Info-Mac 3/Info_Mac_1994-01.iso/Information/Hardware/PowerPC Q&A

Internet Message Format | 1993-12-30 | 23KB

Date: Sun, 28 Nov 1993 13:03:46 -0400 (EDT)
From: Dieder Bylsma <[e-mail]>
Subject: Apple's PowerPC Q&A (22k)

Forwarded from Mac-L: info on PowerPC

>FYI. Q & A on the PowerPC Macintosh in five easy lessons:
>Customer Issues
>Transition Issues
>System Software Issues
>Application Issues
>Competitive Issues
>
>About 22K of Apple propaganda follows. Delete now if this stuff doesn't
>interest you.
>------------------------

Produced by Apple Performance Development in cooperation with Jim Gable,
Product Marketing Manager, PowerPC 10/29/93

 CUSTOMER ISSUES

   Q:  How do I briefly explain and position Macintosh with PowerPC?
   A:  Macintosh with PowerPC is the next generation of personal computing.
- A price/performance breakthrough based on RISC technology.
- Offers smooth migration paths for both Mac and PC users.
- Has excellent future growth on the Apple, IBM and Motorola alliance.

   Q:  Why should any customer want a PowerPC-based computer?
   A:  PowerPC offers substantial price/performance gains over the 680x0
and x86 series of microprocessors.  This performance gain lends itself to
the emergence of new and exciting technologies, including speech
recognition, telephony, video, and a multitude of other powerful
capabilities.  Further extending the power and performance of the Macintosh
platform will enable customers to increase their productivity using today's
computing solutions as well as making brand new solutions possible -- at an
affordable price.  Additionally, Apple's first products based on PowerPC
are the beginning of a new family of RISC-based products.  While the Intel
world is stretching an old architecture, PowerPC is the start of a new
technology curve.

   Q:  Will a PowerPC Macintosh "look" different than a Macintosh today?
   A:  The primary operating system for the PowerPC Macintosh is System
7-the same operating system shipping with every Macintosh today.  Unlike
other vendors who require users to switch to a new operating system to
benefit from RISC technology, Apple is moving our mainstream operating
system to PowerPC technology.  Users the get power of RISC technology, the
familiar Macintosh user interface, and need no re-training.

   Q:  How do I position PowerPC to a current Macintosh customer?
   A:  For a Macintosh user, the PowerPC story is simple.  It's a
Macintosh.   Your old software just works.  New software is really fast.

   Q:  How do I position PowerPC to a DOS/Windows-friendly audience?
   A: Here we need to explain the advantages of making the technology leap
to RISC technology.  Once people understand this, we can show why Apple has
an excellent migration story.

   Q:  As a Windows user, why should I even care about Apple's PowerPC
machines?
   A:  PowerPC offers a price/performance breakthrough in comparison to the
x86 architecture that Windows users run today.  By migrating to PowerPC,
DOS/Windows users step onto this stronger growth path while maintaining
software flexibility.

 TRANSITION ISSUES

   Q:  Apple will be selling both 680x0-based and PowerPC-based Macintosh
systems. How will a customer know which to buy?
   A:  As they have in the past, customers will make their purchase
decisions with certain criteria in mind:  features, price, performance,
etc.  New to their decision process, though, will be the features and
capabilities enabled by the performance breakthrough of PowerPC.  As usual,
there will be a "ladder" of choices built on price vs. performance,
including both 680x0-based and PowerPC-based systems.  Customers will
choose where their needs fit into that ladder.  Just as Apple sold millions
of 68030 products in 1993 even though 68040 products were available, we
expect to sell millions of 68040 products in1994 as PowerPC moves into our
mid-range and high-end.

   Q:  How do I leverage interest in the upcoming PowerPC Macintosh line to
sell 680x0-based systems now?  Upgrades?  May not need PowerPC?
   A:  It's important to understand the upgrade offerings Apple has
pre-announced to help customers purchase the systems they need today.  We
are putting together the most comprehensive upgrade program ever, starting
with these detailed statements about upgrade paths.  Keep in mind too that
many, many customers will be very satisfied with our new entry-level
products, like the Quadra 605, regardless of PowerPC.

