MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (December 23, 1997) -- Netscape Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: NSCP) today announced the launch of a campaign to offer Internet users instructions for not only downloading Netscape Communicator client software, but also for selecting Netscape Communicator as their default Internet software and uninstalling Internet Explorer. The initiative, called 'Customer Choice,' builds upon the successful Netscape Now program, which already includes more than 35,000 registered Internet sites. Beginning this week, users will be able to click on 'Netscape Now' buttons from thousands of major Internet sites including Netscape's Home page and link immediately to the Netscape software download and Customer Choice page on the Netscape site for detailed instructions. In addition, Netscape also plans to offer Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) an opportunity to provide links from an icon on the desktop to the new download information.
"We want to make sure that Internet users know that they have a choice when it comes to Internet software," said Mike Homer, executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at Netscape. "The Customer Choice initiative provides Internet users with information about their options as well as an easy way to choose Netscape software and uninstall unwanted browsers from their desktops."
The Netscape Now program involves more than 35,000 registered sites. The program enables partners to promote their sites as leading-edge users of Netscape's Internet products and technologies while at the same time providing visitors with an easy way to download the latest version of Netscape software. Participants in the existing Netscape Now program also have the option of downloading an updated 'Choose Netscape Now' button for their Web sites. The software download and customer choice page, accessible from the Netscape site at http://home.netscape.com/download/netscape_now.html, will provide instructions for downloading the latest version of Communicator for Windows 95, Windows NT and Macintosh operating systems. Instructions for uninstalling Internet Explorer 3.0 and 4.0 will be provided.
"With the launch of the first version of our browser, Netscape pioneered the concept of offering the ability to download software easily from the Web," added Homer. "The new Customer Choice initiative takes the success of our Netscape Now program and software downloads to a new level by offering Internet users additional information about getting the client software they want on their desktops."
Netscape Communicator, Netscape's open email, groupware and browsing suite, has gained more than 25 million additional users since the product shipped in June 1997. According to the September Media Metrix report, individuals use Netscape Navigator more frequently and for longer periods of time than competitive products. Netscape client software leads Microsoft Internet Explorer by more than two times the usage, according to the study.
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.