Netscape readies Communicator 4.5

Netscape is readying an interim version of its Communicator suite that willbridge the gap between the current version and Communicator 5.0, which isdue late this year. Netscape Communicator 4.5, which will be reportedlyannounced on Wednesday, includes several new "Smart Browsing" features thatare designed to let the browser work more closely with the company's NetCenter Web site. An "Internet Keywords" feature, for example, lets userstype a keyword directly into the Address edit box in the browser to initiate a search. If the search word is too vague, the browser will directthe user to NetCenter's search channel for more advanced searching.

A second feature, "What's Related," automatically generates lists of linksthat are related to the Web site that's currently loaded into the browser.A set of tools called NetWatch is also included; NetWatch filters sitesbased on personalized settings that can include RSACi and SafeSurf contentscreening.

Aside from the "Smart Browsing" features, Netscape is also improving itssupport for LDAP directories and the IMAP email protocol. A new roamingfeature makes it easy for mobile workers to browse offline