Both services are designed to appeal to the growing number of small businesses on the Internet. A recent report from International Data Corporation shows the number of small business using the Internet has grown from 19.7 percent in 1996 to 41.2 percent today. The availability of SmartShip on Netcenter makes it convenient for consumers and businesses alike to select the most competitive shipping rates and track their packages quickly and easily from the Netcenter Business Channels. SmartShip will be offered free to users on the Netcenter Small Business channel as well as the Business channel and is designed to empower the shipper to choose between couriers and to expedite an ordinarily time-consuming chore into less than a minute's work. Additionally, users can learn about drop-off locations, billing information, guaranteed delivery times, special services and handling guidelines for lost or damaged parcels.
Package tracking is also available from a single, unified location.
From the beginning, we have recognized the potential of women on the web, and this agreement demonstrates that the web is an outstanding medium to reach women business owners. Netscape s Small Business channel is a key service on the Netscape Netcenter Internet portal site. The Small Business channel is designed to provide small businesses with the latest tools, information and services to manage and grow their business on the Internet. This announcement marks the continued momentum of an aggressive campaign to differentiate Netcenter s Small Business channel by offering the web s most comprehensive online resource for entrepreneurs to manage every aspect of their business - from shipping to taxes, marketing and technology. Netscape Communications Corporation is a leading provider of software and services for businesses that want to transform the way they create and keep customers in the emerging Net Economy.