Netscape Announces Netscape Process Manager for Extended Enterprise Process Automation

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (August 13, 1998) -- Netscape Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: NSCP) today announced Netscape Process Manager 1.0 application software, an Internet-based solution that enables enterprise service providers (ESPs) to design, deploy, manage and access sophisticated processes throughout an enterprise and over extranets. Netscape Process Manager leverages the Internet to extend business processes beyond traditional boundaries to include partners and customers. The product allows an organization to automate unstructured processes, strengthen operational performance, and respond quickly to changing business variables.

Traditional solutions fall short of meeting the needs of companies competing in the Net Economy because they are internally focused, are based on proprietary technology and are difficult to adapt. Only Netscape Process Manager automates dynamically-changing processes that involve multiple organizations and external parties, such as job bidding, contract negotiation, or customer management. Netscape Process Manager is a directory-enabled application that leverages Netscape Enterprise Server software and Netscape Directory Server software to deliver a complete browser-based solution for rapid process development and automation.

"The Net Economy places new demands on enterprise customers, who must streamline the efficiency of business processes, especially those that include other organizations," said Keng Lim, vice president and general manager of application platform at Netscape. "Netscape Process Manager represents a new class of process management software that enables businesses to leverage Extranets to automate dynamic processes that typically include partners, suppliers and customers."

Netscape Process Manager is a complete solution for enterprise process automation that includes Netscape Process Manager Builder for development, Netscape Process Manager Engine for deployment, Netscape Process Manager Administrator for centralized process management and Netscape Process Manager Express for end users participating in processes. Netscape Process Manager Builder is a visual design tool that enables companies to define business processes simply by dragging and dropping reusable components onto a visual process map with a point-and-click user interface. Processes can be changed quickly and easily by adding or removing components from the map.

With a single button click, processes are deployed onto scalable Netscape Process Manager Engines running on Netscape Enterprise Server and Netscape Directory Server. Once the process is deployed, Netscape Process Manager Administrator enables managers to audit and monitor processes so that they can engage in continuous process improvement and quality enhancements. Netscape Process Manager Express lets end users participate in, start, or search for processes through any browser interface.

Netscape Process Manager supports Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) directory servers and Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) database servers for centralized process management, storage of participant and process definition information and remote process access. Because process definitions are stored in an LDAP directory server, they can be easily accessed over an Extranet, enabling the seamless integration of another organization's workflow into internal process definition. Netscape Process Manager leverages digital certificates and the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol for Extranet security, and supports Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) messaging systems so users can send process notifications via electronic mail.

Netscape Process Manager is available now for private beta testing from Netscape with commercial availability scheduled this Fall. Pricing is expected to begin at $9,995 for a starter bundle containing 100 Netscape Process Manager Express client licenses, two Netscape Process Manager Builder seats, 100 Netscape Directory Server software users and one copy of Netscape Enterprise Server software. Additional client licenses are expected to be priced at $75 per client and additional Netscape Process Manager Builder seats are expected to be priced at $1495 per seat. Pricing for Extranet deployment is expected to begin at $49,500 per server.

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 for corporations or 650/937-3777 for individuals.

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