Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

The Microsoft Network
     
         (MSN) {Microsoft}'s {ISP} and online content
        service, launched in October 1996.  Not to be confused with
        {Microsoft Networking}.
     
        MSN was originally based on custom software and protocols,
        however Microsoft saw the error of their ways and adopted
        Internet standards.  MSN now provides standard {WWW} and
        {email} facilities, albeit with Microsoft's {Internet
        Explorer} {web-browser} and the {Outlook Express} email
        software.
     
        The service also provides "Community Services" including
        {newsgroups}, {forums}, and {chat}.
     
        {Home (http://msn.com/)}.
     
        (1998-08-11)