Netscape, go2net push e-shopping
Both companies announce online shopping initiatives, the latest sign of frenzied industry deal-making.
Netscape rolled out World Shop, which lets international users buy and download licensed copies of Netscape Navigator and Communicator software. The company considers it the latest feature in its "Netscape Everywhere" program, its strategy to expand distribution of its technology.
Users can shop in English, French, German, and Spanish and pay in U.S. dollars, French francs, German marks, or British pounds. The company said it will add other languages and currencies later.
Go2net, meanwhile, said it would offer online shopping in a new area of its search service. It has inked deals with CD Universe, Cyberian Outpost, Virtual Vineyards, Phillip's 1-800-Florals, and OutPost Network.
The company said it is in negotiations to add additional partners as well, which it didn't identify.
Online commerce offers one of the best moneymaking opportunities on the Net, although it is dogged by concerns among consumers about the security of their transmitted credit card information and about their privacy online.
In another e-commerce deal announced today, Excite (XCIT) said it will buy Net shopping technology maker NetBot in a $35 million stock swap. (See related story)