Netscape targets ISPs

Netscape Communications today previewed new email server software tailored for telcos and Internet service providers.

Code-named Troopers ISP, the software improves on Netscape's current email server software, Hosting Edition 3.5, by providing up to ten times the scalability and performance, according to Netscape's senior product manager Kevin Tsurutome.

Another improvement is that the software is designed and optimized for IMAP messaging.

IMAP, or Internet Message Access Protocol, is an email protocol that lets users do more than they can with standard POP-based email. IMAP lets users save bandwidth by downloading only subjects and headers, rather than whole messages. IMAP also supports Web-based email, as well as software that lets users receive voice mail and faxes in their email in-box.

Netscape is targeting ISPs and telcos that want to offer their users these kinds of services for premium rates. Netscape has signed on telco Bell Canada and ISP NetCom as customers.

Software firm Amteva Technologies is developing software for integrating voice mail, paging messages, and faxes into the in-box.

Troopers ISP is in private beta right now and will be available in the second half of 1998 for Microsoft Windows NT servers and major Unix platforms. Pricing will be announced on release.