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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- At Software Development (SD) '93 and Business Software Solutions this week Microsoft will unveil an update to its Visual C++ compiler Symantec will debut a new development system, and Borland plans to preview new language technology, including OWL 2.0.
Dozens of other vendors are also rolling out new software tools ranging from systems development to component-oriented solutions.
Protoview, for example, will introduce SQLView. The new add-on to Protoview's ProtoGen+ Workbench is designed for visual development of SQL (Standard Query Language) and Xbase applications under Windows.
MetaWare is slated to announce the High C/C++ 32-bit Optimizing Compiler, in editions for Unix SVR4, Sun Sparc Systems 2.0, and RS6000. According to the company, the product provides the first direct-to-SOM compiler option available in the industry. Pentium processor support is built-in.
Eastern Systems will bring out Test Designer Version 1.0, an automated testing tool for PC-based operating systems, including DOS, Windows, OS/2, NT, PC Unix, and proprietary systems. All testing is conducted through hardware, allowing the tool to be operating-system independent, officials said.
XVT Software Inc., plans to introduce XVT-Power Objects, a library of reusable objects for graphical user interface development. The package contains a table widget, spreadsheet widget, toggle button toolbar, and status bar.
Premia Corp., will show Codewright Version 3.0. The latest release of the Windows-based programmers' editor features a new browser interface and sidebar tool panel, along with an interactive menu button bar editing, and enhanced project management.
InfoLink Technologies is launching Info Link Library for Windows and Info Link Library for Macintosh, a pair of full-text retrieval libraries.
SAS Institute will unveil SAS System for Windows NT. Blink Inc. intends to announce Blinker 3.0, a package billed as capable of producing DOS- and Windows-based applications within seconds.
GlobalWare is displaying its new XL8 data translation tool. Kenan Technologies will release Multiway, a multidimensional database and application development environment.
Also for developers, Miller Freeman, the sponsor of both shows will offer Dr. Dobb's/CD, a CD-ROM disk encompassing all issues of Dr. Dobb's magazine from January 1988 through June 1993, including articles, tables, charts, and source code. Previously unpublished source code is also provided.
Other vendors planning to announce new products or services include Blue Sky Software, Q&E Software, Comshare Inc., Sequitor Software Crisler McKee, Glenco Engineering, Nu-Mega, Norrad Inc., Softtool Corp., ViaGrafix, and Simplex Time/Data Systems.
Also on the list are AccuSoft, Micro Focus, TerraLogics Inc., Rogue Wave Software, Kingston Technology, the Prolog Vendors Group XSoft/Xerox, American Cybernetics, and Liant Software.
Show floor hours for SD '93 and Business Software Solutions are today and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930824/Press contact: Gail DeLano, Shepherd Merrill Communications Group for Miller Freeman, tel 408-761-1953; Reader contact: Miller Freeman, tel 415-905-2200)
61-1953; Reader contact: Miller Freeman, tel 415-905-2200)
8/24/93
Dozens Of Vendors To Unveil New Software Tools In Boston
GENERAL
Dozens Of Vendors To Unveil New
IBM Has No Comment On WSJ Piece
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- IBM representatives have told Newsbytes that there will be no comment on an August 16th Wall Street Journal piece, "The Day Bill Gates Overthrew Big Blue," which blames IBM's Jim Cannavino for the descent of IBM's star in the personal computer business.
The article is adapted from the about-to-be-published book, "Big Blues: The Unmaking of IBM," by Wall Street Journal reporter Paul Carroll.
In the book, Carroll says that Gates took Cannavino to be a "blowhard" and was constantly annoyed at how "Cannavino would go on and on about his horses, or his cars, or about how IBM was showing American manufacturers how to stand up to the Japanese. Mr. Cannavino might chat for the first 2 1/2 hours of a three-hour meeting, while Mr. Gates strained at the bit to get down to business."
Carroll quotes Gates as saying, "I kept wanting to say to Cannavino 'We need a shorthand because these meetings are taking too long. Every time you say '13,' I'll know what that means -- that all you want to do is what the customer wants. And for every one of those gibberish slogans we can also get little numbers. There are lots of small integers available.
"We'll just tighten these meetings up. You know, Cannavino, if you want to talk about how you're going to save the US educational system, OK, we've heard that story. That's a good 15-minute story. That can be No. 11. If, Cannavino, you want to give that speech about how you've cut manufacturing overhead and how you've done such a great job running things, that one we can give a little shorthand too, because you're getting good at that speech.'"
Carroll, speaking to Newsbytes from the Wall Street Journal's Mexico City bureau, confirmed that all statements attributed to Gates were direct quotes. He said, "I probably spent 2 1/2 hours with Gates in the course of writing the book and I, of course, took pains to quote him accurately."
An IBM spokesperson told Newsbytes that, while she believed that Microsoft had furnished Carroll with an office and cooperated fully during the writing of the book, IBM had not cooperated with him. She also pointed out that the Wall Street Journal piece was an "adaptation" rather than an "excerpt," bringing together sections from various parts of the book and that "someone reading the entire book might feel a different balance."
Carroll told Newsbytes that IBM had, in fact, not cooperated during the writing. He said, "I talked to Cannavino extensively in advance of the writing in relation to my regular writing at the Journal but, once the actual book project began, I did not talk to him. While I did talk to senior IBM people off the record during the writing, there was no formal IBM cooperation."
Carroll also told Newsbytes that he thought that the "Journal adaptation reflected the tone of the entire book. The adaptation contained a hunk of material from one part of the book with some other small parts added."
The adaptation deals with the continued development of Windows by Microsoft after IBM had felt that there was joint agreement that OS/2 would be the operating system of choice for both firms. The piece examines in detail a November 1989 Comdex joint Gates/Cannavino press conference in which Carroll states, "Mr. Cannavino left the press conference sure that he had artfully avoided any public commitment to Windows but he seemed to be the only one in the industry with that impression. Mr. Cannavino had done irreparable damage. He had lost face with the software industry and unintentionally pushed them to abandon OS/2 and embrace Windows -- which, the following year, would take the world by storm."
An IBM executive, speaking under condition of anonymity to Newsbytes said, "I think that there have always been two camps within IBM concerning Cannavino and we do feel internally that we screwed up the Microsoft relationship so the article is a very blunt description of what the problems were."
The executive continued, "I have, frankly, been in the negative camp concerning Cannavino but, for the last six months, I have been more positive that I had been. He has a fairly intriguing strategy that is beginning to unfold -- a strategy aimed at attacking the Microsoft/Intel dominance of the industry. It should also be realized that Jim is an extremely successful self-made man and that some of his characteristics that come off negatively are also ones that got him to the level that he is."
Asked by Newsbytes whether the book would hurt Cannavino within IBM the executive replied, "I don't know. One of the things that our new CEO has publicly stated is that he wants to repair relations with Microsoft. If Cannavino is a deterrent to this goal, it could hurt. If, however, Cannovino's strategies reclaim a significant market share or, once again, become a standard setter, it should not."
The article pointed out that Cannavino was a self-made man with a lack of formal education, a background that made him both unusual and, at times sensitive. It said, "He hadn't gone to college, and while that made most people view his success at IBM as all the more extraordinary, his lack of formal education made him sensitive to condescension. Mr. Gates didn't have a college degree either but he had, after all, dropped out of Harvard. Mr. Cannavino had merely spent time at a technical institute while working at a grocery story and at his family's pizza parlor outside Chicago."
The book does mention Cannavino's interest in reforming the US educational system and the IBM executive mentioned that Cannavino's commitment to education is well-known throughout IBM. Cannavino is chairman of the board of directors of Marist College in Poughkeepsie New York, a 3,000-student college known for a strong technological infrastructure support for its entire academic curriculum.
(Barbara E. McMullen & John F. McMullen/19930823)
(Barbara E. McMullen & John F. McMullen/19930823)
8/24/93
IBM Has No Comment On WSJ Piece Criticizing Cannavino
IBM Has No Comment On WSJ Piece
Correction - Database Vendors An
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 14 (NB) -- A Newsbytes story about database vendors that had announced support for Microsoft Windows NT that appeared on August 18th with the above headline contained some correct information.
The story stated "Windows NT supports up to four gigabytes (a gigabyte is one million bytes, or 1,000 megabytes) of system memory and up to 17 million terabytes (a terabyte is a billion bytes) of hard disk space." It should have said that a gigabyte is one billion bytes, and that a terabyte is one trillion bytes.
Newsbytes regrets the error in math, and offers our thanks to the reader at AT&T Bell Labs who caught the error and brought it to our attention.
(Jim Mallory/19930818/Press and Reader contact: Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080 or 800-426-9400)
ntact: Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080 or 800-426-9400)
8/24/93
Correction - Database Vendors Announce Windows NT Support
CORRECTION
Correction - Database Vendors An
Sharkware PIM Based On Mackay's
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- In conjunction with Harvey Mackay, author of "Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive," Cognitech has announced the Personal Information Manager (PIM) Sharkware for Windows.
The company says its PIM offers users the ability to take advantage of the formulas for success Mackay offers in his best-selling book.
Cognitech claims it has built Sharkware around Mackay's business success principles, such as: "It's not who you know or what you know that makes the difference. It's what you know about the people in your business and personal life that helps you become more effective and successful."
Mackay has a 66-question profile about each contact that ranges from asking about the person's physical characteristics to questions about their family, home town, and place of birth. While Mackay in his introduction to the software admits this may sound like "Big Brotherism" he claims people will not care how much you know about them if they realize you also care about them. He goes on to ask, "When was the last time anyone besides Mom, your sibling, and your spouse called you on your birthday?"
In addition, Sharkware also offers three different categories of contact information. This means you can track not only when you last contacted a person and the nature of the contact, but other specific types of contacts as well such as a correspondence history or an entertainment history. For managers, setting up an Incident History can help them know every positive and negative incident generated by an employee.
Sharkware also offers the ability to do time management, the second of Mackay's two critical skills for success. The product combines contact information, phone calls, and a to-do list into a single system, the company maintains. A tickler feature moves uncompleted to-do's and phone calls forward each day and the user has the option of setting an alarm as a reminder of critical appointments. If a modem is available the software will also automatically dial the phone.
The software can print or export information and the company even offers, at additional cost, a leather organizer for use in carrying printed information from Sharkware. A single audio tape by Mackay introducing the five principles for achieving results is included with the software.
Sharkware requires a 386-based IBM or compatible personal computer (PC), Microsoft Windows 3.1, 4 megabytes (MB) of random access memory (RAM), 7 MB of hard disk space, and a video graphics array (VGA) monitor. A mouse is recommended and a modem is needed for the auto-dial feature. Retail price of Sharkware is $129.95 and the company says the product is available through national software distributors.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930824/Press Contact: David Ellis, Rogers & Associates for Cognitech, tel 310-552-6922, fax 310-552-9052; James Grady, Sharkware, 404-518-4577, Public Contact Sharkware, 800-487-4275)
ublic Contact Sharkware, 800-487-4275)
8/24/93
Sharkware PIM Based On Mackay's Book
Sharkware PIM Based On Mackay's
UK - WP Office OV/VM Edition
ADDLESTONE, SURREY, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Wordperfect UK has announced that Wordperfect Officevision/VM Gateway 4.0 for OS/2 (WP Office OV/VM) will shortly be available in the UK.
Wordperfect claims that the package is the first major local area network (LAN)-based messaging system gateway to fully integrate the electronic mail, calendaring and scheduling components between mainframes and LAN-based messaging systems.
In use, the gateway provides utilities for directory synchronization between the two systems, and incorporates a Move User facility that allows administrators to move the contents of OV/VM users to mailboxes in Wordperfect Office.
"PROFS users are accustomed to working in an integrated e-mail calendaring and scheduling messaging system," explained Daniel Sumner, WP UK's product marketing manager.
"Because WP Office offers the same type of integrated messaging as the OV/VM systems, the package is a natural right-sizing migration tool for organizations moving from mainframes to LANs," he said.
So what, exactly, does the package do for PC users running OS2? According to Wordperfect, the package opens up a gateway that allows users on both the OS/2 and the mainframe side of the link to exchange e-mail and schedule requests with each other. In addition it checks for open times on calendars, books appointments in those calendars and sends attachments between users. Because the link is interactive, the package can also keep a check on the status of messages sent.
Pricing of WP Office OV/VM depends on site licensing conditions and the size of the system being used. Wordperfect says that interested parties can get a quote for their system by calling the WP information service on 0932-850505.
(Steve Gold/19930824/Press & Public Contact: Wordperfect UK - Tel: 0932-850500; Fax: 0932-843497)
0932-850500; Fax: 0932-843497)
8/24/93
UK - WP Office OV/VM Edition
UK - WP Office OV/VM Edition
India Evolves Code To Design Cru
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Indian scientists have evolved an aerodynamic code for a wide range of missile configurations like large ballistic, small heat-seeking and even cruise missiles. The code enables rapid estimation of aerodynamic forces acting on the missile's surface when in flight.
It is called the Missile Aerodynamics Design Manual. A team from the National Aeronautical Laboratory (NAL), Bangalore, and the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) worked on the complex mathematical project for over four years.
According to the scientists with the new code, it will be possible to shorten the time taken for a new missile development by at least one-third. The most laborious aspect of any aerospace project is the time taken to study the effects of wind on a projectile. The movement of a missile is dependent on wind flow and scientists work out an optimum surface design that can cruise through the most difficult wind conditions. This is a complex process involving several hundred man hours on powerful computers. NAL sources said at least 25 different missile types can be configured with the new missile prediction code.
The cruise missile technology is a closely guarded secret with only a few countries possessing it. While it is widely rumored that the Indian guided missile program also includes a cruise missile there has been no official confirmation. The aerodynamic code contained in the new missile aerodynamics design manual, however confirms that such a project is on the anvil. The Jane's Defence Review on Missiles lists an Indian cruise missile program with a 600 km range and 450 kg warhead. The US has been crying wolf over missile proliferation in the subcontinent and has already placed India at the top of a list of nations that are "potential missile threats to the United States."
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930824)
nited States."
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930824)
8/24/93
India Evolves Code To Design Cruise Missiles
Soft-Switch Offers Directory Xpr
Hughes LAN Intros proLINC 2.2/pr
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Hughes LAN Systems has introduced version 2.2 of its ProLINC multiprotocol connectivity software and version 1.2 of ProLINC WINtools TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) connectivity software for the Microsoft Windows graphical user environment.
According to the company, the new releases have been enhanced to support current versions of operating systems, including Windows 3.1 and MS-DOS 6.0.
In announcing the new versions, KC Clawson, product line manager for Hughes LAN Systems, said: "Hughes has thoroughly tested all the pieces going into ProLINC and has taken the guesswork out of installation and configuration. Customers should find that the simplified Windows utility enables them to install and configure the product quickly, and they should find minimal conflict among hardware and software devices."
The company says that ProLINC incorporates version 2.2 of PC/TCP from FTP Software. ProLINC now supports the Windows Socket application programming interface (WINSOCK), which the company says is "a standard for linking TCP/IP applications with Windows."
ProLINC 2.2 reportedly supports the latest versions of TCP/IP, LAT DLC, Novell 4.0, Banyan 5.0 and 5.2 and LAN Manager 2.1. It enables network managers with MS-DOS 6.0 and 5.0 or Windows 3.1 and 3.0 operating systems to access and transfer files with a variety of hosts, network operating systems, and file servers through their native protocols, says the company.
ProLINC WINtools 1.2, which is included with ProLINC at no additional charge or is available as a stand-alone product, is a collection of Windows TCP/IP utilities.
The company says that both products are aimed at corporate MIS (management information systems) managers and departmental network managers.
The company says that ProLINC includes a new Windows-based installation utility which uses Windows 3.1 conventions such as drop-down menus, push-buttons and check boxes to speeds installation. The user interfaces for MS-DOS and Windows are the same, and the Windows-based utility operates in a fashion that is almost the same as the MS-DOS utility.
Network managers can set ProLINC configuration parameters globally by loading the software onto one file server, configuring the parameters, then downloading the resulting file onto each workstation.
The software also features a Windows-based, context-sensitive on-line help system, which provides answers to help queries in response to the user's position in the program.
A new FTP PC/TCP architecture now provides better support for Windows, and a new memory design allows FTP to take up just 25 kilobytes (KB) of RAM for more efficient memory allocation.
ProLINC version 2.2 is priced at $450 for a single-user package $3,750 for a 10-user package and $6,250 for 25 users. The product is also available in larger quantities through site licensing with costs varying depending on the size of the site. Current users of ProLINC version 2.01 can request an upgrade at no additional cost. WINtools 1.2 is included with ProLINC at no additional charge, or can be purchased separately for FTP environments for $75 per package or through site licensing.
(Ian Stokell/19930823/Press Contact: Rebecca H. Hettema 415/966-7460, Hughes LAN Systems)
Rebecca H. Hettema 415/966-7460, Hughes LAN Systems)
8/24/93
Hughes LAN Intros proLINC 2.2/proLINC WINtools 1.2
GENERAL
Soft-Switch Offers Directory Xpr
Greek Government Wiretapping Pro
Soft-Switch Offers Directory Xpr
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) Soft-Switch Inc., has announced the launch of a new service Directory Xpress, that is claimed to allow customers to combine dissimilar electronic mail listings, addresses, and databases to create one directory on their corporate-wide electronic mail networks. The company has also announced that it will partner with DunsNet to build a messaging network for Dun & Bradstreet Corp.
Directory Xpress is available as part of the newly formed Network Messaging Services (NMS) organization. According to the company NMS is dedicated "specifically to providing consulting expertise for the development and implementation of enterprise directory systems."
Directory Xpress reportedly designs and implements common listing and address directories so that customers can send and receive messages among disparate mail systems on the same, enterprise wide network.
The company says that the NMS group enables customers to "take advantage of Soft-Switch expertise to supplement and assist their own staff, as well as out-source the expertise necessary to accelerate the deployment of manageable enterprise messaging backbone networks."
In announcing the service, Donald M. Fisher, vice president of Network Messaging Services for Soft-Switch, said: "Integrating directories across dissimilar electronic-mail systems is a vital part of building an enterprise backbone."
DunsNet, a D&B company, will use Soft-Switch's EMX (Enterprise Mail Exchange) to support worldwide interconnections among D&B's electronic-mail systems and link the organization to the Internet and other public on-line services. The D&B network is expected to be in operation by the end of the year.
EMX products connect and manage over 50 different e-mail systems for a number of computers.
The company says that, at Dun & Bradstreet, EMX will work with their existing systems and multiple communications protocols to provide connectivity, management, and application integration to D&B users. Said Allan Conner, DunsNet president, "Soft-Switch's ability to link disparate mainframe, PC, local area, and e-mail networks was key in our decision."
An EMX6000 switch will be used as the foundation of D&B's network backbone. DunsNet will manage the network and work with D&B companies in connecting them to it.
In announcing the deal, Ron Kopeck, vice president of marketing for Soft-Switch, said: "Our partnership with DunsNet signifies Soft Switch's aggressive move into the open enterprise messaging market. As other multi-national organizations have discovered, enterprise messaging is a powerful tool in re-engineering business processes creating business opportunities, and strengthening alliances with customers and other business partners."
Soft-Switch Offers Directory Xpress E-mail Service
GENERAL
Ricoh To Create New IC Plant
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Japan's Ricoh says it will expand its semiconductor plant, spending 6 billion yen ($60 million). Ricoh has seen an increase in purchase orders for chips and feels the time is ripe to increase its chipmaking capacity.
Most semiconductor firms chose not to expand their plants during the past two years due to slow sales in the industry. However as the market surges back to life, other chipmakers are expected to spend on chip production facilities.
Ricoh is planning to expand its Yashiro plant in Japan's Hyogo Prefecture. Ricoh will install more production lines as well as advanced automated production facilities. The entire project is expected to be complete by April, 1994. Ricoh will mainly produce ASICs (application specific ICs) and precision LSI chips at this plant. The goal is to ship one million chips per month by the fall of 1994.
Ricoh has been manufacturing chips for Nintendo's Super Famicom and for digital office equipment such as copiers and fax machines. Super Famicom has been selling well, and also due to the popularity of color copying machines and printers, Ricoh expects more purchase orders for its chips in the near future. Ricoh is also producing pictorial processing chips for telecommunications.
Ricoh has been producing about seven million chips monthly at its two plants and is launching into new areas: advanced pictorial processors and neuro chips which simulate a human brain.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- 3DO Japan will provide software development support to third party software makers and for starters, plans to release its software library in October. Also the firm will provide software's development support systems via a personal computer telecommunication network by the end of this year.
3DO's "Content Library," originally created in cooperation with California's MCA, contains audio and visual data and fills 200 CD-ROM discs. 3DO Japan is planning to provide these disks free of charge if software makers pledge to use them to develop software for 3DO's products based on 3DO's standard.
The release of this library is seen as a smart move by 3DO as it not only speeds up the process of software development, but also lowers the cost.
3DO and Matsushita Electronics are currently developing a multi media player which is due to be released to the public in the spring of 1994. Matsushita has teamed up with 3DO to encourage software development for the unit.
Meanwhile, 3DO will launch a personal computer-based telecommunication network. The host system will be located at 3DO Japan's office, and it is expected to operate 24 hours a day. Software makers will be able to get support online. 3DO Japan will also provide a support service via fax machines.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Japan's major personal computer maker NEC will create a new production line for color liquid crystal displays (LCDs), spending a whopping 30 billion yen ($300 million) in the process. The firm is planning to ship 50,000 LCDs per month from this new production line.
NEC's new LCD production line will be created at its Akita plant which is located in the north of Japan. NEC is currently producing print circuits at this plant but will convert to TFT (thin film transistor)-type color LCDs at the plant, as there is a expected to be a big demand for these devices from multimedia and PC makers.
The plant will be ready to ship its first LCDs by December 1994. NEC expects to make 30-billion yen in sales from product made at this new plant during its first year.
NEC will also increase production of LCDs at its Kagoshima plant. Currently, 40,000 LCDs are produced monthly at this plant but by the end of this year, a new production line with 60,000 units per month capacity will be added. Overall, the firm's goal is to ship 280,000 LCDs per month from both of these plants by fiscal 1997.
Most of the TFT-type LCDs are small sizes -- 9 or 10 inches diagonally -- designed for notebook-type PCs and multimedia devices. Demand for TFT-type LCDs has been growing 40 percent per year and is due to be a 600 billion yen ($6 billion) market by fiscal 1997.
