The marketing arrangement makes Barnes & Noble the exclusive bookseller on Microsoft's popular MSN network.

Microsoft will also feature Ticketmaster's ticket-selling operation throughout the MSN network and on its WebTV service.

Several other computer makers, including eMachines, have signed up to make Internet appliances that link directly to Microsoft's MSN network.

Though he could not access the MSN network, he concluded: "All things considered, I've decided that Centericq is the most stable and intuitive terminal based chat client."

With the acquisition of MongoMusic, Microsoft is expanding its MSN network of Web sites, which already includes the WindowsMedia.com music site.

The new division will combine the MSN on-line network, games, children's products and its information businesses.

Yesterday, in a blow to Amazon, Microsoft named Barnesandnoble.com the exclusive bookseller on its MSN network of World Wide Web sites.

But the lead evaporated recently after the MSN network directed some of its audience to other sites.

The site features celebrity news and is on the MSN network.

Net platform and the MSN network of Web sites, was named president and chief operating officer of Microsoft.