NETSCAPE
DEVEDGE
NEWS
SPECIAL
BULLETIN
An alert for the Netscape developer community
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Today Netscape unveiled several announcements regarding our client
software and development direction. Because our developers are so
vital to our success, I wanted to make sure you all were among the
first to know. Therefore, we're sending you this special edition of
DevEdge News which tells you about our plans to make Netscape
Communicator source code and client software free, an unlimited
distribution policy, and what this means for existing customers. I
think you'll find these developments as exciting as we do in bringing
us all to the next level of Internet software development.
Sincerely,
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- Netscape To Make Source Code and Internet Client Free
- Netscape Everywhere -- Unlimited Distribution of the Client
- Promotional Offers for Existing Customers
- Netscape announced today that before the end of the first quarter
of 98, it will make its source code for Netscape Communicator 5.0
freely available on the Internet and that effective immediately its
world-class Internet client is free.
This bold move enables Netscape to draw from the creative power of thousands of programmers on the Internet by incorporating their best enhancements into future versions of Netscape's software. This strategy is designed to accelerate development and free distribution of future high-quality versions of Netscape Communicator to business customers and individuals, further seeding the market for Netscape's enterprise solutions and Netcenter business.
Availability of source code will start with the first developer prerelease of Communicator 5.0 expected by late March. Netscape intends to host source code licensing on its web site and create a premiere place on the web for the developer community to post their enhancements, engage in discussion and receive support as they greatly accelerate development of a world-class Internet client.
Effective immediately, the Netscape client is available for free on the Netscape web site. Netscape Communicator Pro, with its expanded features, will be sold, but at a reduced price. The move to a free client makes it easier for individuals and enterprise customers to choose Netscape solutions plus online services offered within Netcenter.
Netscape Navigator standard edition and Netscape Communicator are available from the Netscape home page where there are easy instructions for downloading at:
http://home.netscape.com/download.For a nominal fee, CD versions can also be ordered through the download site or by calling personal sales at 650-937-3777.
- In conjunction with today's free client announcement, Netscape
introduced a new program for those interested in distributing,
bundling or customizing Netscape client software. Netscape Everywhere
- - Unlimited Distribution creates new opportunities for third-party web
sites, Internet service providers, independent software vendors, and
OEMs. The program is designed to broadly distribute Netscape Navigator
and Communicator to millions of new users. For developers it is a
means of providing a choice of client to customers as well as a
complete web solution.
Unlimited Distribution
A simple on-line agreement allows third-parties to download multiple versions, including localized versions made generally available by Netscape, of Communicator and Navigator. Details on this program will be available January 23.Unlimited Distribution Custom
In addition to the standard plan, Netscape plans to allow qualified third-parties the option to create a customized version so third parties can add their logo, bookmarks, toolbar bookmarks, or change the default home page and insert additional logos. Unlimited Distribution Custom will provide the guidelines, tools, support options and the professional service components necessary for partners to create and distribute customized versions of Netscape client software to their customers and prospects.For more on Unlimited Distrubution read today's press release and check DevEdge Online tomorrow for details.
- Recognizing the investment existing customers have made in Netscape
client software, Netscape is extending several promotional offers to
individuals and corporate customers on additional products and
services. Select customers will have an opportunity to purchase at
special prices Netscape's high-end software products and subscriptions
including: Netscape Communicator Professional Edition, Netscape
SuiteSpot server products or Netscape SuiteSpot Hosting Edition.
A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) has been posted to help answer additional questions you may have about Netscape's announcements at:
http://home.netscape.com/communicator/free_faq.html