Netscape to Create 100% Pure Java Version

Sun to Include Netscape's HTML Component with the JDK; Sun to Standardize on New 100% Pure Javatm Version of Navigator

New York, N.Y. -- August 26, 1997 - Netscape Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: NSCP) and Sun Microsystems Inc. today announced that Netscape plans to deliver a 100% Pure Java[tm] version of Netscape Navigator client software by 1998, which will integrate Sun's HotJava[tm] technology. The software will run on Sun's products including the JavaStation[tm], as well as any platform with a Java Virtual Machine[tm]. In addition, Sun's JavaSoft division has agreed to include Netscape's HTML rendering component, a JavaBean[tm], in conjunction with the Java Development Kit (JDK), making Netscape's technology the standard for HTML rendering for Java applications.

Sun also plans to ship the 100% Pure Java version of Netscape's browser as the standard browser technology with Sun's products. Today's announcement significantly furthers Netscape's recently announced "Netscape Everywhere" initiative, aimed at bringing Netscape browser technology to millions of new users in both homes and businesses. Last week, Netscape announced that it would offer Netscape Navigator 4.0 -- the latest version of the world's most popular browser software -- as a stand-alone product, and announced partnerships with leading OEMs, Internet service providers and telephone companies around the world to deliver more than 100 million copies of Netscape client software to home users, and millions more to enterprises.

"Sun's commitment to standardize on the 100% Pure Java Netscape Navigator software as its standard browser continues the tremendous momentum behind our Netscape Everywhere initiative, bringing Netscape technology to millions of new users," said Jim Barksdale, president and chief executive officer at Netscape. "This announcement, combined with the inclusion of our HTML component in the JDK, represents a tremendous step toward our goal of making Netscape client technology ubiquitous in both homes and businesses."

"Our customers want Netscape's industry-standard browsing technology as well as 100% Pure Java," said Alan Baratz, president of Sun's JavaSoft division. "This agreement to fuse the best of Sun's Java technology and Netscape's Navigator technologies will deliver the next-generation in Web access."

John Thompson, senior vice president and software group executive at IBM, said, "As a licensee of Netscape Navigator, IBM welcomes Netscape's commitment to deliver a 100% Pure Java version of its browser. This will give users a standards-based solution for accessing information and networked applications. Sun's plans to include the Netscape HTML rendering technology with the JDK is a further advance in Java's ease-of-use."

Sun announced it would ship the 100% Pure Java browser technology as its standard browser in its products including workstations, servers, JavaStations and the Java Development Kit. This standardization will help to ensure that users can take advantage of the consistent and easy-to-use interface that Netscape Navigator provides across a wide range of platforms. Netscape plans to integrate Sun's HotJava technology, which Netscape has licensed from Sun, into its 100% Pure Java based Netscape Navigator.

Sun has also agreed to include the Netscape HTML rendering component with the JDK. Netscape is delivering its next-generation, high-performance HTML rendering engine, written in 100% Pure Java, as an embeddable JavaBean component. This technology benefits developers because they can rapidly create Crossware applications - applications that span platforms, operating systems and databases - based on Java and JavaScript. Sun intends to use the technology as the basis for products it will build.

About Sun

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The Computer" has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc., (NASDAQ "SUNW") to its position as a leading provider of hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $8 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the Worldwide Web at http://www.sun.com.

For more information about the 100% Pure Java Initiative, call 1-512-434-1591 or visit http://java.sun.com/100percent/.

Sun, the Sun logo, Sun Microsystems, JavaSoft, Java, HotJava, JavaStation, JavaBean are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems Inc., in the United States and other countries.

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.

Additional information on Netscape Communications Corporation is available on the Internet at http://home.netscape.com, or by sending email to moreinfo@netscape.com. Corporate customers can call 415/937-2555 while consumers can call 415/937-3777 for more information.

Netscape, Netscape Navigator, and the Netscape N logo 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. Other product and brand names are trademarks of their respective owners.