Online Adult Pioneer Todd Ostrer Passes

PORTLAND, Ore. — Internet pioneer Todd Ostrer died earlier this month at the age of 43.

In the 1990s, Ostrer founded such online brands as XXXCD.com, one of the first online adult retailers, and Adults.com, one of the first online adult brands that acted as a search engine.

Ostrer was one of the first to automate fee-based adult services with automatic signup, real-time online credit card charging and password access.

In the late 1990s, Ostrer ventured into retail sales over the Internet with such sites as SexToyWorld.com and SafeSexMall.com.

The Gresham, Ore., resident first achieved success over the Internet with his local Rose City Online business, which offered adult content for members. Rose City Online later turned into one of the first ISPs in the Portland area.

The cause of Ostrer's death on Oct. 7 was not announced.   

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