Netscape Communications Corp. and
SaskTel Wednesday announced a three-year partnership to deliver Internet
software and services to businesses and consumers around the world.
The partnership, announced at Internet World Canada, gives SaskTel,
one of Saskatchewan’s leading Internet providers, a license to Netscape’s
entire enterprise software line. Netscape will also help the company
develop e-commerce and communications services.
The new offerings will be centered around Netscape’s BillerXpert and
CustomNetcenter products. Netscape’s sales and marketing team will also
promote the partnership.
For SaskTel, the deal means it stands to gain contracts to handle
e-commerce service for its customers. Don Ching, SaskTel’s president and
chief executive officer, said its customers will also be able to save
money.
“This agreement is key to SaskTel’s diversification strategy and strongly
positions the company to compete in the global Net economy. It is the next
step in providing leading edge, innovative services that respond to the
needs of our customers in Saskatchewan and around the world,” he said.
The partnership will allow SaskTel to offer a range of new services,
including online bill payment and presentment and secure online ordering.
SaskTel will also deliver intranet hosting and advanced messaging to its
clients.
Marc Andreessen, Netscape’s chief technology oficer, said the partnership
will especially benefits small businesses that might not be able to afford
to independently develop their own Internet presence.
“The Net economy is erasing the physical boundaries between businesses,
their partners and customers, making a solid presence on the Net critical
for survival in an environment where the competition is just a click
away,” he said.