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Netscape Communicator Source Code Frequently Asked Questions
AnswersWhat has Netscape announced?On March 31, 1998, Netscape announced the release of its source code for the next-generation version of Netscape Communicator and unveiled its Open Source strategy, a groundbreaking new approach to software development. Why is Netscape releasing the Communicator source code? Netscape is releasing the source code for two reasons: 1.) First, we believe that an open source code development process will result in a better product. By leveraging the creative efforts of developers from both outside and within Netscape, we can create a higher-quality, more full-featured Communicator product. 2.) Second, by releasing the source code, we will encourage developers and ISVs to use Netscape technology in their own products. Through this process, Netscape client technology will become accessible to more end users. Will Netscape still develop products after it has released the source code? Netscape will continue to develop, test, document, support, and certify high-quality Netscape-branded client products, including Netscape Communicator and Netscape Navigator. Given that the source code for Communicator will be freely available, what is the benefit of getting Communicator from Netscape as opposed to another vendor? The Netscape brand will continue to represent to customers that products bearing the Netscape name are high-quality, tested, documented, certified, and supported by Netscape Communications Corporation. When will Netscape start to include enhancements from the free source code development process in its own products? Netscape will start to integrate the modifications made to the source code as soon as possible for release into our next-generation client product. This product will contain contributions from the public development community as well as from Netscape's own internal development group. Is this release a beta release of Communicator 5.0? No, this is not a beta release of Communicator 5.0. This is source code only, and it is available for download by developers from mozilla.org. The source code contains the programming elements that make up the Communicator software application. It is not a compiled application, and thus cannot be used by traditional software end users. When will Communicator 5.0 be released? The next-generation Communicator will leverage enhancements from the larger Internet development community, as well as future enhancements from Netscape. Once those enhancements have been integrated, Netscape will produce a beta version of Communicator 5.0. Is the next release of Communicator version 5.0? No. Between now and the delivery of Communicator 5.0, Netscape will produce point releases of Communicator 4.x to meet our customers´ needs. What does free source code mean to Netscape's enterprise customers? Netscape will continue to develop Netscape-branded versions of Navigator, Communicator Standard Edition, Communicator Professional Edition, and Mission Control Desktop for individual and enterprise customers. We believe that Netscape products will be improved in the following ways as a result of the open source development process:
This release includes the early form of source code for the next generation of Communicator's Navigator and Composer (HTML editor) components. The source code also includes integral software components from third parties that have given Netscape the right to release their source code under the terms of the Netscape Public License. What programming language does the source code use? Netscape Communicator is written in C and C++. On which platforms is the source code being released? This source code release is available on Linux, Win32, and Macintosh PowerPC platforms. How can developers get the source code? The source code is available for download from mozilla.org. What is not included in this source code release? This release does not include source code from third parties that were not willing to have their source code distributed under the terms of the Netscape Public License (for example, Java). In addition, the source code does not include elements that are illegal to export under U.S. law (such as cryptography source). What are some of the new features of Communicator 5.0 that are being released with the source code? The new features are described on Netscape's developer web site, DevEdge Online, on mozilla.org. How will the source code release affect Netscape's Java strategy and related client products? Netscape will continue to deliver its current support for Java in Communicator 5.0. Moving forward, Netscape is heeding industry feedback and moving to an Open Java Virtual Machine Interface (OJI). Simply put, Netscape is re-architecting its future client software products to support any compatible implementation of a Java Virtual Machine from industry leaders such as Sun, IBM, and other operating system vendors. Netscape's goal is to offer all the benefits of a high-performance, full-featured Java implementation for the browser environment. You can get more information on OJI from DevEdge Online. Will source code for localized versions of Netscape Communicator Standard Edition be available? Netscape has announced the creation and release of the Universal Localization Program, which lets developers use a Netscape Localization Kit to localize Win32 versions of Netscape Communicator 4.x and Netscape Navigator 4.x. For more information on the Universal Localization Program, please see mozilla.org. What is mozilla.org? On February 23, 1998, Netscape announced the creation of mozilla.org - a dedicated team and associated web site within Netscape whose charter is to foster and coordinate the open development of the Communicator 5.0 source code. Mozilla.org will act as the focal point for the Communicator source code community and will provide guidance to source code development. On the mozilla.org web site, developers will find source code information, plus access to source developer newsgroups and related web sites. Will Netscape developers contribute to mozilla.org and the source code? Netscape continues to do client development and will remain a significant contributor to the source code through its in-house development efforts. 
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