Microsoft, At&T; Form Web Alliance

Microsoft Corp. has arranged for another big Internet access company, AT&T Corp., to promote its Web-browsing software, the companies said Thursday.

In return, Microsoft will place AT&T’s access program in an upcoming version of its Windows 95 operating system, which runs the basic functions of most personal computers.

The companies expect to change their products to reflect the cross-promotional effort later this fall but have not set a precise date.

Microsoft made similar deals with America Online Inc. in March and CompuServe Inc. in June. The arrangements allow Microsoft to get its Internet Explorer program in front of more potential users.

Netscape Communications Corp. built the Web-browsing market by freely distributing its program on the Internet. Microsoft is its only remaining major competition.

Microsoft plans to introduce a new version of its browser program on Aug. 12. Another new version will become available in early 1997.