One of the pioneers of internet browsing is preparing to ride off into the sunset. According to PC World AOL will discontinue development and active support for the Netscape browser. Netscape was the original mass-market Web browser.
AOL will keep delivering security patches for the current version of Netscape until February 1, 2008. However, the Netscape.com Web site will remain as a general-purpose portal according to Tom Drapeau, lead developer for Netscape.com.
“AOL’s focus on transitioning to an ad-supported Web business leaves little room for the size of investment needed to get the Netscape browser to a point many of its fans expect it to be,” Drapeau wrote. “Given AOL’s current business focus … we feel it’s the right time to end development of Netscape branded browsers, hand the reins fully to Mozilla and encourage Netscape users to adopt Firefox. Users will still be able to download old versions of Netscape from an archive, though they will not be supported by AOL,” Drapeau wrote.
Kyle Nin says
Firefox IS a lot like Netscape, but I’m still sorry to see it go.
trailblazer14301 says
i’ve heard so much about it ;i feel like i’ve known Netscape since it started. and i feel like i’m losing a long time friend too. but i’ve just discovered Mozilla Firefox,and it’s really good! so,i’ve never had a chance to work with Netscape,but i think Mozilla Firefox is a good replacement.