Netscape.com's New Look and Feel, Unmatched Content and Integrated Services Offers Internet Users the Resources They Need to Manage Their Lives at Work and at Home

Netscape 6 PR3 Available for Free Download Today from Netscape.com


MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, October 4, 2000 - Netscape Communications, a subsidiary of America Online, Inc. (NYSE: AOL), today announced the launch of its redesigned web destination Netscape.com, with enhancements to the site that maximize the online experience, providing users easy access to a complete package of Web applications, content and features. In addition, Netscape also announced the availability of Netscape© 6 PR3, the third and final Beta version of Netscape's revolutionary new browser.

With a layout and interface that allows for quick access to information and services, the redesigned Netscape.com helps users better manage their work and personal lives making the online experience more productive. The new layout of Netscape.com allows users to quickly maneuver throughout the site through the strategic placement of its six most heavily trafficked areas, including the recently launched Netscape Netbusiness area, which serves the needs of the fast-growing small business community. Drawing from its commitment to improve and innovate its products, Netscape has targeted users who value the ease and convenience of using the Internet as a tool throughout the course of their day.

Netscape also today announced the availability of the Netscape© 6 Preview Release 3, the third and final beta version of the new Netscape browser, via free download from www.netscape.com/download. Available now in both English and Japanese versions, PR3 offers new features, added functionality and greater stability, emphasizing convenience, customization, security and connectivity across multiple platforms. PR3 offers users a new Modern theme, streamlining the look and feel of the browser with enhanced usability and aesthetics to produce a sharper, crisper appearance. A new address book synchronization feature has been added that allows Netscape 6 users to view their address book contact information via Netscape.com. In addition, there are many new My Sidebar tabs included in the PR3 release, which can be customized to suit individual users' needs and to aid productivity.

"With the release of Netscape 6 PR3 and the redesign of Netscape.com we are providing a more productive way for professionals to manage their increasingly converging work and personal lives with online tools tailored to their needs," said Jim Martin, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Netscape. "Through the comprehensive offering of Netscape software, Web applications and content we are able to provide users with unmatched convenience, ease-of-use and ability to stay connected to people and information. Add it all up and Netscape equals an unparalleled resource and a unique user experience."

Netscape.com continues to grow its strong base of registered users with over 34 million worldwide, an increase of over 10 million since January. Netscape.com is also experiencing an increase in time spent on the site with users averaging more than 32 minutes a month on the site in the first six months of this year, up from 25 minutes per month during the last six months of 1999 (Media Metrix - June, 2000).

Enhancements to Netscape.com consist of the following elements:

• Simple navigation to the areas on the site visited most often, including an easy access point to the new Netscape Netbusiness area, enabling owners of small businesses to better manage both their operations and everyday lives;
• Quick and easy access to enhanced Netscape Web applications including WebMail, WebCalendar and Netscape Instant Messenger in addition to a number of other powerful productivity tools;
• Enhanced daily news and business programming from industry leading content partners, updated more often throughout the day with the ability to update the site whenever significant news breaks, insuring quick and easy access to the most up-to-date information;
• Additional multi-media content across Netscape.com Departments including extensive presidential election coverage with live streaming video of presidential debates and real time election day results from all fifty states;
• Interactive site features, making Message Boards available across a number of Netscape.com Departments and featuring a new Daily Poll featured on the homepage; and
• Integration of popular Netscape.com applications and content into the Netscape 6 browser, plus a coordinated color scheme and feel that creates a seamless online experience.

• While the PR2 release concentrated on rounding out the feature set, PR3 focuses on the stability of the browser paving the way for the soon-to-be released final version of Netscape 6;
• An updated "Modern" theme with enhanced usability and design aesthetics leading to a smoother, more polished appearance with extensive use of shading effects to create a more three-dimensional look;
• The availability of over 600 My Sidebar tabs including the addition of two powerful Netscape applications to the Sidebar - Shopping and WebCalendar. In addition, the "What's Related Tab" in My Sidebar has undergone major design and performance improvements; and
• An Address Book synchronization feature that makes it easier than ever to access important contact information from any computer connected to the Internet, letting Netscape 6 users access their contact information from anywhere on the web.