Netscape Communications Corp wants everybody to know it is deadly serious about its Netcenter web site becoming a major competitor in the online service market, and to emphasize it has created a new web site division. It has put Mike Homer, the company’s VP sales and marketing in charge as executive VP and general manager. Homer reports directly to CEO Jim Barksdale, who will take over Homer’s previous job until a replacement is found either from within or from outside the company. The move is likely to increase speculation that the company is considering selling its web site and online services or perhaps partnering closely with an existing service provider, but of course, the company would not comment on such rumors. All it would say is that it committed to growing Netscape as a hub on the web within the greater Netscape. Homer will have about 200 people on the division to start.
