MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (November 3, 1997) -- Netscape Communications Corporation and Lotus Development Corp. today announced an agreement to offer the newly unveiled Lotus eSuite applets to Internet users through Netscape's new online service, Netscape Netcenter. Under the agreement, Lotus eSuite applets will be a premier productivity application available for easy download through Netscape SmartUpdate. Netscape SmartUpdate serves as a one-stop place for users to maintain their software preference by downloading the latest components of Netscape Communicator client software, Netscape Navigator 4.0 browser, and third-party software - such as eSuite applets.
By leveraging Netscape's SmartUpdate service, users are able to quickly and easily download and install their software selections. In addition, the SmartUpdate service will notify users when new software is available making it easy to stay current. When it launched SmartUpdate in September, Netscape announced that it would also include third-party software from select partners. Based on 100 Percent Pure Java, Lotus eSuite applets will be among the first third-party software applications that Netscape will offer through SmartUpdate.
"As the largest distributor of software on the Internet, Netscape offers its Netcenter members easy access to the latest Netscape software as well as high-quality third-party add-ons - such as Lotus eSuite - that will enhance their use of our software," said Mike Homer, executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at Netscape. "SmartUpdate contributes to our goal of making Netscape Netcenter the number one business hub for Internet users seeking easy access to leading content, community, commerce and software services. Netscape and Lotus, who share a similar vision for Java, are excited about providing Netcenter's business audience with easy access to this productivity application." Unveiled today, Lotus eSuite software comprises a set of new Java-based productivity applets designed for the emerging network-centric computing environment. These applets allow developers to create interactive, cross-platform, Web-based business applications and make it possible to distribute business productivity solutions for use with a Java virtual machine - typically incorporated into Web browsers such as Netscape Navigator, operating systems and Network Computers (NCs).
"Netscape's business-focused online service, Netscape Netcenter, is an ideal way for busy professionals to access Lotus eSuite," said Steve Sayre, senior vice president of marketing at Lotus Development Corp. "We look forward to working closely with Netscape to provide Netcenter members with leading-edge
Java-based productivity software that complements the functionality of their Netscape client software."
To take full advantage of SmartUpdate and to access the eSuite applets, Netscape Netcenter members can click on the SmartUpdate icon that can be accessed easily from the Netscape Netcenter, located at http://home.netscape.com. Lotus eSuite is expected to be available for download from Netscape SmartUpdate by the end of the year.
Netcenter is Netscape's free online service that targets business Internet users. A members-only service with more than 1.4 million members, Netcenter enables busy professionals to easily access and personalize online business resources from one central location. Netcenter includes services in four key areas: Commerce, Content, Community and Software.
Lotus Development Corporation, founded in 1982, is a subsidiary of IBM Corporation. Lotus offers high quality software products and services that reflect the company's unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus' innovative approach is evident in a new class of applications that allow users to access and communicate information in ways never before possible, both within and beyond organizational boundaries. Lotus now markets its products in more than 80 countries worldwide and provides numerous professional consulting, support and education services through the Lotus Services Group.
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 moreinfo@netscape.com, or by calling 650/937-2555 (corporate customers) 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.