Newsbytes - Internationa…ews 1983 May to 1994 June/Newsbytes - International Computing Industry News 1994 Edition - May 1983 - June 1994 - Wayzata Technologies (5045) (1994).iso/pc/text/mac_text/1994/jan_feb_94/nb010694

Text File | 1994-01-06 | 71KB | 1,574 lines

(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(DEL)(00001)

India -  HP Wins $2M Orders For RISC Systems 01/06/94
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- HCL Hewlett-Packard Ltd.
(HCL HP) has received orders worth R7 crore for its HP-9000
800 series reduced instruction-set computer (RISC)-based Unix
machines.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) will purchase eight machines,
which amounts to R3.2 crore (about $1 million). The Godrej Group
has also placed an order worth R4 crore ($1.3 million). HAL will
put the machines into use for production planning, inventory
management and accounting, while Godrej intends to distribute
them among its various engineering divisions.

According to HCL HP Director Ajai K. Chowdhry, the company is
aiming for a 35 percent market share in the current year of
the RISC-based computers market estimated at R300 crore in
India. Of this, a R100 crore market exists for workstations
intended for scientific and engineering applications, with a
R200 crore market for RISC-based multiprocessors designed
for business applications.

In the first quarter of 1993 (July-September), HCL HP claimed
to have sold RISC-based Unix machines worth R50 crore ($17
million). HCL-HP recorded a turnover of R223 crore ($75 million)
last year and the market share is expected to rise by 20 percent
in the current year.

The company has also delivered its first indigenously-designed
Pentium-based system -- Meteor 500/PM -- to the National
Informatics Center.

In another move, HCL HP has decided to sell the full range of
Hewlett-Packard's peripherals including Deskjet and Laserjet
printers, plotters, scanners, along with the palmtop and
notebook computers directly in its 104 outlets and through its
marketing subsidiary, Frontline Solutions Ltd. Until now,
Microland Ltd., and Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd.,
were selling the peripherals in India. Henceforth, Hewlett-
Packard India Ltd. will have three distributors.

(C.T. Mahabharat/19940106)


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(LAX)(00002)

ALR's "Evolution" Pentium-Based PCs Win Honors 01/06/94
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Advanced Logic
Research (ARL) has been honored twice by computer industry
publications for its Pentium-based Evolution V Desktop system.
PC Magazine gave it the "Editor's Choice" award and IDG Le Monde
Informatique magazine awarded the system "1993 Product of the
Year."

This adds to the distinctions the Evolution V has received since
its announcement in May of 1993, says the company. The system
also earned the Comdex/Spring '93 "Best of Show" award, the IDG
Infoworld "Recommended Product" seal, and was a finalist for
PC/Computing's "MVP" (most valuable product) award.

The PC Magazine recognition was after a review of 11 personal
computer (PC) systems all based on Intel's top-of-the-line
microprocessor, including models by IBM, Compaq, and Gateway.

The Le Monde Informatique magazine accolade was for the Evolution
VQ, rated top among the 50 systems tested and designed for use as
a file-server on a network. The system offers a 128-bit data path
coupled with a 512 kilobyte second level cache. The chassis has
room for 10 expansion slots, 13 drive bays, and includes a 415-
watt power supply to accommodate heavier electrical needs. It
also includes an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA)
bus and a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local
bus architecture.

According to ALR, the Evolution V was the first Pentium PC to
enter the market for less than $3,000 and one of the first to
ship in volume. Prices for Evolution V systems start at $2,495,
but that figure does not include a hard disk drive or a monitor.
However, a spokesperson for ALR said the company is currently
running a special promotion that includes the monitor with the
basic system.

It appears Irvine, California-based ALR is working hard to fight
a downhill slide. The company has struggled financially the last
two years, reporting lower revenues and earnings each year. Its
fiscal 1993 earnings, reported September 30, 1993, fell into
the red on revenues of $170 million, a figure nearly 20 percent
less than that of 1992.

(Linda Rohrbough/19940106/Press Contact: Dave Kirkey, Advanced
Logic Research, tel [phone], fax [phone]; Public
Contact, ALR, 800-444-4257)


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(LAX)(00003)

High-Res, Color Immersive Monitor For VR Viewing 01/06/94
MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Fakespace
says it is shipping the first two BOOM3C units, the latest version
of its full-color immersive monitor for viewing three-dimensional
(3-D) images. However, the monitors do not come cheap, costing
$95,000 each.

The NASA Ames Research Center and the Naval Research Laboratory
are the first two customers to receive the high-resolution, 3-D,
color display units that are reportedly similar to looking through
a pair of binoculars.

Just what would you look at through such binoculars? According
to officials at Fakespace, the BOOM3C is for viewing data in 3-D,
as it is generated by Silicon Graphics workstations. The data could
be the building plans for a commercial site, an environment, the
specifications for a device, or any number of items that can be
rendered in 3-D by a computer.

The BOOM3C hangs from an articulated arm counter-balanced by a
weight so the user does not have to worry about holding up the two
cathode ray tubes (CRTs), one for each eye, that allow the unit to
generate a very high quality, stereoscopic images.

Fakespace officials said the company went to separate CRTs in
order to provide the viewer with crispness, levels of shading,
and faster image updates than other display technologies could
offer. In the BOOM3C, three separate color filters are placed in
front of the CRTs and are synchronized to the red, green and blue
color field output of the Silicon Graphics Reality Engine
graphics video. This generates a 1,280 by 960 picture element
(pixel) color image at each eye.

Interchangeable graphics options allow the user to specify the
most suitable field-of-view, ranging from 30 to 140 degrees. Six
different movements -- x, y, z, roll, pitch, and yaw -- are possible.
Movement can be controlled by actually moving or with buttons in
the handles of the BOOM3C.

For NASA Ames in Moffet Field, California, this is the second
BOOM, replacing an earlier monochrome model used in development
of the Research Center's Virtual Wind Tunnel Project. The Virtual
Wind Tunnel simulates air flow patterns using computer models of
aerodynamic shapes and computational fluid dynamics software.

Steve Bryson, principal investigator in the Virtual Wind Tunnel
Project said: "Color mapping of scalar data, such as temperature
and pressure, is a critical component of effective simulation and
visualization tools. For example, it allows visualization of air
flows and their temperature gradients simultaneously, which is
useful in evaluating the effects of engine placement on a jet
aircraft. The availability of a full-color, 3-D display for
viewing these simulations makes the Wind Tunnel a truly effective
tool that we will soon make available to researchers outside of
the NASA community."

The Naval Research Laboratory in Washington DC plans to use
its BOOM3C in its Effectiveness of Naval Electronic Warfare
Systems (ENEWS) program to develop virtual environment
simulations to interpret of military engagement data. The
prototype system combines information from several electronic
information sources and converts it into a 3-D image, so the
information can be more easily understood.

Fakespace says those upgrading from previous BOOM units can get
the BOOM3C for half-price, since the BOOM3C is the first color
BOOM.

(Linda Rohrbough/19940106/Press Contact: Eric Lorimer,
Fakespace, tel [phone], fax [phone]/PHOTO)


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(TOR)(00004)

Develcon Launches Hubs, Network Management 01/06/94
SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA, 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Aiming
at the growing branch-office networking market, Develcon
Electronics Ltd., has announced a line of Ethernet wiring hubs. The
company also responded to what it said was "user demand" for its
own network management offering by private-labeling network
management software from another vendor.

