Press Release

New Version of Award-Winning Netscape Communicator Now Available

Includes Enhanced Instant Messaging with Group Chat and Quick Access to Stock Quotes via Netcenter Finance Channel

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., (March 9, 1999) - Netscape Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: NSCP) today announced the release of Netscape Communicator 4.51, the latest version of Netscape's award-winning Internet mail and browsing software. When users download Netscape Communicator 4.51, they receive AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) 2.0, for real-time, person-to-person and group conversations with friends, family or colleagues.

The new release also features Quotes Anywhere, a new capability of Smart Browsing that lets users access stock quotes from anywhere on the Net via the Netcenter Finance Channel. Version 4.51 builds on the huge momentum of Netscape Communicator 4.5, which was released in October, 1998, and continues to garner awards and recognition from consumers and key publications including InfoWorld, TechWeb, Mac Home Journal and Computer Currents.

"Netscape Communicator 4.51, our highest-quality browser to date, delivers new functions to our users that will let them communicate with friends, family, and associates easily, and access stock quotes quickly," said Bob Lisbonne, senior vice president of client products at Netscape. "We attribute the recent accolades from readers and editors to the high quality and innovative product features Communicator brings to consumers, helping them find what they want on the web both faster and easier."

Netscape's latest client software release with AIM 2.0, Quotes Anywhere, and improved quality and reliability is available free for immediate download from Netscape Netcenter at http://home.netscape.com/download/.

AOL Instant Messenger 2.0 with Buddy Chat allows users to send real-time text messages and web links to friends either on a one-to-one basis or as a group. Additional features include Search, to help individuals use the web and locate friends, family, and business associates by name, email address, or common interest; Neighborhood Watch, privacy controls for sending private messages while choosing who can "see you" online; and one-click buttons to connect users to other Netscape Netcenter services.

Quotes Anywhere is a new capability of Smart Browsing that provides users with up-to-date stock prices by simply typing the word "quote," followed by a ticker symbol. If a user has a personal finance portfolio hosted on Netscape Netcenter, either on the Personal Finance Channel or via My Netscape, they can simply type "my stocks" in to the locator field and quotes for the entire portfolio are displayed.

Netscape Communicator 4.51 also delivers improved quality, stability, and improved security services to users. In addition to several performance enhancements, this release corrects potential security vulnerabilities reported in recent months by independent programmers.

A number of editors and readers agree that Netscape Communicator is the top choice today for Internet mail and browsing. Recent awards for Netscape Communicator 4.5 include:

  • InfoWorld, 1998 Product of the Year Awards - Internet/intranet tools category - Netscape Communicator 4.5.
  • MacHome Magazine, February 1999 Readers' Survey - Netscape Navigator voted Best Web Browser for the second year in a row; Netscape Communicator also voted Best Email application.
  • TechWeb Readers Choice Best of 1998 - Most Innovative Software
  • Computer Currents 1998 Readers' Choice Awards - Web Browser - Netscape Navigator.
  • PC Magazine - The Best Internet Software and Sites of 1998 - Netscape Communicator 4.5
  • PC Magazine - Readers' Choice for Service & Reliability in Software (Web Browsers category) - Netscape Navigator (All Versions)
  • InfoWorld - Best of 20 Years, 20th Anniversary issue
  • The Linux Journal - Annual Editor's Choice Award for Product of the Year - Netscape Communicator
  • The Computing Journal - Most Significant Software Application of the Last 25 Years - Netscape Navigator

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 (corporate sales).

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. AOL Instant Messenger is a trademark of America Online, Inc. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.