net.Genesis adds net.Thread to server-side tool suite; new software provides Lotus Notes-like discussion group functionality

net.Thread is the latest in the suite of net.Genesis server-side software solutions. Additional products from net.Genesis will be available throughout 1995 and beyond.

"net.Thread is designed for companies with Web sites looking to host professional-quality, on-line discussion areas," says Rajat Bhargava, president and chief executive officer of net.Genesis. "It helps sites boost the level of user interactivity, a key aspect of a successful Web site."

Harness Web-Based Interactive Discussion Areas

net.Genesis' net.Thread allows Webmasters to create and maintain complex, full-scale discussion forums. "To attract large numbers of repeat users and higher traffic, a site must be dynamic, interesting and interactive," explains Bhargava. "Our experience shows that Web site providers need an easy, efficient means of creating this functionality and managing discussion areas."

Creating discussion-group functionality is technically complex and few real, simple solutions have existed previously, he continues. "Keeping discussions fresh and topical can be time consuming. For example, new discussion areas must be regularly created, while old messages must be purged from the hierarchy."

Easing a Webmaster's Burden

net.Genesis' net.Thread offers Webmasters a cleanly formatted, easy-to-use software solution for creating Web-based discussion groups. Its interactive functionality increases user interest and user traffic. "We have found that users respond positively to dynamic Web content. With active net.Thread areas, site users generate new content on an ongoing basis."

net.Thread's password-protected Administrative Interface allows Webmasters to manage discussion areas through a simple, Web-based interface. Once logged in as Webmasters, administrators can create new discussion areas, complete with customer titles, graphics and group descriptions. Each group's properties can be modified at any time. net.Thread's administrative interface also provides buttons for purging old messages and deleting specific messages.

Simple User Navigation

With net.Thread, users visiting a Web site can quickly navigate discussion threads and post new messages in a variety of flexible formats, including normal text, preformatted text and HTML. net.Thread's intuitive, customizable interface enables users to easily navigate and contribute to on-line discussions. For users unfamiliar with threaded discussions, a complete on-line help area explains net.Thread functionality.

After a simple login procedure, net.Thread displays a hierarchical message tree that illustrates "conversation" flows. Users select messages to view, based on message titles, posting and time stamps. The message text appears in its entirety, along with any responses or replies. The user can investigate a different thread, navigate the current thread or post a message.

"MIS professionals, Webmasters, customer support teams, internal project managers should find the net.Thread an invaluable additional to their current and future Web offerings," concluded Bhargava.

Pricing and Availability

net.Thread, available now on OSF/1, SunOS, Solaris, AIX, HP-UX and Linux platforms, is backed with a variety of customer support and service options. It requires an HTTP server with CGI support, the sendmail program and the perl programming language properly installed and configured. Pricing for net.Thread starts at $2,495.

A Windows NT version will be released shortly.

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Note to Editors: A screen shot of net.Thread is available upon request.