1 ALTAVISTA INTERNET SOFTWARE, INC. 30 PORTER ROAD LITTLETON, MASSACHUSETTS 01460 October 14, 1997 Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20549 Attention: Rani Doyle Re: AltaVista Internet Software, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-1 File No. 333-10881 Ladies and Gentleman: Pursuant to Rule 477 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, AltaVista Internet Software, Inc. (the "Company")hereby requests that its Registration Statement referred to above relating to the underwritten public offering of shares of its common stock, $.01 par value per share, be withdrawn, effective immediately. The Company's parent company, Digital Equipment Corporation (the "Parent"), has announced that the Company's business is being integrated into the Parent's Products Division in support of the Parent's internet business solutions focus. Accordingly, the Company wishes to withdraw the Registration Statement. ALTAVISTA INTERNET SOFTWARE, INC. By: /s/ Gail S. Mann ------------------ Name: Gail S. Mann Title: Secretary