Develcon's DH series are stackable Ethernet wiring hubs meant for
remote offices. According to George Best, vice-president of
marketing at Develcon, the hubs are designed to be easy to
install and maintain, and some of them are manageable using the
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), which makes it easy
to troubleshoot problems at the remote site from a central location.

"The people in the (branch) office have generally very little
knowledge of the technology," Best said, "Nor do they want to."

Branch-office networking is a growth area, as organizations that
have networked their head offices set out to extend the
connections to their outposts. According to Evans Research Corp.,
a Toronto-based computer industry market researcher, growth in
the network router market is currently strongest for low-priced
devices aimed at remote offices, as well as among the very
top-of-the-line models.

The DH series includes three hub models: the DH1500, DH1700, and
DH2400 -- offering as many as 480 unshielded twisted pair (UTP)
ports at a cost of C$70 to C$100 per port, the company said.

Develcon also unveiled NMC Vision, a network management system
for its Ethernet bridges, bridge/router, stackable hubs, bridges,
and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) products.

NMC Vision supports SNMP. It can manage Develcon's and other
vendors' products, and Develcon hardware, including the new hubs,
can be managed by NMC Vision or other vendors' SNMP-compliant
network management systems, Best said.

Developed by a third party, NMC Vision is a response to customers
who asked to be able to buy network management from Develcon,
Best said, but he added that Develcon's focus remains on its
hardware. "We're certainly not looking to make the company a
network management company."

(Grant Buckler/19940106/Press Contact: George Best,
Develcon, 306-933-3300; Develcon, 800-667-9333 or
306-933-3300/PHOTO)


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(TOR)(00005)

Ziff, Disney To Launch Family Computing Magazine 01/06/94
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Ziff-Davis
Publishing Co., and Walt Disney Co., have announced plans for a
computer magazine aimed at families with children. Family PC is
to publish two issues this year and move to monthly publication
in 1995.

Jake Winebaum, who founded FamilyFun magazine and sold it to
Disney early in 1992, will be publisher and editor-in-chief of
the new Family PC magazine. He will also remain as president
and editor-in-chief of FamilyFun.

The publication date of Family PC's first issue is not definite,
Winebaum said, but a back-to-school issue in late summer is
quite likely.

Ziff-Davis, which publishes PC Magazine, PC Week, PC Computing
and other computer-oriented publications, said its research arm
ran focus groups with home computer users last August and found
that consumers want to do three things with their computers:
become more proficient computer users, help their children learn,
and entertain themselves.

The publishers also quoted a survey by Computer Intelligence
Corp., a La Jolla, California, research firm, that identified
tasks such as personal finances, games, children's education,
work brought home from the office, and home-based businesses
as major uses of home PCs.

The new magazine will include articles on helping children
learn at home, using computers to organize family life, and
new hardware and software.

Family PC will draw on the resources of PC Labs, Ziff-Davis'
product testing facility, to review new hardware and software,
Winebaum said. But he added that the new magazine will take a
different viewpoint than the business-oriented Ziff publications.
For instance, he said, Family PC will pay more attention to
issues such as ease-of-use and installation than to the raw
number-crunching power of hardware.

Circulation figures and advertising rates are to be published
later, officials said.

(Grant Buckler/19940106/Press Contact: Jake Winebaum,
Family PC, 212-633-3624; Greg Jarboe, Ziff-Davis,
617-393-3313)


(NEWS)(APPLE)(SFO)(00006)

Macworld - Microsoft Intros Kids Products 01/06/94
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Microsoft
Corp., has added two creative arts products for children aged eight
to 14 to its Microsoft Home line.

Creative Writer, now available for both Mac and Windows platforms,
is intended to enable and encourage children to develop creative
writing and publishing skills. Fine Arts, demonstrated at Macworld
San Francisco January 5 - 8, is designed for kids to learn basic art
techniques and allows creation of comic strips, posters, animated
pictures and other artistic projects.

The Microsoft Home division was recently formed, according to the
company, to serve the estimated 26 million homes that now
incorporate a Macintosh or IBM-compatible personal computer. This
market growth and interest has been spurred on by the rapid drops
in CPU (central processing unit) prices in the past year. The Home
line now includes approximately 35 titles.

Both Creative Writer and Fine Arts should also find their way into
teachers' software libraries, thanks to Microsoft's plan to give
away 15,000 copies nationwide. Teachers editions of both
applications have been developed.

To aid children's inspiration, both programs are hosted by
"wacky McZee," an on-screen character who provides context-
sensitive help and guidance. McZee's cohorts, Max and Maggie, are
intended to urge children to try new ideas, projects and tools.

The two titles ship without manuals. Microsoft claims that the
programs are so easy to use that manuals are not necessary. A
poster, included with the products, provides approximately 40
tips and tricks.

The software, including the teacher's Classroom Creativity Card
version, carries a suggested retail price of $64.95 each.
Multiple-copy teacher editions are also available, with prices
varying.

(Patrick McKenna/19940106)


(NEWS)(APPLE)(SFO)(00007)

Macworld - Connectix Intros Program To Double RAM 01/06/94
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Connectix
has released RAM Doubler, a utility, the company claims, will
double the memory of Macintosh computers with 4 megabytes (MB)
or more of RAM.

Working as a system extension, RAM Doubler is dropped into the
System Folder and works in the background invisible to the
user.  Connectix claims its new set of memory protocols can
typically triple the amount of information stored in a MB of RAM.
System 6 or higher and a Mac II or better are required.

Debbie Degutis explained to Newsbytes that the RAM Doubler
does not affect the first two MB of RAM and that the technology
could not be released while the patent is pending. The program
does not make programs run faster, but will allow more windows
to be open.

Connectix also produce Connectix PowerBook Utilities, Desktop
Utilities, Virtual, MAXIMA, and MODE32. It is located in
San Mateo, California.

(Patrick McKenna/19940106/Press & Public Contact:
415-571-5100 or 800-950-5880)


(NEWS)(APPLE)(SFO)(00008)

Macworld - Kodak, Sir Speedy In Joint CD Venture 01/06/94
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- At
Macworld Exposition in San Francisco,  Eastman Kodak Company
and Sir Speedy Inc., announced a formal agreement to create
Kodak Photo CD Portfolio Disks.

With 312 locations in 37 states, Sir Speedy will offer customers
a service which will take computer-designed presentations from
floppy disks and produce a finished Photo CD Portfolio disk
playable on televisions, CD-I (Compact Disk-Interactive) players
and multimedia-ready computers.

Kodak has developed software to create a high resolution Photo
CD image with accompanying text, sound, graphics, and
interactive menus. According to the company, this is another
step forward for Kodak's commitment to be a leader in the
digital imaging market.

Sir Speedy, one of the world's largest franchisers of printing
and copying centers, and Copies Now (a Sir Speedy subsidiary)
has trained specialists at each location to assist customers
in the design of their own disc presentations, the firm said.

Customers will bring in their own presentation of
computer-assembled  photos, sounds, images, and graphics from
programs such as Adobe Photoshop or Aldus Persuasion to be
developed into a Photo CD Portfolio Disk. The customer
presentation may be delivered to Sir Speedy  in film, floppy
disk or CD.

The specialist will work with the customer to develop menu
options, sound timing, sequencing, and other options, Sir Speedy
said. The presentation script is then sent to a central location
where the master disk is produced.

Target markets for this service will be corporate presentations,
trade show displays, educational programs, and informational
kiosks. Kodak states that the CD Portfolio Disk provides an
economical tool for large data presentations. The cost of
production will vary depending on size and sounds and graphics.

