Netscape was one of the first widely-adopted Internet browsers.Wired: Crank It Up (August 2000) Although it quickly lost its majority market share with the introduction of Microsoft's Internet Explorer, the browser continued to live until February 1, 2008 when it was announced support and development were to end for the product.
Company Beginnings
Netscape was one of the first companies to capitalize on the emergence of the World Wide Web in the mid 1990s. The company went on to launch one of the most successful IPO's of the time and continued to develop its products. However, they were not able to keep up with Microsoft, who eventually helped to diminish Netscape's browser market share.Wired: Crank It Up (August 2000)
Acquisition by AOL
On November 24, 1998 it was announced that America Online would acquire Netscape in a 100% stock deal valued at $4.2 billion.CNET News: AOL Buys Netscape for $4.2 Billion (November 24, 1998) AOL went on to integrate some Netscape services into their properties and continued to develop the Netscape browser until February 1st, 2008.
