Need To Test Web Pages Increases As More Browsers Enter The Market

NetMechanic's Browser Photo 2.0 Expands Capability To Test For Browser Incompatibility Problems

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (October 25, 2001) - The introduction of the two newest browsers, Netscape Navigator 6.1 and Microsoft Internet Explorer's 6.0, has increased the need to test Web pages for display problems. NetMechanic® Inc. has developed the only online tool that allows Web site developers and designers to view their site as their visitors do through all major browser and computer combinations. Browser Photo^TM, first introduced in March 2001, is expanding its ability to test for browser display problems. On October 24th, NetMechanic introduced Browser Photo 2.0, which adds the two newest browsers to the already extensive list of browser and computer combinations they currently test for. The addition of Netscape Navigator 6.1 and Internet Explorer 6.0 brings the total number of browser and computer combinations in Browser Photo 2.0 to 16.

These two newest browsers are quickly being adopted by users of earlier versions. However, in their efforts to adhere closer to the W3C standards, both of these new browser versions can cause display differences that can catch most developers and designers unaware. Netscape Navigator 6.1 can break a site's Dynamic HTML code, which can cause display problems with Javascript, drop down menus, scrolling text, etc. Microsoft Internet Explorer's 6.0 has dual rendering engines and can either allow or not allow Microsoft specific extensions for DTD (document type definition). Since many webmasters are unfamiliar with the concept of DTDs, it is imperative that they check their pages thoroughly. Very reasonably priced, Browser Photo 2.0, enables all webmasters to confirm that their site displays as they have designed it.

Browser Photo, which has been widely subscribed to by small and large businesses alike, provides information that most Web developers would not have access too without an expensive testing lab. It enables users to submit and test their Web pages online as a means of ensuring that their pages display and function properly. The 16 different browser and computer combinations provided in Browser Photo 2.0 include WebTV, PC, Mac, AOL, Opera as well as old and new versions of Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer. These combinations also incorporate screen sizes and font sizes. Browser Photo takes an actual online photograph of a Web page as it is viewed by users on each of the different browser and computer combinations. It helps avoid display differences by showing the user all the problems that relate to the appearance of a Web page including page layout, tables, images, fonts and alignments.

Prior to Browser Photo, the only reliable solution to site display issues was building large testing labs with expensive equipment to test different combinations of browsers and computers. Lacking these resources, most Web site builders were limited to testing Web pages on only one or two browsers, consequently alienating users on different computers and browsers.

Additionally, many webmasters have become unknown victims of popular desktop editing tools. These tools can actually cause browser display problems as they help build a Web site. Browser Photo 2.0, now with 16 browser and computer combinations is a real answer to a significant problem for most Web developers and designers. More information is available about browser compatibility problems at the NetMechanic tutorial: www.netmechanic.com/browser-photo/tutorial.htm.

• Ability to view Web pages online in 16 different browser and computer combinations
• An inexpensive alternative to maintaining a large testing lab
• A secure environment to conduct testing and identify display problems
• A professional resource for information and insight into browser incompatibility issues
• Flexibility and ease of use, including a one-step submission process
• Complete product delivery is online, with no software downloads and is continually updated
• Ability to view 'photo sessions' online as photos are being completed
• A link to the photo sessions status page, showing the status of a user's photo sessions and up to 20 previous testing results
• Automatic email notification when entire photo session is completed
• Improved customer retention through increased quality and functioning of Web pages
• Saves time and allows the user to focus on other areas of Web site development with the confidence gained from resolving browser incompatibility problems

Browser Photo 2.0 is available today at the price of US$135.00 for an annual subscription or for a one-time-use price of US$15.00. Browser Photo 2.0 is the newest addition to NetMechanic's award-winning online maintenance tools. An online Quick Tour of Browser Photo is available at www.netmechanic.com/browser-photo/tour/index.htm.

NetMechanic develops online maintenance and promotion tools for Web sites. Through its online maintenance tools, the company has "tuned up" over 32 million Web pages to improve Web site quality for its customers. Its online promotion tools provide customers with a complete solution for optimizing Web sites and tracking rankings to improve search engine positioning. NetMechanic offers its services directly from its site and through a partnership network of over 70 major hosting companies and online publishers.

For information regarding NetMechanic's services visit the company's Web site at www.netmechanic.com. For information on NetMechanic Partner Programs, contact Randall Owens at (256) 533-0076, ext. 100 or by e-mail at randall.owens@netmechanic.com. The internet.com Corporation (Nasdaq:INTM), through its venture capital arm, is an equity investor in NetMechanic, Inc.