Interested customers are urged to visit any of the participating
Sir Speedy locations for a demonstration of the Kodak Portfolio
CD system.  Sir Speedy  will also offer standard film processing
and computer file output to CDs.

(Patrick McKenna/19940106)


(NEWS)(APPLE)(SFO)(00009)

Macworld - Aldus Intros Persuasion 3.0 01/06/94
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- After
two years in the making, version 3.0 of Persuasion for the
Macintosh was unveiled at the Macworld Expo by Aldus Corp.

This major upgrade of the cross-platform graphical software
provides a redesigned interface with floating toolbox and color
palettes, a full-fledged OLE (object linking and embedding)
charting module, newer color models, and greater multimedia
presentation options. Version 3.0 has a total of 300 enhancements.

Persuasion 3.0 was developed in consideration of the needs
and abilities of the professional and semi-professional user,
according to the company.

Aldus claims that the users of Aldus FreeHand and PageMaker
will find Persuasion 3.0 an ideal companion for the creation,
management, and delivery of sophisticated business presentations.
Although Persuasion is directed to the high-end user, Aldus says
it used "ease of learning and effectiveness" as the major guidelines
for this new version.

The new interface offers extensive gallery previews of slide and
chart styles accompanied by prompts for creating titles and
bulleted text and charts. The new charting feature has 84 different
chart types that include: bar, line area, pie, three-dimensional riser,
floating, connected, scattered, polar, and radar. The multimedia
features include sound importing, slide preview, sound overs, color
palette management, autojump, auto-animation, and Kodak Photo
CD support.

Version 3.0 has precision placement controls for nudging of line
spacing, text, objects and shadows. Editable Clipart symbols,
automatic pair kerning, color format independence, and snaps are
a sample of the new features created for greater control.

File transfer is possible between the Windows and Macintosh
versions and charting and table modules can be used as
stand-alone OLE servers with other OLE applications, including
PageMaker and Microsoft Word.

Persuasion 3.0 requires System 7, a Macintosh llcx or greater,
Centris, LC lll, PowerBook 140 or greater, or a Quadra are
recommended with at least 5 megabytes of RAM.  The output
device should be a PostScript-compatible laser printer, a
Macintosh-compatible desktop film recorder or a slide-service
bureau handling Macintosh files.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $495. All
registered users can purchase the upgrade for $150. The
release is scheduled for the first half of 1994.

(Patrick McKenna/19940106/Public Contact: Aldus Corp.,
206-622-5500)


(NEWS)(APPLE)(SFO)(00010)

Macworld - Fractal Design Intros Dabbler Drawing Prgm 01/06/94
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- At
Macworld Exposition/San Francisco, Fractal Design Corp.,
known for its Painter 2.0, announced Dabbler, a new,
learn-to-draw program for the Macintosh.

Dabbler is designed to attract aspiring artists from five to
95 years of age. It features a simple interface, tutorials,
16-bit color, and a wide array of tools. The interface is a
drawer system for tool storage with sound cues for the
different tools. The tools (54) include brushes, pencils,
crayons, pens, chalk, air brush, water brush, motion blur
and 20 different papers and surfaces.

All of its files are compatible with Painter and other
Fractal Design products, as well as Kodak Photo CD format.

Fractal says that Dabbler is the first drawing program to work
with a recognized art instruction system. The tutorial is done
in conjunction with Walter Foster, author of the popular "How
To Draw" series. The tutorials follow the Foster teaching methods
to develop beginner artistic skills with step-by-step directions
coordinating with a record feature for reference and
experimentation.

Dabbler's Clone feature offers the ability to draw directly
over photographic images from the famous artist files. Upon
completion the photograph is dropped away leaving the work of
the new artist.

The use of 16-bit color provides a fast performance and runs
easily on four megabytes (MB) of RAM. Dabbler requires a 386 or
higher IBM PC or compatible with 4MB of RAM, Windows
3.0 or higher (3.1 for sound) and supports Wacom, Kurta and
CalComp pressure sensitive tablets. The Macintosh version
runs on all models with 4MB of RAM except Plus, SE, Classic,
and PowerBook 100. Apple 6.0.5 or greater is required.

(Patrick McKenna/19940106)


(NEWS)(APPLE)(DEN)(00011)

Macworld - Mac Home Office Software Debuts 01/06/94
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Thanks
to a partnership of five software companies, Apple Computer
Macintosh users will soon have available a home office software
suite that combines word processing, presentation graphics and
charting, financial management, tax planning and preparation,
along with scheduling and personal information management
features.

Wordperfect Corp., and DeltaPoint Inc., teamed up with Intuit,
Chipsoft and Advanced Software to produce "Integrated Home
Office" (IHO), an integrated software collection that is being
demonstrated at Macworld being held at the Moscone Center in
San Francisco this week.

Integrated Home Office is scheduled to be available through
CompUSA, Computer City, Best Buy, Egghead and selected mail
order companies later this quarter. The package will carry a
$295 suggested retail price.

Wordperfect and Deltapoint say IHO is not just a collection of
software, but has been engineered to work together. Deltapoint
has added Edit Graphic Object (EGO) support to DeltaGraph Pro 3
so its charts can be integrated more smoothly with word
processing work done in Wordperfect. The word processing
program already supports EGO.

IHO can use Deltagraph charts to graphically display data within a
word processing document. With EGO support the charts retain a
link to the original chart file, changing in the text file as changes
are made in Deltagraph. Double clicking on Wordperfect launches
Deltagraph for graphics editing. When the Deltagraph window is
closed after editing, the changes automatically appear in the WP
document.

Financial management is handled in IHO by Quicken, Intuit's
budgeting and cash/investment program. InTouch software
handles scheduling and personal information management, and
MacInTax from Chipsoft performs tax planning and filing tasks.

(Jim Mallory/19940106/Press Contact: Dan Cook, Wordperfect
Corp., 801-228-5014 or Jennifer Doettling, DeltaPoint, 408-645-
4813; Reader Contact: Wordperfect Corp., tel [phone],
fax [phone]; or 408-648-4000, fax [phone])


(NEWS)(TRENDS)(DEN)(00012)

 ****Computer Market Reports $7 Billion Gain In 1993 01/06/94
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Mainframes
and midrange computers may not have done well, but 1993 was a
pretty good year for personal computers according to one market
research firm.

Preliminary numbers from San Jose, California-based Dataquest
indicate the computer systems industry recorded a $7.1 billion
gain in revenue over the preceding year. That was not a surprise to
Dataquest Vice President Brad Smith. "The trend toward smaller
systems is no surprise as the world ushers in distributed
client/server computing as the dominant computing model," said
Smith.

Dataquest says personal computer and workstation revenue grew
by an estimated 16.2 percent and 8.6 percent respectively to lead
the increase. Mainframe and midrange revenue declined by 9.5
percent and 3.7 percent respectively. However, supercomputers
were reported up about 6.6 percent in 1993, mostly due to the
increasing popularity and availability of massively parallel
processing. Cray Research had an estimated eight percent growth
in revenue, and IBM, with its SP1, holds about 15 percent of the
supercomputer market.

Dataquest says IBM gained PC market share slightly for the first
time in four years but still brings in the most revenue from PC
sales, possibly due to its reluctance to follow the trend of other
PC makers in cutting prices. After having fallen to just over 13
percent of the PC market in 1992, Big Blue reclaimed an
additional one-half of one point in 1993.

Compaq was the strongest player, nearly doubling its revenue in
1993. Dataquest ranks the top five PC makers in terms of revenue
as IBM, Apple, Compaq, NEC, and Dell in that order.