Other electronics makers such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Sharp are preparing to increase production of LCDs.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Japan's major telecommunication service firm NTT estimates that actual digital network service for individual home users won't be here until 1998. This is mainly due to the slow maturity of the market, and specifically because more multimedia devices have yet to be released.
NTT initially planning to start the B-ISDN (broad integrated services digital network) service for home users in 1995. The multimedia digital network would enable home users to receive various data including pictures, voice, and text. NTT estimates that the network will cost about 45 trillion yen ($450 billion) to set up nationwide in Japan. But not waiting around, NTT is already developing an ISDN switching device for this service jointly with nine firms including NEC and Canada's Northern Telecom.
NTT started ISDN service in 1988, and is currently providing it to corporate users. However, the service isn't that popular and to date, has cost NTT 55.4 billion yen ($554 million) in debt. The number of registered users is 202,000, which is far short of NTT's original estimates. NTT had hoped for 750,000 members by the end of fiscal 1994.
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- As vacation time is upon us, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), worried about the very high levels of phone fraud in the US, has revealed how the scamsters operate, and is warning the public to be on their guard against such tactics.
The con starts when an unwitting consumer is told to say "yes" to a call when asked to accept charges for a call being made from another phone to some number across the country or the world. The technique known as third-party billing, is causing a major headache for US phone companies.
According to the FCC, the fraudsters are now getting very sophisticated. They call a subscriber, claiming to be an FCC investigator or a senior official with the phone company. The scam artist then claims to be checking up on fraudulent reverse charge calls from overseas. The victim is urged to accept the charges on such calls if they come in and to press a certain sequence on the phone keypad to trace the call automatically.
The unwitting victims who say "yes" when that international call arrives end up billed for it. Sometimes, even legitimate long-distance operators are unknowingly pulled into the scheme FCC officials admitted.
The FCC stresses that phone customers must realize that their investigators would never find it necessary to ask telephone customers to have fraudulent charges made on their bills, no matter how serious the crime in question. This action is specifically prohibited in their code of practice.
The FCC advises consumers suspecting fraud to:
[] Immediately ask the caller for his or her name, the company for whom she or he works and the alleged problem.
[] Tell the caller you will call the company yourself to verify the alleged problem. Then, immediately hang up, get the phone company's number from the phone book or directory assistance and call to determine whether there is a problem with your telephone line or account.
[] Never give out your name, address or credit card numbers, names and locations of friends or relatives or accept collect or third number billed calls unless you are sure of the caller's identity.
[] Report problems or complaints to your local telephone company the long-distance company or local or federal law enforcement agencies.
Further information can be obtained from the FCC offices, the local phone numbers for the FCC can be found in any US telephone directory.
(Steve Gold/19930824)
e directory.
(Steve Gold/19930824)
8/24/93
FCC Warns Of Phone Card Scam Methods
TELECOM
Lawrence Livermore Helps Develop
UK - Vodafone Establishes Int'l
NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Vodafone has announced the formation of Vodafone Group International Limited. The new company will be responsible for identifying, negotiating and bidding for business opportunities around the world and, after start-up, taking over the development and monitoring functions.
Julian Horn-Smith, the managing director of the new company was promoted from his previous position as MD of Vodapage Vodafone's radio paging company. He is succeeded at Vodapage by Ian Maxwell.
According to Gerry Whent, Vodafone's CEO, the set-up of the new company is in recognition of the important role that the Vodafone Group's overseas business play in the group's future.
"It will enable us to maximize the profitability of the considerable investments in our overseas companies. In addition, the new structure will allow us to devote the necessary time and effort to the UK companies which are still the backbone of our business," he said.
Newsbytes notes that, while the Vodafone Group has a habit of setting up groups of new companies to assume direct responsibility for the various communications services that Vodafone offers, this new operation is a major step for the group as whole.
Over the past few years, Vodafone has become involved in 11 non-UK cellular phone operations and has revealed plans to become involved in many more. With the rapid growth in digital cellular phone technology (known as Groupe Speciale Mobile - GSM), the formation of the new company will allow Vodafone to bid for contracts directly in overseas markets, without worrying that it will be seen as just another foreign company attempting to get a foot in the door.
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Valley Forge Pennsylvania-based Integrated Circuit Systems has expanded its audio and video semiconductor support by forming a new personal computer multimedia products division.
Integrated Circuit Systems develops mixed signal (analog/digital) integrated circuits used in VGA adapters, caller ID circuits, and PC sound boards.
ICS has formed a pooling of interest merger with Turtle Beach Systems, developer of the MultiSound multimedia sound card whereby the new multimedia products division will work with Turtle Beach to provide sophisticated integrated circuits (ICs) for that company's boards.
ICS is the leading supplier of something known as frequency timing generators which are used on computer motherboards and in video adapter cards.
In 1989 the company introduced the first wavetable lookup IC which uses actual samples of musical instruments instead of frequency modulation (FM) sound generation to produce CD-quality sounds.
ICS has supplied microchips used in more than 25 million personal computer VGA adapters since 1989.
(John McCormick/19930823/Press Contact: Laura Bick, ICS, 215-630 5300 or fax 215-630-5399)
ct: Laura Bick, ICS, 215-630 5300 or fax 215-630-5399)
8/24/93
Integrated Circuit Systems Forms Multimedia Division
BUSINESS
Integrated Circuit Systems Forms
Bill Gates Really Does Do Window
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- "Bill Gates Does Windows" is a catchy phrase that more than one computer journalist has used, but now it's true. You can have the chairman of Microsoft Corporation do your windows, and it doesn't cost you a dime.
If you want to see the bespectacled genius doing your Windows, you need to download a free screen saver program from Ziffnet, one of the places you can read selected Newsbytes stories daily. The screensaver has Bill being lowered into your computer screen on a scaffold, nervously pushing up his glasses periodically ala the real Bill, and squeegeeing big blobs of "stuff" from the inside of the screen. It looks a lot like the view you get when the window washers clean the windows from the outside of your skyscraper office.
The program also has accompanying sound, that fingernails-on-the-blackboard-like noise real squeegees sometimes make.
There are various user-selectable settings you can make that include how often Bill pushes his glasses up, and how many blobs splat onto your monitor. You can also turn the sound on and off.
This picturesque screen saver can be downloaded from Ziffnet at no cost except connect time. The program, called GDW.ZIP is available in Ziffnet's Software Library (GO SOFTLIB), in Computer Shopper's Library 16 (GO SHOPPER) or in After Hours (GO AFTERHOURS) Library 5. The program has previously been available for Apple Computer Macintosh users. The author recommends your Windows set-up be in the 256-color mode to take best advantage of the colors the screensaver uses. The file is compressed, so you will need PKUNZIP, which is available on many of the public access bulletin boards, including CompuServe, Applelink, America Online, and GEnie.
(Jim Mallory/19930824)
nd GEnie.
(Jim Mallory/19930824)
8/24/93
Bill Gates Really Does Do Windows!
Bill Gates Really Does Do Window
Microsoft Shipping Two IBM PROFS
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Microsoft announced it is now shipping two new products for IBM PROFS and OfficeVision.
The software company said it has released the Microsoft Mail Gateway to IBM PROFS and OfficeVision version 3.4 and the Microsoft Mail Driver to IBM PROFS and OfficeVision.
Microsoft says the two products are part of its commitment to offer a migration path from a VM mainframe messaging infrastructure to a LAN (local area network)-based electronic mail system. Microsoft says the gateway and driver is a way for companies to downsize from a mainframe to a LAN while maintaining their mainframe investment.
"Downsizing from a mainframe messaging system to LAN-based e-mail is an important, yet daunting trend for corporate MIS," according to Microsoft connectivity business unit manager, Tod Nielsen.
The gateway is designed to allow VM mainframe users and Microsoft Mail users to exchange information, while the driver provides mainframe users with access to the graphical front-end of Microsoft Mail, without having to change the user's company messaging infrastructure all at the same time. Microsoft says that combination, coupled with its Consulting Services support, will provide for a smooth transition over a period of time with no loss in operation or functionality.
The gateway gives mainframe users the ability to exchange messages, attachments directories and scheduling information between the Microsoft Mail post office and the VM mainframe system. Microsoft's Schedule+, a Windows product, integrates to Microsoft Mail and a similar feature set in IBM PROFS. The gateway periodically exchanges scheduling information between the mainframe and the LAN, providing users with information regarding free and busy times to users of either scheduling package. A Generic Routing Facility feature makes it appear to PROFS and OfficeVision users that Microsoft Mail users are on a single mainframe node.
Microsoft says the gateway supports full directory exchange and is configured to deliver full diagnostic, performance and accounting information. It also automatically sends incident reports to a system administrator in case of system errors.
Other gateway features include the ability to encapsulate text multimedia objects, and binary files into a single Mail message addressed to other Mail users across the mainframe messaging backbone. An optional Distribution Manager extends the software's connectivity, making Microsoft Mail appear to the other system as if it is a PROFS V2.2.2 system, and permits the connectivity of Microsoft Mail to other messaging systems that use the Document Interchange Architecture (ZIP packet protocol) such as DISOSS, OfficeVision/MVS, AS/400, System 36, DEC All-in-1, WANG Office and Verimation Memo.
Microsoft Mail addresses can be exported in PROFS and OfficeVision nickname file format to a VM identification where they can be integrated into the PROFS and OfficeVision system nickname files. Conversely, PROFS and OfficeVision user addresses can be imported from the system nickname file to the Microsoft Mail address list.
To use the gateway you need a personal computer running on a 286 or better microprocessor, about 300 kilobytes (K) of system memory, a local area network that supports file sharing and 3270 emulation hardware or DCA/Microsoft Communications Server version 1.1, and MS-DOS 5.0 or higher on the LAN. The mainframe requires VM version 5.0 or higher, RSCS release 2.3 or higher, IBM IND$FILE or equivalent and a Microsoft Mail Host Access for IBM PROFS and OfficeVision.
The gateway has a suggested retail price of $4,995. The Microsoft Mail Gateway Access Component to IBM PROFS and OfficeVision has a suggested retail price of $995, while the Mail Host Access component will sell for $14,995. The driver to PROFS and OfficeVision requires at least a 386-based PC, Windows 3.1, MS-DOS 5.0 or higher, and 3270 emulation. There is a $30,000 installation fee for each host, a $15 per driver cost - and you have to buy at least 2,000 drivers - and client license costs, which are available through resellers.
(Jim Mallory/19930824/Press contact: Collins Hemingway, Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080; Reader contact: Microsoft Corporation 206-882-8080 or 800-922-9446)
rosoft Corporation 206-882-8080 or 800-922-9446)
8/24/93
Microsoft Shipping Two IBM PROFS Mail Products
Novell's Direct Mail Support For
Sequent Servers Get Pentium Proc
BEAVERTON, OREGON, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Sequent Computer Systems says it will start shipping its Symmetry family of symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) servers with Intel's Pentium microprocessors next month.
Symmetry says its Unix-based systems will continue to support Intel 486 chips, making it the only company so far to announce it will ship servers with both Pentium and Intel 486 CPUs in the same system.
The company says its Pentium-based servers perform at levels twice that of its Intel 486-based systems, but retain full compatibility. Sequent marketing VP, Mark Miller, says that compatibility is the result of the close working relationship between Sequent and Intel. "Cooperation between Sequent and Intel enables our customers to benefit from the interoperability they need to simultaneously grow scalable systems and protect their initial investments," says Miller. He says the SMP-Pentium combination offers a significant advantage in power and speed for Sequent's high-end servers.
(Jim Mallory/19930824/Press and reader contact: Sequent Computer Systems, 503-626-5700)
er contact: Sequent Computer Systems, 503-626-5700)
8/24/93
Sequent Servers Get Pentium Processors Next Month
ISSI Intelli-Guard Computerized
OpCon East '93 Conference Opens
A Bad Week In Space
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Whether due to a computer or a radio failure, which is pretty much the same thing on a satellite, the first manned mission to the planet Mars potentially suffered a major setback over the weekend when NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) lost contact with the $980 million Mars Observer satellite. Experts say that contact may be automatically reestablished tomorrow but that might be too late to salvage the mission.
Created in a massive 12-year effort at a total cost of at least $980 million (critics say that NASA regularly underestimates individual launch costs by charging many expenses to overhead rather than specific launches), the satellite, which weighs about as much as the heaviest automobile made today, was sent on its multi-year mission to make extensive measurements of the Red Planet's atmosphere, surface, and interior. Without these readings it will be impossible to send a manned mission to Mars.
Although contact had been lost with the satellite several times previously, it always re-established radio contact with the controlling Earth station. NASA engineers shut the satellite's transmitter off on Saturday in preparation for maneuvering into orbit, but the radio did not come back on as scheduled when sent activation signals, leading to fears that the satellite may continue past Mars into a useless course through outer space.
The satellite's computers contain instructions which direct the systems to conduct self-repair procedures and re-establish contact with controllers, but this won't begin until Wednesday at the earliest and that may be too late to pass critical instructions to the vehicle.
Mars, the nearest planet to Earth on which man might be able to land (actually the only suitable planet), has long been seen as the next logical step in manned space exploration after the moon landings. Venus, which is actually much closer at certain times in its orbit, has a surface temperature which would melt lead while Mars has relatively benign surface conditions.
Dr. Aden Albee, a project scientist, called the possible loss of the probe a "critical loss."
The Washington Post has reported that a $67 million weather satellite, NOAA-13, launched for The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, was almost certainly lost over last weekend, with little chance of re-establishing contact.
While the Mars Observer was probably lost due to a computer glitch, the NOAA satellite, which was scheduled to replace a rapidly failing weather satellite, seems to have suffered a catastrophic electrical failure.
Although the Mars data is critical to advanced space missions, the loss of the relatively inexpensive weather satellite will have the most immediate impact on people because it cripples the world's weather prediction networks at a time when many experts expect a continuation of last year and this summer's severe weather patterns.
NOAA, NASA, and prime contractor Martin Marietta are already rushing to get the next weather satellite ready for launch as soon as possible, but it will take many months and prediction accuracy will be negatively impacted if the old NOAA-11 fails before a working replacement can be launched.
(John McCormick/19930824/)
McCormick/19930824/)
8/24/93
A Bad Week In Space
NEC Increases LCD Production
A Bad Week In Space
Lawrence Livermore Helps Develop
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Federally sponsored Lawrence Livermore Laboratories has signed a $1.9 million, three year cooperative research and development agreement with Houston Based SI Diamond Technology, and Alexandria, Virginia-based Commonwealth Scientific. The project will determine if a new Livermore-developed diamond deposition system is applicable to flat-panel displays.
Spurred in part by the discovery a few years ago that it did no good to impose import tariffs on sophisticated Japanese flat panel (liquid crystal display) laptop computer screens because no American-based company made a comparable product, this research effort will have applications in both the computer and television industries.
The US Department of Energy's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory says that estimates place the potential yearly market for flat panel displays at $50 billion by the end of the decade.
Thin-film diamond layers are being explored as important an new material with many uses in the semiconductor industry because of diamond's unique thermal and electrical properties.
No actual product is yet on the horizon because Commonwealth Scientific is only now working on the development of a one-inch square working prototype, but a diamond-based flat-panel display could provide sufficient resolution for high definition TV and would not require backlighting when used either as a television screen or in a laptop computer.
Creating a diamond film is not terribly difficult from a technical standpoint, but forming a precision layer needed for use in semiconductors is a major challenge and Lawrence Livermore is transferring its expertise in this area to SI Diamond.
Thin-film diamond coatings also have applications in medicine and manufacturing because of the extreme hardness of the surfaces.
(John McCormick/19930824/Press Contact: Breck Henderson, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 510-424-5806)
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 510-424-5806)
8/24/93
Lawrence Livermore Helps Develop Flat-Panel Displays
H f
CA-Visual Objects To Begin Beta
ORLANDO, FLORIDA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- CA-Visual Objects an object-oriented desktop development system, will enter beta testing in September, manufacturer Computer Associates International said at the TechniCon 93 conference in Orlando.
Islandia, New York-based Computer Associates said about 1,200 computer users have signed up to try out early versions of the software. The first beta copies, however, will go only to about 100 users, with more being added to the testing program as it moves forward.
The company stopped short of saying when it would release the final version of the software. "We'd be really short-sighted to give you a date until we see what the outcome of the beta is," said Marc Sokol, vice-president of product strategy at CA.
Nor was a price announced. However, Sokol said the software will carry a price tag comparable to that on rival development tools such as Microsoft's Visual Basic and various C++ language compilers. This suggests a list price of about $500, with dealers probably selling for somewhat less.
Though Visual Objects is widely seen as a development tool for database software users, Sokol set out to position it more generally, to compete with general-purpose programming languages. "You can build applications that you really can't build in anything else but C or C++," he said.
Visual Objects is "our flagship, cornerstone product in the applications development area," Sokol said.
Features of Visual Objects include an object-oriented language, a native code compiler, an integrated development environment visual development tools, and open database access, the vendor said. The software also includes object-oriented programming tools, including class libraries, and an object-oriented repository.
The software works with personal computer database packages that fit the Xbase standard (that is, that use the same data structure and access language as Borland International Inc.'s dBase IV). These include CA's own Clipper and dBFast.
It also supports Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), Microsoft's proposed standard for access to databases, and through ODBC Visual Objects applications can work with databases that conform to the Structured Query Language (SQL) standard promulgated by IBM and widely used on midrange and mainframe computers. CA recently said it is testing direct support for ODBC in its own mainframe database packages, Datacom and IDMS.
Initially, Visual Objects will work with SQL databases only by using ODBC as an intermediary, said Yogesh Gupta, senior vice-president of development. But while he did not promise direct SQL support in future, Gupta did say there would be no technical obstacle to providing it.
(Grant Buckler/19930824/Press Contact: Bob Gordon, Computer Associates, 516-342-2391)
ontact: Bob Gordon, Computer Associates, 516-342-2391)
8/24/93
CA-Visual Objects To Begin Beta Testing In September
Update on Huntington Screenphone
Waterloo Maple Acquires Prescien
WATERLOO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Waterloo Maple Software, a privately held software developer, has acquired Prescience Corporation of San Francisco, also privately held. Both companies sell mathematics and computation software.
While the deal is technically an acquisition by Waterloo Maple the two companies will keep their own names and staffs and share technology, said Pearl Dresser, a spokeswoman for Waterloo Maple. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Waterloo Maple, in business since 1988, sells Maple V, a symbolic math package for DOS and Windows, the Apple Macintosh, various versions of Unix, Commodore's Amiga, and Digital Equipment's VMS minicomputer operating system. Like a number of computer-related companies in the area, it is a spinoff from the University of Waterloo, perhaps Canada's premier university in computer science training.
Prescience, which was founded in 1984, develops graphical user interface software for personal computers and workstations specializing in equation editing, symbolic mathematics, and graphing programs. Its products include Theorist, a symbolic mathematics and graphing program, and Expressionist, an equation editing application.
Prescience is strong in the Apple Macintosh market while Waterloo Maple is strong in PC market, Dresser noted, so the two firms complement each other well. Also, while Maple V is popular in universities, colleges, and professional research organizations Prescience is stronger in the school market.
Waterloo Maple's distributors around the world will soon distribute Prescience products, the companies said.
The two companies had no formal relationship in the past, Dresser said, and the deal arose out of casual discussions between management of the two firms at trade shows and other industry events.
(Grant Buckler/19930824/Press Contact: Pearl Dresser, Waterloo Maple Software, 519-747-2373; Allan Bonadio or Marilyn Cresswell Prescience, 415-543-2252)
Cresswell Prescience, 415-543-2252)
8/24/93
Waterloo Maple Acquires Prescience
BUSINESS
CA-Visual Objects To Begin Beta
UK - RAM Mobile Data Wins Retail
Waterloo Maple Acquires Prescien
MCI Details BT Rights In $4.3 Bi
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- MCI has clarified some of the rights British Telecom has to live by in the operation of its business once it puts $4.3 billion into the company.
The deal was explained by spokesmen Jim Collins and John Houser to Newsbytes. First, MCI can make investments in telecommunications worth up to 20 percent of its total market value. And telecommunications is defined broadly, including microwave-based PCN wireless telephone systems, electronic information services and equipment, cable television -- even transaction processing. Outside telecommunications, as broadly defined, any investment worth over 5 percent of MCI's market value is subject to BT approval. There is no time limit specified on these conditions. The same is true for "significant stock transactions that would either dilute BT's investment or challenge its holdings in MCI."
But there remains one unspecified area in which BT has input "certain business combinations" during the first four years after the investment is final, remain undefined, and could be prohibited by BT management. While BT will have three members of MCI's 15-person board, it will have no input on the names of the other 12.
Finally, MCI said it won't seek to be bought-out for seven years and if an unwanted suitor shows up within six years MCI would have to follow "certain auction procedures" giving BT the chance to compete for the prize. However, US law specifies that foreign companies can own no more than 25 percent of any US telecommunications firm, and BT's planned investment in MCI bumps right against that threshold. BT has said it won't increase the stake for 10 years, and it's prevented from putting MCI "in play" without the MCI board's permission.
Of course, this is not a done deal. It must be approved by both US and European regulators. The European Community's Executive Commission has begun a preliminary exam of the deal.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930823/Press Contact: John Houser, MCI, 202 887-3000)
ess Contact: John Houser, MCI, 202 887-3000)
8/24/93
MCI Details BT Rights In $4.3 Billion Deal
TELECOM
T ~ b
TI Wants Defense Money, Threaten
DALLAS, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Texas Instruments says unless it gets some new major military contracts it will cut up to 4,800 jobs by 1996.
The company says it will have 13,300 employees in its Defense Systems and Electronics Group (DS&E) by the end of this year, about 95 percent of them working in Dallas, Lewisville, McKinney and Sherman, Texas. At the end of 1988 TI employed 24,600, but expects the division to be pared down to about 8,500 by the end of 1996. The Dallas Morning News newspaper says it obtained a copy of an internal company memo that says any kind of reduction would probably not happen until late this year or early 1994.
TI spokesperson Tony Geishauser acknowledged that planned cuts have been discussed in a series of meetings between managers and employees.
TI has experienced problems in its Defense Systems and Electronics Group division for more than two years. On the very day the shooting started in the Persian Gulf War, the company announced it would lay off more than 700 workers, mostly from Defense Systems, blaming persistent weakness in the defense industry.