   Q:  What sort of upgrade solutions will Apple have available at
introduction, and how much will those upgrades cost?
   A:  Earlier this year, Apple announced its intention to offer upgrades
to PowerPC technology for the following Macintosh models:  IIvx, IIvi,
Performa 600, Centris 610, 650, 660AV, Quadra 800, and 840AV.  This month
Apple also announced that the Quadra 610, Quadra 650 and AWS 60, 80, and 95
can be upgraded.  To respond to customer questions Apple also stated that
upgrades will be available at introduction and that their prices will start
as low as $1,000.  Additionally, Apple and third-party developers are
working to create upgrades for other Macintosh models as well.  Details on
upgrade options will be made available when specific PowerPC-based
Macintosh products are announced.

   Q:  Why are upgrades not specifically mentioned for the Quadra 700, 900,
950, the LC family or several other products ?
   A:  We have only announced the upgrades that will definitely be
available from Apple at or near the first introduction of PowerPC. Not only
are we continuing to work on other upgrade options, we are also enabling
third party developers to offer Mac compatible PowerPC upgrades.

   Q:  Will there be a Quadra 950 server based on PowerPC?
   A:  Yes.  Apple Business Systems announced a full upgrade path for
PowerPC  this October.  See the press release for more details.

   Q:  Will important K-12 applications be compatible at introduction
(e.g., ClarisWorks, Mac School, HyperCard)?
   A:  Nearly any application that runs on current 680x0 models will be
compati ble on PowerPC.  While the initial focus for native applications is
targeted more towards mid-range and high-end customers, we expect most
developers to start PowerPC projects soon if they haven't already.

 SYSTEM SOFTWARE ISSUES

   Q:  How compatible are today's applications with the PowerPC Macintosh?
   A:  Today's Macintosh applications should run, without modification, on
PowerPC-based Macintosh models. Apple expects their performance to be
surprisingly responsive. Of course, performance will vary dramatically
based on the application and other factors. In actual use, performance will
range from a fast 68030- to a 68040-based Macintosh.  Apple has been
testing 3rd party software at developer conferences throughout the world,
as well as in our own labs.  After testing over a thousand packages, we are
confident that compatibility will be excellent.

   Q:  Why would someone run PowerOpen instead of Mac OS on PowerPC?
   A:  Primarily, the benefit of PowerOpen is access to the UNIX operating
system.  Also under PowerOpen, a Macintosh user can execute MS-DOS, A/UX,
AIX, or System 7 applications.

   Q:  Which operating system will a PowerPC Mac run?  System 8?
PowerOpen?
   A:  Most PowerPC-based Macintosh systems, like 680x0-based systems, will
ship with the standard Macintosh Operating System, System 7. However,
customers who want client/server solutions, multi-user applications, or
UNIX applications and services, will be able to use PowerOpen-Apple's
forthcoming open systems platform.

   Q:  What about DOS/Windows?
   A:  PowerPC gives us a greatly improved story for DOS/Windows users.
Insignia Solutions is working on a native version of SoftPC, which they
call SoftWindows, for PowerPC.  The 601 is a far better platform for their
emulat or than today's 68040s.  Consequently a DOS or Windows program can
run at speeds comparable to a 486.  With this technology, Macintosh with
PowerPC offers a migration path for the two operating systems that really
matter in the large marketplace today-Macintosh and DOS/Windows.

   Q:  Will System 7 Pro run?  QuickTime 1.6.1?
   A:  Both System 7 Pro and QuickTime are being updated for PowerPC.
Other capabilities developed as stand-alone system software extensions such
as AppleScript and QuickDraw GX will be available on both 680x0-based and
PowerPC-based Macintosh systems.

   Q:  Will recompiled applications work with AOCE communications on a
PowerPC Macintosh?
   A:  An AOCE product that currently runs on 680x0-based Macintosh systems
will work on PowerPC-based Macintosh systems with the updated System 7 Pro.
 Similarly, a recompiled AOCE application will work on the PowerPC-based
Macintosh while taking advantage of the inherent speed increases and
capabilities of native applications.