(Jim Mallory/19940106/Press contact: Paul Wheaton, Dataquest
Inc, 408-437-8312)


(NEWS)(APPLE)(DEN)(00013)

Macworld - Mac, Newton Users Get Connected 01/06/94
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- On-the-
move users of Apple Computer's Macintosh and Newton systems
will find it easier to connect to local area networks thanks to
an agreement by two companies.

Xircom Inc., and Dayna Communications have announced a joint
development and cross-licensing alliance they say will deliver
innovative mobile connectivity and network printing products for
the Apple markets.

The two companies say they will work together to develop mobile
network adapters based on Dayna's Pocket SCSI/Link technology,
cordless local area network (LAN) products built with Xircom's
Netwave technology, and multi-protocol print servers supporting
Appletalk networks. Each company will market, distribute and
support the products under its own brand name and label.

"Xircom's mission is to deliver the mobile connectivity solutions
that nomadic computer users demand, no matter where they are
or what operating system, hardware platform, or network
topology they are using," said Dirk Gates, president and CEO of
Calabasas, California-based Xircom.

Brad Romney, president and CEO of Salt Lake City, Utah-based
Dayna Communications, said his company has been investigating
the portable, remote and wireless networking markets for some
time. "We've been actively seeking a partner with the right mix
of technology and vision."

The first results of the alliance are expected soon. Xircom says it
will begin shipping a Pocket Ethertalk Adapter for Apple Computer's
Powerbook computers by the end of this quarter. The adapter will
let roaming Powerbook users connect to an Ethernet LAN, allowing
the integration of Mac products with Microsoft Windows and
DOS-based PCs through a common backbone.

Cordless networking technology coming out of the alliance will
be based on Dayna's Netwave technology which is the basis for
major portions of the IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN Committee's
Media Access Control protocol standard.

The two companies also plan to deliver multi-protocol print
servers supporting both Intel-based and Apple computers and
printers. "Both Dayna and Xircom believe that mobile computer
users should have on-demand access to electronic-mail, fax,
department resources and information systems, regardless of
their location or the hardware and communications software
the use," said Dayna's Romney.

He called that, "any-time, any-place, any-ware computing. We
plan to provide a broad range of products that will help users
become more productive in the eclectic work environment of
the 90's."

(Jim Mallory/19940106/Press Contact: Lynne Rocha, Xircom, 415-
274-8100; or David Pascoe, Dayna Communications, 801-269-7200;
Reader Contact: Xircom, tel [phone], fax [phone]; or
Dayna Communications, tel [phone], fax [phone])


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(TOR)(00014)

Third Computer Ethics Conference Set For Washington 01/06/94
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- The Computer Ethics
Institute has announced plans for its third National Computer
Ethics Conference, to be held at the Brookings Institution in
Washington, DC, from April 28 and 29.

The title of the conference is "Further Pursuit of a Ten
Commandments for Computer Ethics." According to the organizers,
it will try to deal with how guidelines for computer ethics can be
put into practice.

Conference organizer Patrick F. Sullivan said he expects 60 to 75
people to attend the event. The first two conferences attracted
about 40 and about 55 people respectively.

Four sessions have been scheduled so far. The first, on Public
and Organizational Education on Computer Ethics, will include:
presentations by Joseph Kizza of the University of Tennessee at
Chattanooga on kindergarten-through-grade-12 education; by Karen
Forcht of James Madison University on college-level education;
and by Peter Tippett of Symantec Corp., on non-academic education.

A session entitled "Ethics and the Infrastructure: Public and
Organizational Policy" will deal with issues such as individual
privacy and the confidentiality of medical records, as well as
access to information services -- "who gets to ride on the
information highway, so to speak," Sullivan said.

Blaise Liffick of Millersville University and Robert Barger of
Eastern Illinois University will discuss ways of analyzing
ethical issues in a session entitled "The Technologies of Pursuit."
A fourth session is entitled "Future Prospects: Traps of the
Virtual Society." A keynote speaker has yet to be named,
Sullivan added.

Conference fees are $40 for associates of the institute, $25 for
students, and $50 for others. The institute is accepting papers
and proposals addressing the theme: "building an ethical culture
in cyberspace" until February 12.

The institute also plans to co-sponsor a forum on privacy with
the Washington Philosophy Club, to be held in Washington
February 26.

(Grant Buckler/19940106/Press Contact: Patrick Sullivan,
Computer Ethics Institute, tel [phone], fax 202-797-
7806; Public Contact: Computer Ethics Institute, 202-939-3707)


(NEWS)(IBM)(DEN)(00015)

Digitized Signatures For Windows Applications 01/06/94
GLEN ELLYN, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Saying it is the
perfect "solution" to signature drudgery, Orbit Enterprises has
announced its new scanned signature service for Windows
programs.

If you - or your boss - signs dozens or hundreds of pieces of
correspondence daily the service may be just the answer. "Using
a digitized (or scanned) signature offers significant cost and
time savings, and delivers a clear, consistent signature on every
correspondence and document every time," according to Joseph
Beda, president of Orbit Enterprises.

The company estimates if a company executive signs 500
signatures each month, the firm can save almost $400 per year by
using digitized signatures, even if that person's time is only
valued at $35 per hour.

To use the service, just send your signature to Orbit. They return
each signature as an application for DOS-based programs or as a
Truetype font for Microsoft Windows programs.

Orbit spokesperson Barbara Adler told Newsbytes that to use the
signature, Windows users select a signature font, type a
character, and choose a size for the signature. DOS users enter a
printer command in their document at the place where the
signature is to appear. The company says the signatures work
with most word processing programs, including Wordperfect and
Microsoft Word.

Orbit says using a digitized signature will not slow down print
speed, a critical factor for mass mailings. Digitized signatures are
returned on 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch disks and are accompanied by
an instruction manual. The company can also digitize logos,
letterheads, and forms and will provide a "no-obligation price"
quote if you mail or fax a sample of the desired product.

The Truetype format for Windows costs $95 per signature, while
the HP Laserjet format for DOS applications carries a price tag
of $75. The macro works with HP Laserjet printers for DOS
applications and any printer supported by Windows. The
company says turnaround time for signatures is about three days
plus shipping time.

(Jim Mallory/19940106/Press Contact: Barbara Adler, S&S Public
Relations for Orbit Enterprises, 708-520-3394; Reader Contact:
Orbit Enterprises, tel [phone] or 708-469-3405,
fax [phone])


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(DEN)(00016)

Tech Data Acquires Software Firm 01/06/94
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Computer
products distributor Tech Data Corp., has entered into an
agreement to acquire a software company, calling the deal,
"a tremendous breakthrough."

Tech Data says it will acquire US Software Resource Inc., a
privately held software distributor based in Novato, California.
The deal is subject to the usual "due diligence" process and other
conditions of closing. The company says the acquisition should
be finalized in February, 1994.

Software Resource distributes products from more than 500
publishers including Borland International and Wordperfect
Corp., and a variety of entertainment and educational software
companies. Its customer base includes numerous retail and mass
merchant outlets such as Best Buy, CompUSA, Price Costco, and
Egghead.

Tech Data Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Steven Raymund
called the acquisition "a tremendous breakthrough for Tech Data.
(It) greatly expands our presence in the retail and mass merchant
markets."

(Jim Mallory/19940106/Press Contact: Jeffrey Howells, 813-538-
7083; Reader Contact: tel [phone], fax [phone])


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(BOS)(00017)

Consumer Electronics Show - Sony Intros 6 MiniDisc Products 01/06/94
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- In a move designed
to firmly position the MiniDisc (MD) format as successor to the tape
cassette, Sony has unveiled six new portable audio MD products for
driving, walking about, and home use.

