NEWS RELEASE
Release Dates: Immediate
Media Contact: Ed Hansen, (404) 287-0893
edhansen@mindspring.net
Investor Contact: Debbie Isbitts
(404) 815-0770 ext. 22845, investor@mindspring.net
MINDSPRING INTRODUCES NEW INTERNET SOFTWARE SUITE FOR MACINTOSH
ATLANTA (March 23, 1999) – MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:MSPG)
today announced it has released MindSpring version 4.0 Internet
Software for the Mac OS. This is MindSpring’s first major upgrade of
its Macintosh software since June 1996.
The suite includes the Microsoft Internet Explorer Web browser,
Microsoft Outlook Express for e-mail and news, and Fetch for file
transfers. The access panel is a customized version of Gearbox by
Rockstar Software, which provides a single starting point for
Internet access. GearBox integrates into a single interface the tools
used to connect the customer’s modem to the Internet, report the
status of their email, manage configuration settings and diagnose
technical problems. It also displays MindSpring’s current “Message of
the Day”.
“We are certain our Mac customers will appreciate the features we
have incorporated into this suite,” said Mike Strutton, senior
product manager, consumer access for MindSpring. “The Mac OS is known
for its ease-of-use and stability. This suite capitalizes on those
capabilities so well that it will bowl over both new and experienced
Mac users.”
“In Mac OS 8.5 and our new hardware products we’re delivering the
industry’s easiest Internet set-up experience B with over 80 percent
of iMac buyers already surfing the Internet,” said Clent Richardson,
Apple’s vice president of worldwide developer relations. “Having
companies like MindSpring deliver a solid suite of Mac Internet
products increases consumer choice and makes Macintosh an even more
compelling platform for anyone who wants to experience the excitement
of the Internet.”
The software is currently being distributed to new MindSpring
customers, who can sign up online (http://www.mindspring.net) or by
calling 1-888-MSPRING. An upgrade for current customers is available
by download or upgrade CD-ROM at
(http://www.mindspring.net/prod-svc/download/center/mac_downloads/index. html).
About MindSpring
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:MSPG) is a leading Internet
service provider focused on delivering outstanding service and
support to its customers. By following its Core Values And Beliefs,
MindSpring is committed to doing an exceptional job of serving its
customers, its employees, its owners and its community. MindSpring’s
dial-up subscribers can browse the World Wide Web, send electronic
mail, participate in informative online chats and access over 20,000
newsgroups. MindSpring offers local Internet service in more than 745
communities throughout the United States. MindSpring is also a
leading provider of Web Hosting services and domain registrations.
MindSpring has received the following Awards & Recommendations: 1998
MVP Award for Best National ISP, AIt=s a no-brainer for Internet
access and small-biz Web hosting.@ B PC Computing, January 1999. 1998
HOC 100 Editor=s Gold Award for Internet Service Provider, ANeither
consumer-cute nor no-frills/no-fun, MindSpring is both the easiest
and most efficient ISP for home-based workers.@ B Home Office
Computing, December 1998.
World Class Award for Best ISP, AIt=s hard to improve on what readers
tell us is the best support in the business,@ B PC World, July 1998.
Best ISP Start Page, AOrganized, comprehensive, and friendly B in
other words, a great place to start,@ FamilyPC, July 1998. Buy It
recommendation of MindSpring as the national ISP providing the best
value, AYits software selection beats the pants off the competition,
and MindSpring=s technical support gets our nod as the best overall,@
B CNET: The Computer Network, November 1997 (Reiterated July 1998).
Best Buy, AThis company prides itself on being )patient,=@ Smart
Money Interactive, June 1998.
ABest Buy@ for Web Hosting, Home Office Computing, April 1998.