   Q:  Will the OS (System 7) print drivers be compatible with current
products?
   A:  Nearly all drivers (including print drivers), INITs, and CDEVs, and
other utility software will work on PowerPC-based Macintosh systems.

   Q:  Will my existing peripherals work (CD-ROM, hard drives, scanners,
printers)?
   A:  NuBus cards (such as networking and video cards), AppleTalk devices
(such as printers), SCSI devices (such as hard disks, scanners, and CD
ROMs), ADB devices (such as mice, trackballs and keyboards), and other
Macintosh cards and peripherals are compatible with PowerPC.  If a hardware
device works with the new Macintosh AV systems, the odds are excellent that
it will work on PowerPC with no problems.

   Q:  Will PowerPC-based and 680x0-based systems co-exist on the same
network or environment?
   A:  Yes.  You will be able to mix RISC-based and 680x0-based Macintosh
systems on the same networks, exchange files and disks between them, and
enjoy all the other benefits expected from a Macintosh.

   Q:  How will file sharing work on PowerPC?
   A:  Like nearly everything on today's Macintosh, it just works.  From
the user perspective, file sharing functions exactly as it does today both
locally or across a wide network.  File sharing will also work between a
680x0-based Macintosh and a PowerPC Macintosh.

   Q:  Is there a true multitasking, protected memory operating system on a
PowerPC Macintosh?
   A:  The operating system shipping on the first generation of
PowerPC-based Macintosh systems will be the same System 7 available today.
While this includes cooperative multitasking, it does not offer protected
memory or pre-emption.  Future versions of system software from Apple will
incorporate pre-emptive multitasking and protected memory.

   Q:  What is Taligent working on for PowerPC?
   A:  Taligent is creating a completely new object-oriented operating
system. Due in the middle of this decade, Taligent software will run on
Apple's PowerPC-based Macintosh systems.

 APPLICATION ISSUES

   Q:  Which applications will be ready at release and when will a
substantial number of native applications be available?
   A:  Nearly all current Macintosh applications will be compatible at
release of the first PowerPC-based Macintosh models.  Many developers are
currently porting their products to the PowerPC platform, so there should
be a large number of native applications in a very short time.  For an
extended period, users should expect to see many applications offered in
both a 680x0 version and a PowerPC native version.

   Q:  What determines whether or not an application will work on a PowerPC
Macintosh?
   A:  If an application is currently written following available Macintosh
programming guidelines, it should run without modification on PowerPC
through the 68LC040 emulation.  (The "LC" stands for the low cost `040.
These chips do not have floating point units.  An existing application that
requires a floating point unit will have to be re-compiled for PowerPC.
However, the speed increase for floating point is so phenomenal that these
developers are the most excited about the change.)

   Q:  What won't run on PowerPC?
   A:  Applications that do not run on current Macintosh systems.  In other
words, those that have not followed the currently available Macintosh
programming guidelines, will consequently not run on PowerPC-based
Macintosh models.  In our testing to date, compatibility looks very good.

   Q:  Which third-party applications are already running in native mode?
   A:  Although there is no definitive list of native applications, a large
number of software developers, including Adobe Systems, Inc., ACIUS Inc.,
Aldus Corporation, Claris Corporation, Deneba Software, Frame Technology,
Insignia Solutions, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Quark Inc., Specular
International, and WordPerfect Corporation have announced their intentions
to offer new, native versions of their software packages.  Seven more
developers announced support this October.  (See press releases.)  In
addition, Apple is working with hundreds of other developers worldwide to
ensure that all kinds of existing Macintosh applications will be revised to
take advantage of PowerPC processor performance.