"MiniDisc is the natural successor to the cassette because it
solves the problems of tape plus provides the benefits of optical
disc technology, all in a format that enhances our active
lifestyles as never before," said Martin Homlish, senior VP and
general manager of Audio Products, in an announcement made
at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Billed as being smaller, lighter, and more capable than previously
released MD products, Sony's new series includes: the MZ-E2
Portable MD Walkman Player; the MZ-R2 MD Walkman Recorder/
Player; the MDS-501 Full-Size Home MD HiFi Deck; the MDX-400
In-Dash, Four-Disc MD Car Changer; the MDX-40 Component Four-
Disc MD Car Receiver; and the MDX-100 Fully-Powered MD Car
Receiver.

Unlike tapes, Sony's MD format offers digital sound quality,
instant random access, shock resistance, and advanced
optical disc recording and editing capabilities, according to
the company,

Since Sony's introduction of MD in 1992, the disc format has gained
mounting industry support, officials added. By now, 35
manufacturers, 19 replication, and 16 recording media companies
have licensed MD technology for producing players, recorders,
prerecorded software, and blank recordable discs.

More than 300 prerecorded MD titles are currently available in
the US, on 20 different labels. The titles include albums by such
artists as Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, Pearl Jam, Maria Carey, and
Garth Brooks.

The smallest of Sony's new MD products is the MZ-EZ2. Eighty
percent smaller and 70 percent lighter than previous Sony models,
the unit is compact enough to be carried in a shirt pocket.
Measurements are three-inches by four-inches by 0.75-inches,
and weight is 7.2 ounces.

The new Walkman player provides 7.5-hours of continuous playback
with the use of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and AA alkaline
batteries. Shock resistant buffer memory is another feature. The
player is slated to ship in April at a price of $549.95.

The MZ-R2 Walkman recorder/player offers 6.5-hours of continuous
playback or 4.5-hours recording time, also with the use of
rechargeable lithium-ion and AA alkaline batteries. Other
capabilities include shock resistant buffer memory and three
recording modes from digital and analog sources. The new
recorder/player is 60 percent smaller and 55 percent lighter
than earlier models. Measurements are 3.5- by 4.25- by 1.25-
inches. The unit weights 10.9 ounces. The product is scheduled
to be available in March, also for $549.95.

The MDS-501 home hi-fi deck brings functionality that includes
optical input/output jacks, multijog dial for easy track selection
and editing, instant random access, and UTOC-based editing that
lets the user move, divide, combine and erase tracks. Availability
is expected in February, at a price of $999.95.

Another three products have been announced for the automotive
arena. The MDX-400 is billed as the first four-disc, in-dash MD
changer. The unit provides five hours of continuous music, and
disc exchange in less than five seconds. Also incorporated are a
custom file feature, full LCD (liquid crystal display), a rotary
remote commander, and AM/FM reception with SSIR-EX tuning.
The projected shipping date is February. Pricing is $1,299.95.

The MDX-40 can be installed either in-dash, or in the glove
compartment, trunk or other convenient location in the car.
The changer is controllable by any Sony Unilink in-dash unit:
cassette, compact disc (CD), or MD. Like the MDX-400, the MDX-40
supplies five hours of continuous music, and disc exchange in
under five seconds. Target delivery date is March, and pricing is
$999.95.

The MDX-100 MD Receiver offers a four-by-20-watt power
amplifier in a DIN-size unit. Other capabilities include a custom
file feature, full LCD, and AM/FM reception with SSIR-EX tuning.
The fully powered in-dash receiver is scheduled to ship in March
for $999.95.

Sony Electronics also markets recordable MDs. The 2.5-inch discs
are protected by a cartridge for added durability and ease of use.
Pricing is $16.99 for a 74-minute (MDW-74) disc and $13.99 for a
60-minute (MDW-60) disc.

(Jacqueline Emigh/19940105/Reader Contact: Sony Electronics,
201-930-1000; Press Contacts: Paul Foschino, Sony Electronics,
201-930-6609; Deborah Brown, Technology Solutions for Sony
Electronics, 212-505-9900)


(NEWS)(TRENDS)(LON)(00018)

UK - IBM Survey On Technology's Impact On People 01/06/94
PORTSMOUTH, HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- The IBM
PC Company has released the results of a major survey it has
commissioned to assess the effects of technology on people's
lives generally.

Known as the "Touch of Technology" survey, and carried out by
Gallup, the report claims to present how important computers have
become in all kind of professions and industry, as well as in
everyday life, in the last ten years.

According to IBM, PCs have become very popular in the last decade.
The survey shows that one in three household own a PC. In addition
to this, the survey shows that a greater number of people now
believe PCs are making their lives more easier.

The survey notes that those who actually use computers in work
appreciate their usefulness most. Eighty-four percent of those
questioned by Gallup said that computers have improved office
procedures radically.

Computers are acknowledged as affecting all aspects of people's
lives, with areas such as automated banking, cash dispensing and
transferring money made a lot faster and more efficient, claim
those questioned.

The survey reports that computerization has now gotten into our
homes and shops. Most people are using microwaves, CD players,
do their shopping faster. Bookings in travel agent are done on a
computer.

"The survey confirms that technology is now an essential part of our
daily life. Computers are no longer just the preserve of offices;
consumers recognize that a revolution has taken place over the last
ten years and this has impacted on us in many different ways,"
explained Steve Rowley, manager of the IBM PC Company in the UK.

According to Rowley, most people have a positive attitude towards
the benefits of technology, but some are still quite wary of extreme
dependence on technology and its "machine-like" nature. That number
is larger in the old age groups, where people who have little or no
experience of technology involved.

Statistically, 59 percent of those questioned in the over 65 age
group say that societies reliance on technology should not be
developed any further and should actually be reduced.

According to the survey, the younger generation are more
flexible, introducing new computer experts to society and not just
those experienced in playing games. According to the Gallup survey,
children are using computers for educational purposes; they are
utilizing computers for homework (28 percent), educational
programs (25 percent), and writing letters (17 percent).

"Children in this country have fully harnessed the benefits of
computers which is reassuring for the future. Perhaps even more
important though, is that the research demonstrates very clearly
that people who have experienced technology of whatever kind first
hand, seem to be more comfortable with it and keen to learn," said
Rowley.

"It is IBM's aim to ensure that more and more people can 'touch'
technology, because the survey proves that those who use computers
at home or at work have clearly reaped the benefits. To achieve this
we are striving to make PCs 'friendly' and easily understandable-
not just for the techno-wizards, but for everyone," he added.

Gallup's survey was carried out on 1,032 adults interviewed face-
to-face for approximately 20 minutes. Copies of the UKP15 report
are available from Charles Barker plc on [phone].

(Sylvia Dennis/19940106/Press & Public Contact: IBM UK, tel
44-705-561000, fax [phone])


(NEWS)(IBM)(LON)(00019)

UK - Autodesk Intros AutoVision For Windows 01/06/94
GUILDFORD, SURREY, ENGLAND, 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Autodesk has
announced AutoVision for Windows, a still-rendering application
with photorealistic image quality which operates under AutoCAD
Release 12 for Windows.

According to Autodesk, the package is a sophisticated tool that
creates high-impact images and conceptual renderings within
AutoCAD Release 12 for Windows. The package claims to combine
the rendering speed and excellent quality of the first AutoVision
for DOS with the user-friendly of Microsoft Windows.