In January of this year Newsbytes reported that a former TI defense plant that would otherwise have been mothballed would be converted to the manufacture of a new type of pizza oven. In February the company said despite a 1992 profit of $247 million it would cut another 435 jobs in the DS&E group, as part of its cost reduction program.
Last month Newsbytes reported that TI reached an all time high for net income and net revenues for the second quarter, with revenue reported at $2.1 billion, and net income at $112 million.
The company says it expects most of the latest cuts - if they occur will come from early retirement and other voluntary programs, as well as attrition and transfers to other divisions. Geishauser said layoffs would be a last resort. Company spokesperson Buddy Price told Newsbytes that the termination package for the projected cuts may not be as lucrative as they were in the 1991 reductions, when employee benefits were offered as if the employee were five years older and had been employed five years longer than their actual age and longevity. Employees that were within five years of normal retirement were also offered a severance package.
Asked if such announcements have an adverse affect on employee morale, Price said he doesn't think so. "Honesty with your employees is an important item." He said TI will attempt to place any displaced DS&E employees in other divisions. "We will do everything we can to place them in other parts of the company. " Price said many of them would go to the semiconductor division. Earlier this week Newsbytes reported that TI will build a $1 billion wafer manufacturing plant in Dallas.
TI said at the end of the first quarter, orders for defense electronics were down three percent from last year, and second quarter orders were down 28 percent. In 1992 DS&E had a particularly good year as a result of the Defense Department restocking its missile arsenal, which was depleted during the Persian Gulf War.
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- With an eye on the computer-aided engineering (CAE) market Hewlett Packard has signed a definitive agreement to acquire EEsof Inc. Terms of the deal have not disclosed.
Laurie Nichol, spokesperson for HP, told Newsbytes that, "HP is looking to strengthen its position in the high-frequency and high-speed design market. They think that by adding the complimentary products and technology from EEsof, that it will help them achieve that."
Nichol said that the two companies have been "competitors" in the past. In terms of plans to discontinue products from either company, Nichol said that there were, none "at this point."
Westlake Village, California-based EEsof develops CAE software used to design high-frequency systems, circuits and devices.
HP and EEsof both market simulation and analysis tools worldwide, to be used in such applications as cellular telephones wireless local area networks (LANs), collision-avoidance radar defense electronics and satellite communications links.
In announcing the deal, Edward W. (Ned) Barnholt, an HP vice president and general manager of its Test and Measurement Organization, said: "This acquisition will provide additional expertise and resources to better serve customers in the rapidly growing and changing communications and high-frequency design markets."
The companies plan for EEsof to merge with HP's High Frequency Design Software operation. The merged unit will report into the Santa Rosa Systems Division, part of HP's Test and Measurement Organization.
Charles J. Abronson, president, chief executive officer and co-founder of EEsof, said: "The explosion of communications design provides excellent opportunities for EEsof and HP - both traditionally thought of as microwave and RF software providers - to offer CAE solutions to a broader customer base. The combined resources of the two organizations will provide additional opportunities to expand into such areas as wireless communications, lightwave and high speed digital design."
Jacob H. Egbert, operations manager of the High Frequency Design Software Operation, will manage the new operation.
The companies claim that they both have mutual expertise in high frequency linear and nonlinear circuit simulation, framework technology on Unix system-based platforms and device characterization.
They say that the new organization will "benefit from HP's strengths in electromagnetics and instrument automation, and from EEsof's strengths in communications system simulation and support of design software on Windows- and DOS-based PC platforms."
Speaking of the deal, William H. Childs, executive vice president and co-founder of EEsof, said: "Looking ahead, a significant challenge will be to deliver the advanced technologies needed in a form that can be easily assimilated and successfully applied. Important aspects of this are to move toward industry standards and provide a tighter integration of our tools into the leading EDA (electronic design automation) frameworks. These both will be issues of critical importance to the new organization."
The companies maintain that the proposed acquisition is subject to "receipt of the necessary government approval." Once the deal is completed, William H. Childs is expected to remain in the new operation, but Charles J. Abronson, will "leave the company to pursue other interests but will continue for a time as a consultant to HP."
Nichols told Newsbytes that the company was expecting governmental approval to come around October.
In reply to a question from Newsbytes regarding layoffs, Nichol said: "What they are doing now is that they have to wait for government approval, and then they will go ahead and look at the two organizations when they merge them together. There will probably be some overlap in positions, but at this time we don't know what those positions are, or how many. So there is a possibility that there may be some downsizing."
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Epson has announced shipment of the new ActionNote 4SLC/33 notebook computer.
The company says that the new notebook offers 30 percent faster processing, improved power management and a brighter LCD (liquid crystal display) screen than its predecessor, the ActionNote 4SLC/25, which was released in April.
The 4SLC/33 comes in configurations of 80 megabytes (MB), 120MB and 180MB. Both the 120MB and 180MB versions also feature a built-in 2400/9600 baud fax/modem communications package as an option.
The systems weighs in at weighs 5.5 pounds with its NiCad battery pack installed, and comes preloaded with MS-DOS 6.0 and Windows 3.1. All configurations have 4MB of RAM and a Logitech Trackman trackball included.
The ActionNote 4SLC/33 with an 80MB drive is priced at $1,699; with 120MB drive and built-in communications package it costs $1,899; and with 180MB drive and built-in communications package it sells for $2,099 (manufacturers suggested retail price).
The systems come with a one-year limited warranty that includes free on-site service.
In June, Newsbytes reported that Epson was introducing the ActionNote series to complement its existing NB Series, and not as a replacement. At the time, Sanford Weisman, Epson's product marketing manager for portable computers, told Newsbytes that the NB Series and new ActionNote family are targeted at entirely different audiences, and sold through different channels. The NB Series is aimed at the corporate market-place, and marketed through traditional reseller channels, while the ActionNote systems are designed for the small business/home office market and sold in retail stores.
(Ian Stokell/19930824/Press Contact: Jan Marciano 310-782-5161, Epson America Inc.)
1, Epson America Inc.)
8/24/93
Epson's New Notebook
ATI Ships VESA Local Bus Card, U
Dell Appoints New VP
Apple Offers Free CD-ROM To Educ
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Targeting the student, faculty and staff of educational institutions, Apple USA's Higher Education division has announced the free Fall '93 Macintosh Promo CD-ROM. To get it they have to purchase of one of seven qualifying Apple Macintosh computer systems.
The Macintosh Promo CD Pack includes two CD-ROMs that contain music and animation videos and software applications designed to run on the AppleCD 300 or AppleCD 300i CD-ROM drives.
The company says that disc one of the two-disc pack contains animation clips, audio and music videos, including such artists as 808 State, Young MC, and Radiohead. Disc two contains a collection of software titles that Apple says are valued at $327. These include the Random House Encyclopedia, American Heritage Electronic Dictionary, ResumeWriter, and Correct Grammar 3.0.
The free CD-ROM gift pack is available with the Macintosh Color Classic, the LC III, the Centris 610 and Centris 650, the PowerBook 145B notebook, the PowerBook Duo 230 and the Duo MiniDock systems. The promotion runs through October 15.
In addition, a Time-Warner special offer runs through November 15, 1993, in which college students, faculty and staff can also purchase two additional CD-ROM discs for $12. These titles include the Sports Illustrated CD-ROM Sports Almanac; Clinton: Portrait of Victory; and the LIFEmap Series. Nine other music, game, education and productivity software titles are also available to students at 30 percent off retail prices.
In announcing the promotion, Diane Brundage, director of marketing for Apple USA's Higher Education division, said: "In teaming with Time-Warner to offer this Back-to-School CD-ROM promotion students can enjoy the benefits of CD- ROM with the Macintosh for both learning and entertainment."
Market research firm Dataquest estimates that over 4.8 million CD-ROM drives will be sold worldwide in 1993. Currently, Apple says there are more than 400 CD-ROM titles for education and entertainment available for the Macintosh.
(Ian Stokell/19930824/Press Contact: 408-996-1010; Reader Contact: 800-877-4433, Apple Computer Inc.)
Reader Contact: 800-877-4433, Apple Computer Inc.)
8/24/93
Apple Offers Free CD-ROM To Education Mac Buyers
APPLE
AT&T Increasing Internet Access
BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- AT&T made some moves aimed at increasing the links between its services and the Internet.
Users of AT&T's Frame Relay service, Interspan, will have full Internet connectivity as well as access to the company's EasyLink mail service, and information services linked to EasyLink. InterSpan customers will be able to get full Internet access by simply adding a single permanent virtual circuit to their existing connections, and they'll be able to access Internet services at speeds up to 14,400 bits/second by dialing through a toll-free number, 1-800-950-1288. This will help those customers access Internet services from outside their offices.
AT&T EasyLink customers currently have access to Internet mail and news groups, an AT&T spokesman told Newsbytes, and the company hopes to eventually offer them things like remote file transfer protocol, or ftp, support, which is not presently offered. Right away, EasyLink customers will be able to use AT&T's Domain Name System and register an Internet name for their company which will be easier to remember and use. Most Internet mail users on other public networks, like CompuServe simply add an @ sign and the name of their service to their existing ID.
EasyLink customers will also be able to get into the InterNic Directory and Database Services which AT&T has been providing to the National Science Foundation since April under contract.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Avalon Engineering has announced an application for the Newton that can make the Newton act as a portable teleprompter for speeches and offer other functions for presentations. The company is calling the new product the Presenterpad and it will be available later this year.
In the teleprompter mode, Presenterpad displays a speaker's text and allows control over the rate of speed at which the text is displayed. It even allows portions of the speech to be sped up or slowed via the use of faster and slower buttons on the side of the display. This allows the timing of the speech to be set in rehearsals and then that timing is used to display the text, according to Michael Bonnette of Avalon.
In addition, the product can be used to display notes on the use of slides or overhead transparencies so the speaker doesn't have to be constantly turning around to read the slide. Personal reminder notes can also be inserted into the slide notes as well.
The program allows for time tracking so a speaker knows if they're on schedule in a presentation and the time per slide can be varied as well. "Gas Gauge" style controls are used to view and manipulate the per-slide time and overall presentation time.
A text outliner is available for use in creating presentations and will offer import and export to other applications, to Macintoshes, and to IBM compatible personal computers (PCs) the company added.
Plans are to introduce an infrared device for Macintoshes and PCs that can accept signals from the Newton. This would allow a computerized slide presentation done in a product such as Powerpoint to be controlled via the Newton. The company said it plans to sell the infrared receiver separately and expects to have a beta test version by the end of September and a working version by the end of the year.
Retail price of the Presenterpad is expected to be between $119 and $159. The price is dependent on whether or not it is distributed on Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) cards or on floppy disks, company officials said.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930824/Press Contact: Michael Bonnette Avalon Engineering, tel 617-247-7668, fax 617-247-7698)
on Engineering, tel 617-247-7668, fax 617-247-7698)
8/24/93
Portable Teleprompter Software For Newton Planned
APPLE
Business Software Solutions - Th
IDC On PC Market Shares - The Ri
Borland Manipulates Justice Syst
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 24 (NB) -- Symantec is alleging Borland International is manipulating the criminal justice system and claims evidence that the company paid out $12,000 to witnesses and others for the district attorney is another example. The company says evidence of the payments was enough proof for a Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge to rule the Santa Cruz district attorney can no longer pursue prosecution of Symantec executives Gordon Eubanks and Gene Wang.
Symantec President and Chief Executive Officer Gordon Eubanks and Executive Vice President Gene Wang were indicted by a California grand jury to stand trial on charges of theft of trade secrets from competing software developer Borland International. Wang left Borland September 1 of last year to enter the employ of Symantec and two days after his departure the homes and offices of Wang and Eubanks were searched by police -- a move that shocked the computer industry. The incriminating evidence was in the form of electronic mail messages left on Wang's computer at Borland which were sent to Eubanks on Borland's MCI Mail account.
However, unlike other fights between companies over trade secrets, Borland did not have to bear the costs of pursuing the case because the case is viewed as a criminal case, not a civil suit. The Santa Cruz district attorney told Newsbytes when the case was filed that he was interested in pursuing the landmark legal issues as to the definition of what constitutes "technical and trade secrets" which could set significant precedents in the software industry.
Symantec has maintained the case is a business dispute and should not be treated as a criminal case. The company claims the information exchanged does not fall under "technical and scientific" information, but is "business" information concerning product directions and strategies. If the alleged e mail messages are business information, Symantec said, the California Penal Code S 499c, under which its executives have been indicted, is not applicable.
Symantec alleges that Borland paid out more than $12,000 to witnesses and others in connection with the district attorney's investigation and claims it was evidence of those payments that moved the judge to prevent prosecution of the Symantec executives by the district attorney. Symantec says it discovered the payments in pursuing Borland's hiring of an assistant district attorney who originally was involved in the case, according to Brian Fawkes of Symantec.
The case will now be turned over to the California State Attorney General's office, which according to Borland officials just means the case now has a different prosecutor. Borland spokesman Dick O'Donnell told Newsbytes, "Our actions in cooperating with the DA in investigation of the case were entirely proper. It is important to remember here that Borland was the victim in this case."
"It is quite common for victims to reimburse the district attorney for certain costs in prosecution of a civil case. Especially these days with shrinking budgets," O'Donnell added.
Fawkes said one of three things can happen now: the judge's ruling could be appealed to get the original district attorney back on the case, the California State Attorney General's office can decide to prosecute the case, or the Attorney General can decide to drop the case altogether.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930824/Press Contact: Brian Fawkes Symantec, tel 408-446-8886, fax 408-253-3968; Dick O'Donnell Borland, tel 408-439-1631, fax 408-439-9273; Art Danner, Santa Cruz District Attorney's Office, 408-454-2400)
ISLANDIA, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Computer Associates International Inc., said it will certify third-party products that work with its CA-Clipper database software CA-Visual Objects development tool, and Accpac Plus accounting software. The move is part of an expansion of CA's Developer Partnership Program (DPP).
Marc Sokol, vice-president of product strategy at CA, said the company wants to be able to assure its customers that third-party packages are robust and will remain compatible with CA's own products and each other through future software revisions.
The company's technical staff will test third-party products for conformance to published specifications. Developers whose products pass will get pre-release versions of CA software. A private forum on the CompuServe on-line service will give third-party developers technical information and support, CA officials said.
The company also plans advanced technical workshops on Clipper Visual Objects, and Accpac Plus to help developers prepare their products for certification.
Developers working with CA products in application development accounting, and decision support can join the DPP. There are three membership levels - silver, gold, and platinum - to fit the needs of individual developers, company officials said.
The developers' program already offers technical and marketing support to developers of software that works with CA products. CA also announced the addition to the program of: mailing services that target specific market regions or products; advertising in the CA product catalog; a DPP member and product directory available on disk and in printed form; and team selling with CA's authorized dealers.
DPP members may participate with CA experts in user group meetings, technical conferences and trade-show exhibits, and CA will send mailings to its clients that promote their products. The DPP directory is distributed through resellers and directly to end users, on CompuServe, and at CA technical conferences.
(Grant Buckler/19930824/Press Contact: Bob Gordon, Computer Associates, 516-342-2391)
, Computer Associates, 516-342-2391)
8/25/93
CA Announces Certification Program
GENERAL
Law Group Calls For Computer Use
Interop - Keynoter Sees Life Aft
AT&T Selling CDPD Wireless Syste
MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- AT&T is offering a bundle of hardware and software to help its new cellular telephone competitors introduce packet data networking under the Cellular Digital Packet Data, or CDPD, standard.
AT&T said it is the first wireless vendor to offer a complete CDPD system under version 1.0 of the standard. CDPD was originally proposed as a standard by major cellular carriers owned by the regional Bell companies, McCaw, and IBM.
While Barbara Mierisch of AT&T told Newsbytes that AT&T will "put together and service" the equipment and software covered by this bundle, it is actually buying the parts from Pacific Communications Sciences Inc., of San Diego, a unit of Cirrus Logic, and Evolving Systems Inc., of Denver. PCSI helped define the CDPD specification, acting as systems architect and prime contractor on field tests of the system, and winning a contract in November from IBM to develop CDPD modules for IBM notebook computers. AT&T said it already has a customer - Bell Atlantic which will install the system in its Washington, D.C. network starting in November.
AT&T is one of the leading producers of equipment used by cellular networks, under the Autoplex name. It competes most closely with Motorola and Northern Telecom. AT&T said its system will work with any manufacturer's equipment under the Advanced Mobile Phone System, or AMPS, standard.
Mierisch said that the system AT&T is selling involves only the wireless side of CDPD. McCaw announced earlier that it was buying equipment from Retix to link its CDPD system to other, wired packet networks. "McCaw is one of our customers," she said. "They're free to buy or not buy our system. I think the system McCaw is using is their own system. They don't have to buy AT&T's system."
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930823/Press Contact: Barbara Mierisch AT&T, 201-606-2457; Pacific Communication Sciences, Brandon Nixon, 619/535-9500)
ences, Brandon Nixon, 619/535-9500)
8/25/93
AT&T Selling CDPD Wireless System
TELECOM
Tech Support Productivity Low, B
Novell Offers NetWare 4.x Securi
Modem Prices Keep Falling
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- The modem price war continues unabated, on all parts of everyone's product line.
Hayes announced a new 14,400 bits-per-second (bps) data-fax modem under the PCMCIA "PC Card" standard, called the Optima 144 + Fax144 for PCMCIA, starting at $499. Modems at this speed for desktop computers sold for over $1,000 just 18 months ago. At the same time, the company dropped the price of its "pocket edition" 14,400 bps data-fax modem, which connects to a laptop computer via a serial port, to $399. Hayes also cut the prices of its ISDN (integrated services digital networks) System Adapter to $999.
Boca Research, meanwhile, announced the PM1440, also a data-fax modem running at 14,400 bps for laptop computers. It connects to a serial port, like the Hayes unit, and the initial price is $395 slightly below the Hayes price. The fax side of the Boca unit is Class 2-compatible, meaning it will work with general-purpose fax software.
Hayes' Practical Peripherals unit, which offers products at lower prices than the parent company, announced it would begin shipping 28,800 bps modems under the emerging V.Fax standard in the fourth quarter of 1993. The final standard is not due to be ratified until mid-1994. Technically, the new modems will respond to an interim standard called V.FC.
V.FC is considered a replacement for another, slower standard called V.32terbo, which would have extended the existing V.32 modulation standard to slightly faster speeds.
Finally, Archtek America announced SpartLink, a product which combines 9,600 bps fax, 2,400 bps data and answering machine capabilities in a single unit, at $149. The product comes complete with software.
ALISO VIEJO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Micromac Technology says it has come up with a way for Macintosh users to boost the amount of memory in their systems without discarding memory already in the computer, even on older Macintosh II systems. The product is a circuit board with additional single in-line memory module (SIMM) slots that plugs into existing SIMM slots, called Simmdoubler.
Unfortunately, while SIMMs come in varying capacities such as 1 megabyte (MB) and 4MB, they do not mix. That means if you have eight 1MB SIMMs (at a retail value of about $400) and want to increase the amount of memory in the system, you have to pull out all eight 1MB SIMMs and insert 4MB SIMMs.
However, Micromac says Macintosh users who already have 1MB SIMMs can simply purchase a Simmdoubler II package and add the Simmdoubler boards in the same slots the SIMMs plug into to add additional SIMM slots. The company says Simmdoubler does not require all the SIMMs to be the same, so varying capacity SIMMs can be mixed and in this way users can take advantage of all the SIMMs they have already paid for and add more memory.
Simmdoubler II is a set of four, credit-card sized circuit boards each providing two SIMM slots. Switches on the Simmdoubler II boards allow the user to configure the board to accept varying combinations of SIMMs, such as a 1MB and a 1MB a 1MB and a 4MB, or two 4MB SIMMs.
In addition, the product is also designed to slip past the memory barrier in Macintosh IIs, Microtech representatives said. Those with Macintosh II computers can add memory to their systems without getting a read-only memory (ROM) chip upgrade from Apple, and without paying extra for special PAL-SIMMs, by using Simmdoubler II. The product is designed to bypass the problems in the ROM chip that comes with Mac IIs.
Simmdoubler also has a PAL chip onboard which makes the computer think the SIMMs are PAL-SIMMs. In this manner, users can add up to 40MB of RAM to their Macintosh IIs to run applications such as Quark Express and Pagemaker. However, an $89 PMMU chip is required to make this work and is available through Micromac, company officials added.
Simmdoubler is compatible with Macintosh II, IIx, IIcx, IIci IIsi, and Performa 600 models. It retails for $139, comes with step-by-step instructions, a one-year warranty, a 30-day money back guarantee, and unlimited technical support, the company added.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930824/Press Contact: Helen Dunphy Micromac Technology, tel 714-362-1000, fax 714-363-0755)
ology, tel 714-362-1000, fax 714-363-0755)
8/25/93
Increase Mac Memory Using Existing SIMMs
APPLE
IBM Has No Comment On WSJ Piece
Quattro Pro Pricing Will Not Aff
NEC, Unisys Serve Up Pentium Ser
Atlanta Cable TV Expo - New Tech
rompter Software F
Increase Mac Memory Using Existi
Hayes Appoints New UK Distributo
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Hayes Microcomputer Products has appointed Frontline Distribution as a new distributor for its products in the UK. Existing distribution arrangements are unaffected by the appointment, Newsbytes understands.
According to Hayes, the appointment reflects a growing demand for Hayes products and the need to broaden the company's distribution network in the UK to take advantage of market opportunities.
Frontline is, Newsbytes notes, part of the Computer 2000 Group, a pan-European computer retailing operation. According to Computer 2000, Frontline is the second largest company in the group. Hayes already has a number of other deals with Frontline 2000 group companies in Europe, so the UK deal is logical for the company.
"We're delighted that we are now adding Frontline to our UK distribution channel," commented John Babb, Hayes' European regional general manager, who added that the appointment is in line with the company's strategy to deliver high quality products to a broad consumer base. "It's part of our progressive expansion of the Hayes distribution network throughout Europe," he said.
(Steve Gold/19930825/Press & Public Contact: Hayes European Region HQ - Tel: 0252-775500; Fax: 0252-775511)
Tel: 0252-775500; Fax: 0252-775511)
8/25/93
Hayes Appoints New UK Distributor
TELECOM
Yeoman Consortium Wins UK Milita
CRISTCHURCH, DORSET, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Siemens Plessey Systems has announced that the Yeoman team has been awarded the project definition contract as part of the Ministry of Defence's Bowman program to commission a new combat net radio system for the British armed forces.
