MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (July 8, 1997) -- Sun Microsystems, Inc. and Netscape Communications Corp. (NASDAQ: NSCP) today announced the developer release of the Java Foundation Classes (JFC), a comprehensive set of GUI components and foundation services designed to simplify development of Internet, Intranet and desktop applications. The Java Foundation Classes are available for public download initially through the Java Developer Connection (Sun's support network for Java developers) at http://java.sun.com/jdc, and can be used to begin building JFC-based applications immediately.

Core to the Java Platform, the Java Foundation Classes provide the building blocks that enable developers to easily create a rich graphical environment for commercial-quality 100% Pure Java applications. The Java Foundation Classes provide developers with enormous flexibility in user interface design. Developers can create an application that reflects the operating system on which the application runs; for example, it could look like an application written for the Macintosh, Solaris, or Windows platform. In addition, the Java Foundation Classes enable developers to create a custom user interface for applications and also allows developers to enable computer users to switch the "look and feel" of JFC-based applications "on the fly," a feature that is unique to applications developed with the Java Foundation Classes.

"We're delighted to deliver to Java developers the most comprehensive GUI toolkit for the Java Platform -- the Java Foundation Classes," said Jon Kannegaard, vice president of software products at JavaSoft, a business unit of Sun Microsystems, Inc. "The Java Foundation Classes were built with Netscape and other partners in the industry and are designed to simplify the development of Java programs with a rich user interface. With today's release, we expect developers to evaluate the Java Foundation Classes and give us lots of feedback so that we can create class libraries that will enable them to begin building dynamic JFC-based applications."

"By providing developers with early access to the Java Foundation Classes, developers can start creating 100% Pure Java crossware applications, a new class of applications that span operating systems, networks and enterprises, for Intranets and Extranets," said Rick Schell, senior vice president of the client and platform product division at Netscape. "The Java Foundation Classes make it easier to write 100% Pure Java and speed the development cycle."

IBM and Apple Computer, Inc. have also been actively involved in the development of the Java Foundation Classes. IBM has contributed to the design of the Java 2D API.

"This first release of the Java Foundation Classes to developers marks another key step in the rapid progress of Java as a core part of network computing," said Rod Smith, distinguished engineer and director of Internet Technology, IBM. "IBM is pleased to be working with Sun, Netscape and Apple on the evolution of the JFC to support our customers' needs for dynamic, mission-critical applications."

Jim Gable, vice president platforms and technology marketing for Apple Computer stated, "This preview release of the JFC is an exciting announcement for developers. Apple supports the effort by using JFC on both Mac OS and our next-generation OS, code-named Rhapsody. At Apple, we aim to make Mac OS and Rhapsody pre-eminent platforms for the development and deployment of Java technology. We believe the continued evolution of JFC strengthens the developer proposition for Java on Apple's platforms."

KEY FEATURES OF THE JAVA FOUNDATION CLASSES
The comprehensive set of GUI components and foundation services in the Java Foundation Classes is being developed by Sun, Netscape and Java developers throughout the industry. More than 50 companies are participating in the JFC Advisory Council, hosted by Sun. The Council is helping define the Java Foundation Classes [see addendum], which incorporate many of the best features of the Netscape Internet Foundation Classes, and is an extension of Sun's original foundation classes, the Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT).

The Java Foundation Classes include a rich set of GUI components, such as view options, tool bars, choosers, buttons, menus and many others. In addition, since the Java Foundation Classes have an open architecture, and all JFC components are JavaBeans components, developers can easily bring in other JavaBeans GUI components to enhance their JFC applications. The Java Foundation Classes also include key foundation services like:

• Accessibility. The Java Accessibility API, which will ship with the Java Foundation Classes, are designed to make Java applications accessible to people with disabilities through devices such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, Braille terminals, and others.
• Java 2D. The Java 2D API is designed to allow for sophisticated visual applications for scientific, engineering and business users.
• Drag and Drop. Drag and Drop (D&D;) functionality is designed to allow users to drag text or images between Java and native applications.

More information on the Java Foundation Classes can be found on Sun's JFC Web Page at http://java.sun.com/products/jfc.

ABOUT NETSCAPE
Netscape Communications Corporation is a leading provider of open software for linking people and information over enterprise networks and the Internet. The company offers a full line of clients, servers, development tools and commercial applications to create a complete platform for next-generation, live online applications. Traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "NSCP," Netscape Communications Corporation is based in Mountain View, California.

ABOUT SUN
Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The Computer" has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ "SUNW") to its position as a leading provider of hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $8 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com.

Netscape and Netscape Navigator are registered trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation in the United States and other countries. Netscape's logos and Netscape product and service names are also trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation, which may be registered in other countries.

Additional information on Netscape Communications Corporation is available on the Internet at http://home.netscape.com or by sending email to moreinfo@netscape.com. Corporate customers can call 415/937-2555 while consumers can call 415/937-3777 for more information.

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