"AutoVision has been very well accepted by DOS-based AutoCAD
customers looking for advanced still-rendering capabilities. Since
Windows is the fastest-growing platform among AutoCAD-supported
operating systems, it's important that Autodesk offers a fast,
sophisticated rendering solution to support this market," said Nick
Manning, an Autodesk product specialist.

Manning claimed that AutoVision for Windows provides an easy
migration path from still-rendering to broadcast-quality animation
by providing 3D Studio (3DS) file compatibility. In line with 3D
Studio Release 3, the package reportedly ensures that, with the
changing needs of AutoCAD users, users' investment in rendering
software can be retained.

AutoVision for Windows runs within AutoCAD release 12 for Windows
and the package's requirements are identical: an IBM or Compaq
386/486-based computer or 100% compatible PC with MS-DOS 3.31
or higher, Microsoft Windows 3.1, 8 megabytes (MB) of RAM, a
Windows-supported VGA display, maths coprocessor, an AutoCAD-
supported pointing device and one 1.44MB, 3.5-inch floppy-disk
drive.

UK pricing for AutoVision for Windows has been set t UKP695 or
UKP495 if purchased with a new copy of Autodesk's AutoCAD.

(Sylvia Dennis/19940106/Press & Public Contact: Autodesk,
tel [phone], fax [phone])


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(LON)(00020)

UK - Wick Hill IMX Challenges EDI Marketplace 01/06/94
WOKING, SURREY, ENGLAND, 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Will Hill IMX has
announced a deal with Perwill, the electronic data interchange (EDI)
specialist company, has been signed. According to Wick Hill, the
partnership will make Wick Hill a powerful force in EDI technology
and prepare the way towards becoming the UK's leading supplier of
EDI systems.

Plans call for Wick Hill IMX to carry out sales, marketing and other
support activities for Perwill, while Perwill develops the product
itself. According to Wick Hill, these new partnership arrangements
will not affect present users of Perwill and they will continue to
receive their support.

Newsbytes notes that both companies have an impressive client lists,
supplying many of the Times Top 1000 firms. Both companies claim
that, as a result of pitching for the same area of the marketplace,
they have found themselves working alongside each other on
installations for many years.

"Perwill EDI software operates across all major standards
worldwide and runs at both PC level and at the host level on
virtually all major hosts -- for example, Hewlett-Packard, Bull,
DEC VAX, IBM, and Unix systems," commented Ian Kilpatrick,
managing director of Wick Hill IMX.

"Our association with Perwill means we will now be able to offer
comprehensive communications solutions to major corporate clients,
who operate in the UK and overseas. We will also be able to offer
the same to their supplies," he added.

Wick Hill is a leading provider of communications systems with
special expertise in linking PCs, Macs and networks into host
computers. Perwill is known as one of the leading suppliers of EDI
software and consultancy both in the UK and worldwide.

(Sylvia Dennis/19940106/Press & Public Contact: Wick Hill IMX,
tel [phone], fax [phone])


(NEWS)(TRENDS)(LON)(00021)

 ****UK Banks In "Electronic Watermark" Credit Card Tests 01/06/94
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Barclays and the National
Westminster (Natwest) banks have revealed they are in the middle of
a major test involving "watermark" technology for their Visa and
Mastercard credit cards.

Watermarking involves having the magnetic "fingerprint" of a card --
before it has account details encoded on it -- being recorded
alongside the account details. Even though fraudsters can copy the
account details, they cannot, the banks claim, copy the electronic
fingerprint of the card itself.

Both banks claim that a decision to trial the technology was taken
after Swedish banks reported a massive drop in card fraud due to
copying in the 1980s. Since 1985, virtually all Swedish payment
cards have incorporated the technology, since when no counterfeit
cards have been reported.

According to Hugh Tarrant, managing director of Thorn Secure
Science International, which is supplying the technology to Barclays
and Natwest, watermarking of cards is a "tried and trusted" system
that offers a viable alternative to smart card technology. "It's a
mature technology that has been in commercial use for around 15
years," he said.

Watermarking works by altering the structure of the magnetic
particles during manufacture. An identification number is encoded on
the tape and this cannot be altered or erased without destroying the
tape. Data is also encoded on the International Standards
Organization (ISO) specified tracks as normal and, as a result, the
stripe looks slightly wider than on conventional magnetic stripe
cards.

When swiped through a terminal, the card reader decodes and
validates the watermark along with the standard card information.
Tarrant claims that the technology has never been beaten and is
cheaper to implement than smart card systems.

More importantly, Tarrant also claims that watermark card readers
are comparable with dual standard magnetic stripe plus chip card
readers. "The cost of integrating the technology at design level is
not high compared to a standard magnetic stripe," he said.

(Steve Gold/19940106/Press & Public Contact: Barclays Bank,
44-71-488-1144; Natwest Bank, 44-71-726-1000)


(NEWS)(TRENDS)(LON)(00022)

UK Banks Introduce Mondex, The Cashless Cash Card 01/06/94
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Midland, National
Westminster (Natwest), and British Telecommunications (BT) are
cooperating on a cashless cash card project known as Mondex. To
be pilot-tested in Swindon next year, the card is essentially a
smart card that stores up to UKP20 ($30) worth of cash.

In use, the card does not require a personal identification number
(PIN), although users can lock the cards using a secret code. The
idea is that the card will replace cash for low-value transactions
of, typically, up to UKP 2. When the card "runs out" of cash, it
can be reloaded from the cardholder's bank account at specially
modified Midland and Natwest automated teller machines (ATMs),
as well as BT card phones.

According to Tim Jones, one of the two NatWest managers who
devised Mondex, the card is designed to replace cash, not existing
debit and credit cards. No PIN or signature is used, as cash
transactions have no security of this nature. A locked Mondex card,
he said, is worthless to a finder without the unlock code.

"Our strategy is that in 10 to 15 years time, we will see the phone
as the dominant way in which electronic money is drawn and
deposited," Jones said.

Derek Wanless, Natwest's chief executive, said: "Although Mondex
will be launched in the UK, it is a major commercial opportunity for
banks everywhere. Mondex is a multi-currency product, capable of
holding five separate currencies on a card simultaneously."

Wanless added that other British and foreign banks would be
invited to join Mondex in due course to create a "truly global
payment scheme".

(Steve Gold/19940106/Press & Public Contact: British Telecom,
44-71-356-5000; Midland Bank, 44-742-528000; Natwest Bank,
44-71-726-1000)


(NEWS)(GOVT)(LON)(00023)

British Computer Expert Jailed For ATM Fraud 01/06/94
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Andrew Stone, a British
computer consultant, has been jailed for plotting to withdraw cash
from automated teller machines (ATMs) using forged cards.
According to the prosecution, he planned to blame the withdrawals
on the current "phantom withdrawal" problem that is affecting
banks and building societies.

Stone is alleged to have hatched his scheme while in jail, serving a
three year sentence for similar offenses. His scheme centered on
encoding plastic shopping cards, used for bonus point systems, with
genuine bank and credit card account details taken from ATM till
receipts.

Newsbytes notes that Stone's plan did not get off the ground as
police were tipped off to his activities and arrested him quickly.
In court, the Fareham man was jailed for nine months.

Also appearing in court were John Currell of Sydenham, who was
given six months, and Clive Hamilton of Camberley, who was
sentenced to three months in jail. All three had pleaded not guilty
of conspiracy to steal. Two other men were acquitted of the
charges.

