Microtex 666

Microtex 666

Developer	Telecom Australia, Sean Howard
Type	Videotex
Launch date	1986
Discontinued	1989
Platform(s)	Prestel based
Status	Discontinued

Microtex 666 was an Australian Prestel-based Videotex system that operated from 1986 to 1989.

The service was accessed through a text based dialup service from Telecom Australia known as Viatel.^[1]

Microtex 666 was dedicated to microcomputer enthusiasts and included a large software download library, a semi-realtime online chat, and a 1,000-user massively multiuser game known as the Great Galactic Conflict.

It was owned and founded by Sean Howard, and promoted through Australian Personal Computer magazine.

For much of its existence, Microtex 666 was externally managed by Scott Sanderson at Information Solutions, which also sold a package consisting of modem plus software, since few people owned modems at that time. ^[2]

Microtex 666 was eventually purchased by Telecom. Howard went on to found OzEmail, Australia's largest ISP.

References

1. Kuo, Eddie; Ho, Kong-Chong (1995). Videotex Development in the Asia-Pacific: Policy, Marketing, and Implications. Asian Mass Communication Research and Information Centre. p. 148. ISBN 9789971905583.
2. "Australian Commodore Review 1986 edition featuring Microtex 666 and Information Solutions" (PDF).