Netscape Builds Momentum in Security Solutions for High-Stakes Internet Commerce

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (October 19, 1998) - Netscape Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: NSCP) today announced it is seeing accelerated momentum for Netscape security solutions. More than 20 vendors, including Check Point Software Technologies (NASDAQ: CHKPF), RedCreek, and Litronic, are licensing or integrating Netscape products for improved security in virtual private networks (VPNs), firewalls, smart cards and other security products. In addition, Netscape today announced Netscape Security Services (NSS), a developer product that enables enterprise service providers (ESPs) such as StampMaster and other independent software vendors (ISVs) to incorporate Netscape's widely deployed security technology into their own software products.

From Internet postage to stock trading and financial services over the web, online transactions are raising the stakes in Internet commerce, and companies are increasingly turning to Netscape as demand grows for enhanced security. Companies are deploying Netscape products - including NSS, Netscape Directory Server and Netscape Certificate Server software - as the foundation for Internet security and expanding the infrastructure using compatible partner products.

"Security is an integral part of business-to-business and business-to-consumer commerce over the Internet," said David Weiden, vice president of directory server and security products. "With more than 20 companies now integrating Netscape directory and certificate server software into their own security solutions, Netscape is increasingly becoming a key strategic partner in the Internet security marketplace."

StampMaster, a groundbreaking new e-commerce Internet postage solution, is one of the first customers using NSS. NSS is a developer product that allows ISVs to easily build SSL encryption, authentication and other public key infrastructure (PKI) security into their client or server products. NSS provides support for open standards such as X.509 v3 certificates and PKCS#11 hardware acceleration and smart cards, and is also FIPS 140-1 validated to meet stringent federal and financial industry procurement requirements.

"Netscape Security Services is a critical component of StampMaster's Internet postage solution," said John M. Payne, president & chief executive officer of StampMaster. "It provides the secure channel necessary to protect our customersí privacy and important financial information."

With the growth in Internet commerce and corporate Extranets, companies need strong security for their e-commerce applications to address the high scalability and privacy demands of Internet users. To meet these needs, ESPs and Netscape partners are deploying Netscape Certificate Server and Directory Server today to deliver a wide range of Internet security capabilities -- from directory-based authorization, single sign-on and delegated administration for personalized customer service, to more sophisticated PKI-based authentication using digital certificates and signatures for the most sensitive web transactions.

Check Point, a leading enterprise security vendor with more than 30 percent market share worldwide, is the latest among a growing number of security vendors leveraging Netscape Directory Server as a cost-effective way to administer and control access to corporate networks.

"Netscape's Directory Server software allows us to offer a scalable, high performance user management mechanism for FireWall-1 and VPN-1 to better identify individuals accessing IP networks," said Asheem Chandna, vice president of marketing and business development at Check Point Software Technologies." Check Point uniquely offers this type of integrated, standards-based solution to customers."

Other partners licensing or integrating Netscape products for improved security include Bull, Bay Networks, Security Dynamics, enCommerce, Sirrus, Netegrity, KyberPASS, VPNet and Secure Computing.

Netscape server software provides real-time directory and security services that enable centralized, low-cost management of the myriad of Internet applications deployed by ESPs and ISVs. Netscape's service-ready infrastructure is ideal for companies competing in the Net Economy where high performance, scalability, 24x7 reliability and strong security that extends outside the enterprise are critical for success.

The Netscape Security Services product is available immediately at a price of US$70,000 for the standard version and US$150,000 for the FIPS 140-1 government certified version.

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 (corporations) or 650/937-3777 (individuals).

Netscape, Netscape Navigator, Netscape Certificate Server, Netscape FastTrack Server, Netscape ONE, SuiteSpot, and the Netscape N and Ship's Wheel logos 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.