailed to them.
Updates are provided free of charge as long as the EarthLink customer continues to subscribe to the service, said Lane. Those updates include not only the frequent virus definition files, but also software updates and changes. In the long run, that may save users money, since Symantec typically upgrades both products each year.
"As we come up with Norton AntiVirus 2005 [next year], EarthLink customers will get that same functionality in their updates," promised Lane.
From EarthLink's perspective, the arrangement is another way to differentiate itself from its bigger competitors. With 5.2 million customers, EarthLink is the nation's fourth-largest ISP, behind America Online, MSN, and Comcast.
