Netscape's Work Culture

Background Note Contd...

In 1993, with a fellow student, Andreessen developed the code for a graphical Web browser and named it Mosaic. In April 1994, Clark and Andreessen founded a company, which was named as Electric Media (See Exhibit I). The name was changed to Mosaic Communications in May 1994. In November 1994, Mosaic Communications was renamed Netscape Communications. In December 1994, Netscape introduced Navigator, its first commercial version of its browser⁵.

By March 1995, six million copies of Navigator were in use around the world. This was without any advertising, and with no sales through retail outlets.

Netscape allowed users to download the software from the Internet. By mid 1995, Navigator accounted for more than 75% of the browser market while Mosaic share was reduced to just 5%.

In the same month, Netscape launched Navigator 1.0. During February-March 1995, Netscape launched Navigator 1.1.

This new version could be run on Windows NT⁶ and Macintosh Power PC.⁷ Within three months, the beta version⁸ of Navigator 1.2 for Windows 95 was launched.

At the same time, Netscape announced its plans to launch the commercial version of Navigator 1.2 in the next August 1995. By launching new versions of browsers quickly, Netscape set new productivity standards in the web browser market.

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5] A web browser is a software application for locating and displaying Web pages. The two most popular browsers are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer. Both of these are graphical browsers, which means that they can display graphics as well as text. In addition, most modern browsers can present multimedia information, including sound and video.

6] A version of the windows operating system. Windows NT (New Technology) is a 32-bit operating system that supports preemptive multi-tasking. There are two versions of Windows NT: Windows NT Server, designed to act as a server in networks, and Windows NT Workstation for stand alone or client workstations.

7] A popular computer model made by Apple Computer with the PowerPC microprocessor.

8] A beta version of the software is the last stage of testing the software, and normally involves sending the product to beta test sites outside the company for real-world exposure.

Case Details

Case Code : HROB013
Themes: Organizational Culture
Case Length : 13 Pages
Period : 1994-2000
Organization : Netscape
Pub Date : 2001
Teaching Note : Available
Countries : USA
Industry : Information Technology

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