VENTURA, Calif., (Oct. 9, 1997) -- Kinko's, Inc. and Netscape Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: NSCP) announced that Netscape Navigator client software has been selected as the primary Web browser to be used for Internet access throughout local branches of the nation's most recognizable business services chain. The service, announced earlier this month in partnership with GTE, makes Kinko's the single largest retail Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the world. Individuals and business customers may use the Internet access service for Web browsing, Internet newsgroups and email around-the-clock, seven days a week via high-speed ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) connections. Available on both IBM-compatible and Macintosh computers, Netscape Navigator will be featured in the vast majority of more than 800 Kinko's branches across the US and Canada.
As part of the "Netscape Everywhere" initiative launched by Netscape in August, this strategic relationship delivers Netscape client software to millions of individuals seeking Internet access through Kinko's Internet service. Kinko's and Netscape also are pursuing a joint marketing program to promote Netscape Navigator in all Kinko's branches that include the Internet access service. The promotional campaign includes Web-based advertising, point-of-purchase materials, and direct marketing initiatives. With this strategic agreement, Kinko's stores are also licensed to upgrade and deploy Netscape Communicator 4.0, the latest communications client software suite, and Netscape Navigator 4.0, which includes Netscape Netcaster and server-based HTML email and calendaring capabilities.
"Kinko's selection of Netscape Navigator ensures that the world's most popular browser software, already used by more than 65 million people worldwide, is readily available to both consumers and business customers at one of the world's leading business services chain," said Mike Homer, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Netscape. "As part of our 'Netscape Everywhere' initiative, this important relationship will bring the Internet to thousands of people every day, many of whom may never have been exposed to the Web without the convenience of Kinko's."
"Together with Netscape, Kinko's is taking its leadership in document management and business technology services to electronic commerce, by removing barriers to using the Internet," said Wendell Wilson, vice president, operations and product management at Kinko's, Inc. "Netscape's state-of-the-art browser technology makes it the ideal choice for Kinko's to provide customers with integrated business technologies for their communications needs. In addition to being able to access billions of pages of information on topics ranging from business, education, employment, careers, travel and entertainment, our customers will be able to use it for downloading files and software and to order products online."
Netscape Communications Corporation is a leading provider of open software for linking people and information over enterprise networks and the Internet. The company offers a full line of clients, servers, development tools and commercial applications to create a complete platform for next-generation, live online applications. Traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "NSCP," Netscape Communications Corporation is based in Mountain View, California.
Kinko's was founded in 1970 by Paul Orfalea near the University of California at Santa Barbara, as an innovative service-oriented copy shop. Today, with its extensive array of leading-edge business services, its reputation for outstanding customer service, and its network of locations worldwide, Kinko's has established itself as the worldwide leader in the office services category. With its headquarters in Ventura, California, Kinko's is a privately held corporation with more than 850 branches in six countries and 23,000 co-workers. Virtually all of the Kinko's branches are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Further information about Kinko's can be found on its home page on the World Wide Web: (http://www.kinkos.com)
Additional information on Netscape Communications Corporation is available on the Internet at http://home.netscape.com, or by sending email to moreinfo@netscape.com. Corporate customers can call 650/937-2555 while consumers can call 650/937-3777 for more information.
Netscape, Netscape Navigator, and the Netscape N logo are registered trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation in the United States and other countries. Other Netscape logos, product names, and service names are also trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation, which may be registered in other countries. Other product and brand names are trademarks of their respective owners.