INLINE PLUG-INS
Browser Wars
Netscape Navigator
"Although it's been only a few months since Netscape Communications Corp. released its
Client Plug-in API, third-party developers have embraced the interface standard, releasing
numerous applications for the market-leading World Wide Web browser (Raynovich
http://www.wcmh.com/lantimes/96mar/603a047a.html)." On January 17, 1996 Netscape
Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: NSCP) announced The first 15 companies to
create plug-ins that extended the capabilities of Netscape 2.0 using the Netscape
Navigator Plug-in Application Programming Interface (API). These 15 companies are
among 12,000 software developers to join the Netscape Development Partners Program.
Since this announcement Plug-in development and use has taken off. "The Netscape
Navigator Plug-In API marks a new era in software distribution in which software is
delivered to users when they need it. (Press Release
http://www1.netscape.com/newsref/pr/newsrelease73.html)"
With the release of Netscape Navigator 2.0, Netscape secured its place as the
forerunner of World Wide Web browsers. Netscape 2.0 supports several new features
which provide a platform for advanced multimedia developing. Navigator 2.0 for
Windows 95 offered several new features. These include integrated e-mail and Usenet
clients, Java support, secure MIME, API, and frames.
Netscape Navigator also provides a Plug-in software development kit (SDK).
The SDK is free and available for downloading at the Netscape web site. This
development kit provides the tools and documentation necessary to develop inline plug-
ins. The Netscape Development Partners Program provides technical support for
developers. Opening up Netscape Navigator to third party developers is a wise move by
Netscape. They are admitting their limitations and extending their capabilities in order to
stay on top. A Netscape spokesperson stated "We like Styling ourselves as an operating
environment, as a platform. (Dinucci )"
Netscape's Plug-in directory lists all available plug-ins and provides links for downloading.
Microsoft's Internet Explorer
Microsoft's Internet Explorer 2.0 for the Macintosh supports all of Netscape's
plug-in technology. The Next windows version should also provide this support.
Explorer, provides some unique multimedia features. You can install background sound
with their web speak tag, and you can simulate Java's tickertape applet with their marquee
tag. However, Microsoft's explorer pales in comparison to Netscape's inline application
development. (Overton PC World)
Lacy Wood
This web site is a project for LIS 385T.6
Electronic Delivery of Organizational Information
Graduate School of Library and Information Science
University of Texas
May 9, 1996