I am in a mix feeling when reading Netscape blog on the end of the Netscape browser. According to them, they will not support the Netscape browser after 1st March 2008, initially they decided to discontinue the support after February 1, 2008. Also, noted that after 1st March, we’ll see the Netscape browser users will split into two different group of users, Mozilla (behind Firefox) and Flock as they appear to be benefited by this decision. Meanwhile, Netscape is reminding all its browser lovers to make a switch to Firefox or Flock, or continue to use Netscape’s latest version, i.e. Navigator 9.0.0.6 until 1st March.

AOL has announced that they won’t provide any support on Netscape browser after February 1, 2008. In matter of fact, the shrinking of user base with the stiff competition likely put the end of a browser’s era. However, the Internet portal of Netscape will always open to serve the other needs of their users, but not that surprise, they recommended their existing users to switch to Firefox.

Indeed, people nowadays no longer speculate on the next generation of Netscape browser. What’s on their mind is how powerful the Firefox 3.0 when it ready to be released to the market. For existing Netscape browser users, a switch to Firefox is a wise move as Mozilla has provided more support on its browser through shorter release cycles.

I’ve been keep tracking what will be included in the newest version of Netscape browser, i.e. version 9.0. According to the official blog of Netscape, they’re about to launch the next upgrade version of Netscape. This post is talking about the operating system compatibility, i.e. that support not only on Windows platform, it will support the Linux and Mac as well. Another post was discussed that this browser will have deep integration with the new Netscape.com user-driven news site and will contains a much more standardized support for newsfeeds.

In matter of fact, Netscape browser has lost its browser war and I don’t think it will repeat the victory day as it exploded the Internet in December 1994-1995 when it first released its flagship browser, the Navigator. I’m still not sure what’s the actual market share for Netscape in browser’s market nowadays. Additionally, I believe when Netscape release its newest version of browser, it will not regarded as the war in between them with Internet Explorer, don’t forget, there is a growing number of people whom using Firefox day after day. As this browser was built by using the Firefox engine, my sense is that, in order for Netscape to be “reborn” successfully, it must win the users by showing them Netscape browser 9.0 will be not only more user-friendly than Firefox, it must be safer, and more “feature-rich”.