Press Release

Netscape Launches Enhanced Instant Messaging Service on Netcenter

New Netscape AOL Instant Messenger 2.0 Features 'Buddy Chat' For Private Group Communications

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., (February 19, 1999) - Netscape Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: NSCP) today announced it will offer consumers a new and better way to communicate on the Internet, via its fast growing Internet portal, Netscape Netcenter. With Netscape AOL Instant Messenger 2.0, Netcenter offers a fast and easy way to engage friends, family members, or work teams anywhere in the world in a private, real-time "Buddy Chat" or in a one-to-one conversation. In addition, anyone who signs up for Netscape AOL Instant Messenger 2.0 automatically becomes a Netcenter member and gets access to a host of powerful Internet content and communications services including fax services, conference calling, calendaring, free email, and more.

"With a growing community of over 35 million users in AOL's Buddy List Network, AOL Instant Messenger is one of the most popular ways to get in touch instantly with anyone in the world - no matter what country they're in or how they're connected to the Web," said Mike Homer, executive vice president and general manager of Netscape's Netcenter division. "AOL Instant Messenger is the perfect complement to Netscape Contact, our suite of integrated communications services where, in addition to sending instant messages, Netcenter members can easily access and manage their free personalized address book, calendar, and email account."

Netscape AOL Instant Messenger 2.0 offers several powerful communications features including:

  • Buddy Chat, which allows users to send real time text messages and weblinks to friends either on a one-to-one basis or as a group;

  • Search, to help individuals easily search the web and locate friends, family and business associates by name, email address or common interest; and

  • Neighborhood Watch, privacy controls for sending private messages while choosing who can "see you" online.

    Netscape also announced today its "Get in Touch, Stay in Touch" sweepstakes, a Netscape AOL Instant Messenger 2.0 promotional campaign offering Netcenter subscribers the chance to win a free resort vacation for four. To participate in the contest, individuals can visit Netscape Netcenter and register for Netscape AOL Instant Messenger 2.0 via the promotional links. One winner will receive a trip for four, co-sponsored by Travelocity.com, to a choice of three locations: Resort Hotel in Orlando Florida, Moon Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico, or The Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, California. The grand prize drawing will be held on March 31, 1999. To enter by mail, hand print your name, complete address, telephone number and the words Netscape Netcenter "Get In Touch Stay In Touch" on a plain piece of paper in a stamped envelope to: Netscape Netcenter Sweepstakes, P.O. Box 11318, Chicago, IL 60611. Write-in entries must be postmarked by March 23, 1999 and received by March 29, 1999. More information on the sweepstakes can be found at http://home.netscape.com/promotions/acqams4.html.

    Netscape AOL Instant Messenger 2.0 and Netscape Contact are available today on Netcenter at http://home.netscape.com and are scheduled to be integrated with Netscape's browser software to provide consumers with new and dramatically easier ways to manage every day communications. Netscape Contact offers consumers free services such as calendaring, address book, email and instant messaging. It also offers premium services including long distance, conference calling, faxing, and Internet access.

    Netscape Netcenter is Netscape's leading portal site that provides users with a home base on the Internet. From Netcenter, users can navigate the Internet, access a broad range of consumer and business content and services and communicate with others online. The site includes eighteen content channels and a set of leading-edge services including the new Netscape-branded Search, Netscape Contact, Netscape SmartUpdate, Software download, member Directory, My Netscape personalization service, and WebMail.

    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.

    Netscape, Netscape Navigator, 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. Other product and brand names are trademarks of their respective owners.