Netscape’s Enduring Legacy: 30 Years of Shaping the Web, Open Source, and Business In the mid-1990s, Netscape Navigator emerged as a pioneering web browser, playing a pivotal role in popularizing the World Wide Web. Although Netscape’s prominence has since faded, its influence persists in today’s internet landscape, open-source initiatives, and business practices. The Rise and Fall of Netscape Navigator Introduced in 1994 by Netscape Communications Corporation, Netscape Navigator quickly became the browser of choice for many internet users. Its user-friendly interface and advanced features set it apart from competitors, capturing a significant share of the browser market. However, the subsequent “browser wars” with Microsoft’s Internet Explorer led to a decline in Netscape’s dominance. Microsoft’s strategy of bundling Internet Explorer with its Windows operating system eroded Netscape’s market share, culminating in its eventual discontinuation in 2008.