DULLES, Va. and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (October 14, 1997) -- AOL Networks, the Internet online service division of America Online, Inc. [NYSE: AOL], and Netscape Communications Corporation [NASDAQ:NCSP] today announced the signing of an agreement under which Netscape and America Online plan to launch a co-branded real-time instant messaging service called Netscape's AOL Instant Messenger. The new service, which includes AOL's Buddy List features, will be distributed through Netscape's client software and will be featured in a special co-branded section of the Netscape Netcenter service. The agreement also calls for ongoing joint promotion between Netscape and AOL relating to Netscape's AOL Instant Messenger.
This agreement will make it possible for millions of Internet and online users to communicate instantly with each other no matter which online service or Internet Service Provider they use. This will allow real-time communication for the millions of users of Netscape client software and the more than 13 million users already connected through AOL's Buddy List and AOL Instant Messenger features.
Netscape's AOL Instant Messenger will enable Internet users to instantly send and receive private and personalized text messages from friends, family and business colleagues. The Buddy List and Instant Message features are among the most widely used of AOL's capabilities; more than 130 million Instant Messages are sent every day on AOL. Netscape's AOL Instant Messenger will make it possible for Internet users worldwide to utilize AOL's Instant Message and Buddy List features, making Internet communications faster, easier and more efficient.
Netscape plans to make Netscape's AOL Instant Messenger available before the end of the year; it will be included in future versions of Netscape client software and users will be able to download it through Netscape Smart Update within Netscape Netcenter. In addition, Netscape Netcenter users will have the ability to register for and obtain information about Netscape's AOL Instant Messenger service. This service enhances Netscape Netcenter which caters to the needs of busy professionals, by enabling easy communication and collaboration between individuals and businesses.
"Through this agreement with AOL, we will provide the millions of users of Netscape client software and Netscape Netcenter with an instant and easy way to communicate and share critical business information effectively with millions of AOL members and Internet users," said Mike Homer, executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at Netscape. "By providing registration and information through Netscape Netcenter, Netscape's AOL Instant Messenger Service furthers our strategy of providing busy professionals and small businesses with the tools and resources they need to communicate, collaborate and maximize their time online."
"We are looking forward to working with Netscape to bring users the same kind of instant messaging capabilities that 13 million AOL Buddy List and AOL Instant Messenger users have come to know and rely on," said Bob Pittman, President and CEO of AOL Networks. "Netscape's AOL Instant Messenger will add an entirely new dimension to users' abilities to communicate in real time on the Internet, in an efficient, easy-to-use and convenient way that enables people in the workplace and at home to immediately send and respond to personal messages sent by business colleagues, friends and family."
Netscape's AOL Instant Messenger will enable fast and easy Internet communication by letting users know when other registered Instant Messenger users are online. After signing on, users can immediately see which of their colleagues are online to engage in immediate and real-time communication. The service will be easily accessible from an "instant messaging" button which will be located on the toolbar of Netscape Navigator and Communicator and from the Netscape Community section within Netscape Netcenter.
As part of the agreement, AOL will also develop a featured channel for Netscape Netcaster, the push component of Netscape Communicator. AOL's Netscape Netcaster channel will be accessible from Netscape Netcaster as well as from the Netscape Channel Finder found within Netscape Netcenter.
Separately today, AOL Studios, the Internet's leading online content programmer, announced its Greenhouse Networks' business unit will provide original content through Netscape Netcaster. The agreement with Netscape includes the distribution of a number of current Greenhouse properties, including: The HUB, ASTRONET, Hecklers Online, and Extreme Fans, in addition to the forthcoming Entertainment Asylum, which are also scheduled to launch on America Online and the Internet later this month.
America Online, Inc., based in Dulles, Virginia, is the world's leading Internet online service, with over nine million members worldwide. AOL, founded in 1985, offers its subscribers a wide variety of interactive services including electronic mail, Instant Message features, entertainment, reference, financial information, computing support, interactive magazines and newspapers, as well as easy access to all the services of the Internet.
Buddy List, Instant Message and AOL Instant Messenger are trademarks of America Online, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other America Online product and service names are also trademarks of America Online, Inc. which may be registered in other countries.
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.
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).
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.