The deal will play itself out in Japan first. NTT will become an investor in AOL's Japanese service and offer AOL software such as email and Instant Messenger on the iMode service. The online giant already has deals with carriers and equipment makers to move those services into the U.S. wireless market. The company is dead-set on seeing its content and communications services available on any platform possible. If AOL can work to create the face of new services with the most successful wireless Internet company in the world, the two could extend their influence even beyond the services they own themselves.
Analysts say further partnerships are likely as the alliance brings other companies into the fold.
I think it's too early to say what the final outcome is going to be. But it's clear that any successful strategy has to be a partnership and that nothing is going to be exclusive. Inc. All rights reserved.