Netscape's wild ride

February 5, 1998 6:20 p.m. PT That is the question as rumors persist that part or all of Netscape is for sale, with potential suitors ranging from established enterprise players to online giants. Company on two legs news analysis Now that its browsers are free, what if Netscape were to lose another revenue stream? Why is Netscape in play? Stock up on buyout rumors Distributors signed up  previous coverage  • Netscape's sea change Once seemingly untouchable, Netscape is facing losses, its first layoffs, and corporate restructuring. It now has to hustle to keep competitors and Wall Street at bay.  • How free is freeware? Netscape decided to give away its browser and the source code for a new version of its Communicator suite, embracing the concept of "freeware." But the company must now make some crucial decisions for the applications that come from this code.  • Netscape now--for free In what many say is an unprecedented move, Netscape will give away its browser and the source code for its Communicator suite, striking back at Microsoft's Web development strategy.