(Steve Gold/19940106)


(NEWS)(GOVT)(LON)(00024)

UK Banks Lose UKP2.5 Million In Credit Card Scam 01/06/94
BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS, 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- West Midland
detectives have uncovered what may be the largest credit card
scams in the UK, with losses of around UKP2.5 million being
taken by major banks and financial institutions.

Detective Chief Supt. George Dunwoody, head of CID operations in the
West Midlands, has confirmed that a full-scale investigation into
the affair has been under way since the end of last year. Three men
have been charged and further arrests are expected.

According to the police, the cards have been used in the UK, as well
as Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, with purchases involving
high-end goods, as well as a BMW car, being made.

Although police have not identified the financial institutions
affected by the fraud, press sources suggest that the Midland and
Trustees Savings Bank may be involved. The three un-named men
appeared before Birmingham magistrates on December 22 and are
from London, Manchester, and Wellingborough. They will appear
in court again later this month, although the case is expected to
progress through the courts and take some tome to be completed,
Newsbytes notes.

(Steve Gold/19940106)


(NEWS)(TRENDS)(LON)(00025)

World's 1st Handwriting Recog Trial Starts In UK 01/06/94
HEDGEND, SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND, 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Users of the
post office in Hedgend, a village near Southampton, are being asked
to take part in a major handwriting recognition experiment.
Organized by several companies, the project aims to test out the
various technologies available to allow a computer to "watch" how
a signature is formed by humans.

Criminals can, with a little difficulty, copy a signature on a card,
but authorities suggest that the manner in which the signature is
laid down on the paper -- involving complex pressures in all three
axes -- cannot be copied. Subject to a few variances, card signature
formation is unique to each person.

The four week trial, which began this week, involves around 1,000
volunteers and is thought to be the first public trial of dynamic
signature verification.

"It could make a big dent in credit card fraud, which is running at
about UKP165 million a year," explained Dr Eugene Sweeney, an
electronics expert at the British Technology Group (BTG), which is
licensing the technology, known as Kappa. "There is interest from
supermarkets because it takes the responsibility away from staff,"
Sweeney said. To add the device to a supermarket till would cost
around UKP100, he said.

Sweeney added that in tests at Kent University - where the device
was developed -- 99 percent accuracy was recorded. "There is a
need for an objective way to analyze signatures rather than the
very subjective comparisons made at present.

Sweeney said that human operators are always better than a
machine, but while humans get tired, too busy or generally
overloaded, machines work to the same levels all the time.

(Steve Gold/19940106)


(NEWS)(TRENDS)(LAX)(00026)

 ****Magic Cap Used In New Handheld Personal Communicators 01/06/94
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- General
Magic is publicly demonstrating for the first time at both the
Winter Consumer Electronics Show and Macworld the previously
announced Magic Cap software environment for personal
communicators. This new environment will be the underlying
technology in handheld personal communicators yet to be
announced from Sony, Motorola, Matsushita, and Philips.

General Magic was formed out of an alliance between Apple,
American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T), Motorola, Sony,
Matsushita, and Philips Electronics. While Apple and AT&T have
both announced personal digital assistants (PDAs), the main
difference between the PDAs and the personal communicators that
will use Magic Cap is that PDAs are designed around the model of
an organizer, while personal communicators are focused on
communications.

Overlap in functionality between the two types of devices is
expected, however, and Apple has even said it will use portions
of the Magic Cap environment in future Newton PDAs.

According to General Magic, the Magic Cap environment includes
everything people need to interact through popular modes of
communication, including: fax, public electronic mail services,
and telephones. A major portion of Magic Cap, the portion Apple
plans to use is Telescript, a programming language that allows
users to launch "electronic  surrogates" or "agents" electronic
networks to perform intelligent tasks. For example, a user might
design an agent to monitor an electronic airline service and send
a message by fax or electronic mail if the flight is late or
canceled.

General Magic officials say agents can perform tasks such as
screening, routing and delivering electronic correspondence as
well as shopping for goods and services.

In addition, Magic Cap will offer functions to manage personal
information such as address cards that automatically get updated
as the sender's information changes, a calendar that issues
invitations to meetings, and a notebook that supports free-form
and structured notes.

A version of Magic Cap is planned for IBM and compatible personal
computers (PCs) and Apple Macintosh computers, but will not be
available until the second half of 1994, company officials said.
Once available, users with personal communicators and desktop
computers will be able to connect the two and reconcile data
between each one.

Twenty developers announced product and service plans for the new
personal communicator devices. One of the developers was
Radiomail, who announced a two-way wireless communication
product for Magic Cap. Radiomail's two-way gateway service uses
the RAM Mobile Data or ARDIS radio frequency networks, which cover
business centers nationwide.

Pat Richardson, vice president and general manager of Motorola's
Subscriber Products Division, said, "Radiomail's two-way wireless
messaging is an essential application for the new generation of
personal communicators. These devices enable people to send and
receive messages at any time, wherever they are. When a message
is sent, Radiomail seeks out the user and delivers it wirelessly
whenever the device is on. Likewise, the user can respond
immediately -- there's no need to find a phone."

Oracle, known for its cross-platform database software, announced
it is working with General Magic on integrating the Magic Cap
platform with the Oracle Media Server. Oracle is making a
worldwide announcement on January 18, 1994, of the Oracle Media
Server which it claims will be a critical part of the information
highway. The company claims the Media Server can process
thousands of transactions per second and manage the multiple
data types (such as audio, video and text) that are required for
interactive business and consumer services.

Marc Porat, chairman of the board and chief executive
officer at General Magic, said: "We feel the Oracle Media Server
is one of the key links in  enabling the Information Age. The
combination of Magic Cap with the Oracle Media Server will speed
the delivery of interactive services in a variety of business and
consumer applications."

Handheld personal communication devices that use Magic Cap are
expected in the first half of 1994, according to General Magic
officials.

(Linda Rohrbough/19940106/Press Contact: Tom Hershenson,
General Magic, 415-966-6707)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(WAS)(00027)

NEC To Supply US West With Fiber Optic Equipment 01/06/94
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- NEC America has
announced that it will supply advanced fiber optic transmission
equipment to US West, a Baby Bell which serves 14 states.

The basic component of the new high-speed network being developed
by US West is the NEC Intelligent multiplexer system which provides
data transfer rates of OC-1/OC-3 (155 Mbps, or megabytes-per-
second), OC-12 (622 Mbs) and OC-48 (2.488 gigabytes-per-second.)

US West operates in the midwest, serving about 25 million
customers and the new fiber equipment will be used to provide
businesses with local loop services.

The contract will be serviced out of the Herndon, Virginia-based
NEC America's Transmission Group which markets SONET
(synchronous optical network) communications equipment and
audio/video teleconferencing systems.

NEC could not respond to Newsbytes request for a dollar value of
the deal but Denny Bilter, director of marketing for the NEC
Transmission Group, told Newsbytes that he believes the total US
West market for such equipment is about $80 million per year, and
that there is only one other qualified company which will be able
to provide equipment to the telecommunications company.

(John McCormick/19940106/Press Contact: Barbara Mulleady,
NEC America, 703-834-4350)


(NEWS)(GOVT)(WAS)(00028)

 ****Clinton Names Info Superhighway Advisory Panel 01/06/94
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Commerce Secretary
Ron Brown has announced that Edward McCracken, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Silicon Graphics, and Dell Lewis, the
head of National Public Radio, will serve as co-chairs of the new
Presidents' National Infrastructure Advisory Council, a group
which will advise the Clinton Administration on development of
the Information Superhighway. According to Secretary Brown,
the group "will have a significant role in advising the
administration" on policy regarding competition and deregulation.

