Charles writes:
> Microsoft is in for some serious competition.
> With source code, it will be possible for
> "everyone" with a better idea to enhance
> the Netscape browser.

And "everyone" will be able to find all the security holes in the
product now.  If Communicator 5.0 source is given out, there is a
very good chance that new and critical security holes will be
discovered that might affect every prior release of the software
as well, causing the security of the net to fall apart overnight.

> Such cooperation
> is what I believe is the true secret of the Apple II,
> and therfore, Apple Corporation's original sucess.
> A similar thing happened to IBM with the original
> PC, they were extremely open with information
> on how to interface with the thing.

Assuming Netscape can keep enough control in order to prevent a
total free-for-all of customized, unstable, and incompatible Navigator
implementations.

Netscape's success will depend on its *stability* as a development
platform, and I don't see today's announcements (mostly the free
source code issue) as improving things.

G.