The contract, which is worth around UKP25 million, is one of two awarded from the first competitive phase of the program. The race is now on to see who will win the actual production contract, which is worth more than UKP1,000 million.
Terms of the Yeoman contract call for the consortium - Siemens Plessey and Racal Radio - to produce "representative quantities" of equipment over the next three years for evaluation by the Ministry of Defence and industry.
Speaking on behalf of Yeoman, Peter Venton, Siemens Plessey Systems' managing director, said that the announcement of the contract is an endorsement of the approach that the Yeoman team has adopted with its Bowman system.
Newsbytes notes that, because of the Official Secrets Act, the actual technology involved with the Bowman radio system will be classified and, as such, is top secret.
(Steve Gold/19930825/Press & Public Contact: Siemens Plessey Systems - Tel: 0202-404418; Fax: 0202-404803)
Plessey Systems - Tel: 0202-404418; Fax: 0202-404803)
8/25/93
Yeoman Consortium Wins UK Military Network Contract
UK's Largest Independent Compute
BROMLEY, WEST MIDLANDS, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Kaytech the UK's largest independent computer retailer, has hit the financial buffers with debts of more than UKP1 million.
The Bromley-based company ran no less than five computer superstores in places as far flung as Birmingham, London Manchester, and Southhampton. The company appeared to be riding along on the crest of a wave back in February of this year, when it took over a whole floor of DH Evans on London's Oxford Street turning it into a PC superstore.
At a company creditors meeting on August 20, Samuel Lewis and Levy were appointed as insolvency practitioners for the group. As Newsbytes goes to press, no-one is saying anything official, until a preliminary report on the group has been prepared.
Sources in the computer reseller business suggest that the group had been having financial problems for at least two months before its demise. Reports of writs being issued from manufacturers and distributors started in June of this year.
Apple and Compaq withdrew Kaytech's dealer status because of unpaid bills over the summer, while IBM has claimed it was owed more than a UKP100,000 in unpaid for stock.
(Steve Gold/19930825)
UKP100,000 in unpaid for stock.
(Steve Gold/19930825)
8/25/93
UK's Largest Independent Computer Retailer Hits Buffers
BUSINESS
Microsoft Shipping Two IBM PROFS
Macintosh, DOS, Windows Rated By
US Eases High-Speed Computer Exp
International Phone Update
UK - RAM Mobile Data Wins Retail
WEST DRAYTON, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- RAM Mobile Data, one of the UK's four packet radio companies, has secured a prestigious deal with the Next retail store chain. Terms of the contract call for RAM to supply and install its wireless modem technology for use with Next's plastic card authorization system.
The advantage of using the RAM packet radio modems over conventional telephone modem technology is that connection to the credit card authorization center is almost instantaneous. Links over the telephone network can take up to a minute as the call is processed by the telephone exchange and a modem link is negotiated.
This speed of authorization is very important with credit and debit card transactions, since it means that, if required, all transactions no matter how small, can be authorized with two or three seconds.
Many card thieves have a habit of running when they realize that a transaction is being verified, since they realize that the card may well have been reported stolen. With the RAM system, thieves have no way of knowing from the transaction delay at the till whether the purchase is being authorized on-line.
The Next authorization system works by swiping the card through a Verifone terminal connected to the RAM packet radio modem. The data is transmitted over the RAM packet radio network to Next's transaction processing company, Natwest Streamline Card Services. A yes/no response to the transaction is then transmitted back within a few seconds to the store.
John Cutts, Next Retail's systems director, explained that it is standard practice for retailers to obtain on-the-spot authorization of credit card purchases over a certain amount and, since a significant number of transactions through Next stores exceed this limit, it is important to complete the authorization process as quickly and efficiently as possible, so as to prevent a build-up of customers at the till.
"We have invested heavily in our information technology (IT) infrastructure over the past couple of years in order to ensure that Next benefits from the latest technology. We spent a long time evaluating a number of different card authorization options, but found RAM's to provide the best performance, value for money and durability," he said. "We now have a system that helps to protect us against fraud while also improving our service to the customer."
Alan Stock, manager of electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) development at Natwest, said that the bank is always keen to help retailers improve their service. "We have worked very closely with Next and RAM on this project," he said, adding that after extensive trials of the technology, he is confident that the system will be highly effective, both in combating card fraud and facilitating the authorization process.
(Steve Gold/19930825/Press & Public Contact: RAM Mobile Data Tel: 081-990-9090)
ublic Contact: RAM Mobile Data Tel: 081-990-9090)
8/25/93
UK - RAM Mobile Data Wins Retail Store Contract
TELECOM
HP India To Export Services
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Hewlett-Packard India Pvt. Ltd., is expected to begin exporting services from its recently inaugurated India Manufacturing Operation at the Electronic city in Bangalore.
According to a HP spokesman, the export services will be at a new manufacturing facility of the company being set up at an electronic hardware technology park (EHTP). The value addition will be in the form of repairs of computer boards supplied from its parent company in the US. Certain subassemblies and devices will also be manufactured for HP's plants abroad. Exports are expected to commence sometime later this year.
The new facility is located on a five-acre plot with 31,000 square feet of fully air-conditioned area. The manufacturing facility is claimed to have a flexible assembly line.
The range of products manufactured include digitizing oscilloscopes logic analyzers, microwave counter, power meter and digital transmission analyzers. These instruments are used for a wide range of applications such as manufacturing, maintenance, research and design by the Department of Telecommunications, defence services research institutes and electronic equipment manufacturers.
HP's India manufacturing operation grossed Rs 25 crore (around $8.3 million) last year. It is expected to grow by 20 percent in the current year. Fifteen to 20 percent of the revenues this year are expected to come from exports.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930824)
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930824)
8/25/93
HP India To Export Services
BUSINESS
Japan - 3DO Opens Software Libra
India - Turbo Analyst To Support
India To Export Services
India - Multi-User Braille Readi
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Two professors of the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur, claim to have developed a multi-user braille reading system that will enable as many as 16 blind people to "read" texts from 16 terminals linked to a IBM PC/XT computer.
According to the developers - Anupam Basu of the department of computer science and engineering and S. Banerjee of the department of electrical engineering - the system is especially useful in libraries for the blind. It can also be extended to provide multilingual reading support.
The systems is hosted on a PC/XT, while readers have reading modules at their disposal. The reading modules consist of tactile reading systems and small, specially designed keyboards for controlling the reading process.
The reading device is a single three-by-two pin array compatible with the braille code format. Through this, characters are floated in a sequence. The technique of such temporal sequencing is claimed to save a lot more hardware. The keyboards not only allow users to control the reading speed but also page turnover and character repeat. The host PC allows new users to log in and specify the texts to be read. Users can start, pause or quit the system independently.
The device is expected to alleviate a number of difficulties faced by braille libraries, such as storage space and expensive braille printing processes.
According to Basu, systems currently available do not give multi-read facilities. Even the personalized systems available on the market are ten times costlier than this new system, it is claimed. The entire system, according to Basu, would cost about Rs 40,000 (around $1,300).
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930824)
0 (around $1,300).
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930824)
8/25/93
India - Multi-User Braille Reading Sys Developed
GENERAL
NEC Increases LCD Production
A Bad Week In Space
Intel Licenses Fourth Wave Techn
UK - Document Templates For WP 5
India - Turbo Analyst To Support
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Turbo Analyst, developed by Telco (Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company Ltd) and claimed to be the first indigenously developed CASE (computer-aided software engineering) tool, will now support the Integra relational data base management system (RDBMS).
Coromandel Software Ltd., (Co Soft) recently launched Integra 4 touted as the first RDBMS conforming to SQL 92 standards. The RDBMS supports the Open Database Connectivity standard. This feature enables users to run the applications developed on Integra front-ends with other database also. Having a C interface, it also allows network support, connects to multiple databases simultaneously, and can run on most networks and database platforms, claims the company.
The new Integra interface to Turbo Analyst is expected to save systems professionals the trouble of recoding information after completing the analysis and design of an information system.
Turbo Analyst is claimed to have an installed base of over 1,400 copies in the country. Version 2.2, with features such as reverse engineering for dBase, Fox, Clipper, COBOL and C, an Ingress/Oracle interface, and a Novell LAN (local area network) version, has a customer following in the Middle East, Australia, Europe and USA.
Telco will soon be porting version 3.0 on Windows, which has a client-server implementation. The product will be unveiled at the forthcoming IT Asia '93 exhibition and the CSI-93 convention.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930824)
I-93 convention.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930824)
8/25/93
India - Turbo Analyst To Support Integra RDBMS
GENERAL
Law Group Calls For Computer Use
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- The National Conference of Lawyers and Scientists (NCLS) has issued a call for proposals for original papers to be presented at a two-and-a-half-day invitational conference on "Legal, Ethical, and Technological Aspects of Computer and Network Use and Abuse."
The conference will be held in southern California in mid-December 1993. The deadline on submissions is September 15. According to the announcement, up to three successful applicants will receive travel expenses and room-and-board at the conference. Papers will be included in the conference proceedings and may be published subsequently in a book or journal symposium.
The conference will focus on the ways in which the law, ethics, and technology can contribute to influencing and enforcing the bounds of acceptable behavior and fostering the development of positive human values in a shared computer environment.
Primary attention will be on unwanted intrusions into computer software or networks, including unauthorized entry and dissemination of viruses through networks or shared disks.
Discussions will deal with such issues as access to information privacy, security, and equity; the role of computer users, academic institutions, industry, professional societies, government, and the law in defining and maintaining legal and ethical standards for the use of computer networks; and a policy agenda for implementing these standards.
Interested persons should submit a summary or outline of no more than 500 words, together with a brief (one-page) resume and a statement (also brief) of how one's expertise or perspective might contribute to the meeting. Proposals will be reviewed by an advisory committee convened by NCLS and successful applicants will be asked to prepare papers for the meeting. Papers must be the original work of the author, not previously published, in good academic form, and between about 5,000 and 8,000 words (25-30 double-spaced pages) in length.
NCLS is an organization sponsored jointly by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Bar Association dedicated to improving communication between members of the legal and scientific/technical professions and exploring issues at the intersection of law, science, and technology.
Funding for the meeting has been provided by the Program on Ethics and Values Studies of the National Science Foundation.
(Barbara E. McMullen & John F. McMullen/Press Contact: Deborah Runkle, Directorate for Science & Policy Programs, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 202-326-6600 (voice); 202-289-4950 (fax); values@gwuvm.gwu.edu (e-mail)/19930823)
50 (fax); values@gwuvm.gwu.edu (e-mail)/19930823)
8/25/93
Law Group Calls For Computer Use & Abuse Papers
GENERAL
Toshiba To Release Notebook-TV A
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Toshiba says it has developed an adaptor for notebook computers which lets users connect the system with a regular color television set. The adaptor is expected to be released by the end of 1993.
Toshiba's TV adaptor for notebooks can be connected with an extension bus of the PC, which supports IBM's VGA graphics screen mode. The adaptor is equipped with the signal conversion feature to change the signals from RGG to NTSC, which is a TV standard in Japan and North America. With this adaptor, users will be able to take the advantage of an extra large TV screen such as a 29-inch or a 32-inch. There are even 50-inch screen TVs sold on the market.
The adaptor is expected to be sold for around 50,000 yen ($500) to 60,000 yen ($600). If the sales go well, the firm may also release a PC with a built-in adaptor.
Currently, Toshiba is selling notebook-type PCs - some of them equipped with Lotus 1-2-3 and Japanese word processing programs.
Meanwhile, Toshiba is also planning to release a television set which is equipped with this adaptor. The TV will feature a screen size of 29-inches to 32-inches.
A similar adaptor is also being prepared for release by Fujitsu for around the same price range.
BRACKNELL, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Hewlett Packard has announced the HP Support Assistant, a CD-ROM-based on-line information tool that claims to provide technical and product information on the company's Netserver series, the Vectra range of PCs, the Laserjet series of printers and a variety of the company's networking and accessory products.
According to HP, the new disc - which is fully indexed and searchable - allows support administrators, MIS (management information systems) managers, workgroup specialists, and even end users the ability to gain "quick and easy access" to technical documentation and information, including graphics.
"The Support Assistant is an integral part of our support strategy to provide customers with the most current technical information in a highly usable and accessible format," explained Joanne Telfourd Cook, HP's PC product manager.
When loaded into a suitable CD-ROM drive, the disc offers a Windows icon to Microsoft Windows. When run, the icon opens up in Microsoft Multimedia Viewer format, allowing the package to appear as an extension of the standard Windows help routines.
Users can access the information based on keyword searches, user annotations to topics, hotlinks between related topics and fast text searches. User will also have the ability to print text and graphics.
The disc requires a IBM PC with an 386SX processor or better, 2 megabytes (MB) of memory, a 30MB hard disk, VGA graphics, and DOS 3.3/Windows 3.1 or later.
The disc is being provided free of charge with each copy of the HP Netserver Assistant server-management software. Extra discs are available on demand.
(Steve Gold/19930824/Press & Public Contact: Hewlett-Packard Tel: 0344-369222)
Contact: Hewlett-Packard Tel: 0344-369222)
8/25/93
UK - HP Offers CD-ROM-Based Support Tool
NEC Increases LCD Production
A Bad Week In Space
Intel Licenses Fourth Wave Techn
UK - Document Templates For WP 5
280 Compaqs Purchased By Japanes
Computer Superstore On Wheels To
HUNTINGTON STATION, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- A new "computer superstore on wheels" is scheduled to roll into San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia during the 1994 calendar year.
The traveling superstore will be folded into Computer Authority, a series of new computer shows for consumers and business users. The Computer Authority shows will also encompass conference sessions, keynote speeches, exhibition areas, product demos, and on-site "help desks" for attendees, said Marc Winkler, vice president of sales and marketing for SuperStore Expo Inc., the recently formed company that is hosting the events.
Ingram Micro and other major distributors have already begun contacting their key suppliers about participating in Computer Authority, according to Winkler. "The first show should be sold out by the first week in September, and most manufacturers are buying into the five-show concept," he told Newsbytes.
Why will users go to Computer Authority, when conventional superstores are cropping up everywhere? Because the show will provide more information and better services, responded Winkler whose background includes work as VP of sales and marketing exec for several major manufacturers and channel consultant to CMP Publications.
"When you walk into an ordinary superstore, you'll talk to a salesperson who has limited knowledge of many, many products. When you walk into our show, you'll talk to 150 manufacturers who know their own products better than anybody else does. Then, if you wish to actually buy the product, you can do so at the same time," he told Newsbytes.
Information will also be available through the seminars and demos and at the "help desk," where trained SuperStore Expo staff will assist users in identifying the general kinds of hardware and software needed for particular applications, and then refer them to specific manufacturers, he said.
Each show will be take place over a Friday-to-Sunday time span added Winkler. The conference faire on Fridays will be oriented to business users, while Saturdays and Sundays will be aimed at consumers. A $10 admission fee will cover all conference activities.
Product pricing will be competitive with retail and mail order rates, he told Newsbytes. "But we are not going to 'trash' the marketplace," he emphasized.
SuperStore Expo Inc., is now working with local resellers to establish after-event services, including product service and support, said Winkler. "We will not be a 'Here today and gone tomorrow' operation," he vowed.
The new concept appeals to manufacturers as way of getting feedback from users as well as a means of selling products, he maintained. "Manufacturers will be able to get immediate reaction to possible changes in design or packaging, for example, before presenting their ideas to store chains," he explained.
If the Computer Authority shows are as successful as planned, the series will expand to ten or 12 cities in 1995, he told Newsbytes. "But we probably won't go beyond that number," he noted.
The five shows for 1994 are set to be held February 18 to 20 in San Francisco, May 20 to 22 in Los Angeles, August 26 to 28 in Chicago September 23 to 25 in Boston, and November 4 to 6 in Philadelphia.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930824/Press and public contact: Victoria Spedale, SuperStore Expo Inc., tel 516-321-4008)
Victoria Spedale, SuperStore Expo Inc., tel 516-321-4008)
8/25/93
Computer Superstore On Wheels To Roll Into Five Cities
GENERAL
US Economy Stumbles Along
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Durable goods orders for July plunged 3.8 percent according to the numbers released today by the US Department of Commerce. This was due mainly to a major drop in the transportation component, which is considered extremely volatile due to the heavy commercial aircraft weighting.
Durable goods orders include computers and other business, as well as industrial and some consumer products which are designed to last or have a usable lifetime of more than five years.
The lower-than-expected durable goods numbers indicate that the US economy remains stagnant, not growing or shrinking very much. The durable goods numbers themselves are heavily subject to revision as indicated by the upward revision of June's durable goods order growth from 3.5 to 4.5 percent.
Taking both numbers together the economy is showing a slight growth trend, especially when the 18 percent drop in the transportation component is removed, making the July durable goods numbers slightly positive.
One troubling point is that the durable goods orders growth for the past three months is down somewhat from that of the previous quarter despite the fact that it is still slightly positive. This could indicate a slowdown in the already very slow rate of growth.
July's numbers show primary metals purchases up 0.6 percent. This number reflects purchases of supplies which are used to build appliances and vehicles. Orders for industrial machinery were up 4.5 percent, but electrical equipment orders were down 1.1 percent.
Computer sales are not specifically separated from other durable goods, but the overall trend of business equipment orders are holding nearly steady which indicates a steady but not increasing demand. Also, computer sales are closely tied to the general level of business activities and hiring so the relatively steady unemployment numbers and tiny durable goods sales growth both indicate that there is no general surge in computer sales on the near horizon.
That probably means a continued battle for market share, lower costs for computer buyers, and an ongoing shakeout in the computer industry.
(John McCormick/19930825)
(John McCormick/19930825)
8/25/93
US Economy Stumbles Along
NASA Efforts To Contact Mars Pro
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Although NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is trying to put the best possible face on the situation, the fact is that after a frantic, but fruitless, night's effort to contact the billion-dollar Mars Observer, hopes are dimming that anything can be salvaged from the 12-year effort to collect more data on the red planet with an eye to selecting a future landing spot for a planned manned mission.
NASA spokesperson Glenn Cunningham said, "We are not giving up." However, there is a very good chance that the probe was either destroyed or will continue on past Mars into a useless orbit even if communication is reestablished quickly.
Analysts argue that such high-profile outer space problems such as this, the recent loss of a spy satellite, shuttle problems, the probable loss recently of a $70 million weather satellite, and the scaling back of plans for the space station Freedom, all mean a general loss of confidence in US technology and a reluctance on the part of Congress to spend more money on high-tech research spending.
NASA has one more shot at contacting the Mars Observer as the pre-programmed instructions should cause the satellite to turn tail to the Earth and attempt to contact mission controllers using a secondary antenna. However, even if contact is reestablished, the probe may already be in a decaying orbit around Mars or it may have passed beyond the planet and be unable to return to a stable orbit even under the direction of ground-based computers.
(John McCormick/19930825)
-based computers.
(John McCormick/19930825)
8/25/93
NASA Efforts To Contact Mars Probe Fail Again
Bell Atlantic Wins Entry Into Ca
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Bell Atlantic has a constitutional right to be in the cable television business US District Judge T.S. Ellis III has ruled.
Bell Atlantic executives celebrated in a teleconference with reporters, including Newsbytes. But the government may appeal the ruling and it will likely have little immediate impact. Justice Department spokesmen said August 24 no decision has been made while interim FCC Chairman James Quello publicly urged an appeal.
Ellis ruled that the 1984 Cable Act's restriction on ownership of systems by Bell phone companies within their service regions restricts their First Amendment rights to free speech. He ruled that Bell Atlantic Video Systems, a subsidiary created to contest the law and, if successful, operate cable services in Alexandria, suffered "concrete actual injury" from the act, which he ruled unconstitutional.
Bell Atlantic wants to serve some 60,000 Alexandria residents with what it calls an "Interactive Multimedia TV" system that would not only let them get cable channels and movies-on-demand, but pass TV and multimedia files among each other. The area is presently served by Jones Intercable, which has 34,500 subscribers.
In a mid-afternoon teleconference, Bell Atlantic General Counsel James R. Young and president of information services Art Bushkin discussed the ruling's meaning. "The court applied standard first amendment analysis and said our speech can't be restricted unless there's a very good reason for it," said Young, predicting the ruling will soon be extended nationwide. "I do think it will have a persuasive impact on the other courts." The government will appeal the ruling, and could ask the judge to halt its impact pending appeal, but such a "stay" is unlikely, Young said.
Bushkin explained what Bell Atlantic wants to do. C&P Telephone (Bell Atlantic's local company serving the Washington, D.C. area) will provide video dial-tone services, and Bell Atlantic Video Services will be one of their customers. What was previously illegal was for Bell Atlantic, an affiliated company, to be a customer of C&P's video dialtone services. "And when we provide that cable TV transport we're required to do so on a common carrier basis," Young added, meaning others can use the system on an equal basis.
That system will not be turned on right away, Bushkin noted. C&P needs what is called a "Rule 214" approval from the FCC - a sort of federal building permit to build the cable system. Then Bell Atlantic must win a cable franchise from the local government and the system must be re-built for video. All this could take three years. The company is already conducting a test of the technology for some of its employees in the area.
In New Jersey, Bell Atlantic has filed two other "214 applications" - one on behalf of Sammons, an incumbent cable operator, the other on behalf of FutureVision, an operator which will challenge a franchise held by Adelphia. Neither has yet been approved, in part because the two operators would each take 60 of the 64 available channels, shutting others out of the market. Bushkin said that is a technology problem now being addressed.
Its chief supplier of fiber-to-the-curb technology - Broadband Technology of North Carolina - recently announced it will use Moving Picture Experts Group-2 (MPEG-2) compression to offer up to 384 channels of television. Working with Philips and Compression Labs, Broadband has even produced cable boxes for such a system. Bushkin said the technology should be available to Bell Atlantic by the middle of 1994, at which point it will be offered to other possible cable operators. "We think we've come up with answers that guarantee equal access to all comers."
In addition, Bell Atlantic is competing directly with wired cable as operator of the CellularVision wireless cable system in New York City, which operates at a frequency of 28 gigahertz (GHz.)
"We've said also that we'll be aggressive in the market," Bushkin said. He added that the company will not charge telephone subscribers for its planned network upgrades. "There's a telephony part of the fiber technology, and a video component. Ratepayers will not pay for the video, it will come from retained earnings. We're following that procedure in New Jersey, we'll follow it in Virginia."
