NETCOM announces first retail partners in channel program for turn-key Internet product; more than a thousand stores to carry new NetCruiser Plus Internet package.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 10, 1994--NETCOM On-line Communication Services, Inc. Thursday announced an agreement with Ingram Micro for general distribution of NETCOM's new NetCruiser Plus turn-key Internet product.

In addition to the distribution agreement, NETCOM announced it has signed up over 1,000 stores to carry NetCruiser Plus, including Fry's Electronics, CompUSA, MicroCenter and Ballard Computers. The announcements mark the entry of NETCOM into the retail sale of their NetCruiser line of Internet navigation tools.

"NETCOM's revolutionary NetCruiser Plus allows everyday computer users to access and navigate the Internet without being expected to know complex commands associated with the Internet," said Marty Culbert, new product manager, advanced technology for Ingram Micro.

"Also, by being directly attached to a service provider and providing the necessary pieces in a single application, NetCruiser Plus offers one of the most complete and efficient packages to our customers."

NetCruiser Plus is NETCOM's latest product offering. It consists of NETCOM's innovative NetCruiser Internet navigational software, two Internet guide books, What's On The Internet and Access The Internet, and a free month of NETCOM service bundled together as a one-stop Internet solution.

NetCruiser Plus, an estimated $85.00 value if sold separately, will be sold at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $44.95, and will be introduced this week at stores across the United States.

"We have a very strong relationship with NETCOM and have had incredible success with the NetCruiser product that we currently carry. The next logical step for us is to offer NetCruiser Plus in order to provide our customers with the highest-quality products available," said Ed Sturr, director of software for Fry's Electronics.

"NetCruiser is rated one of the best interfaces to the Internet and Fry's would like to introduce as many customers as possible to the on-line capabilities NETCOM offers."

In conjunction with the sale of NetCruiser Plus, NETCOM's retail partners plan a variety of sales promotions and activities. Promotions such as advertising, in-store demonstrations and point-of-purchase displays will promote NETCOM and the Internet in the weeks to come.

"NetCruiser Plus not only offers user-friendly accessibility to the Internet, but also provides invaluable education and support at your fingertips," said Don Hutchison, vice president of sales and marketing for NETCOM. "By providing this low-cost, turn-key solution through retail channels, NETCOM makes the Internet more accessible to everyone."

About NetCruiser

NetCruiser, NETCOM's intuitive graphical user interface for the Internet, offers a suite of user-friendly Internet utilities, including a World-Wide Web browser and graphical support of popular Internet functions such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP), electronic mail, USENET, Gopher and Telnet. NetCruiser runs on IBM compatible personal computers with a 386 or greater processor.

Other system requirements include Microsoft Windows 3.1 and a modem capable of speed of at least 14,400 bps. NetCruiser Internet accounts include Compressed Serial Line Internet Protocol (CSLIP) access through any of NETCOM's nationwide points of presence.

Pricing for on-going NetCruiser Internet access is $19.95 per month for 40 hours of Internet access during "prime time" (9 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday). Additional prime time hours are billed at $2 per hour. Access during non-prime time hours (midnight to 9 a.m. weekdays, and 24-hours on weekends) is free to all NetCruiser users. NetCruiser accounts are billed monthly automatically via a major credit card.

About NETCOM

NETCOM On-Line Communications Services Inc., a privately held corporation based in San Jose, is a leader in on-line communication services. Founded in 1988, NETCOM provides high-quality, low-cost Internet access to nearly 50,000 users over their own nationwide digital network.

NETCOM Internet service and NetCruiser are available only through NETCOM's direct sales force. For subscriber information, call NETCOM at 800/501-8649 or request information via electronic mail ([e-mail]).

CONTACT: NETCOM On-Line Communication Services

              Teresa Lommatzsch, 800/501-8649
              [e-mail]
              The Weber Group
              Heather Schoeny/Cathy Thompson, 415/325-8300
              [e-mail]