The Information Superhighway is a pet project of Vice President
Al Gore, also backed by President Clinton, and is intended to
provide wide access to high-speed telecommunications for US
homes and businesses.

There has been considerable debate as to whether this project
should be in the hands of private industry or should follow the
lead of the Internet and NSFnet, a joint academic and government
effort that has produced the most widespread information network
in the world - one which is growing by millions of new users
every year.

Major concerns expressed by users and industry observers have
been related to whether open access to the system could be
maintained if Internet became commercially operated, and whether
control of the Information Superhighway by a private for-profit
business would create a competitive disadvantage for any of that
company's competitors.

The announcement by Secretary Brown emphasized that the
Information Superhighway project would be a private enterprise
effort, and he added, "The plan must provide the basis for
competitiveness."

Brown also said that the three main goals of the administration
are to "ensure interoperability, competition, and universal access"
for all of the American people. He repeatedly emphasized that,
while the administration was working to ease regulations on
service providers, the government would continue to regulate with
an eye to making certain that universal access was achieved even
in areas where it was not economically advantageous to the
commercial providers.

In an interview on CNBC, Brown said that, while the government
needs to help drive down costs, it also believes strongly in
universal access, repeating, "We don't want to create a situation
where we have information haves and have-nots."

Also speaking on CNBC, McCracken said that the new information
network would require a joint effort by government (which needs
to reduce regulations) and industry.

(John McCormick/19940106)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00029)

 ****CES - AT&T's Kavner Attacks Cable 01/06/94
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- AT&T multimedia
head Bob Kavner attacked the cable industry's concept of the
future in his keynote address to the Winter Consumer Electronic
Show.

Kavner warned that cable and local telephone "gatekeepers" may
use their control of new set-top converters to limit competition
in the coming era of broadband multimedia.

"The gatekeeper model would stifle innovation if it's re-created
in the new multimedia world," he said. "We believe it's a threat
to the survival of the consumer electronics industry." Instead,
Kavner said, intelligent networks like AT&T's own should let
consumers choose what services they want and what equipment
they want to use in accessing it. This "open-access, competitive
marketplace," modeled on today's networks, will create a bigger
revolution in the 21st century than the Industrial Revolution of
the 20th."

Later, pressed by reporters, Kavner tried to back-track a bit
from specific criticism of the cable television industry, for
which AT&T's Network Systems unit is a major supplier of
cable and other gear. "Don't take it as a knock against the cable
industry. It's a warning not to take their business model into
the new age."

Still, he asked in his speech, "Will the company that owns local
cable or telephone systems be able to decide what interactive
content will be made available into American homes? And will the
gatekeeper use the rented, set-top box to dictate what kind of
intelligent terminals and software the consumer must use to
access content, pushing the consumer electronics industry into
making low margin monitors and accessory devices."

Kavner noted that this new world is coming quickly. He noted that
most businesses can already access fast-data services to send
two-way video, and that Integrated Services Digital Network, or
ISDN (integrated services digital network) services, now available
in 46 states, will in about three years let most US homes do
essentially the same thing.

Kavner's model for the future is the toll-free 800-number
business, which AT&T started 26 years ago. Today, it represented
40 percent of all calls made last year, 12 billion. "This shows
Americans have learned to use the network for more than just
voice," he said. "They've learned to use the network for
transactions. It's a precursor to the intelligent multimedia. We
gave consumers and content providers easy access to the network,
and they use it creatively, passionately...it changed the way
humans behave and interact."

Kavner also pointed to the growth of on-line services. "There are
more than 50 services available today, with seven million
subscribers, not including the Internet, which is subsidized by
the government. The highest growth segment is consumers -- over
four million now use on-line services from their homes."

He continued: "They remind me of the independent software
community 10 years ago when the PC standard emerged. This is
happening even though the services are crude, with limited
capability. But it's an open access model, and that is why they're
growing. You can get variety, and you don't rent the modem. It's
an important thing for us to understand. They give people what
they want without interference."

(Dana Blankenhorn/01061994)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00030)

Consumer Electronics Show - AT&T Launches PersonaLink 01/06/94
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Flanked by a host
of partners, including Motorola, General Magic, Matsushita, Mead
Data Central, Apples, Philips, and SkyTel, AT&T launched a new
on-line service called PersonaLink based on General Magic's
TeleScript "intelligent agent" technology.

AT&T EasyLink President Gordon Bridge said PersonaLink is
designed to serve as a "host" for electronic communities,
enabling people to send electronic agents onto other services to
perform information collection. It transforms complex naming,
addressing, routing and security tasks into simple commands based
on object-oriented software, allowing people to find data, and
buy and sell goods. without having to be at their desks.

Using TeleScript will be as simple as subscribing to a service
supporting it and using a product with the language built into
it, the company said. Among the hardware vendors who said they
would support the new language in their future products were
Motorola and Sony.

Bridge was very enthusiastic in his description of the product,
saying, "It is an open platform for users and publishers," aimed
at the "mass market," but it will not actually be on-line until the
middle of this year. Meanwhile, AT&T said it would continue to
work to find partners.

(Dana Blankenhorn/01061994)


(NEWS)(APPLE)(SFO)(00031)

 ****Tom Clancy Announces On-line Network For Cancer Kids 01/06/94
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1994 JAN 6 (NB) -- Best-
selling author Tom Clancy has announced at Macworld the
establishment of the Kyle Foundation, a non-profit, public
foundation formed to provide an on-line interactive communications
network for seriously ill children and their families. The network
will be on Apple Computer's eWorld on-line service and, as a
result, will be based, at least initially, on the Macintosh platform.

The Foundation says that the network will be "a bridge to a
world of support for children and their families - providing
education, communication, entertainment, information and
opportunities. The Foundation will also provide special programs
and supportive services for seriously ill children and their
families.

Said Clancy, "We intend to meet the needs of seriously ill
children in ways never before attempted. The Kyle Foundation will
make good use of communications technologies to support children,
their families, and the dedicated medical professionals who work
for them."

The Foundation already has a number of board members, including:
David R. Dukes, co-chairman of Ingram Micro; David Nagel, senior
vice president and general manager of Apple's AppleSoft Div.;
Steven Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D., chief of surgery for the National
Cancer Institute; James SanSouci, M.Ed, the Foundation's secretary
and director of operations; actor Tom Selleck; and Clifford Stoll,
PH.D., scientist, astronomer, and author. Also included is
Katherine Robinson, executive director and executive vice
president of the board, and Clancy's wife Wanda, a co-founder,
board member, and the Foundation's treasurer.

Katherine Robinson told Newsbytes that the name of the network
on eWorld is to decided by children. "We're letting the kids name
it. The first committee is a group of children and families - they
should name it."

Information will be a major factor in the new network. Said
Robinson, "We've got the American Academy of Pediatrics as
our partner. Dr. Steven Rosenberg is very concerned about getting
adequate information out to families that they can understand."

The Kyle Foundation was co-founded by Clancy initially in
November, 1992, in memory of eight-year-old Kyle Haydock, who
had died of cancer. Kyle was read Clancy's The Hunt For Red
October by his grandfather during one of his stays in hospital
for treatment. Kyle and Clancy became friends as a result of
fanmail the boy sent to the author.

(Ian Stokell/19940106/Press Contact: Kirsten Kappos,
714-566-1000 ext 2727, Ingram Micro Inc; Katherine Robinson,
The Kyle Foundation, 916-533-8622)