Added Young, "There are detailed rules forbidding cross subsidization. Our rules have rules. The notion that we'd be taking local rates to pay for this is science fiction." That notion was brought up by the National Cable Television Association, which said in a statement Bell Atlantic will have "powerful incentives" to do just that. The NCTA is expected to participate in any appeal, and its statement predicted the Ellis decision will be reversed.
If Bell Atlantic is able to do what it wants in cable, it will make Washington, D.C. a hotly competitive market, and could hurt other regional Bells. Southwestern Bell said it will pay $650 million to buy cable systems in Arlington and Montgomery counties owned by Hauser Communications Inc.
US West has an alliance with Time Warner Inc., to construct a system in Florida that will offer cable and phone services. Hauser Communications is managed by Gustave Hauser, who ran the Qube interactive cable experiment in Columbus, Ohio in the late 1970s.
Shares of Bell Atlantic and other regional Bells soared on the ruling.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930825/Press Contact: Bell Atlantic, Larry Plumb, 703-974-2814)
ell Atlantic, Larry Plumb, 703-974-2814)
8/25/93
Bell Atlantic Wins Entry Into Cable TV
Business Software Solutions - Q&
US Remains Option For Internatio
Russia's Electronics Industry In
ice Sy
PSI Announces Cable Deal
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) Performance Systems International Inc., plans to deliver Internet connections to customers of Continental Cablevision. Continental is the nation's third largest cable operator with about 2.9 million customers.
In a press statement Continental Senior Vice President David Fellows said the company's networks were being expanded to supported LAN (local area network) standards like Ethernet and emerging standards like FDDI(fiber distributed data interface) over larger service areas. Users will need a special modem to access the services, which will be marketed by both PSI and local operators.
The agreement provides several cable channels dedicated to PSI's Internet customers in areas served by Continental. The initial system will be run as a 100 million bits-per-second (bps) wide area network with customer connections available at speeds to 10 million bps, through PSI's national network, PSINet, and through it to the global Internet. Eventually Continental plans to upgrade to the emerging asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology, while retaining the other standards.
The agreement is not exclusive, and provides for cooperation among operators, so any cable operator can join the Internet said PSI President William Schrader. He said the company has already discussed that possibility with other operators and plans future announcements. The company said it hopes to have at least 50 operators signed on during 1994. Initial deployment, later this year, will be in the Boston area.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930825/Press Contact: PSI, Kimberly Brown tel 703-904-7187, fax 703-904-7195; e-mail info@psi.com)
7195; e-mail info@psi.com)
8/25/93
PSI Announces Cable Deal
TELECOM
Intel Licenses Fourth Wave Techn
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Intel has licensed Fourth Wave Technology's WinBEEP for its LANDesk Manager, version 1.5. The combination will add wireless connections from pagers to the local area network (LAN) administration package.
Intel Product Manager Brett Walker explained that the system will allow network administrators to manage their systems even when they are out of the office. "LANDesk Manager with wireless messaging capabilities provides a more complete solution ensuring the day to day viability of networks," he said in a statement.
Fourth Wave President Tim Hudson said his company is working hard to extend the company's technology to other wireless networks like one-way and two-way wireless data communications and portable or hand-held computers.
Fourth Wave plans support for the wireless networks of RAM Mobile Data, ARDIS, cellular operators using the Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), packet scheme, and anything else that comes along. Fourth Wave also supports the Intel Wireless Modem on the RAM network in conjunction with US Wireless Corp.'s wireless service bureau.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930825/Press Contact: Fourth Wave Technologies, Tim Hudson, 313-362-2288)
Technologies, Tim Hudson, 313-362-2288)
8/25/93
Intel Licenses Fourth Wave Technology
TELECOM
NEC Increases LCD Production
A Bad Week In Space
Intel Licenses Fourth Wave Techn
Digital, IBM In Network Alliance
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) Traditional rivals IBM and Digital Equipment Corp., have teamed up in the network and systems management arena, announcing at the Interop trade show that they will make IBM's NetView/6000 network management system available on Digital's Alpha AXP 64-bit computers early next year.
The companies said they will work together on several aspects of network and systems management. Among the first fruits of the deal will be Polycenter NetView, a version of NetView/6000 that will run on the DEC OSF/1 operating system - a variant of Unix on Alpha computers.
With the delivery of this software in the first quarter of 1994 DEC and IBM customers will get consistent application program interfaces (APIs) to NetView across both IBM and DEC hardware said Dennis Biedrzycki, Polycenter marketing manager at DEC in Nashua, New Hampshire.
IBM and Digital said they will build future versions of NetView/6000 and Polycenter Netview from the same code and will release products at the same time on both IBM and DEC computers.
NetView is IBM's system and network management software designed to oversee the operation of a wide range of the company's hardware.
The companies claimed that standard APIs and a single user interface will help lower developers' costs and boost potential market volumes, resulting in more money for software developers.
As for DEC's customers, "they'll have a lot more third-party management applications to choose from on our Alpha systems," Biedrzycki said.
The firms also said they plan joint network and systems management product research and development.
They will also combine Digital's Polycenter Partners program and IBM's NetView/6000 Association into a single cooperative program for third-party developers, and will recruit new developers to join the scheme.
About 50 members currently take part in the Polycenter Partners program, and more than 200 in IBM's plan, Biedrzycki said.
Digital officials said the company will keep on providing support for its current Polycenter products on the older VAX/VMS systems and its reduced instruction-set computing (RISC) systems running the Ultrix variant of Unix, and will offer introductory programs for customers who want to take advantage of the new Alpha offerings.
DEC and IBM showed a prototype of Polycenter NetView at their booths during Interop '93.
(Grant Buckler/19930825/Press Contact: Ray Gorman, IBM 914-642-5434; David Lynch, Digital, 508-467-7724)
avid Lynch, Digital, 508-467-7724)
8/25/93
Digital, IBM In Network Alliance
BUSINESS
Novell's Direct Mail Support For
Hong Kong - FoxPro Tempting Loca
Olivetti Unveils New Range Of Hi
ATI Ships VESA Local Bus Card, U
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- ATI Technologies Inc., has begun shipping its first graphics card for the end-user market using the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus.
The Graphics Ultra Pro VLB card has already began shipping, said company spokesman Andrew Clarke. While ATI has sold cards using the VESA local bus to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the past, he said, this is the first one for the general market. It is also being sold to OEMs, for example, to PC maker Gateway for use in its systems.
A local bus is meant to speed up video performance by providing a faster, dedicated connection between the central processor and the display hardware, avoiding reliance on the relatively slow system bus. The VESA or VL standard is the most common local bus currently available, though chipmaker Intel Corp., is working on a rival standard to be called PCI.
ATI officials said the company has waited to unveil a VESA graphics card until it could carry out extensive compatibility tests to make sure the card would work with other vendors' products.
According to ATI, the Graphics Ultra Pro VLB is the only such card with Multimedia Video Acceleration (MVA) drivers, said to speed up video image scaling for better video playback in Microsoft Windows. These drivers also come with ATI's mach32 video products, as does the ATI FlexDesk Control Panel software supplied with the new card. This software lets users control resolution, color, font, and virtual desktop size easily from within Windows, the company said.
The firm also said that all its mach32 products comply with the VESA Display Power Management Proposal (DPMS), which is meant to ensure energy-efficient operation.
The suggested retail price of the Graphics Ultra Pro VLB is US$499, or C$649 in Canada.
ATI also said it is shipping new drivers for its Graphics Ultra Graphics Ultra Pro, and mach32 OEM products. The company admitted there were many bugs in the original mach32 drivers, and said that, in spite of being criticized for shipping many driver releases it wants to give customers stabler drivers as soon as possible.
New drivers will be mailed to registered users of the Graphics Ultra+ and Graphics Ultra Pro products free of charge in September, ATI said. The drivers are also available on ATI's ATITECH forum on the CompuServe on-line information service from ATI's bulletin board system at 416-764-9404, or by calling ATI customer support at 416-882-2626, the company said.
(Grant Buckler/19930825/Press Contact: Andrew Clarke, ATI Technologies, 416-889-2600 ext. 8491, fax 416-882-2620)
ogies, 416-889-2600 ext. 8491, fax 416-882-2620)
8/25/93
ATI Ships VESA Local Bus Card, Updates Drivers
Northern Telecom, Bell Sygma Sig
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- It was an all-in-the-family deal as Northern Telecom Ltd., signed a marketing agreement with and Bell Sygma Inc., a six-month-old subsidiary of Northern's sister company Bell Canada. Northern Telecom's Network Applications Systems (NAS) unit, based in Rochester, New York, is to sell software developed by Toronto-based Bell Sygma.
To start with, the deal will focus on two products to be developed by Bell Sygma Telecom Solutions and marketed and supported by Northern Telecom. Both will use Northern's voice processing systems to deliver automated audio announcements of requested information. In both cases, Bell Sygma is developing the software to run on Northern Telecom hardware, said Bell Sygma spokeswoman Baiba Rubess.
The first product is an operator reference database meant to give phone operators automated access to caller-requested information such as emergency numbers, long-distance rates, call routing information, and area codes. The second is an external rating system for updating rate tables used in customer billing.
The first release of the operator reference database system is set for testing in the United States in November, with general shipments due in the first quarter of 1994. The external rating system is under development, the firms said.
Formed in February, Bell Sygma develops systems for the telecommunications industry. It currently has about 2,900 employees, Rubess said. While she would not discuss any specific plans, Rubess said more cooperation between Bell Sygma and Northern in future is very likely.
(Grant Buckler/19930825/Press Contact: Baiba Rubess, Bell Sygma 416-215-2550; Pete Settles, Northern Telecom, 919-992-2788)
550; Pete Settles, Northern Telecom, 919-992-2788)
8/25/93
Northern Telecom, Bell Sygma Sign Marketing Pact
BUSINESS
ISSI Intelli-Guard Computerized
OpCon East '93 Conference Opens
AT&T Enhances InterSpan
Wall Data To Acquire Capella Sys
= REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Wall Data Inc., said it will acquire Atlanta-based Capella Systems.
Wall Data publishes Rumba, a software program that gives PC users access to public and private data networks. Capella Systems is a developer of Windows-based electronic mail client software that integrates and manages dissimilar mainframe and server-based electronic mail systems through a single client application. Capella publishes SmartScreen, an enterprise mail client operating under Windows and OS/2. SmartScreen enhances the functions of local area networks (LANs) and mainframe office systems through the management of communications processes.
James Simpson, president and CEO of Wall Data, said: "This announcement means we now have the technology to provide the same kind of easy connectivity for electronic mail applications and the foundation for developing additional messaging clients in the future." The company says it expects to ship an electronic mail client software product before the end of 1993.
Wall Data says it has signed an agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Capella stock in exchange for about 145,000 of Wall Data shares of common stock and cash equaling the value of about 5,000 shares of Wall common at the time the deal closes. The acquisition which must still be approved by Capella shareholders, is expected to close early next month.
Wall says it will account for the acquisition using the purchase method of accounting, and expects to allocate as much as $3.2 million of the purchase price to inprocess development. That will result in a one-time acquisition charge to current earnings of about $0.21 per share.
Wall said it will continue to develop, market and support Capella's SmartScreen software. All of Capella's staff will be retained, and Capella CEO James Ottinger will remain with the company for an unspecified transition period.
Wall Data has also entered into an OEM (original equipment manufacturing) licensing agreement with ISOCOR, a Los Angeles California-based firm that markets X.400-based document transport systems. Wall says ISOCOR technology will be integrated into Wall Data products. Wall has also made an equity investment in ISOCOR.
(Jim Mallory/19930825/Press contact: Jo Ann Sager, Miller Communications for Wall Data, 415-962-9550)
nications for Wall Data, 415-962-9550)
8/25/93
Wall Data To Acquire Capella Systems
BUSINESS
Mac Software For Learning Disabl
Parsons Intros MoneyCounts For W
NEC Supplies NCR With OEM Color
Iomega Extends Product Warrantie
ROY, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Iomega Corp., the company that became famous for its removable media drives and later introduced the first Floptical drives, says it has extended the warranty period for its entire line of Bernoulli removable storage drives.
Effective immediately, Iomega says it will repair or replace free of charge any Bernoulli drive that fails in its original installation site due to defects in design or manufacture for a period of up to two years after purchase. The extended warranty covers all registered Bernoulli products purchased after August 1, 1993. The cartridges used in the Bernoulli drives are covered by their own five-year warranty.
James Jonez, Iomega product manager, says longer warranties dependability and service are becoming more important to a growing number of users and the new warranty tells them Iomega stands behind their product. "This new two-year warranty should send a strong message that we are committed to high quality manufacturing and continued customer satisfaction with every Bernoulli drive we sell," says Jonez.
Bernoulli removable cartridges used in the Macintosh and PC-compatible drives resemble very large - about 5.25-inches square - floppy disks in a hard casing much like a 3.5-inch disk, that can store large amounts of data.
Bernoulli markets disks with capacities ranging from 35 megabytes (MB) to 150MB. The drives add a 256 kilobyte read/write cache for faster performance. The company also markets tape minicartridge drives that can read both QIC-80 and Irwin-formatted tapes, and Floptical drives that read and write data using holographic technology.
(Jim Mallory/19930825/Press contact: A. Cory Maloy 801-778-3712)
ontact: A. Cory Maloy 801-778-3712)
8/25/93
Iomega Extends Product Warranties
GENERAL
Quattro Pro Pricing Will Not Aff
^ REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Microsoft says that it does not expect to cut the price of its Excel spreadsheet program in response to aggressive pricing by Borland International of its Quattro spreadsheet.
"I don't think that the distant third-ranked player is going to change the price point," said Lewis Levin, Microsoft general manager of spreadsheets. "They've tried to do this before with at best limited success."
Borland announced recently that it had cut its prices on the new Quattro Pro for Windows 5.0 and Quattro Pro 5.0 for DOS to $49.95 through early 1994. Current Quattro users can move to version 5.0 for $39.95 or upgrade to the Workgroup Edition of Quattro Pro for Windows 5.0 for $79.95. Borland President Phillipe Kahn said his company has set a goal of selling 500,000 units of Quattro Pro by mid-January.
Microsoft's Excel has a suggested retail price of $495, and can be purchased for $129 when bought to replace a competitive product such as Quattro. Microsoft does not talk about street prices - the price the buyer actually has to pay for the product - but they are usually about 25 percent lower than the suggested retail price.
Excel leads the pack in spreadsheet sales, and according to both Microsoft, and market researcher Infocorp, represents about 45 percent of the new spreadsheet packages sold, and about half of the revenue from Windows-based spreadsheet sales during the period June 1992 to May 1993. Lotus is in second place, with Quattro in the number three spot.
Microsoft recently claimed that Excel now has more than five million users worldwide, with about two million users of other spreadsheets having taken advantage of the competitive trade-in program.
In addition to being sold as a standalone product, Excel is also included as part of Microsoft Office, a software suite that includes Excel, the Microsoft Word word processing program, Microsoft Access relational database software, the Microsoft PowerPoint presentation graphics program, and a workstation license for the Microsoft Mail electronic mail product.
Kahn said Borland will promote Quattro Pro 5.0 with an aggressive ad campaign, product presentations, and direct mail.
(Jim Mallory/19930825/Press contact: Lisa Matchette, Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080; Reader contact: Microsoft Corporation 206-882-8080 or 800-426-9400)
ontact: Microsoft Corporation 206-882-8080 or 800-426-9400)
8/25/93
Quattro Pro Pricing Will Not Affect Excel, Says Microsoft
GENERAL
Software Dev't 93 - Microsoft In
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- At Software Development '93, Microsoft announced worldwide shipment of the final version of the Microsoft Visual C++ development system 32-bit edition for Windows and Windows NT.
In addition to allowing development of 32-bit applications, the new system adds multithreading and several other new capabilities to the Visual C++ Standard and Professional 16-bit editions released in February, said Dennis Gilbert, general manager of the Microsoft C++ business unit, at a briefing for developers and the press.
New features in the 32-bit edition include the Spy++ analysis tool the Find-in-files utility, and enhanced integration and viewing functionality for Visual Workbench, the system's overall editor debugger, browser and code profiler, according to Gilbert.
Developers have already been working with the 32-bit system in beta, he said. In July, Microsoft issued a prerelease to about 70,000 developers, stating at the time that the final version was expected to ship within 90 days of the retail shipment of Windows NT. The July prerelease updated the compiler and tools in the earlier Win32 prerelease software development kit (SDK).
Shipped entirely on CD-ROM, the final release carries a suggested retail price of $599, but is available for $99 until October 31 to registered users of the Windows NT SDK or Visual C++ Professional Edition.
Also for a limited time, customers can purchase the kit with Chinon's double-speed 535 Series CD-ROM drive, saving hundreds of dollars in the process, he said. Registered users of Windows NT SDK or the Professional Edition can purchase the kit with an external or internal 535 Series drive for $519 through October 31. All others can purchase the kit with a drive for $749 through February 28, 1994, or while supplies last.
Enhancements aside, the new 32-bit edition of Visual C++ provides the same basic graphical tools as the two 16-bit editions, Gilbert emphasized. Apart from Visual Workbench, the tools include: AppWizard, for creating "skeleton" applications; ClassWizard, for quickly connecting visual interface elements with application code; and AppStudio, for rapid creation, editing and browsing of applications resources.
The new Spy C++ analysis tool in the 32-bit edition uses three different Tree views to show the hierarchical relationships of processes, threads and windows in the system, according to the business unit manager. A specific process, thread, or window can be selected from a Tree view and opened as a Detail view to show additional information.
The new Find-in-files utility permits global searching of source files for any text string, he said. Results of the search can be displayed in a scrolling output window on Visual Workbench. In addition, the results of code profiles can now be displayed in a Visual Workbench window, allowing the user to remain in the development environment while checking the performance of applications.
The debugger component of Visual Workbench has been enhanced with a new memory window, support for threads, and structured exception handling, a capability that offers greater control when system or user-defined exceptions are thrown.
To demonstrate the speed, multithreading, and multitasking of the new system, Gilbert created a mock Windows NT animation application, involving a moving display of various works of art including the Mona Lisa, in multiple windows. The entire development process took only about 20 minutes, and required only one line of code to be written.
Gilbert told the onlookers that the new 32-bit development system is based around the Win 32s libraries as application programming interface (API), with a 32-bit edition of Microsoft Foundation Classes (MPC) 2.0 as the object-oriented application framework.
The 32-bit version of MPC 2.0 is source code-compatible with the 16-bit edition of MPC 2.0 used in the Standard and Professional editions of Visual Basic. The 32-bit and 16-bit development systems also use the same API. As a result of these two factors applications can be quickly ported from the 16-bit to the 32-bit environment, he said.
Microsoft is also using the open architecture of Visual C++ to work toward crossplatform compatibility, Gilbert explained. The company has started licensing MFC 2.0 to other vendors through its recently introduced Windows Partners Program.The first three licensees are Blue Sky Software, MetaWare, and Symantec.
Blue Sky is using MFC 2.0 in conjunction with WindowsMaker Professional, its prototyper and C/C++ code generator for Windows Win32s and Windows NT. MetaWare will provide MFC 2.0 in its High C/C++ compilers for Windows and Windows NT. Symantec will use MFC 2.0 in a new development system scheduled to be introduced at Software Development '93.
Microsoft is also working with other vendors to port Visual C++ to multiple NT-compatible hardware platforms, according to Gilbert. Versions of Microsoft's C/C++ development tools are already shipping for MIPS and Alpha AXP, as well as for Intel, he stated.
In the future, the architecture will be ported to Intergraph's Clipper workstations, Macintosh System 7 running on Macintosh 68K and Power PC computers, and a wide variety of other platforms Gilbert said. The Visual C++ cross-development system for Macintosh 68K computers is scheduled to become available in the first half of 1994.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930825/Reader contact: Microsoft, tel 206-882-8080; Press contact: Catherine Miller, Microsoft tel 206-882-8080; Martin Middlewood or Wendy Slawter Waggener Edstrom for Microsoft, tel 503-245-0905)
lawter Waggener Edstrom for Microsoft, tel 503-245-0905)
8/25/93
Software Dev't 93 - Microsoft Intros 32-Bit Visual C++
Novell's Direct Mail Support For
Hong Kong - FoxPro Tempting Loca
Olivetti Unveils New Range Of Hi
PenExpo: Eo Is Targeted At Frequ
Business Software Solutions - Q&
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- In a press conference at Business Software Solutions, Q&E Software announced Q&E Database Library 2, a major update that brings multiple platform support and compliance with open database standards to the database-independent development tool.
Over the five-year history of the tool, greater capabilities have continually been added, Richard Holcomb, company president, told journalists. When the tool was created in 1988, it was the first to support multiple databases, he said.
In 1989, Q&E licensed the technology to Microsoft, and in 1990 licensing opportunities were opened up to other vendors. In 1991 Q&E first released the software as a separate product, Q&E Database Library 1.
The Windows version of the new Library 2 is scheduled to ship in September at a price of $699, according to Holcomb. Support is expected to be added for OS/2 by the end of the year, and for Windows NT, Macintosh, and Unix in the first quarter of 1994. At the press conference, journalists were able to see the product running in prototype form on all five platforms.
Holcomb told the audience that Library 2 will initially comply with the ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) standard, and will also support IDAPI (Independent Database Application Programming Interface) when that specification becomes finalized.
The tool will be backward- as well as forward-compatible with the open database standards, he added. Through backward-compatibility any application written with Library 1 over the past three years will automatically become ODBC-compliant when upgraded to Library 2.
Through forward-compatibility, applications coded with Q+E Library now will support IDAPI in the future, without additional coding, he said.
Further, as in the previous version, Library 2 will ship with drivers that provide direct support for more than 20 different data bases including: Oracle, SQL Server, dBase, Ingres, Paradox Sybase, Standard Query Language (SQL)/400, Btrieve, DB2/2, DB2 Informix, NetWare SQL, Progress, SQLBase, XDB, SQL/DS, Teradata Excel .XLS files, text files, HP AllBase/SQL, and HP Image/SQL.
Direct support will continue to be supplied for such gateways as IBM DDCS/2, Micro Decisionware, and Sybase Net-Gateway.
Also as in the past, the tool will operate with any development environment that can call a dynamic link library (DLL) via any method, according to Holcomb.
