Navigator gets mainframe link

Netscape will integrate IBM's Java-based Web-to-mainframe connectivity software, called IBM Host On-Demand, into Netscape's Communicator Professional Edition client software.

Mike Ricciuti Staff writer, CNET News

Mike Ricciuti joined CNET in 1996. He is now CNET News' Boston-based executive editor and east coast bureau chief, serving as department editor for business technology and software covered by CNET News, Reviews, and Download.com. E-mail Mike.

See full bio

Mike Ricciuti

Nov. 15, 1996 6:00 a.m. PT

IBM has entered into a new software licensing agreement with Netscape Communications to help Navigator reach out to the world of mainframes.

Netscape will integrate IBM's Java-based Web-to-host software, called IBM Host On-Demand, into Netscape's Communicator Professional Edition client software, IBM said Thursday.

The integration will let users access databases and other software located on corporate mainframes through their browsers, a change that unites the legacy worlds of mainframes with the new world of intranets.

Netscape Communicator is a bundle of client software which includes the Navigator Web browser, Netscape Composer HTML authoring software, Netscape Messenger email software, Netscape Collabra groupware, Netscape Conference collaboration software, Netscape Calendar, and Netscape AutoAdmin, for centralized management of client desktops.

Netscape will deliver a beta version of the integrated product in early 1997, with shipment of the final version expected in the second quarter of next year. The software will also be demonstrated at next week's Comdex trade show in Las Vegas.

As part of the agreement, IBM is licensed to include Netscape Communicator Professional Edition with various IBM hardware and software offerings, marketing them through IBM's worldwide sales and distribution channels.