IBM and Netscape Communications Corporation have recently announced they have signed a licencing agreement that provides IBM with the rights to include the Netscape Navigator browser with IBM software, hardware and services solutions. The decision to broadly licence Netscape Navigator, including the new Netscape Navigator 4.0 reflects IBM's commitment to providing its customers and the development community with standards-based solutions for accessing information and networked applications over the Internet, intranets and extranets.

Netscape Navigator 4.0 is a full-featured browser that includes support for Dynamic HTML, JavaScript and 100% Pure Java. In particular, Netscape's support of the full scope of Java technologies in its browser, including planned support of the Java Foundation Classes, makes Navigator an ideal choice for IBM and its customers. IBM intends to deliver Navigator with the following offerings, and may consider other uses in the future:

* as an optional offering in IBM subsidiary Lotus Development Corporation software, including Lotus Notes and Lotus SmartSuite productivity suite;

* with IBM software including IBM VisualAge for Java integrated development environment, IBM DB2 database and the new DB2 Universal Database, and the IBM eNetwork Communications Suite, a client-based suite of products that provide network access;

* with IBM Platforms: IBM AIX and OS/2 operating systems; IBM Personal Computers bundled with the IBM Internet Connection Service; in IBM network computer offerings; included in the client access software for the IBM AS/400; and in future IBM S/390 solutions;

* with IBM Services: As an option in the IBM Global Services portfolio of managed network services that provide Internet and network access;

"The combination of leading IBM offerings and Netscape Navigator will make it easy for businesses to deliver powerful e-business applications to their customers," said John M. Thompson, IBM senior vice president and Software Group executive. "Netscape Navigator's support of cross-platform standards such as 100% Pure Java and CORBA will help users take full advantage of the power of network computing."

Jim Barksdale, president and chief executive officer at Netscape, said: "This new agreement between Netscape and IBM ensures that IBM's customers have access to the full advantages of Navigator for accessing information on the Internet, intranets and extranets. Netscape and IBM have shown their commitment to standards such as Java, JavaScript and CORBA, and the combination of our technologies delivers the open standards-based solution that customers demand."

About IBM

IBM, the world's largest software company, creates, develops and manufactures advanced information technology products and services, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. IBM has been a leader in the development of the Internet since this technology began and is dedicated to helping customers and developers exploit the potential of Java. Developers and customers can find out more about IBM's Java efforts via the Web site http://www.ibm.com/java.

About Netscape

Netscape Communications Corporation is a leading provider of open software for linking people and information over enterprise networks and the Internet. The company offers a full line of clients, servers, development tools and commercial applications to create a complete platform for next-generation, live online applications. Traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "NSCP," Netscape Communications Corporation is based in Mountain View, California. The UK headquarters for Netscape Communications Ltd. is based at Hayes, Middlesex.

Additional information on Netscape Communications Corporation is available on the Internet at http://home.netscape.com, or by sending email to moreinfo@netscape.com.