Multiple platform support and ODBC and IDAPI conformance are made possible by a new "high level" application programming interface (API) in Library 2, Holcomb explained. "This high level API also guarantees a consistent level of functionality, by not having to worry about what's happening with underlying drivers."
The new Library 2 comes with four tools and utilities, he said. One tool, Q&E Query Builder, is designed to let users generate SQL queries by pointing and clicking, even if the users are unfamiliar with SQL. Developers will be able to ship Q&E Query Builder with their applications.
The Find function lets developers use SQL Select functions to determine the set of records to be read by their applications locating records in these sets in much the same way that search commands are used to find words in word processing programs.
The Data Dictionary provides the developer with a list of all database systems, databases, tables and columns available on a computer, according to Holcomb. The Data Conversion tool supplies a set of built-in data type conversion and data formatting functions.
Applications created with Q&E Database Library consist of two components: the database application and the database drivers. Developers may distribute applications built with Database Library free of royalties. To distribute drivers with these applications though, developers must obtain driver distribution licenses or ODBC drivers from Q&E or other sources.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930825/Reader contact: Q&E Software, tel 919-859-2220; Press contacts: Pamela Atkinson, Q&E, tel 919-859-2220; Susan McCord, Alexander Communications for Q&E tel 404-325-7555)
an McCord, Alexander Communications for Q&E tel 404-325-7555)
8/25/93
Business Software Solutions - Q&E Intros Database Library 2
Intel, VTEL In Videoconferencing
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Intel and videoconferencing manufacturer VTEL (formerly VideoTelecom Corp.) have announced a deal to develop videoconferencing products.
VTEL will use Intel's Indeo video in its videoconferencing products and Intel will license VTEL's H.320 video-based conferencing software to Intel for incorporation into future Intel products.
Industry analysts at SRI have said they see opportunities in the short term for growth in applications such as high-end digital-video-editing systems, digital-video-based integrated learning systems in education, and group videoconferencing systems in business. Intel sees opportunities here as well and it attempting to get its digital video standards built into personal computer hardware and adopted into video conferencing hardware.
VTEL, one of the leading companies in the new videoconferencing hardware market, has been struggling with losses and needs Intel to come to its rescue. The company reported a net loss of about $2.5 million on revenues of $6.3 million in its last quarter ending June 30, 1993, and losses of $2.2 million on revenues of $5 million for the previous quarter. VTEL blamed increased spending on research and development for the losses, but said it was aiming at long term growth.
Intel says it will immediately invest $7 million in VTEL in the form of a 10 percent purchase of VTEL's outstanding stock and it will also receive warrants with the right to purchase additional shares that could nearly double its percentage of ownership. Intel also said it will provide VTEL with additional funds for joint pursuit of research and development of videoconferencing products, but did not announce how much those funds might amount to.
Intel announced its Indeo video compression/decompression (codec) nearly a year ago and recently announced its Video Device Interface (VDI) standard for PCs. VDI offers a hardware independent connection between the display driver and a video driver or compression/decompression software. The idea is to speed full-motion video performance by allowing the digital video datastream to bypass several software layers and expand beyond a 16-bit datapath.
Integration of VDI into PC hardware is also beginning. Western Digital already announced the Rocketchip chipset that will integrate support for Intel's Video Device Interface (VDI) and the Indeo codec into the PC hardware. John Petersen, vice president, senior managing director of Western Digital's Imaging Products division said: "By working closely with chip suppliers such as Western Digital, Intel has assured that Indeo performance will be even further accelerated in next generation graphics chips."
The companies did mention the transaction remains subject to conditions that include preparation, negotiation, and execution of acceptable definitive agreements as well as approvals from each companies board of directors.
By encouraging the incorporation of VDI into the PC hardware and bringing the Indeo codec into video conferencing products Intel is attempting to guarantee itself a leading role in the digital future of PCs. Dick Moeller, chairman and chief executive officer of VTEL said: "With our combined technologies, a customer will be able to link his Indeo video-based desktop system directly to a VTEL group teleconferencing system."
(Linda Rohrbough/19930825/Press Contact: Pam Pollace, Intel tel 408-765-1435, fax 408-765-6005; Alison Raffalovich, VTEL 512-314-2720; Letty Ledbetter, Western Digital, 714-932-6250)
dbetter, Western Digital, 714-932-6250)
8/25/93
Intel, VTEL In Videoconferencing Deal
BUSINESS
Software Dev't 93 - Dev'pers/Man
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 25 (NB) -- Developers and managers tend to speak two different languages, but the two sides can communicate if each makes an effort to understand what the other side is saying, a team of experts agreed in a panel discussion at Software Development '93.
Robert J. Podd, panel moderator and president of Software Results Inc., kicked off the roundtable on "Why Managers and Developers Don't Communicate" by using a series of cartoons to demonstrate the dimensions of the problem.
In one cartoon, a king and a "moat engineer" were shown arguing over where on the castle grounds a moat should be situated. In another two men were seen with their backs to each other on a desert island each of them glaring angrily out to sea. The second cartoon illustrates the maxim that it only takes two parties for a misunderstanding to start, said Podd.
The third cartoon showed two bins of books, one labeled "self improvement" and the other, "spouse improvement." When a mis-communication occurs, each side tends to blame the other he explained.
"What are some of the reasons for mis-communications between managers and developers?" Podd asked the four panelists. Deadlines are one major cause, responded Rich Cohen, an independent consultant who has previously worked as both a developer and manager. Developers are often told by managers that "The world will end if we don't meet the deadline," elaborated Cohen.
Meanwhile, managers indeed believe that, "The world will end," since evaluations of their own performance are strongly tied to success at reaching deadlines, Cohen added.
Dave Rothfeld, an independent sales and marketing consultant attributed the problem to three sources: "Not being assertive;" "believing everything you hear;" and "not putting out the right fires."
Of the three factors, the third is most significant, he said. Sometimes an issue seems more important to one party than it actually is, he explained. A manager might be willing to push back a deadline, if only a developer would ask, for example. "You have to qualify something that looks like a 'fire,' just as you would qualify a sales lead. Most people don't do that," he maintained.
Developers and managers often come to the table with different "passive assumptions" about the role a joint effort will play in meeting an organization's goals, noted Henry Jicho of IBM. To meet mutual objectives more effectively, each side must air these assumptions, he said.
Hank Manseau of Computer City voiced support for the same idea. The moat dilemma in the first cartoon is an example of an "incomplete specification," he pointed out. "Asking questions like 'Why are we building this?' and 'What is this for?' will help to bridge those assumptions," he remarked.
All of the panelists agreed that joint discussions of goals and objectives should be built into the process of evaluating the developer's job performance.
Also receiving strong support was the notion that developers and testers should be compensated on the basis of their contributions to the quality of software products. Traditionally, developers have been penalized for making errors in their code, while testers have benefitted from finding these errors, a factor that has contributed to friction between these two groups, speakers said.
The panel discussion, officially entitled "Software Results: Why Managers and Developers Don't Communicate," is scheduled to be held again on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 in Room 201 of the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930825/Press and reader contact: Richard J. Podd, Software Results Inc., tel 508-877-4311)
. Podd, Software Results Inc., tel 508-877-4311)
8/25/93
Software Dev't 93 - Dev'pers/Managers Should Talk More
GENERAL
Borland Offers Non-Infringing Qu
SCOTTS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- Borland seems to be able to remain just a half step in front of disaster as the company has announced version 5.0 of both Quattro Pro for Windows and Quattro Pro for DOS at an introductory price of $49.95. Just last week, Federal District Judge Robert Keeton banned Borland from distribution of any of its Quattro Pro spreadsheet products, because the products allegedly infringe on copyrights held by Lotus in its 1-2-3 spreadsheet products.
Borland's representative Dick O'Donnell told Newsbytes Borland anticipated this move by the judge in the three-year old legal battle and was allowing its Quattro Pro spreadsheet products for both DOS and Windows to dwindle down in the retail channels, according to O'Donnell. Borland also claims it encouraged Judge Keeton to place the injunction on its spreadsheet products because the injunction automatically allows Borland to file an appeal. Borland has said from the beginning the only chance it has is on appeal as Lotus has already won a comparable case with this same judge against Paperback Software and a similar case between Lotus and the Santa Cruz Operation was settled out of court.
Borland claims all the allegedly infringing portions of the Quattro Pro product have been removed from these new 5.0 versions. The "key reader" that converted Lotus 1-2-3 keystroke macros has been removed, although Borland representatives did say it can provide customers who need it with a new reader to convert 1-2-3 macros. Keystroke macros are automated "playbacks" of the commands users would normally type in themselves designed to speed up repetitive tasks.
The 5.0 versions have been in development for just under a year, Borland added. While the Windows version would technically be 2.0, Borland is attempting to standardize both its DOS and Windows versions and so has jumped the version number of the Windows product to 5.0.
Quattro Pro 5.0 for Windows offers a new training and help system aimed at reducing customer training and support costs. Over 360 advanced analytical tools are offered and many of the tools are available with step-by-step assistance via Interactive Tutors for common tasks and procedures and built-in Experts that take user-specified data and automatically perform requested spreadsheet functions.
In addition, a Data Modeling Desktop is included to allow users to view and report data from any number of perspectives by dragging and dropping labels with the mouse. A Scenario Manager plays "what if" to capture "best-case/worst-case" scenarios and The Consolidator merges and combines data across multiple sheets and produces summary reports.
In addition to Quattro Pro 5.0 for Windows, Quattro Pro 5.0 Workgroup Edition makes Quattro Pro the only spreadsheet on the market with built-in Workgroup technology, Borland maintains. The product offers the features of Quattro Pro 5.0 for Windows with the following: built-in Structured Query Language (SQL) database server support for Interbase, Sybase and Oracle, and other features.
Thirteen new graph types have been added, such as Comparison Doughnut, Radar, and 100% Stacked Bar graphs, for a total of over 47 different graph types.
The Quattro Pro 5.0 for DOS version adds three-dimensional (3D) spreadsheet work, yet will run on an 8088 microprocessor-based IBM compatible XT with 512 kilobytes (K) of random access memory (RAM).
The organizational framework of a tabbed paper notebook is the metaphor used for the user interface, Borland said. Users can assign a database its own page and macros their own page. By doing this users limit the possibility of destroying a macro when deleting a row in the database, Borland said. In addition several Notebook pages may be acted on at the same time by grouping them. This means any two-dimensional (2D) selection made on a page turns into a 3D selection when using Group mode and changes made to one page affect all pages in the group.
Quattro Pro for Windows requires a minimum of an Intel 386 SX based personal computer (PC) running Windows 3.1 in standard or enhanced mode, a minimum of 10 megabytes (MB) of hard disk space, and 4 MB of RAM.
For a limited time, Quattro Pro 5.0 for Windows and Quattro Pro 5.0 for DOS will be offered for the reduced price of $49.95 compared to the new retail price of $99.95. Quattro Pro 5.0 Workgroup Edition is retail priced at $495.95, although competitive upgrades from other spreadsheet products are $99.95. Upgrades from any previous version of Quattro Pro for DOS or Windows is $79.95.
Borland has been boasting these new Quattro Pro 5.0 products will be available in the retail channels by September 1. The company claims its goal is to sell a half million copies by mid-January of 1994 and it is planning a marketing push in retail stores, via direct mail, and other outlets.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930825/Press Contact: Dick O'Donnell Borland, tel 408-439-1631, fax 408-439-9273)
ll Borland, tel 408-439-1631, fax 408-439-9273)
8/26/93
Borland Offers Non-Infringing Quattro Pro 5.0
Tech Support Productivity Low, B
Novell Offers NetWare 4.x Securi
IBM Beefs Up AS/400's Client/Ser
Unisys-Led Group Bids Pentagon I
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- The Unisys Government Systems Group, which was formerly known as Paramax Systems, has announced some details of its bid to support the Pentagon's Defense Technical Integration Services system. The Defense Information Systems Agency will use the DTIS to collect and organize all military-related information available to Pentagon departments.
The goal of DTIS is to completely integrate the existing independent vertical and horizontal information systems that exist throughout the military and related civilian agencies. This is a massive technical challenge because the systems grew up over the past two decades using different hardware and software most of which was never designed to integrate with other systems.
The two major divisions of information services which will be provided by DTSI are Defense Information Management (personnel and logistics) and Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence for the Warrior (strategic and especially tactical military information.)
Thousands of programs and tens of thousands of databases will have to be linked to implement the Pentagon's vision of a fully integrated information system which would provide everyone from the Joint Chiefs of Staff to local commanders with a clear picture of both what resources are available and the current tactical situation in all theaters.
The Unisys DTIS team incorporates large and small sub-contractors with a range of skills. The major members include Unisys, GTE Government Systems, PRC, Ogden Government Services, and American Management Systems. The small business-qualified members of the bidding team are BTG, Performance Engineering, DSD Laboratories Troy Systems, ENTEK, Systems Resources, and Howard University.
Once awarded, this contract will take years to fully implement and will also involve extensive ongoing support.
Unisys did not disclose the size of its bid or any specific details, but this is normal procedure since the bidding process is not yet complete.
(John McCormick/19930825/Press Contact: Laura Overstreet, Unisys Government Systems Group, 703-620-7932)
erstreet, Unisys Government Systems Group, 703-620-7932)
8/26/93
Unisys-Led Group Bids Pentagon IS Integration Contract
ISSI Intelli-Guard Computerized
OpCon East '93 Conference Opens
AT&T Enhances InterSpan
Key Apple EzTV Developer Leaves
Macintosh, DOS, Windows Rated By
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- Although most serious computer buyers know that cost and availability of popular software are usually the most important features to consider when looking at computers, some first-time home users may benefit from reading the comparison results gleaned by the respected testing experts at Consumer Reports and reported in the September 1993 issue. Apple Computer's Macintosh rates best in overall ease of use.
The report concludes that both Windows and Macintosh systems are easier to use than MS-DOS versions for word processing tasks, but the differences narrow considerably when comparing file management capabilities with even lowly MS-DOS rating somewhere between very good and excellent.
Consumer Reports does point out that Macintosh systems were still more expensive than comparably equipped Windows or MS-DOS computers and that more software and hardware choices were available to non-Apple users.
Speed did not make a difference to the Consumer Reports panelists level of satisfaction in the admittedly simple tests which were conducted.
One surprising result was that the panelists who rated both Windows and Mac systems as easier to use were mostly experienced MS-DOS users, not complete novices.
Nevertheless, the concluding paragraph says, "Don't be stampeded into a costly purchase if you're happy with DOS."
The four-page report did not compare different computer or software brands in any detail.
(John McCormick/19930824/)
rands in any detail.
(John McCormick/19930824/)
8/26/93
Macintosh, DOS, Windows Rated By Consumer Reports
APPLE
Software Toolworks Intros 7 New
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- The Software Toolworks has just announced seven new or updated products for the Macintosh platform. All of them should be available within the next five weeks.
The Software Toolworks World Atlas, CD-ROM Version 3 is an interactive atlas incorporating more than 150 video shots taken around the globe, and a number of relief/reference maps in full color. The latest data on 11 topics and more than 300 subtopics are included, such as countries' populations and climate. You can personally update the database with other information, and you can also print out maps, flags, and reports.
The Software Toolworks Presents ... Space Shuttle is an interactive CD-ROM with video and photographs of Shuttle flights.
The Software Toolworks Presents ... Oceans Below CD-ROM explores underwater as a scuba diver, learning about scuba and underwater exploration through video, still photos, and narration.
The Software Toolworks Presents ... Capitol Hill provides a first-hand look at what is involved in being a Congressperson.
Software Toolworks US Atlas, Version 3 contains details from the US Atlas and excellent global video footage but concentrates on the US.
Most of these CD-ROM titles include music and narration as well as full-color graphics.
BONN, GERMANY, 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- Deutsche Telekom, the state controlled telecom company in Germany, a long-time opponent of privatization of the country's telecom market, has done a u-turn and is now urging the government to move to a fully privatized telecom marketplace. The reason for the change of mind? Stark commercial considerations.
The reasons make for some interesting reading. Two years ago, in the face of increasing threats from abroad, Telekom started to offer a select number of new products and services. The effect was electric with people flocking to look at the new services. This effect was most marked at the CeBIT computer show in March of this year when a revitalized Telekom hosted a massive stand along with other country majors such as AT&T of the US and France's Alcatel.
Now Telekom has reported first half year '93 sales have skyrocketed to an astonishing DM 29,000 million. The company predicts 1993 sales of DM 58,000 million -- up from DM 53,960 million from last year an incredible feat in the face of the recession that is turning the German post-war economic miracle into a recessionary nightmare.
The recession is biting, however, as Helmut Ricke, Telekom's chairman, has announced that massive investment for the old East German telecom system, plus provisions for 30,000 layoffs over the next five years, to reduce the payroll to 200,000, will mean little or no profits for shareholders this year.
As a result of all these changes, Ricke has called upon the German Government to privatize the market fully -- in the same manner as in the UK -- as rapidly as possible. He claims that Telekom is able to compete in the free market, having streamlined its operations over the last five years.
"The transformation into a public limited company is of fundamental importance for the future of Telekom. We can only increase its competence if we can operate equally in the market," he said.
Ricke's sudden enthusiasm for privatization may be prompted Newsbytes notes, with the European Commission's (EC's) pronouncement earlier this year to force all EC member countries to open up their telecom markets by the beginning of 1998.
Customers of Telekom may have little reason to rejoice at the changes in their telephone company, however. On the back of Ricke's comments, Wolfgang Boetsch, the German postal and telecom minister has announced that local call charges will rise as a result of the disappearance of trunk call subsidies in the move towards free competition.
(Steve Gold/19930825)
n the move towards free competition.
(Steve Gold/19930825)
8/26/93
Germany - Tables Turn On Deutsche Telekom As Market Explodes
TELECOM
Correction - AT&T InterSpan Toll
BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- A story in Newsbytes on AT&T's InterSpan and EasyLink services mentioned a toll-free number through which InterSpan can be reached at speeds ranging from 300 to 14,400 bits/second.
The number, 950-1288, was listed in the story as an 800-number. In fact, it is a local number, available from most exchanges across the country using those seven digits. Where such access is not available, another toll-free number will be provided.
Newsbytes regrets the error, and wishes to express its appreciation to AT&T spokesperson Gail Silver for helping us correct it.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- Sega Enterprises has signed an agreement with fast food hamburger chain McDonalds which calls for Sega to use McDonald's characters such as Ronald McDonald and Hamburgler in Sega game software. Also, Sega has linked with Nevada-based casino hotel chain Circus Circus to create an amusement game facility in the US.
Sega will use McDonalds popular characters for new game software for its Mega Drive game console and will advertise it in McDonalds restaurants.
At the same time, Sega Enterprises will create an amusement facility jointly with Circus Circus in the US. The first is scheduled to be open for business at Circus Circus' hotel in Las Vegas in October. The facility will be equipped with 3-dimensional computer graphics games and racing simulation machines, among other "virtual reality" games.
Both firms aim to make $10 million for the first year through these businesses. Sega plans to set up game facilities at 20 locations in the US by the end of 1995.
(Masayuki Miyazawa/19930825/Press Contact: Sega Enterprises, +81-3 3743-7603, Fax, +81-3-3743-7830)
es, +81-3 3743-7603, Fax, +81-3-3743-7830)
8/26/93
Sega Links With McDonalds, Circus Circus
BUSINESS
Novell's Direct Mail Support For
Hong Kong - FoxPro Tempting Loca
Olivetti Unveils New Range Of Hi
PenExpo: Eo Is Targeted At Frequ
PenExpo - Dauphin Announces VAR
Hitachi Releases Pentium PC
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- Hitachi has released a powerful personal computer based on Intel's Pentium chip. Hitachi is the second Japanese PC firm that has announced release of a Pentium-based personal computer.
Hitachi's new PC is called the FLORA 3100 series and it comes in three versions. The high-end model costs 1.83 million yen ($18,300), which is less than a competing model from NEC NEC's Pentium PC costs 2.7 million yen ($27,000) and offers a 15.6-megabyte main memory. Hitachi's PC has a smaller memory -- 8 megabytes. However, the memory can be expanded.
Both offer similar performance. The PCs have 66-megahertz Pentium chips, which offer a processing speed of 112 million instructions per second.
Hitachi's Pentium PC is equipped with the DOS/V operating system, and it supports Netware, making it ideal for LAN (local area network) users, at whom the PC is aimed.
Hitachi expects to ship only about 2,000 units over the next year and will gauge market reaction.
Hitachi is a later starter in the PC market. Although experienced at sales of large computers, it has only recently launched into sales of AX and DOS/V-based personal computers.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- IBM has changed its Russian sales strategy by signing the first authorized distributor for its line of personal computers. Moscow-based Steepler company is also the first IBM distributor in Eastern Europe.
To date IBM has only 220 "business partners" in all of CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), compared to more than 6000 in Western Europe. To increase market penetration, the company has decided to set up four more distributors, each with its own dealer network, in Russia by the end of the year, according to Guenter Struck of IBM Moscow.
Steepler is the first Russian company which has committed to sales of at least DM 4 million worth of equipment annually, which is a requirement to become a distributor.
Steepler is also a Hewlett-Packard distributor and reseller of high-end graphics workstations, and announced it will continue that line of business. According to Mr Selivanov, Steepler director the IBM contract will allow the company to have more business stability.
(Kirill Tchashchin & Newsbox Monitor/19930825)
ill Tchashchin & Newsbox Monitor/19930825)
8/26/93
Russia - IBM Selects Russian Distributor
Toshiba Develops 2.5-inch Hard D
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- Toshiba has developed a 2.5-inch 520-megabyte hard disk drive and claims that it represents the world's largest memory storage for this size of disk. Toshiba has also developed a very thin type of hard disk drive.
The MK2428FB has 520-megabyte memory, which is much larger than one recently announced by IBM. IBM's 2.5-inch hard disk has a 344 megabyte memory, and has been regarded as the 2.5-inch hard drive with the largest memory storage. The data read speed is quite fast at 0.012 second. The buffer memory has 512 kilobytes.
Toshiba reports the drive has a thin-layer magnetic head and high-density glass-board magnetic disks. The product weighs 220g. Toshiba will release this hard disk at 200,000 yen ($2,000) in this September. 20,000 units will be shipped monthly at its Ohme plant in Tokyo.
Meanwhile, Toshiba has also developed an extremely thin hard disk drive, the MK1624FCV, which is only 12.7-mm thick. Although it is thin, this hard disk drive is able to store up to 213 megabytes of data. It weighs only 160g.
