In the last couple of months rumors abound regarding the status of NewWave. Perhaps you have heard one? Well, to set the rumors straight... and clarify some NewWave terminology, NewWave is NOT dead. In fact it is alive and well and HP/PCD is enjoying record orders through the reseller channel and major accounts. So now, the question is... how did this rumor come to be? There has been a great deal of confusion over the "NewWave" terminology. In the past few years, several "NewWave" terms have been coined: NewWave Computing, which described the client/server distributed technology of the future; NewWave Office, which described a broad set of HP and 3rd party client and server applications; NewWave Mail, a PC based e-mail front end to OpenMail and HPDesk; and last but not least ... NewWave, the desktop manager for Windows which provides the "Easiest Way to Organize Your Work." Although you may have been updated regarding a change in CCSY's strategy beyond "NewWave Office," this change in no way affects the commitment for NewWave, the Desktop Manager for Windows from PC Software Division. So specifically, we visit the latest rumors... 1. Is NewWave "on the way out?" Absolutely not! It is alive and well and plans for future development extend well into the future. We have received a tremendous amount of positive feedback about our latest release, NewWave 4.1. In the last two weeks, NewWave has received a Byte Magazine "Award of Merit" and Windows Magazine "Win100 Award." With its significant performance increase and better integration, it has strongly positioned Hewlett Packard in providing the "Easiest Way to Organize Your Work." We continue to evolve a product line that provides this value to our customers. 2. Are there future development plans for NewWave? Yes... we have rolled out a 4.1 version of NewWave only six months after our 4.0 version. We are currently collating data from a variety of customers consultants, analysts and press to set priorities for future releases. It will continue to be our goal provide the "Easiest Way to Organize Your Work," and enhancements will be focused on improving this benefit. 3. What happened to NewWave applications? NewWave began supporting the Microsoft OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) interface standard with its release of version 4.0. This alleviated the need for using NewWave specific applications in order to manage compound documents. By giving developers one interface, all applications can work to one standard and enjoy a consistent level of integration with all Windows applications. Therefore, the NewWave Developers Kit was obsoleted April, 1992. Since this strategy allows us to add value to all Windows software, the need for "NewWave-Aware" applications becomes redundant. Given the fact that every ISV has different timing and means of communicating with the marketplace, it's understandable that confusion may occur as the name NewWave has been dropped from OTHER products. 4. But what about the Agent? We recognize that Agents continue to be a significant contribution of NewWave. In fact, a comprehensive NewWave Agent handbook will be available at bookstores in late March. The book is published by Addison Wesley, NY and is authored by Towell and Martin. 5. Are there sales tools available to assist in the sales cycle? Yes... we have sales tools available for NewWave, the Easy Desktop Manager for Windows. Other products in the client-server systems mix are marketed by SSG/CCSY, and they will be happy to update you on their strategy for electronic mail, database access, etc. Please remember that PCD "OEMs" NewWave to CCSY just as we do to NCR and Data General. For NewWave, the Easy Desktop Manager for Windows (PN D1704C, SRP $195), PC Software Division has compiled a package which contains a reviewers guide, the latest industry articles and reviews, and a data sheet. CCSY has a supply of these packets, or you may call PCD directly at 1-800-554-1305. We have also assigned Dona Rozhin, TN 720-3281, to be available to help close any big deals where it is appropriate for PCD, as an OEM supplier, to assist CCSY. I have attached a letter from Dick Hackborn which underscores our commitment to PC software in general and to NewWave in particular. In addition, I have included a copy of the press release announcing NewWave 4.1. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me. Regards, Kevin Schofield Worldwide Sales and Support, Packaged Software Products PC Software Division TN 720-3006