NETCOM unveils world's easiest access to the Internet; NetCruiser Plus bundles cruising tools, guide books and service for one-stop access.

SAN JOSE, Calif--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 10, 1994--The Internet is the hottest topic in computing today, spurring thousands of personal computer users to investigate options for exploring its riches.

For home computerphiles, gaining access to the Internet has been easier said than done -- until now. NETCOM On-Line Communication Services Thursday announced the availability of a new product for easy Internet Access, NetCruiser Plus.

The new product combines NETCOM's innovative NetCruiser Internet Navigational Software, two guide books for the Internet, NETCOM's leading national Internet access service, and one month of free service to deliver the world's easiest Internet access offering for consumers.

NetCruiser Plus is the only consumer Internet solution that offers navigation tools and guaranteed Internet access in a single package. NetCruisers can jump onto the Internet quickly and easily over NETCOM's nationwide digital network.

Once there, navigation is a snap with the help of NetCruiser software and the included guidebooks, Access the Internet (David Peal, Sybex Publishing) and What's on the Internet (Eric Gagnon, Internet Media Corporation).

"Our goal is to provide the easiest, turn-key consumer Internet solution on the market," said Don Hutchison, NETCOM's vice president of sales and marketing. "NetCruiser Plus brings to market the only all-in-one Internet solution, including everything a new user needs from a graphical user interface and Internet `road maps' to economical Internet access."

NetCruiser Plus is available today at computer retailers and superstores nationwide, including CompUSA, Fry's Electronics, MicroCenters, Software City, Electronics Boutique, and Ballard Computers. The package, which if purchased separately has an estimated value of $85, has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $44.95.

"Fry's is committed to offering our customers the highest quality products at the lowest cost," said Ed Sturr, director of software, Fry's Electronics. "NetCruiser Plus is a one-of-a-kind offering that fits that goal perfectly by including one of the best Internet interfaces along with educational tools and economical network access in a single package."

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, California, is a leader in on-line communication services. Founded in 1988, NETCOM provides high-quality, low-cost Internet access to more than 50,000 users over their own nationwide digital network. For information, call NETCOM at 800/501-8649 or request information via electronic mail ([e-mail]).

CONTACT: NETCOM On-Line Communication Services

              Teresa Lommatzsch, 408/983-1510
              [e-mail]
              The Weber Group
              Heather Schoeny/Cathy Thompson, 415/325-8300
              [e-mail]