Industry analyst Michael Levine attributes the gain to a post-Comdex high. "Everyone wants to be connected with Netscape," says Levine. "There's a growing realization that it is the standard." Levine says he hasn't heard any takeover rumors but adds, "It wouldn't surprise me. They're a very attractive candidate."
Other analysts say the jump is mystifying. Netscape chair Jim Clark will speak tomorrow morning on the subject of online security at the Email/Internet World trade show in Boston.
In other high-tech stock news, Sun Microsystems' shares are up 4 1/4, closing today at 81 1/2.



