home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Simtel MSDOS 1992 June
/
SIMTEL_0692.cdr
/
msdos
/
ventura
/
npenw_13.arc
/
NPENWS13.ARC
/
SUMMIT.TXT
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1989-01-27
|
5KB
|
108 lines
For Immediate Release.
November 21, 1988
Westlake Village, CA
Business Editors and Computer Writers
SUMMIT Telecommunications today announced an on-line information network
that provides customers with easy access to various services for communication,
business, entertainment or research use. The SUMMIT network is available
to anyone who has a personal computer (PC), modem and phone line.
The system will be released nationwide in January, 1989.
Services offered by SUMMIT include news, weather, sports, private
electronic mail, real-time conferencing, multi-player games, reference
materials, newsletters, celebrity interviews, travel guides and shopping
services. Contracts have been signed with over 50 information providers
and news sources such as USA Today and Business Wire.
SUMMIT features a unique multi-tasking design that allows customers
to run multiple information tasks simultaneously -- without incurring
any additional charges. Tasks are controlled by the SUMMIT Communicator,
a software program supplied free to members. The Communicator can
display up to four windows, each of which can control any SUMMIT service.
All choices and options are provided in easy-to-use menus, making
it unnecessary to learn any computer programming or commands.
According to Bryan Eggers, V.P. of Marketing, "One example of multi-tasking
would be to monitor up-to-the-minute business news in one window while
using a second window to compose and send electronic mail. In this
scenario, the second taks would essentially be free because the multi-tasking
is allowing more efficient use of the modem bandwidth. SUMMIT reduces
the connect time required to complete a typical on-line session and
this results in a cost savings for the customer."
"SUMMIT is the first information network to design both the host computer
system and the customer's PC software," said Eggers. "This gives SUMMIT
a competetive edge because the proper integration of multi-tasking
requires that it be included in the initial design phase, not as an
afterthought. We designed the entire system to take full advantage
of our multi-tasking concept."
Forums (Special Interest Groups) provide an on-line gathering place
for people with common interests. Each Forum includes a public bulletin
board, conference room, software database, member directory, topic-related
news, announcements, polls and surveys. Private services are available
to companies, groups or organizations.
SUMMIT's national network will be supplemented by local services to
be marketed in select metropolitan areas. Each local service will
be customized to the needs and interests of the community.
SUMMIT charges $6 per hour during non-business hours (7pm to 6am)
and $18 per hour during business hours (6am to 7pm). Hourly rates
include 300, 1200 or 2400 baud access through Tymnet and Telenet lines.
These lines make SUMMIT available as a local phone call to most U.S.
cities and over 60 foreign countries.
"Our aim at SUMMIT is to make computer communications more efficient,
easier to use and more affordable," said Eggers. "Customers can now
control a powerful, multi-tasking information network using a standard
PC-compatible computer."
SUMMIT Telecommunications, a privately held company, provides national
and local information services.
--30--
End of Press Release
Pretty sharp huh? And pay CLOSE attention to that multi-tasking concept!
This means you can download that program you want in one window, check
the messages and compose your replies in another and you still have
two more windows to spare! The concept is truly revolutionary for
a huge on-line information service. And the software that takes care
of all this is FREE!
Take my word when I also tell you that this service is major league.
The size and potential capacities of SUMMIT's systems surpass almost
any similar operations. Yes, even the big names...combined! It's going
to be incredible!
And for you desktop publishers out there, SUMMIT will be bringing
you a forum dedicated completely to your interests! A national one-stop
gathering place for all of your desktop publishing ideas, comments,
questions and, of course, the desktop publishing files you've come
to love from NPE BBS systems across North America!
The desktop publishing forum on SUMMIT will be hosted by myself, NPE
founder Ed Aborn, and Ron LaFon, West Coast Editor of the NPE Monthly
and NPE regional coordinator. We'll be bringing you up-to-the-minute
desktop publishing info from both coasts. We'll even be bringing you
some of the latest news and trends before they happen! We want to
let electronic communication live up to its potential--and that is
to be an instant barometer of events. No need to wait for that paper
or magazine to come out. You'll know often before they will!
Anyway, just wanted to get the word out and invite everyone to stop
in at SUMMIT upon it's opening in January. Keep your eyes posted for
more info as we get it on signing up, tours, test drives etc. Don't
forget to tell your friends and associates! Thanks and have fun!