Readers back Netscape, barely

Many readers still have faith in Netscape Communications despite recent setbacks to the company, but nearly an equal number say its heyday is over, according to the latest NEWS.COM Poll.

In the last two weeks, Netscape (NSCP) declared that it will begin giving its browser and source code away for free, but it has also announced up to 300 layoffs and quarterly earnings well below analyst expectations.

In a time of mixed news like this, it's small wonder that readers were divided when asked, "Are Netscape's glory days over?" The optimists tipped the scales in their favor in the informal write-in survey, with 52 percent responding that rumors of Netscape's demise are greatly exaggerated.

Some readers believe that Netscape is merely going through a difficult adolescence. "The old saying, 'That which does not kill me makes me stronger,' is often very true in business," wrote one poll respondent. "It will survive this and learn. It will end up with a business model based on reality."

Other readers who voted "no" reasoned that Netscape will soon see its browser's market share rise now that it can compete on price with Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Many believe that free access to the Communicator source code will result in an innovative renaissance for Web developers.

"By opening up the source code, [Netscape] is going to harness the creative talent of the world," wrote James Carter.

Both Microsoft fans and foes alike contend that Netscape just cannot compete with the 800-pound software gorilla. Those who voted "yes" believe that Netscape will eventually be crushed either by Microsoft CEO Bill Gates's will alone or by his software's superiority.

"No matter what Netscape wants to do, it can't avoid the fact that Gates can spend as much as is necessary to make the better product," wrote Larry Roelofs.

Others were still more pessimistic about the future of the Mountain View, California, company: "Eventually," another reader said, "Netscape will become a niche product for Microsoft haters."

For more reader comments, see the next page.