WOW! is a defunct online service started by CompuServe in March 1996. Originally thought to be an improved version of CompuServe's software, it was later announced that it would be a user-friendly stand-alone "family" online service. The first release of the program was quite buggy, but developed a small fan base. However, this was not enough and the service was quickly killed, shut down on January 31, 1997. This was not to end WOW's troubles, several class-action law suits were filed, claiming that WOW! was sold to stockholders with false and misleading information.