   Q:  What do customers with custom applications need to do to ensure
compatibility?
   A:  Custom applications, if written properly according to currently
available Macintosh programming guidelines, will run without modification
on PowerPC.  To ensure smooth transition to Macintosh with PowerPC,
developers should do the following:  Write in ANSI C or C++, ensure that
data structures are aligned, don't depend on the 680x0 run-time model,
isolate and minimize use of low-memory globals, isolate and eliminate use
of internal Toolbox calls, isolate dependencies on 80-bit extended format
numeric type, don't be depend on specific interrupt levels, be 32-bit
clean, and avoid patching traps.  For more information, any developer can
contact Apple's Developer Services at 408/974-4897.

   Q:  Will Apple be publishing a list of PowerPC-compatible Macintosh
software?
   A: Nearly all software that currently runs on 680x0-based Macintosh
models
will run on PowerPC.  A list of exceptions is more likely than a list of
compatibles, since most all applications will be running at introduction.

 TECHNICAL ISSUES

   Q:  How fast is the 68LC040 emulation mode and what is the expected
performance of native applications?
   A:  Apple expects the performance of existing application to vary
dramatically based on the application and other factors. In actual use,
performance will range from a fast 68030- to a 68040-based Macintosh.
Native PowerPC applications are expected to be two to four times as fast as
the same application running on today's Motorola 68040 or Intel's 80486
systems. Applications using floating-point mathematical operations (3-D
rendering, CAD,etc.) could see performance increases as much as tenfold.

   Q:  Is as PowerPC Macintosh really 4 to 10 times faster than a Quadra
950?
   A:  Yes.  In fact, applications written specifically for PowerPC
processors (native) have been benchmarked at 8 to 10 times faster in
mathematical calculations.  But this is definitely one of the best cases we
know.  In general, we expect speed increases in the range of 2 to 4 times.

   Q:  Is there any special "tuning" of the operating system required for
the PowerPC Macintosh that results in greater performance boosts?
   A:  Apple is optimizing parts of System 7 for the highest performance on
the PowerPC processor.  This will benefit applications written for
680x0systems as well as those developed for PowerPC.  For example, Apple is
modifying the Macintosh Toolbox procedures that take the most computational
power (such as QuickDraw) to take full advantage of the RISC performance of
PowerPC.

   Q:  How does a developer migrate an application from emulation to native
PowerPC?
   A:  Developers may choose between the Apple-provided solution or a
number of third-party solutions to port their products to PowerPC. The
Apple-provided solution is the "Macintosh on PowerPC SDK" (Software
Developers Kit).  Editing, compiling, and linking will be performed on a
680x0-based Macintosh, while execution and debugging will occur on a target
(PowerPC) system.

   Q:  How can you have one version of an application that runs on either
680x0 or PowerPC?
   A:  Current 680x0-based applications will run without modification on
PowerPC-based Macintosh systems.  Vendors may choose to port their
applications to PowerPC, thus maximizing performance.  Vendors may also
choose to keep both application versions available for purchase since both
680x0-based and PowerPC-based Macintosh models will be for sale for years
to come.  This also should meet the needs of the currently installed based
of 680x0 Macintosh customers.

   Q:  What are the other speed enhancements the PowerPC Macintosh?  Real
SCSI-2? Graphics acceleration?  I/O acceleration?
   A: We will continue to improve other parts of system performance as we
have in the past.  You can expect PowerPC to build on the improved I/O
architecture introduced with the Macintosh AV products, for example.

   Q:  When will PCI be implemented?
   A:  PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) is a high-performance card
expansion architecture designed to eliminate bottlenecks between a
computer's processor and its high bandwidth peripherals, such as
networking, video, and graphics.  Apple in adopting the PCI expansion bus
for future Macintosh computers in order to offer its customers the higher
performance levels required as video, graphics, multimedia and other needs
grow in popularity. PCI will be offered in a second generation of PowerPC
products from Apple.  All initial PowerPC products will continue with NuBus
cards.

   Q:  Is there really a PowerPC instruction called "eieio?"
   A:  Yes.

 COMPETITIVE ISSUES

   Q:  Why is PowerPC better than Pentium?
   A:  The first generation PowerPC processor, the PowerPC 601, performs
comparably at integer calculations and exceeds Pentium at floating-point
calculations.  In addition, the 601 is half the size of, and requires
little more than half the power of a Pentium processor.  Yet Motorola and
IBM offer the 601 at about half the cost of a Pentium processor.  In short,
superior performance at half the cost.  This is the advantage of moving to
a new technology curve with a RISC architecture.

