International Versions of Award-Winning Netscape Communicator Now Available

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, (March 31, 1999) - Netscape Communications Corporation today announced the availability of Netscape Communicator 4.51, the latest version of Netscape's award-winning Internet mail and browsing software, in Japanese, French and German language editions just fifteen days after the English software was released. These international editions include enhanced Smart Browsing capabilities, with keywords in the local language to help people find what they want on the Internet faster and easier. The software also includes the English version of AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) 2.0, for real-time, person-to-person and group conversations with friends, family or colleagues.

Version 4.51 builds on the huge momentum of Netscape Communicator 4.5, released in October 1998, which continues to garner awards and recognition from consumers and key publications including ComputerTotaal (Netherlands), The Computer Journal (England), InfoWorld (U.S.), and Computer Currents (U.S.). "Communicating via the Internet is a global phenomenon, and Netscape is demonstrating our commitment to our customers worldwide by releasing these international versions of our browser in record time," said Bob Lisbonne, senior vice president of client products at Netscape. "Netscape Communicator 4.51 is our highest quality browser to date. It delivers new functions to our users around the world that will help them navigate the Internet quickly and easily." Netscape's latest client software release with AIM 2.0, international keywords and improved quality and reliability is available immediately for free download from the Netscape Netcenter portal at http://home.netscape.com/download.

The international versions of Communicator 4.51 feature enhanced Smart Browsing in French, German and Japanese. This means that for the first time, instead of remembering complicated Internet addresses (URLs), users can now access thousands of native-language web sites by entering common keywords in their location field and are immediately directed to web sites in their own country. For example, a German user can type in "Volkswagen" in the location field of a German version of Netscape Navigator and the browser will take them to http://www.volkswagen.de/international/deutsch/index.htm. Additionally, speakers of French, German and Japanese can now take advantage of simplified Netcenter registration in their native language. With a single click of an on-screen button during the installation of Netscape Communicator, users can sign up for Netcenter content and services in their own language. 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. Netscape Communicator 4.51 ships with the English version of AOL Instant Messenger 2.0 with Buddy Chat. It allows users to send real-time text messages and web links to friends either on a one-to-one basis or as a group in English, French, German or Japanese. 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.

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:

ComputerTotaal (Netherlands) - Readers Choice Award
The Computing Journal (England) - "Most Significant Software Application of the Last 25 Years (Netscape Navigator)."
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: Netscape Communicator 4.5.
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).

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. Recently acquired by America Online, Inc., Netscape is based in Mountain View, California.

Additional information on Netscape 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.