Re: UKNM: Real Names

[Jon Beverley]

So far Netscape is _not_ using RealNames in the 'smart browser'

initiative for v5. However, it is fast turning into a 'will they/won't

they' guessing game. Certainly centraal is making public overtures that

Netscape 'will', and while Netscape might suggest they have their own

system, they never quite gets as far as saying as much (all the talk is

of a 'new concept', rather than a new system).


Centraal press release June 1st....


>NETSCAPE SMART BROWSER ANNOUNCEMENT/CENTRAAL

>CORPORATION STATEMENT


>    June 1, 1998


>    centraal corporation, developer of the Real Name System (sm), 

>    responded enthusiastically today to Netscape Communications' 

>    announcement of it's "smart browser" initiative. 


>    "It is clear that Netscape's announcement of the Smart Browser 

>    service, using internet keywords, has opened up an important space 

>    beyond the URL. We are confident that Internet users will welcome 

>    the ability to type familiar words and phrases in place of an 

>    unfamiliar computer string," said centraal CEO Keith Teare. 


>    "Navigation will forever be simpler."


>    "In addressing the need for simplified navigation Netscape has 

>    opened up an enormous opportunity for centraal and the Real Name 

>    System. We are positioned to enable future improvements in smart 

>    browsing. The next few months will, as always, be very interesting 

>    ones for the Internet, Netscape and centraal."



Netscape press release June 1st.....


>Netscape Unveils 'Smart Browsing' a Fast and Easy

>Way for Millions of Internet Users to Find Information

>and Navigate the Net 


[edited all the dross....]

<snip>


>Internet Keywords, which will allow users to access Web sites using 

>regular words, or simple "keywords," that can be typed into the 

>Netscape Navigator location bar. This function does not replace the 

>standard Web address, but will provide users with a shortcut by not 

>requiring them to know the Web address of a Web site that interests 

>them. For example, a Netscape Communicator user may want to find 

>information about classical music or the Volkswagen Beetle.


>With Internet Keywords, the user simply types "classical music" or 

>"vw beetle" into the Navigator location bar and the user is seamlessly 

>taken to the site that represents the closest match. In cases where the 


>keyword is a common topic, such as "cars," the user will be redirected 

>to one of the Netscape or Excite co-branded channels, a collection of 

>Web content related to a popular category.


>In some cases, the user will be taken directly to the site of the 

>product, service or company; in other cases, where there is no clear 

>match, the request will be redirected to Netscape Net Search for a 

>standard search on the word. 

</snip>




Ben Thompson wrote:

> 

> Nabil,

> 

> Not that I doubt you but who is your source, the statement I got (to the

> contrary) was from Netscape direct. Also it might be worth mentioning that a

> separate firm called Networds claims to hold a patent on the entire concept.

> 

> yours,

> 

> Ben

> 

> > Actually, Netscape is incorporating Real Names into 5, not it's own

> > system.

> >

> > Nabil