News

R.I.P. Netscape

The Internet marks a major milestone this month -- but chances are, hardly anybody will notice. AOL LLC, the current owner of Netscape Navigator, will end support for the pioneering browser on Feb. 1.

It's a humble end for Navigator, which, as the world's first commercial browser in 1994, ushered millions of users onto the Web and helped spawn the dotcom gold rush. At one point, parent company Netscape controlled more than 70 percent of the browser market.

But that was before Microsoft-which, until then, had largely ignored the Internet-suddenly changed course, launching Internet Explorer (IE) in 1995.

During the "browser wars" of the next few years, when both companies piled on feature after feature, IE overtook Navigator, whose parent company was acquired by AOL in 1998. IE now controls at least 80 percent of the market. Netscape: less than 1 percent.

About the Author

Anne Stuart, the former executive editor of Redmond Channel Partner, is a business technology freelance writer based in Boston, Mass.

Featured

  • Hands-On AI Skills Now Outshine Certs in Salary Stakes

    For AI-related roles, employers are prioritizing verifiable, hands-on abilities over framed certificates -- and they're paying a premium for it.

  • Roadblocks in Enterprise AI: Data and Skills Shortfalls Could Cost Millions

    Businesses risk losing up to $87 million a year if they fail to catch up with AI innovation, according to the Couchbase FY 2026 CIO AI Survey released this month.

  • Microsoft Cuts Windows 11 Recovery Time with New Update

    Microsoft has introduced two key enhancements to Windows 11 aimed at minimizing downtime and streamlining error resolution.

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.