October 25th, 1999

[10:45 AM] Rockstar Adds Billing Features To Gearbox

Rockstar Software has announced an update to Gearbox, bringing the cross-platform connectivity assistant used by ISPs to version 2.1. According to Rockstar:

Privately held Internet access software company Rockstar Studios Inc. today announced the immediate availability of Gearbox Connection Kit Version 2.1. The upgrade allows customers to register online for branded Internet services, and integrates support of billing systems from Boardtown Corp., HURLnET and ISP Power Corp.

Using Gearbox, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) create Mac and Windows access kits that let customers automatically configure their systems, install necessary access software and sign up for Internet service. Gearbox can then deliver branded content every time the customer signs in, watch the system for connection problems, and correct many errors -- preventing a costly call to the ISP's technical support line.

Ellis Williams, Internet Product Manager at UK cable giant Telewest Communications, has nothing but praise for Gearbox. "We hunted high and low for a flexible [front-end] solution that was easy to use and scalable. Gearbox is quite simply head and shoulders above the competition."

Other Rockstar customers include AT&T, Bell Atlantic, Concentric, MindSpring, NTLi, OneMain.com, US West, and dozens of universities and smaller companies.

Rockstar makes Gearbox for both the Mac and Win 95/98. Pricing is handled directly through Rockstar. You can find more information and demo links at the company's web site.

The Mac Observer Spin: Many will remember Rockstar because of FreePPP. Rockstar is another one of those companies in the background that has made using a Mac easier. FreePPP was a boon for both ISPs and users before OpenTransport got its kinks worked out.

Rockstar Software