AOL's flair for understanding the needs of the mass market and the size of its subscriber base will combine with Netscape's Internet browser and electronic-commerce software.

ECONOMIST: Internet riders

"Export controls remain the most powerful obstacle to the development and free flow of encryption, but they are steadily being relaxed because of the Internet and demands for secure electronic commerce, " the report said.

CNN: Survey finds encryption rules loosening worldwide

Oracle believes that the rigours of doing business on the Internet are creating a demand for ever more sophisticated database technology, and that 8i will be a natural choice for electronic commerce.

ECONOMIST: Software