Netscape to Sell New Products Via Retailers

Netscape Communications Corp. said it will sell three new products through retailers as part of its strategy to get 100 million copies of its Internet software into consumers’ hands. The Mountain View-based software maker will begin selling the three new editions of its Communicator browsing software for prices starting at $29, including rebates. Browsers allow computer users to search for information on the World Wide Web. Netscape, seeking a way to retain its lead over Microsoft Corp. in the browser market, last week unveiled the Netscape Everywhere marketing initiative to ship 100 million copies of its flagship products over the next 12 months. The new products include Communicator Internet Access Edition, which helps consumers connect to popular Internet access providers; Communicator Deluxe, which includes various utilities to prevent the spread of software viruses; and Netscape Publishing Suite, which includes graphics software to easily set up sites on the Web. Netscape spokesman Dave Rothschild said 9,000 retailers, including CompUSA, Computer City and Wal-Mart, will carry the items starting this weekend. Netscape shares rose $1.69 to close at $38.44 in Nasdaq trading.