Netscape to put code on new site
The company is launching a special team and companion Web site for those seeking information about its free browser source code.
The new team and site, Mozilla.org, will "promote, foster, and guide open dialog and development of Netscape's client source code," according to the company.
The first code will be released March 31, just two months after Netscape declared that it would be making the code available. In doing so, "Netscape can expand its client software leadership by integrating the best enhancements from a broad array of developers," Marc Andreessen, executive vice president of products, said in statement.
Paquin noted he realizes that some may interpret the move to develop a central clearinghouse for the free source code as a rearguard action. But he emphasized that Netscape based its program on other open systems, such as that for the Linux operating system.
"We recognize that if we don't participate in the free source community in the manner they are used to, they will be less inclined to help us out," he said.
The "Mozilla" name comes from the code name given to Netscape's first browser and is now something of a legend as a mascot, with several Web pages dedicated to it.