Netscape Taps Industry Exec to Serve as EVP, Chief Operating Officer

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (August 9, 1998) - Netscape Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: NSCP) today announced that Barry M. Ariko, formerly executive vice president and member of the Executive Management Committee at Oracle, has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer at Netscape. Mr. Ariko will be responsible for leading the company's worldwide sales, strategic partnerships, professional services, and training organizations. He will report directly to Jim Barksdale, president and chief executive officer, and will serve on Netscape's executive committee.

Mr. Ariko, 52, who joined Oracle in April of 1994, was head of Oracle's Americas operations and responsible for its global sales practices. He is credited with helping Oracle achieve much of the growth in its Americas operation, the company's largest business unit, which grew from $680 million in 1994 to $4 billion in total revenues in 1998. While at Oracle, his organization spearheaded Oracle's Windows NT thrust; accelerated growth in the Database and Applications businesses by driving a focused effort in the middle market; and helped to revamp and focus Oracle's Applications sales strategy, growing the Applications business from $209 million in 1994 to over $1 billion today. At Netscape, he's chartered with fueling the continued growth of a highly dynamic and innovative enterprise software company.

"We are delighted that Barry will be joining Netscape's executive management team," said Mr. Barksdale. "Our goal is to become the leading strategic technology partner for companies that want to stake their claim in the new Net Economy. Barry's credentials and experience for the task at hand make him a great addition to the team."

"With its Internet skills and experience, Netscape is in a unique position to help enterprise customers reap enormous advantages from putting the Net at the center of their business and technology strategies," said Mr. Ariko. "It's a world-class company with world-class products and people. You couldn't ask for a better combination."

Prior to joining Oracle, Mr. Ariko was vice president and Managing Director of the Americas Division of Tandem Computer Incorporated. He joined Tandem in 1980, and was named Director of Headquarters Marketing in 1982, and vice president of U.S. Sales Operations in 1988. Before Tandem, Mr. Ariko spent 13 years in management and sales positions in the computer and defense electronics industries.

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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