For Immediate Release
STARNINE ANNOUNCES WEBSTAR SERVER SUITE 4.0
--New Version Doubles Performance; Adds Next Generation Email Server,
Lasso Publishing of FileMaker Pro and ODBC Databases, and Integrated
SSL Encryption with Multiple Certificate Support--
BERKELEY, Calif., March 29, 1999 -- StarNine Technologies, Inc. today
announced its next generation of WebSTAR(R), the highly acclaimed and
widely-used Internet server software for the Mac(tm) OS, delivering
performance improvements and new technology which transforms WebSTAR
into a powerful, complete Internet Server Suite. Currently in
testing, the newly renamed WebSTAR Server Suite 4.0, is due for
release in June of this year. Beyond a dramatic two-fold increase in
Web server performance, WebSTAR Server Suite 4.0 includes a new
SMTP/POP/IMAP email server with LDAP and remote Web-based email
access capabilities, newly incorporated Lasso(tm)-based FileMaker
Pro(tm) and ODBC database publishing from Blue World
Communications(tm) (see related press release dated 3/29/99),
integrated SSLv2 and SSLv3 with support for multiple certificates, IP
addresses and encryption options, and dozens of improvements to the
core WebSTAR servers and add-on modules. Pricing has not been
determined.
"This new release will include all the features most requested by
WebSTAR users -- increased performance, integrated SSL, an email
server and FileMaker connectivity," explained Eric Zelenka, WebSTAR
product manager. "Beyond these huge additions, there are several
other improvements that are sure to be welcomed by our installed
base. With all the advancements in this new version, WebSTAR will
truly become a Server Suite, making it the first all-in-one option
for Mac-based serving that is extremely powerful, yet easy to use."
"WebSTAR provides the ease-of-use you expect from a Mac program, and
the flexibility and functionality are unsurpassed anywhere,"
commented Roland Dumas, webmaster with Roberts Information Services.
"It basically makes a part-time Webmaster look like a staff of UNIX
engineers. In the world of products released that are really
unfinished, StarNine consistently delivers on promises."
Dramatic Web Server Performance Boost
The WebSTAR Web server performance has been dramatically increased in
WebSTAR Server Suite 4.0, due in large part to a redesigned
intelligent caching architecture. Based on preliminary testing by
StarNine, the overall performance of the Web server is up to 100%
faster than earlier versions, with data transfer rates increasing
from 400% to 550%.
Email Server Now Included
WebSTAR Server Suite 4.0 includes a new WebSTAR Mail server for
integrated email services. The WebSTAR Mail server is a complete
SMTP/POP/IMAP email server, including support for multiple domain and
user accounts, remote Web-based email access capabilities, advanced
relay blocking and allow/deny security for the prevention of
unsolicited "spam" email. WebSTAR Mail also includes an LDAP server
for shared email directory of local users. WebSTAR Mail's next
generation IMAP server works with email clients like Eudora Pro,
Microsoft Outlook Express and Netscape Communicator to support
advanced capabilities such as remote email storage and content
synchronization.
Easy FileMaker Web Publishing
WebSTAR Server Suite 4.0 makes publishing databases on the Web easier
than ever with the new WebSTAR Lasso Publisher from Blue World
Communications, Inc. (see related StarNine press release dated
3/29/99). WebSTAR Lasso Publisher provides a subset of basic features
in Blue World's industry leading Lasso Web Data Engine(tm), and with
the included Lasso Instant Web Database Publishing capability lets
new users Web-publish their FileMaker Pro and ODBC databases in mere
minutes.
Integrated SSLv3 Encryption
Previously run as two separate servers, WebSTAR Server Suite 4.0
integrates for the first time HTTP and HTTPS Web servers within the
same application, offering even greater administrative convenience.
Primarily designed for eCommerce solutions, the new WebSTAR Web
server in WebSTAR Server Suite 4.0 now supports a larger number of
encryption options and certificate formats, including Server Gated
Cryptography, RC4-128, 3DES-112, DES-56, DES-40 and RC4-40, MAC.
Additional Features
WebSTAR Server Suite 4.0 includes dozens of additional enhancements
to the WebSTAR, FTP, and Proxy servers, including multiple index file
names, improved Web server error handling capabilities, definition of
FTP user storage limits, and support for upstream Proxy servers and
WebObjects. Complete details about these enhancements and many others
will be provided on StarNine's Web site when the software ships.
Pricing and Availability
WebSTAR Server Suite 4.0 is currently in beta testing, and is slated
for release in June of this year. Pricing has not been determined.
About WebSTAR
First released in 1995, WebSTAR is the defacto standard for Web
serving on the Mac OS. WebSTAR has won numerous industry awards and
is estimated to currently serve over 1,000,000 Internet and intranet
sites.
About StarNine
Located in Berkeley, California, StarNine is a leader in the
development of Internet server software, content creation tools and
email connectivity products. Best known for its WebSTAR server
software, StarNine also offers ListSTAR list server software,
StarNine Mail and Mail*Link Internet email gateways. StarNine
Technologies, Inc. is a privately held corporation, wholly owned by
Platinum Equity Holdings. Further information on StarNine may be
obtained by calling 800/525-2580, accessing StarNine's Web site at
http://www.starnine.com/, or sending info@starnine.com.
Media Contacts:
Naomi Pearce
Pearce Communications
510/528-0824
mailto:naomi@pearce.com
