AOL recently announced that they will not be developing new versions of the Netscape web browser. Staff in the development division was cut dramatically reflecting the start of internal changes.

AOL acquired Netscape in 1998, but they continued to support Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser. In May of 2003, AOL was part of an agreement in the settlement of an anti-trust dispute with Microsoft. That agreement gave AOL the rights to use Internet Explorer for seven years.

The Netscape core browser code was given to Mozilla.org, which in turn started a non-profit group called Mozilla foundation. In a move propelled by the success of open source code programs like Linux, Mozilla is looking to develop the code for future products. Mozilla.org has several financial backers, including AOL, who has committed two million dollars to the project. Just as an aside, you should know that Mozilla is an adorable green lizard who was the original mascot of Netscape.

What does all this mean to you? Well, AOL has pledged to continue to support current versions of the Netscape browser and for the Netscape Web portal. So if you are currently using Netscape as your Internet browser, you can continue doing so,but a change to Internet Explorer or another Internet browser will probably be in your future.