Netscape Communicator 4.5 Ships Today, Making Internet Navigation Easier for Millions of Consumers

High Quality Client Software Features Full Integration With Netscape Netcenter Portal, Powerful Multimedia Technology, and High Performance Internet Email

Mountain View, Calif. (October 19, 1998) - Netscape Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: NSCP) today announced that the Netscape Communicator 4.5 client software is now available for download free via Netscape Netcenter, one of the leading portal sites on the Internet. Netscape Communicator 4.5, the first major release of Netscape's award-winning Internet client software this year, is the first version of Netscape's popular client that integrates seamlessly with Netcenter services such as new Smart Browsing capabilities and streaming multimedia content - available soon on Netcenter channels. Netscape Communicator 4.5 software also includes several advanced features including high-performance email, centralized management capabilities for IT departments and improved support for mobile users.

"Today, Netscape is shipping its highest quality client software to date that makes it easier than ever to navigate the Internet," said Mike Homer, senior vice president of Netscape client products. "We believe this version will help to open up the Net to many new users, and everyone will appreciate the enriched content and superior features it delivers through its integration with Netscape Netcenter."

Netscape Communicator 4.5 allows users to enjoy some of the best multimedia content available online with pre-installed software that includes the Flash player from Macromedia and RealPlayer from RealNetworks. Users can use the SmartUpdate feature of Communicator to install Beatnik from Headspace, available the first time they visit a Beatnik-enhanced site. Netscape Communicator users can take advantage of these features on special Netscape Netcenter channels and at thousands of other web sites.

Smart Browsing, an innovative service that helps users find information quickly and easily, leverages the power of Netcenter to take users to their desired location on the Internet without having to type cumbersome addresses, and without knowing the address at all. Users need only type a few key words into the location bar and Netcenter's keyword search does the rest. Once at a site, users can click on "What's Related" links and view a list of similar web sites.

Netscape Communicator 4.5 includes a new version of Netscape Messenger, high-speed email powerful enough for business, yet simple enough for home use. It features a fully customizable, three-pane interface that gives users a clear view of their mail, news folders and messages. It includes Pinpoint Addressing that helps users find the right email address quickly from multiple address books or a directory. It also includes an import wizard to transfer mail, addresses and preferences from other email programs including Microsoft Outlook 97/98, Microsoft Outlook Express, and Eudora mail.

Netscape Communicator 4.5 is 'Windows-friendly,' bringing choice to millions of Windows users who want to easily select Netscape Communicator, Netscape Netcenter and Netscape Search as their primary Internet browser, portal and search services. Netscape Communicator 4.5 is available for download via Netcenter - Netscape's fast-growing portal site that provides users with a home base on the Internet. Users upgrading from version 4.0 can take advantage of SmartUpdate on the Netcenter site to quickly upgrade to Netscape Communicator 4.5. From Netcenter, users can navigate the Internet, access a broad range of consumer and business content and services, and communicate with others online. The site includes 17 content channels, and a set of leading-edge services including Netscape-branded Search, Netscape Contact, SmartUpdate, Software Download, Member Directory, My Netscape personalization service, and WebMail.

In related news today, Netscape Communications and RealNetworks, Inc. announced an agreement to distribute RealPlayer software with Netscape Communicator 4.5, and via Netscape Netcenter. Also, Headspace announced a licensing agreement to make its Beatnik sound technology available to users of Netscape Communicator 4.5. The agreement to include the Flash Player from Macromedia in Netscape Communicator was previously announced in June. These agreements mark the continued momentum of Netscape's Project Turbo - an internal program to make Netcenter the fastest growing portal on the Internet.

International versions of Netscape Communicator 4.5 in French, German, Japanese, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Swedish are expected within 30 days. These versions are being designed to work seamlessly with international Netcenter portals that are being established.

Netscape Communications Corporation is a leading provider of software and services for businesses that want to transform the way they create and keep customers in the emerging Net Economy. The company offers a full line of enterprise software solutions, professional services, and a leading Internet portal to help companies build, buy or outsource Internet applications that drive revenue growth, build customer loyalty, and create new levels of business efficiency. Traded on NASDAQ under the symbol NSCP, Netscape Communications Corporation is based in Mountain View, California.

Additional information on Netscape Communications Corporation is available on the Internet at http://home.netscape.com, by sending email to info@netscape.com, or by calling 650/937-2555 (corporations) or 650/937-3777 (individuals).
 

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