This thin-hard disk drive will cost 100,000 yen ($1,000) when released in September.
These hard disk drives are expected to appear on various computers including workstations and notebook-type PCs.
Toshiba Develops 2.5-inch Hard Disk With Huge Memory
TRENDS
Russian Cellular Tender Extended
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- The Russian communications ministry has announced it will collect cellular tender proposals for one more month and close the tender on September 1st, a month later than previously announced.
The decree, which was signed by the deputy communications minister, Mr Alyoshin, adds a few regions to the existing large list of regions for which both MNT-450 (450 MHz) and GSM (digital 900 MHz) systems are to be deployed.
Newsbytes was unable to obtain information on why the offer was extended. Different sources speculate that the ministry has received an unsatisfactory number of tender proposals so far.
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930825)
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930825)
8/26/93
Russian Cellular Tender Extended
TELECOM
BT-MCI Merger Hits Snag - Red Ta
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- The much-publicized merger between British Telecom and MCI has run into potential trouble -- the European Commission (EC) has announced it is forming a task force to investigate the link-up. EC officials say that a decision on whether to stage a wholesale investigation will be made by early September.
Although EC officials have remained characteristically quiet on exactly what they are investigating about the planned merger European press sources have reported that three elements of the deal are causing concern. The first is the creation of a new joint venture company called Newco, which would absorb BT's Syncordia operation and fold in MCI's international ventures. Syncordia is BT's international division and offers international services across country borders to multinational companies.
The second element of the merger that EC officials are analyzing is BT's decision to take a 20 percent stake in MCI, while the third element is MCI's acquisition of BT North America, the US operation of BT.
Press analysis of the EC's investigation on whether to hold an investigation -- a classic piece of EC bureaucracy -- is that the deal will get the thumbs up, but subject to some tweaking by EC officials. This almost certainly will include some guarantees from the two telecom companies on what will happen in Europe.
(Steve Gold/19930826)
in Europe.
(Steve Gold/19930826)
8/26/93
BT-MCI Merger Hits Snag - Red Tape
TELECOM
Tech Support Productivity Low, B
Novell Offers NetWare 4.x Securi
IBM Beefs Up AS/400's Client/Ser
IBM Cutting Facilities
Interop '93 - Network Firms Hono
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- At Interop '93, the industry trade publication Network World presented its Second Annual Enterprise Technology Awards. The awards were established to recognize excellence in multi-vendor network interoperability.
According to Network World Publisher Colin Ungaro, the awards are "the result of exhaustive testing over the last seven years across an extensive user base involving every type of application you can imagine." The "testing" to which he referred is the 24-hour-a-day laboratory of the real world, since the readers of Network World vote on the companies honored by the awards.
Network World sent ballots to each of its 150,000 readers. After the elimination of vendor responses, 2,500 votes remained from network users and executives. The products were divided into three general and 36 specific categories. In the WAN (wide-area network) equipment category, AT&T swept ten of the 16 awards.
The winners in LAN Hardware were: Ethernet Adapters - 3COM Corporation; Token Ring Adapters - IBM Corporation; FDDI Adapters Cabletron Systems; Bridges - Cabletron Systems; Intelligent Routers - Cisco Systems; Intelligent Hubs - Synoptics Communications; LAN Diagnostic and Management Tools - Novell Inc.; LAN Servers - Compaq Computer Corp.; LAN Superservers Compaq Computer Corp.; Network Operating Systems - Novell, Inc.; Peer-to-Peer Networks - Novell, Inc.; Wireless LANs - Motorola; Apple Connectivity Products - Apple Computer Corp.
The winners in LAN Software were: Imaging Systems - IBM Corporation; DBMSs - Borland International; Electronic Mail Software - Lotus Development Corp.; Electronic Mail Switches Novell, Inc.; Group Collaboration Software - Microsoft; Client/Server Application Development Tools - Oracle Corp.; Middleware - IBM Corporation.
The winners in WAN equipment were: Integrated Network Management Systems - Hewlett-Packard; DSUs - AT&T Paradyne; High-Speed Modems - Hayes Microcomputer Products; Communications Software - Datastorm Technologies; Multiplexers - Motorola Codex; Packet Switches - Motorola; Codex PBXs - AT&T Video Conferencing Systems - AT&T; Voice Messaging Systems - AT&T; 800 Services - AT&T; ISDN - AT&T; Switched Digital Services - AT&T; Value-Added Networks - AT&T Virtual Network Services - AT&T; Digital Private Line Services - AT&T; Frame Relay Services - AT&T.
(Audrey Kalman/19930826)
- AT&T.
(Audrey Kalman/19930826)
8/26/93
Interop '93 - Network Firms Honored
GENERAL
Japan - 3DO Opens Software Libra
India - Turbo Analyst To Support
Panasonic, Philips, Sony, JVC An
Human Calculator Teaches Kids Ma
STB Intros 24-Bit Accelerator Ca
Update on Huntington Screenphone
COLUMBUS, OHIO, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- When last we left Huntington Bancshares, it had parted company with AT&T over the SmartPhone, a screenphone which would also perform home banking services. Huntington said it would seek a new manufacturer for its version of the SmartPhone, while AT&T quietly dropped out of the business, according to AT&T spokesman Steve O'Donnell.
The original plan was for Huntington to take a $500 AT&T SmartPhone unit, program it for use by its own customers, then take those applications to the industry. According to Bill Randle, director of marketing and strategy planning for Huntington Bancshares, that remains the plan. "We took over the assets, worth $33 million," when the split occurred in March. "We're in the process of finishing the phone with another manufacturer. The delivery mechanism and software to make it work are completed."
Randle also addressed the cause of the split. "One of the issues was how smart the SmartPhone was. We felt in order to be competitive in 1994 and 1995 we needed to make some changes that would make it ADSI-compatible."
The ADSI standard was proposed by Bellcore in December, and is mainly geared toward phone company services like Caller ID. "We changed the circuit design through Logical Time Inc., in New Jersey. Some of the players who used to work at AT&T now are at Logical Time, including Mike Grisham. We're also using a 386 processor, which is much more capable," he said, than the chip in the original design.
"We expect to have up to 100 phones in a test environment by year-end, and we anticipate having phones off the production line by the end of the first quarter."
At the heart of Huntington's system is a technology called the Phone Control Protocol, or PCP, which links screenphones to information services. "We're licensing the phone control protocol to other manufacturers and users," Randle said. "We'd like to establish PCP as a standard for high-end information delivery on phones." Randle's problem with ADSI is "It's a protocol that doesn't meet the needs for information providers, and is designed for CLASS services. Instead, I wanted to have the ability to download a protocol to the phone, whether ADSI or other protocol. The 386 chip has that capability. You don't want a phone that's single dimensional."
"We felt there are some other phones like the Philips T-100 which Citicorp is planning to work with in the Chicago market the US Order phone, and Online Resources. Had the original AT&T design come out in 1992, it would have been ahead of its time. But with a 1994 delivery we wanted to make it more robust.
(Dana Blankenhorn/199308266/Press Contact: Huntington Bancshares Bill Randle, 614-476-8300)
on Bancshares Bill Randle, 614-476-8300)
8/26/93
Update on Huntington Screenphone Plans
TELECOM
New Far Side Planner/Calendar Fo
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- Delrina Corporation announced this week new versions of its The Far Side Daily Planner and Calendar Publisher for both Apple Computer Macintosh and Windows-based PCs.
Like previous versions of the program, version 3.0 includes a year's supply of cartoonist Gary Larson's cartoon animations of the same type made famous in his nationally syndicated cartoon strip appearing in numerous daily newspapers. When the user loads the Planner/Calendar program he or she gets to see a Far Side cartoon and frequently an animated cartoon also. The animated version frequently has a secondary animation effect. Animals or people or items zoom across the screen about the time one thinks the cartoon is finished. In the newest version Delrina has also added sound effects to the animated sequences.
In addition to the features of the earlier versions, release 3.0 now includes an address book with an alphabetized list of companies and individuals. Users can assign a page number to frequently used entries for quick access. A search feature has also been added that allows the user to search for events, list items, contacts, words or phrases. A sort feature allows users to change the display order of list items by category, calendar, priority, status, or other attributes.
Release 3.0 can also import and export text from programs such as FileMaker Pro, Lotus Organizer, Calendar Creator Plus and many other programs that have text export capabilities. There are also new print templates that format the lists, contacts, and calendars to fit paper personal planners such as Day Runner, Daytimer, or Franklin Planner. The user just clicks on the desired template to automatically set the appropriate print options such as page size.
Delrina has also added a link with its WinFax software that allows information entered into the Daily Planner and Calendar Publisher to automatically update WinFax phonebooks, which can then be used to direct faxes.
Delrina says The Far Side Daily Planner and Calendar Publisher 3.0 is scheduled to ship in early September, and will have a suggested retail price of $59.95. Delrina spokesperson Linda Berlin told Newsbytes that present users of release 2.0 can upgrade for $29.95.
LAKE MARY, FLORIDA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- Connor Software Products Group says it will begin shipping on September 7, 1993 the first backup software written specifically for Microsoft's Windows NT, Backup Exec.
Already in distribution channels, Windows NT is a 32-bit multitasking operating system, unlike its older sibling Windows 3.1 which still needed DOS (disk operating system) software to run. Windows NT includes a backup utility, which was also developed by Conner, but the company says Backup Exec is a more fully featured package. The software supports most current-generation high-speed tape drives, including Conner, Colorado Memory Systems, Exabyte Iomega, Mountain Network Solutions, Summit, Teac, Tandberg, and Wangtek. The company says Backup Exec can attain data transfer speeds of up to 48 megabytes (MB) per minute, depending on the drive and data compression capability in use.
Conforming to Microsoft's graphical user interface, Backup Exec uses icons to represent drives, file servers, tapes and log, supports FAT, HPFS, and NTFS file formats running under Windows NT. It also backs up and restores the register, which contains the Windows NT configuration. Unattended scheduled backup sessions can be programmed to execute at a user-specified time. Backup or restore can be done in the background while the system is engaged in other tasks, and the software will backup multiple network servers. A tape library catalog is maintained on the hard disk, providing online access to file location information for selective restoration. Files can be searched, selected and restored using the Conner Fast File Restore capability.
Backup Exec also performs data management features such as disk grooming and file versioning, and report functions include tape contents, open file skip logs, in-process reports, and error report logs. The software also automatically generates electronic mail results of the unattended operations.
Conner says the first shipments of Backup Exec for Windows NT will go to customers who took advantage of the company's beta release offer earlier this year. The software has a suggested list price of $599, but will sell for $349 for an introductory period. Current users of MaynStream and Conner Backup Exec products can upgrade for $249.
AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- Dell Computer has announced the appointment of a former Arthur Anderson & Co. national partner to the newly created position of vice president internal audit.
Dell says Catherine P. Thompson will be responsible for all of Dell's domestic and international audit functions. Thompson will report to Dell Chief Financial Officer Thomas Meredith. "Cathy has a rich background in establishing internal controls and procedures and I am certain she will make a significant contribution to further enhancing our company's accounting efficiencies. We're thrilled to have her join our team," said Meredith.
Asked why Dell felt the need to create the position, a Dell spokesperson told Newsbytes, "It's the law of physics. When you're growing at the rate Dell has in the last couple of years, you need to add certain things. This is a natural evolution for Dell. It will help us get stronger in areas where we need it."
Thompson was with Arthur Anderson & Co., for twelve years, serving most recently as director of the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas telecommunications and utilities audit and financial consulting practices. Prior to joining Arthur Anderson she was on the accounting staff of the Public Utility Commission of Texas. She is a graduate of the University of Texas, and is a certified public accountant.
Dell financial procedures came under scrutiny late last year when questions were raised about the company's currency hedging policies but there is no indication that the creation of a corporate position specifically to oversee internal audit procedures is a result of that incident.
In June of this year Dell Chairman Michael Dell told shareholders that the company expects to increase its revenue growth by $1 billion during fiscal year 1994. Dell reported revenues of $2.01 billion for FY 93. Dell later revised his remarks, saying he would be comfortable with total revenues for the year of about $3 billion.
Newsbytes has also learned that Dell will make a product announcement in early September. No details were available but the announcement might deal with revitalization of the company's failed notebook computer business. Dell's John Medica spent a week in Japan in June of this year talking to various companies with an eye towards the possibility of either a financial partnership or an OEM agreement.
TEMPE, ARIZONA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- Tempe, Arizona-based ComputerEasy International Inc., says it has entered into a letter of intent to acquire Arizona-based Evolution Computing.
Evolution Computing develops and markets computer-aided design (CAD) and graphics system software. Evolution owner Mike Riddle authored AutoCAD, one of the leading CAD programs on the market today. It also publishes EasyCAD2, FastCAD, and FastCAD 3D.
The deal is still subject to the negotiation and execution of a mutually satisfactory purchase agreement and the completion of the usual due diligence procedures by ComputerEasy International. The acquisition is expected to be funded using ComputerEasy common stock and some cash. The amount of cash was not disclosed.
ComputerEasy says evolution will operate as a ComputerEasy International division, and will allow ComputerEasy to publish and market new software products compatible with its present Floorplan line of homebuilding, space planning, and architectural drawing software.
"The acquisition of this company will provide significant synergistic advantages to our company and positions our company for growth into the 21st Century," according to ComputerEasy President Tony DePrima. The company sells its products, ranging in price from $9.95 to $249, through major software distributors for resale in national software and computer retail chain stores, discount stores warehouse stores, and other mass market retail outlets.
(Jim Mallory/19930826/Press contact: Tony DePrima, ComputerEasy International, 602-829-9614)
ma, ComputerEasy International, 602-829-9614)
8/26/93
Computereasy To Acquire Evolution Computing
BUSINESS
Mac Software For Learning Disabl
Parsons Intros MoneyCounts For W
NEC Supplies NCR With OEM Color
America Online Picks Up Bundling
Emulator Runs Mac Software On PC
Software Dev't '93 - Symantec C+
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- With Eugene Wang at the helm as captain, and Gordon Eubanks aboard as commander, the starship Symantec C++ left the launch pad last night to do battle against Symantec's chief rivals, the "Microsoftians" and "Borlandians."
The Star Trek-inspired product rollout at Software Development '93 featured performances by Symantec brass that any professional actor would be proud of, plus Hollywood-quality costuming and special effects.
After a multimedia countdown and blastoff, fleet commander and Symantec CEO Eubanks showed up in the spotlight to announce Symantec's "mission" for the night - to bring the new Symantec C 6.0 into the developmental universe.
Captain Wang took the stage next. "Greetings, fellow developers," he started. For the next 45 minutes, helped out by a Symantec staffer who played "Data," Wang conducted a guided galactical tour and demo of the chief selling points of Symantec's new development system for 16 and 32-bit applications.
Symantec C++ is "blindingly fast," and also "more visual" than its competitors, according to Wang, who in real life is Symantec's executive VP of applications and development tools.
The captain-for-the-night told hundreds of developers in the audience that Symantec C++ offers a one-pass native C++ compiler for rapid development of DOS and Windows-based 16 and 32-bit applications.
The system is also optimized for application performance, he said pointing to visual displays of benchmark results that showed Symantec C++ executables to run considerably faster than those of either Microsoft's Visual C++ or Borland C++.
The new system includes the Microsoft Foundation Class Libraries (MFC) 2.0, and is compatible with Microsoft's languages and operating systems at source, object file, dynamic link library (DLL) and debug levels, so programmers can port code from the Microsoft C++ environment.
But Symantec C++ also incorporates a visual prototyping tool created by Blue Sky Software, said Wang. Known as Visual Programmer for MFC C++, the tool lets users visually design applications on screen, test functionality, and then generate MFC code exclusively for Symantec C++.
Visual Programmer works with a new integrated development and debugging environment (IDDE) in Symantec C++. "The interface is completely drag-and-drop," noted the starship captain. Multiple independent views are provided without the restrictions of a Multiple Document Interface (MDI).
IDDE also lets debugging be done from within a visual environment preventing the need for a character-based debugger, he added. Team programming support is provided through a graphical user interface to the PVCS version control system. Further, IDDE includes an enhanced version of SLR System's Optilink 4.0. "This linker is the fastest in the industry," he claimed.
Symantec C++ allows prototyping to be performed without writing code, Wang emphasized. "This is what Visual C++ should have done but didn't," he told the audience.
Before touching down the starship for the night, Wang announced pricing for the new system, now shipping on CD-ROM. Suggested retail pricing (SRP) is $499.95 for Symantec C++ Professional and $129.95 for Symantec C++ Standard, he said. Registered users of Microsoft or Borland C++ can purchase a competitive upgrade to Symantec C++ Professional for $199.95. Registered users of Zortech C++ or MultiScope can upgrade for $149.95.
As an incentive for buying Symantec C++ Professional or a Competitive Upgrade, developers get a free trip -- not to outer space this time, but Hawaii. Users who return a coupon enclosed in the box by March 31 will receive a travel certificate redeemable for two round trip airline tickets to Hawaii upon purchase of seven nights of lodging at selected hotels.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930826/Reader contact: Symantec, tel 408-252 4694; Press contacts: Brett Smith or Heather Hedin, Symantec, tel 408-446-8977 or 408-725-2733; Rebecca Fuller, Wilson McHenry Company for Symantec, tel 415-592-7600)
ller, Wilson McHenry Company for Symantec, tel 415-592-7600)
8/26/93
Software Dev't '93 - Symantec C++ 6.0 Leaves The Launchpad
Interop - Keynoter Sees Life Aft
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- George Gilder, fellow at the Discovery Institute, delivered the plenary address that kicked off Interop '93. He began his talk, titled "Laws of Telecosm," with the entrepreneurial tenet popularized by Peter Drucker: "Don't solve problems, pursue opportunities."
"Today, we're on the verge of the largest opportunity in the history of technology," Gilder said, an opportunity that will emerge from the collapse of two mega-industries: television and telephony. Over the next 10 years, these two technologies will give way to computer networking. "Humans need a little bandwidth for a long time; computers need a large bandwidth for a short time," he said. Telephony will die because it focuses on the small amount of bandwidth humans need to communicate with one another. Television will die because "it assumes people are couch potatoes." (Gilder is author of the book "Life After Television.")
Today, 20 million transistors fit on a silicon chip. By the turn of the century, that number will approach 1 billion. The power of 16 Cray supercomputers will be available for less than $100. But this so-called "technology of sand" is inadequate. Gilder likened a single personal computer to a car in the jungle. The car has many useful features air conditioning to keep you cool, a horn to frighten away large animals -- but a car in the jungle misses the key point of an automobile. "The magic of a car comes in conjunction with asphalt."
The real benefits of computers arise from the links among them. The technology of the next decade is the "technology of glass," technology "in the form of a silica thread, thin as a human hair, as long as Long Island, fed by a laser as small as a grain of salt and as bright as the sun" that will allow computers to easily connect and communicate.
This technology of glass has allowed the invention of all-optical networks that yield a thousand-fold increase in efficiency over current networks. "Just as the transistor on integrated circuits rendered MIPS and bits [essentially] free," Gilder said, all-optical networks will be nearly free, meaning that designers can "waste" bandwidth as they have previously "wasted" chips.
The technology of glass will converge with the technology of the air: using the airwaves for computer networking. "The most common PC of the next decade will be a digital cellular phone as personal as your wallet," as convenient as a watch and able to connect with a vast network of information from any location. The idea that we are running out of bandwidth is false, Gilder said, as is the "juice problem," since increasing bandwidth reduces the amount of power required. "Bandwidth is a replacement for power and switching."
"The Law of Telecosm makes obsolete all network architectures based on scarce bandwidth." Gilder believes that there's more life left in Ethernet than others think. "The greatest ether is the air," Gilder said. Communicating through the air uses the same architecture as Ethernet: all the network's intelligence is on the periphery of the network, not on the network itself. Ethernet -- with a small "e" -- will prevail.
The "Law of Microcosm" said that the more transistors on a single chip, the greater the performance. The "Law of Telecosm" says that there are similar performance benefits to connecting computers. Gilder described a not-too-distant future when the speeds of networks will rival internal bus speeds.
"I'm always asked," Gilder said, "who do I think will lead this effort? Phone companies? Cable companies? Al Gore?... I always answer 'None of the above.' You [computer network users and designers] are already doing it." Between 1989 and 1993, the percentage of computers connected to networks rose from less than 10 percent to more than 60 percent. "Networks are the driving force of economic growth today," Gilder said.
During the 1980s, networks allowed greater efficiency in chip design and were also crucial to the rise in efficiency of US financial markets. In the future, networks will allow greater efficiency in many other segments of the economy, such as health care. "As the laws of the microcosm converge with the laws of the telecosm," Gilder concluded, "you'll be central to what happens."
(Audrey Kalman/19930826)
central to what happens."
(Audrey Kalman/19930826)
8/26/93
Interop - Keynoter Sees Life After Television, Phones
TRENDS
DEC To Close Massachusetts Plant
MAYNARD, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- Digital Equipment Corporation will close a facility in Westminster Massachusetts, that handles logistics such as purchasing for a wide range of the company's products. About 40 of the company's 1,100 employees at the site will lose their present jobs, though they will have the chance to look for other positions within the company.
DEC is moving the work now done at Westminster to five other locations in northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, company spokeswoman Nikki Richardson said. All employees in Westminster will keep their jobs but move to one of these locations, except about 40 people whose jobs are directly tied to running the Westminster facility, such as those who maintain the phone and computer networks at the site. Those people can apply for jobs elsewhere in Digital, Richardson said.
According to DEC, employees who must drive long distances to their jobs' new locations will get relocation payments.
The plant will close around the end of the year, Richardson said. The Simplex Time-Recorder Co., a maker of time-recording devices and fire alarms based in Gardner, Massachusetts, is to take over the building, but plans to hire only 100 to 200 people to work there.
(Grant Buckler/19930826/Press Contact: Nikki Richardson, Digital Equipment, 508-493-6369)
, Digital Equipment, 508-493-6369)
8/26/93
DEC To Close Massachusetts Plant
BUSINESS
NEC, Unisys Serve Up Pentium Ser
BLUE BELL, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- The trickle of computers based on Intel Corp.'s Pentium processor is turning into a steady stream. Recently, Unisys Corporation revealed details of the U 6000 servers it announced in the spring, and NEC Technologies, Inc., of Boxborough, Massachusetts, unveiled several new servers including Pentium models.