   Q:  Intel says they will keep the x86 architecture up to date with RISC.
 Can they?
   A:  Some people believe that Intel is so large and so profitable that
they can keep up with RISC technology.  We believe that the advantages
demonstrated  in a 601 to Pentium comparison are only the beginning of the
increasing benefits of RISC technology.  For example, the 601 has twice the
on-board memory cache as a Pentium chip even though it actually has fewer
transistors.  Here's another indicator-in both workstations and PDAs, RISC
technology has won out over CISC technology.  The workstation vendors must
offer the best price/performance possible to stay competitive, and they all
offer RISC.  The new PDA market had no backward compatibility concerns and
most new entrees have selected RISC. Clearly there are compelling technical
reasons for these facts.

   Q:  I've seen a lot of press applauding PowerPC over Pentium.  Are there
any areas where Pentium is better?
   A:  Sure.  Pentium is not bad technology.  In fact, it's an incredibly
advanced chip that will sell in very high volumes over the coming years.
However, it shows the complexity and cost of stretching CISC technologies
forward. Intel refers to Pentium as the "next generation of compatible
power."  This plays to their greatest advantage-it can run old DOS/Windows
applications faster than any other chip.  Intel has to hope that this edge
remains compelling in the face of new PowerPC applications running even
faster.

   Q:  If IBM, Dell, AST, or Compaq build PowerPC machines that will run
Windows NT, what is the Apple advantage?
   A:  Apple's approach to System Software offers the smoothest transition
to RISC of any vendor.  Other companies are asking customers to adopt
complex, large and sometimes unproven operating systems to move to RISC
(UNIX, OS/2, NT, etc.)  Apple is simply using System 7.  Just as
importantly, Apple has a dramatic lead in offering native applications on
Macintosh with PowerPC.  Because we have been working with developers for
nearly two years in some cases, we will have an impressive collection of
native applications in 1994 while our competition will probably have much
less to show.

   Q:  Why would a customer want a PowerPC-based computer from Apple rather
than one from the competition?
   A:  Apple's products will be very competitive for both new and old
reasons. As stated before, our migration to RISC is the easiest available.
And we have the native applications.  At the same time, we can offer the
superior user interface and simple operation of Macintosh.  As one of the
world's largest personal computer manufacturers, we can offer aggressive
prices.  And we continue to lead with innovative technologies like AV.

   Q:  How is Apple's PowerPC approach different from other vendors'
PowerPC approach?
   A:  Again, Apple is building the easiest path the RISC technology and we
have the native applications.  Our focus on excellent compatibility gives
Macintosh owners a simple choice, and our work with Insignia will give
DOS/Windows users a migration path as well.  This allows customers: 1) to
move forward with the newest and most powerful technologies available, 2)
guarantees compatibility with their currently installed base and, 3)
preserves their investments.

   Q:  Will the Apple PowerPC machines run an IBM OS (i.e., Workplace
Shell),  and will IBM machines or clones be able to run System 7?
   A:  Certain PowerPC Macintosh models will run the PowerOpen operating
system (when it becomes available.)  We have no plans to offer OS/2,
Workplace or any other IBM OS on Apple's PowerPC systems as of now.  On the
other side, IBM can offer Macintosh compatibility only through PowerOpen
(AIX UNIX).

   Q:  Which operating systems will IBM be able to run on their PowerPC
products (Workplace OS, AIX, PowerOpen, Macintosh) and when?
   A:  In a recent PowerPC promotional event, IBM announced that their
PowerPC-based products would be able to run AIX, DOS, OS/2, Windows NT, and
Workplace OS.  It's interesting to note that DOS and Windows will need an
emulator from IBM to run, just as Apple needs Insignia.  So our offering
should hold up well in comparison.  In fact, Microsoft is using Insignia
technology in their NT ports to RISC systems.
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