Delphi Internet signs strategic technology agreement with Netscape Communications.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 8, 1995--Delphi Internet Services Corp., one of the nation's largest online services and since 1992 a leading provider of complete Internet access, today announced that it has signed a license and distribution agreement with Netscape Communications Corp. under which Netscape will provide client and server software to Delphi Internet.

This agreement with Netscape marks the first step in Delphi Internet's plan to deliver the most accessible interactive content and services for personal computer users. Through the licensing of Netscape Navigator and Netsite Commerce Server software, Delphi Internet begins to implement its plans to build its online service on a totally open, Internet standards-based platform. Netscape Navigator and Netsite server software will bring secure communications, performance and advanced functionality to Delphi Internet's new platform.

"We are aggressively moving forward toward an open architecture - away from the older, proprietary technologies of the `big three' online service providers," said Dr. Alan E. Baratz, Delphi Internet's chief executive officer. "By adopting an open system, we are ensuring that our delivery platform will consistently incorporate the latest technology and that our members and partners can instantly access the richest resources and most innovative services that the Internet has to offer. At Delphi, we understand and fully embrace the principles of openness and adherence to technological excellence on which the Internet is founded, and bring that same commitment to the development of our new platform."

"Delphi Internet's selection of Netscape as a strategic partner will give online subscribers easy access to the vast resources available on the Internet as well as to a broad range of other exciting information and entertainment services," said Jim Barksdale, president and chief executive officer of Netscape. "Delphi Internet's online expertise and access to unrivaled media content, combined with Netscape's easy-to-use, standards-based secure software, will create a powerful platform for delivery of online services."

Delphi Internet's "Third Generation" Interface Development

Delphi Internet is re-building its online service based on a sophisticated platform that will readily accommodate the latest products and services that are being developed for the Internet. The company is developing a "third generation" interface -- one that will deliver on the promise of new media types incorporating audio and video, as well as hyperlinking capabilities -- evolving from a first generation ASCII, text-based system to leapfrog second generation proprietary, menu-based point and click interfaces.

Delphi Internet's third generation interface will differ dramatically from earlier interfaces because it will be built around emerging Internet standards like TCP/IP, POP (for mail), Gopher, Worldwide Web (WWW) and Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). "Because these standards are set by public use and discussion, they evolve quickly and take into account the latest technology," said Baratz. "Also, many complementary products based on these standards are and will continue to become available. In addition, because Delphi has been a `Net citizen for a long time, we know that these standards work, and are at the core of the explosive growth and utility of the Internet. Basing our interface on these standards is the soundest strategy for providing secure communications and solid performance to our subscribers -- now and into the future."

A News Corp. company, Delphi Internet develops and markets interactive entertainment, information and communications services for consumers worldwide. Delphi Internet is one of the nation's top online services and a leading provider to consumers of comprehensive access to the Internet, the data superhighway. News Corp., led by Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch, is one of the largest global media companies with diversified international operations that include: TV GUIDE, Fox Broadcasting Co., Twentieth Century Fox, HarperCollins Publishers, Times Newspapers Limited, British Sky Broadcasting, STAR Television and others.

Netscape Communications Corp. is a premier provider of open software to enable people and companies to exchange information and conduct commerce over the Internet and other global networks. The company was founded in April 1994 by Dr. James H. Clark, founder of Silicon Graphics Inc., a Fortune 500 computer systems company; and Mark Andreessen, creator of the NCSA Mosaic research prototype for the Internet. Privately held, Netscape Communications Corp. is based in Mountain View, Calif.

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Delphi Internet is a trademark of Delphi Internet Services Corp. Netscape Navigator, Netsite and Netsite Commerce Server are trademarks of Netscape Communications Corp. NCSA Mosaic is a trademark of the University of Illinois.

CONTACT: Delphi Internet Services Corp.

Nancy Morrisroe, 617/441-4532

or

Netscape Communications Corp.

Rosanne Siino, 415/528-2619

or

Schwartz Communications Inc.

Pam Hamilton or Gwenn Gauthier, 617/431-0770