Netscape Netcaster also enables software to be automatically distributed over centrally administered networks, such as corporate Intranets. Currently in preview release, Netscape Communicator is an integrated client software suite for open email, groupware, editing, calendaring and Web browsing, and is available for download and beta testing from the Netscape Internet site. With more than 50 million copies worldwide, Netscape's client software is already the world's most popular application. Channels feature focused information to which users subscribe, and can be presented using Dynamic HTML, including layers, dynamic fonts and canvas mode. Updated, personalized information is delivered in the background and stored in its own offline cache, allowing users to experience dynamic content without waiting for pages to load.
Users can customize what, when and how often channel information gets pushed to their desktop.
A webtop is a channel that is anchored to the desktop, providing users with a full-screen immersive environment where information flows freely and content helps define the user experience. Users can choose a favorite channel to set as their webtop, while still maintaining access to all other channels and to content and applications stored on the local hard drive. Netcaster's Channel Finder serves as a guide to the best channels on the Web, enabling users to preview and subscribe to channels offered by brand-name content providers. Netscape Communicator users can choose between two sets of pre-established default Netcaster channels, either ten enterprise channels or ten channels for individuals. IS managers can also customize and lock down the channels available in the Channel Finder to include company-specific content for deployment across thousands of users on a corporate Intranet.