Netscape Communications has formally posted a preview edition of its new Communicator software for use on the Internet and in corporate networks known as intranets.

Analysts said release of the test software, which aims to extend its Navigator browser software by adding richer messaging, editing and collaboration features, demonstrated Netscape was keeping its rollout on track.

Michael Parekh, Internet analyst at Goldman Sachs, said eventually much richer use of Internet technology will make the early browsers now used seem primitive.

"What we typically thought about as the Web browser two years ago is going to seem like Pong is in terms of video games today," he said, referring to the video game Pong, which was introduced in the early 1970s.

Communicator combines open electronic mail, or e-mail, with a suite of browser programs that enable computer users to edit Internet pages, engage in audio conferencing, update schedules, and access news through a filtering system.

The software will allow Netscape to compete more broadly with the popular Lotus Notes software from International Business Machines' Lotus Development and with Microsoft's BackOffice products.

In addition to this, industry analysts expect the software, which is due to be introduced as a final product by the end of March, to help usher in a whole new form of collaborative use of the Internet.