Ipswitch, Inc. Retools Popular WS_FTP Pro Product With Version 7.5 to Penetrate New Internet and FTP User Markets.

Business/Technology Editors

LEXINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 9, 2002

A market leader and long time favorite with Internet users, WS_FTP Pro now offers revamped connection process and Upload Wizard for simplified file transfers, tutorials for beginners

Ipswitch, Inc., a leading supplier of Internet productivity software for Windows, today announced the immediate availability of WS_FTP Pro 7.5, a major redesign of its industry-leading file transfer protocol (FTP) client software. The new version retains the powerful features that have made WS_FTP the program of choice for technical professionals, but it is now easier to use and more intuitive, providing both "power" Internet and novice users new convenience and speedier functionality.

Saving users time and effort when transferring files, a new Upload Wizard enables users to directly transfer files from Windows Explorer or the Start menu to a remote FTP server. New Site Wizard and Quick Connect button features streamline connection tasks, making them more intuitive and direct. In addition, a new Assistance Center provides interactive tutorials and reference tools for FTP beginners creating and managing Web sites.

"The tutorials and reference tools are extremely helpful to a home user like me," said Anthony Purfield, a postman in the U.K. who uses WS_FTP Pro to maintain his two personal Web sites, godsluv.com and palaceflophouse.com. "WS_FTP Pro 7.5 takes the guesswork out of FTP-ing and makes creating and updating my sites a simple and enjoyable experience."

"WS_FTP continues its leadership position as the most popular file transfer tool," said Ipswitch President Roger C. Greene. "With WS_FTP Pro 7.5, we are targeting new users with a simplified user interface. Our original goals for WS_FTP Pro in 1994 were to make it easier for new Internet users to transfer files and maintain Web sites, which it did to great acclaim. This rejuvenation furthers our core mission of developing practical software that brings the benefits of the Internet to a broad audience."

Faster, more direct site connections through New Site Wizard, Quick Connect button

WS_FTP Pro's entire FTP site connection process has been overhauled to make it more intuitive and direct. Users who do not have any Internet or FTP experience will find connecting to FTP sites using WS_FTP Pro 7.5 a seamless, simple process. For example, a new Upload Wizard enables a user to upload files and folders directly from Windows Explorer to an FTP server. This is accomplished by simply right-clicking on a selected file name and choosing the WS_FTP Upload option, making the process quick, simple and direct. Also, the New Site Wizard located in the Sites Menu allows users to organize most frequently visited sites into a favorites folder. The new Quick Connect button located next to the address bar acts as a shortcut to favorite sites, saving time and effort. The Connection dialog box has been revamped to enable users to connect directly to a favorite site by setting it as a default site when opening WS_FTP Pro 7.5.

Easier Web site creation and management for new users with new tutorials

Added step-by-step instructions on how to perform important tasks with WS_FTP Pro 7.5 are now included in the form of tutorials that are part of WS_FTP Pro 7.5's Assistance Center. This is of great value to new users who are unfamiliar with the product and can now get quick answers to questions instead of having to contact tech support or read a manual. In WS_FTP Pro 7.5, the Connections Tutorial demonstrates how users can create a site profile and connect to an FTP site. The Transfers Tutorial demonstrates how to transfer a file to and from the user's local system. Both tutorials make it easier for new WS_FTP users to create, manage and connect to sites and transfer files on their own. This is especially helpful to users who are creating personal Web sites for the first time. Other Assistance Center features include a Getting Started reference tool, a list of common WS_FTP terms and a link to Ipswitch's Web site knowledge base for articles and solutions developed in response to customer queries.

WS_FTP Pro price and availability

WS_FTP Pro 7.5 is available for a U.S. list price of $45, or $39.95 online by visiting Ipswitch's Web site at www.ipswitch.com. Current WS_FTP Pro users can upgrade to version 7.5 at a cost of $9.95.

Founded in 1991, Ipswitch, Inc. develops easy-to-use, affordable, Windows-based software products that enhance the productivity of users from consumers to IT professionals. Its product family includes WS_FTP Pro, the world's most popular FTP client, with 128-bit SSL encryption and tens of millions of users; WS_FTP Server, with 128-bit SSL encryption, the first industrial-strength, full-featured FTP server for Windows NT/2000; WhatsUp Gold, a leading network mapping, monitoring, notification and reporting tool monitoring over 23,000 customer networks worldwide; IMail Server, the leading Internet messaging server for small and medium size companies and ISPs, with 48 million seats; and IMail Anti-Virus, powered by Symantec's CarrierScan(TM) and fully integrated with IMail Server, a powerful and easy to administer, all-in-one anti-virus solution - all designed to enhance mission-critical business solutions. Ipswitch products set new standards for functionality, performance, reliability and interoperability, while providing the foundation for corporate internetworking, and are available directly from Ipswitch and through distributors, resellers and OEMs worldwide.

For product and sales information, contact Ipswitch, Inc. at 81 Hartwell Avenue, Lexington, Massachusetts, via telephone [phone], fax [phone], or e-mail at [e-mail]; or visit the Ipswitch Web site at http://www.ipswitch.com.