Unisys announced its U 6000/300 Pentium-based server and the U 6000/100, a 486-based machine that is upgradable to the Pentium in May (Newsbytes, May 19). Few details were available then. Now Unisys has said the machines will ship in September, each with eight available Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) expansion slots, an on board Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) controller, and a video controller with high-speed video memory to support 1,024 by 768 color display resolution.
The 6000/300 will use a 60-megahertz (MHz) Pentium chip with 256K bytes of write-back cache memory, 16 megabytes (MB) of memory expandable to 196 MB, a 150-MB tape drive, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive, and a choice of hard disk drives from 240 MB to two gigabytes.
The 6000/100 will have a 66-MHz 486DX2 processor, and the other features are the same. It will be upgradable to a standard Pentium processor -- not the OverDrive version designed especially for upgrades -- by swapping a processor board, company spokesman Oliver Picher said.
A U 6000/100 with a 240-MB hard disk will cost $8,800, the company said. With a 525-MB hard disk it will cost $9,100. A U 6000/300 with a 525-MB hard disk will be $12,750.
These are Unisys' first Pentium-based machines. In early August the company said it will work with Intel to build parallel-processing systems around the Pentium chip.
NEC Technologies launched the Express/II ST line of servers using Pentium and 486 chips, and the Express/II LT Pentium-based servers.
The Express II/ST (ST stands for small tower) series includes the 433ST, with a 486DX processor running at 33 MHz, the 466ST with a 66-megahertz 486DX2, and the P60ST, with a 60-MHz Pentium. The 486 models are both upgradable to the Pentium OverDrive chip NEC said. All models have 256K bytes of write-back cache and can hold as many as nine storage devices. The 486 models have six available EISA slots and eight MB of memory, expandable to 256 MB. The P60ST has seven available slots -- five EISA, one for the PCI local bus, and one that can be used for an EISA or PCI card and 16 MB of memory expandable to 192 MB.
All models in the Express II/LT (large tower) line use Pentium chips. The P601LT has a single 60-megahertz Pentium, while the P661LT has a 66-megahertz Pentium. The P662LT contains two 66-MHz Pentium chips. The single-processor models can be upgraded with a second processor, NEC said.
All three models come with a built-in CD-ROM drive, 16K bytes of superscalar write-back cache and 256K bytes of secondary cache (512K in the dual-processor unit), 16 MB of memory expandable to 384 MB. There are eight available Fast EISA bus-master slots and 11 drive bays, and the power supply puts out 384 watts, NEC said.
Prices for the NEC Express II/ST models start at $2,500, the company said, and the price tags on the Express II/LT models run from $6,500.
The machines are aimed mainly at the server market rather than single-user applications, said a spokesman for NEC. Pentium-based machines meant for the desktop will be launched "within a few weeks," he said.
(Grant Buckler/19930826/Press Contact: Oliver Picher, Unisys 215-986-5367; Geoff Spillane, Golin/Harris Communications for NEC, 508-264-8759)
Communications for NEC, 508-264-8759)
8/26/93
NEC, Unisys Serve Up Pentium Servers
HK Telecom CSL Helps Govt Improv
CENTRAL, HONG KONG, 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- The Hong Kong Government's efforts to improve public knowledge of health matters and discourage risky behavior have received a boost with the launch of a new interactive health hotline sponsored by Hongkong Telecom CSL.
Over the years the Hong Kong Government often has been complimented on its promotion of public health and safety issues. Television and print media campaigns warning citizens of the dangers of smoking and the perils of AIDS together with road and rail safety have been well considered and well received by all. This is no mean feat in a society which is known for its many sensitivities and taboos.
A joint project between the Central Health Education Unit of the Department of Health and Hongkong Telecom CSL, the Health Education Hotline offers information on a host of medical and health-related subjects. Operating on a trial basis for the next three months the hotline is using advanced interactive voice technology provided by Hong Kong Telecom CSL.
"By dialling the hotline number, 187-8860, callers can access information on specific topics simply by pressing the keys on their phones," said Sammy Tse, manager of Telemedia for Hongkong Telecom CSL which is providing the interactive voice technology free of charge. "It is similar to a computer database, but instead of watching visual prompts, callers respond to audio cues."
The Health Education Hotline covers 45 health topics presented in the form of mini-dramas. They range from hepatitis and cancer to general information on health, nutrition and the danger posed by cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. There is even a section on sex education which will be valuable to parents as well as adolescents.
Available in Cantonese, the hotline is divided into eight main categories. These are then broken down into specific areas such as how to avoid cancer, high blood pressure, and ways to quit smoking.
The aim of the Central Health Education Unit is to broaden the public's knowledge about health matters, increase their awareness of diseases and treatments, and promote the idea of prevention as the best way to stay healthy. The hotline enables the Unit to use entertainment as an educational medium to improve the level of understanding among the general public.
"The Health Education Hotline offers many advantages over other methods of disseminating health information particularly on sensitive subjects such as sex education and mental health," said Tse. "It is anonymous, so people can access information on potentially embarrassing subjects without fear of being teased or laughed at. It is also very flexible, allowing callers to go directly to the topic they are interested in and skip from one item to another as they wish."
HK Telecom CSL Helps Govt Improve Health Education
FCC Commissioner Urges Patience
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- FCC Commissioner Ervin Duggan asked cable operators for patience as his agency moves to start regulating them on September 1, blaming Congress for many of the problems with the new law and its enforcement.
Duggan, speaking to the Eastern Show, an annual meeting of cable operators sponsored by the Southern Cable Television Association was appointed to a nominally Democratic seat on the commission in 1990 by former President Bush. His term ends next year.
"If I had a philosophy when I came to the commission it had to do with what I call the pharmaceutical theory of reform," he said. "No matter what the intentions of regulation are, no matter how noble, there are always unintended side effects." He praised the 1984 Cable Act which deregulated the industry, and noted that the commission did not favor passage of the 1992 act reregulating cable rates.
US cable rates have been frozen since April, and a new regime of rate regulation, based on a set per-channel charge, will be nailed down tomorrow, he said. While most bills will go down especially for customers with many sets who get all available channels, some bills will go up for people with "basic" service offering just local television and public access channels. But, Duggan noted, only about 6 to 9 percent of cable customers get that kind of service, and the rate freeze has already moderated operators' actions. "Consumers have already benefited, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars, from the freeze," he said.
Duggan challenged an operator who claimed all his associates were planning rate increases under the new law. "Our analysis differs," he said. "70 percent of consumers will see a decrease in what they'll pay." He cited comments by one major operator claiming a $680 million annual hit on his company's cash flow as proof.
Duggan did say that small mom-and-pop systems with 1,000 subscribers or fewer do deserve relief from the new law. The paperwork on them can be devastating, he said, and the costs of serving rural areas are much higher than those of serving cities. Those operators who don't like the "benchmark" rules to be set tomorrow may ask for regulation based on the cost of providing service, but those rules aren't written yet.
Mainly, Duggan defended the commission's record on cable and castigated Congress for writing a cumbersome law and demanding impossible deadlines for enforcement. "Do not imagine there is at the commission a punitive, zealous intent to punish this industry," he said. "This is a small government agency. It is under terrific budget pressure." To implement the law, the FCC had to get a $12 million supplemental appropriation to hire 240 people.
Duggan called some aspects of the new law "anomalies," like a provision that lets citizens protest their rates directly to commissioners. "If just 1 percent of consumers do write letters that will mean 70,000 pieces of mail on the commission's desks," he said. He said FCC staffers have given up vacations and weekends to get the new law working. "We're like the children of Israel, when Moses complained they had to make bricks without straw. That is a difficulty you're faced with, and we're faced with. It is a terrific workload."
Commissioner Duggan also addressed the Bell Atlantic case, in which the regional Bell company was allowed to operate a cable system in its service area based on its First Amendment right of free speech. "It seems to me that time and time again problems have arisen when ownership of the pipeline and programming are in the hands of the same party," he said. "I'm somewhat skeptical of First Amendment arguments," he said, saying that lobbyists use them for all sorts of commercial claims. "The courts have afforded less protection to commercial speech" than other types, he noted.
Still, "It may be that the issue will be removed from the FCC. When the courts intervene, we may have influence at the margins. They might ask us to rewrite regulations. But if this decision is upheld, and if other telephone companies use it as a model for their own entry into District Courts, the FCC will not have a great deal of influence. We might be seeing the dismantling of the cross-ownership restrictions, We could recommend a new law to Congress, but in 1990 we recommended that the Congress not pass an elaborate set of rate restrictions on cable, and Congress didn't take our advice."
Finally, Duggan was asked about the possibility he might be the next head of the National Cable Television Association after his term expires next year. "I've heard there's a Great Mentioner and I've never met him. I guess the Great Mentioner occasionally mentions my name, a year from the end of my term, but I think it's mysterious, it happens when people need to make a list."
However, for the right price, he indicated, he might be interested. "I have a friend, a defeated member of Congress being considered for Commissioner of Baseball. He's a big fan his wife isn't, but when she heard the salary was $600,000 a year she became a big fan."
Duggan concluded, "One more thing. I would like to suggest a note of hope. I saw a First Boston analyst report yesterday recommending that investors buy certain cable stocks. They said they do not expect the impact of the 1992 law to be devastating they expect it to be a moderate setback over 4-6 quarters, but the long-term picture is one of growth. The upgrades going on are impressive to Wall Street, and they're issuing buy orders. All of that was within the context of onrushing competition. Notwithstanding the realities, the First Boston report saw the cable industry as a strong buy. It's an industry with tremendous potential for growth over the long term future."
FCC Commissioner Urges Patience From Cable Industry
TELECOM
Conner To Cut Workforce
d SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- The onward march of technology and the hardware price wars have had their effect on hard disk-maker Conner Peripherals Inc., as the company announces a workforce reduction of about 140 full time workers at its San Jose, California, headquarters. The announcement comes a month after the company posted a $58.8 million loss for its second quarter ended June 30, 1993, and just a few days after IBM filed a patent infringement suit against the company.
The company says that the cuts come as a result of its decision to discontinue its older Summit Series of 3.5-inch rigid disk drives and move production of its high-performance 3.5-inch Aegean drives offshore.
The company claims that the "decision is consistent with Conner's global manufacturing strategy to launch new high capacity products in San Jose or Colorado and move them to the company's Singapore or Malaysia facilities when they reach volume production." Oversupply in certain product areas is also being blamed for the move.
The company says that an additional 45 employees have accepted positions with Conner's disk media division in Milpitas.
The company severance package for affected employees include at least two weeks pay "in lieu of notice," a week's pay per year of service, and outplacement assistance.
In July Newsbytes reported that Conner had posted a $58.8 million loss for its second quarter ended June 30, 1993. Sales were $490.6 million, a decrease of 11 percent from the second quarter of 1992. The company's loss of $58.8 million translated into $1.19 per share in the quarter, compared to net income of $46 million or $0.63 per share on a fully diluted basis in the like period last year. Included in the second quarter loss was a $12 million charge against earnings to write down inventories of certain older disk drive products, said the company.
As if that was not bad enough, at the beginning of August Newsbytes reported that a patent dispute had broken out between IBM and Conner. After patent cross-licensing negotiations between the two firms broke down recently, IBM filed a suit against Conner in Federal District Court in San Jose, claiming the company is infringing nine IBM patents covering various aspects of disk drive manufacture.
(Ian Stokell/19930826/Press Contact: Kevin Burr 408-456-3134, Conner Peripherals Inc.)
Conner Peripherals Inc.)
8/26/93
Conner To Cut Workforce
BUSINESS
Novell Revenue Hits $273 Million
PROVO, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- On the back of its market-leading NetWare network operating system (NOS), Novell Inc. has posted net revenue of $273 million for its third fiscal quarter ended July 31, 1993.
According to the company, that is up 12 percent from net revenue of $243 million for the comparable period in fiscal 1992.
The company also says that, excluding the impact of a one-time write-off due to the acquisitions during the quarter of Unix System Laboratories (USL), Software Transformation Inc., Serius Corp., and Fluent Inc., net income for the third quarter was $62 million compared to $66 million posted for the same period of fiscal 1992.
Net income per share, excluding the one-time write-off, was $0.20 compared to $0.21 earned during the corresponding period in fiscal 1992.
The total third quarter results include $11 million in revenue from the recently acquired companies. Third quarter expenses associated with the companies, including amortization of acquired intangibles were $17 million. The write-off of purchased research and development and other one-time costs associated with the four acquisitions totaled about $320 million during the quarter.
Translated, that means a one-time charge against earnings of $1 per share. As a result, Novell's third fiscal quarter net loss is $0.80 per share.
The company says that, for the first nine months of fiscal 1993, net revenue was $814 million, up 21 percent from $673 million for the same period of 1992. Net income, excluding the impact of the one time write-off, increased 19 percent to $213 million from $179 million. Net income per share, excluding the impact of the one-time write-off, was $0.68. However, including the one-time acquisition related write-off, the net loss for the nine-month period was $0.33 per share.
Novell's NetWare is the top-selling NOS for personal computer local area networks (LANs). Also, the company controls Digital Research Inc., the maker of DR-DOS, a system compatible with the market leading MS-DOS PC operating system from Microsoft.
The unknown factor in Novell's enormous success is Microsoft's new Windows NT operating system. Microsoft is targeting it at the Unix market, claiming it is something of a "Unix killer." Novell's control, or at least partial control, of so many platforms puts it in a strong position on the desktop and in the networking markets. Should NT live up to its sizeable hype, however, Novell's purchase of USL may prove problematic for the company.
Novell's acquisition of Unix System Laboratories from AT&T has been reported on extensively by Newsbytes. USL was a subsidiary of AT&T that provides computer vendors with the Unix operating system and related software and services based on open international standards for computing and communications.
In July Newsbytes reported that Novell had acquired Natick Massachusetts-based Fluent. The company produces video networking products that integrate full-motion video and audio into networked applications.
At the time, Novell said it will make network services for multimedia available in phases beginning next year. The first will be network server-based video playback, which will integrate with existing desktop multimedia standards including Apple Computer's Quicktime and Microsoft's Video for Windows. Applications for those environments will be compatible with Novell's multimedia services.
(Ian Stokell/19930826/Press Contact: Peter Troop 408-473-8361, Novell Inc.)
act: Peter Troop 408-473-8361, Novell Inc.)
8/26/93
Novell Revenue Hits $273 Million For 3Qtr
BUSINESS
Sigma In Development Deal With P
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- Just a week after Sigma Designs Inc., signed a definitive agreement to acquire all the outstanding shares of E-Motions Inc, the company has entered into a joint development deal with Pixel Translations.
Under the terms of the deal, Sigma and Pixel will make available a high level API (application programming interface) for developers using Sigma's imaging display controller products. The new API - Advanced Imaging Manager (AIM) - provides an image management library and a set of development tools for applications developers.
According to the companies, the API allows Windows 3.x developers access to an array of accelerated display and printing image enhancement routines, resulting in "substantially improved performance in document imaging applications."
The companies say that, based on existing technology from Pixel AIM offers new extensions beyond Pixel's standard image display product, including special support for Sigma's display controller hardware and support for Sigma's direct image print capability. AIM also provides advanced image caching for image flip rates and capabilities for scaling, rotation, scale-to-gray, scrolling, and decompression of images.
In announcing the deal, Steve Francis, vice president of marketing at Pixel, said: "By developing an API with Sigma Designs, we are offering imaging developers an interface which works with Sigma's products, but also supports a variety of other peripherals."
Sigma plans to integrate AIM technology into all of its existing products as well as many of its new imaging display systems.
Sigma also plans to offer a program for developers taking advantage of their new AIM toolkit, which will include technical support by Sigma and Pixel's development staff, expanded toolkits, evaluation equipment, and incentives for rapid implementation. The company says that the AIM toolkit is available for immediate shipment to document imaging application developers.
Pixel Translations is the provider of integrated development tools for scanner control, image display and printing, as well as image de/compression.
Just last week Newsbytes reported that, with an eye on the future multimedia market, Sigma Designs had signed a definitive agreement to acquire all the outstanding shares of E-Motions Inc. Prior to the transaction, Sigma owned about 50 percent of the outstanding shares in E-Motions, which will now become a wholly owned subsidiary of Sigma. Through the acquisition of E-Motions Sigma would acquire exclusive rights to E-Motions' ReelMagic MPEG playback controller, which consists of integrated circuit designs and related software technology.
Also, Newsbytes recently reported that Sigma had introduced the WinSound 16 Level 2 CD-ROM Multimedia Upgrade Kit. The new WinSound Kit was created for home and business users wanting to introduce sound and multimedia capabilities to their PC. It also meets the latest standards established by the Multimedia Marketing Council, and is priced at $629, including bundled software.
s; Steve Francis, 408-985-6600, Pixel Translations)
8/26/93
Sigma In Development Deal With Pixel Translations
BUSINESS
Correction - Database Vendors An
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- A Newsbytes story about database vendors that had announced support for Microsoft Windows NT that appeared on August 18th with the above headline contained some incorrect information.
The story stated "Windows NT supports up to four gigabytes (a gigabyte is one million bytes, or 1,000 megabytes) of system memory and up to 17 million terabytes (a terabyte is a billion bytes) of hard disk space." It should have said that a gigabyte is one billion bytes, and that a terabyte is one trillion bytes.
Newsbytes regrets the error in math, and offers our thanks to the reader at AT&T Bell Labs who caught the error and brought it to our attention.
(Jim Mallory/19930818/Press and Reader contact: Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080 or 800-426-9400)
ntact: Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080 or 800-426-9400)
8/26/93
Correction - Database Vendors Announce Windows NT Support
CORRECTION
Software Dev't '93 - The Future
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- As Computer Associates sees it, the future of client/server computing calls for bringing together the best attributes of mainframes, Unix and PCs while leaving the negative characteristics behind, said Mark Sokol vice president of product strategy, in a talk today at Software Development '93.
Over the next few years, mainframes will come to act as servers for large applications, while Unix workstations will be used as servers for smaller applications, he predicted.
The mainframes will be equipped with graphical user interfaces to PC clients, instead of their current interfaces to dumb terminals he added. IBM-compatible PCs will be the most prevalent clients although some Macs will also act in this capacity.
A model like this will mean that mission-critical applications can be safely deployed among a large user base, something that is only starting to happen today, he suggested.
For the most part, mainframes still carry the disadvantage of failing to provide interactive computing, he said. On the other hand, the machines still provide security, reliability, and performance that is just about unmatched. For this reason, even extremely forward-thinking organizations are continuing to use the mainframe.
One large newspaper chain, for example, has deployed desktop publishing applications on Macs, and uses RS/6000s for various other functions, he noted. But the company still finds the CPU power of the mainframe necessary for publishing six daily newspapers overnight, complete with hyphenation and justification.
Unlike mainframes, Unix workstations are largely unable to carry out online transaction processing (OLTP), although products like IBM's CICS and HP Encina are a step in this direction, he said. Further, there are fewer graphically oriented applications for Unix than for PCs.
However, Unix offers the advantages of relatively high CPU and great scalability, suiting the operating environment to use as a server for smaller applications, Sokol added.
IBM-compatible PCs are generating the greatest amount of interest for interactive application development, according to Sokol. Operating systems like OS/2 and Windows NT are helping to improve reliability. But due to their underlying hardware, PCs are still unable to run reliably for hours, days, weeks, or months without rebooting, he said. "And memory problems persist," he added.
Computer Associates is already working toward implementing the new computing model, stated Sokol. For example, the company recently ported CA Unicenter, a tool for managing client/server environments, to HP Unix workstations, he illustrated.
Computer Associates has also produced a human resources application called Charisma that combines mainframe data storage with a Windows front end, he said.
In the future, the company will create similar applications for such industries as manufacturing and finance, using data repositories from AS/400 and Unix as well as mainframes, he revealed.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930826)
as mainframes, he revealed.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930826)
8/26/93
Software Dev't '93 - The Future Of Client/Server Computing
TRENDS
Interop's Real, Live Network
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- With more than 84 miles of unshielded twisted-pair cabling, 12 miles of fiber optic cabling, 20,000 connectors, and 3,000 pieces of equipment, the INTEROPnet network could support a Fortune 500 company's nationwide networking needs. But INTEROPnet is not a corporate endeavor. It's an industry-wide, cooperative venture built and tested in less than six months before the Interop 93 show and installed at Moscone Convention Center in less than four days.
"We believe attendees come to Interop because they expect to see real products functioning," says Bo Pitsker, the manager in charge of INTEROPnet for Interop Company, the producers of Interop 93. According to Pitsker, Interop is the only show that requires its exhibitors to hook up with a show-wide network. For the exhibitors of APPC (Advanced Program-to-Program Communications) and FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) products, INTEROPnet means they don't have to build their own networks at the show. Other vendors can expand their product demonstrations. And attendees can see products that actually work instead of hearing promises about "vaporware."
The approximately $4 million worth of equipment used in the INTEROPnet is lent to Interop for a period before and during the show. This year, about 90 vendors contributed. Pitsker and his team designed the entire network, then set it up in a warehouse about a month before the show to test and debug it. They then had four days before the show to recreate the entire system at the show site, with the help of about 150 volunteers.
The "real world" aspects of the network don't end with the equipment and connections. The INTEROPnet is complete with terminal clusters that let attendees interact directly with the network (for instance to log onto the Internet), three Network Operations Centers (NOCs) that constantly monitor and analyze network performance during the show and look for trouble spots, and a Help Desk where exhibitors report problems and receive help during the show.
If attendees look up toward the ceiling in either hall of Moscone Center, they'll see colorful bundles of cabling snaking along the rafters (the network's "backbone") and splitting off in a series of "ribs" over each aisle before connecting to individual booths. At the end of each aisle, attendees can inspect a stack of equipment that includes one or more Ethernet wiring concentrators and one Token Ring MAU (media access unit).
"Telecommunications is usually done behind closed doors," Pitsker says. INTEROPnet brings out into the open lots of important features of corporate and enterprise-wide networks. (The NOCs are the only part of the network not open to the public, for security purposes.) The INTEROPnet, says Pitsker, is "a real, live, honest-to-God network."
(Audrey Kalman/19930826/Press Contact: Interop Company, Mountain View, CA, (415)-941-3399)
tain View, CA, (415)-941-3399)
8/26/93
Interop's Real, Live Network
GENERAL
NEC Debuts Low-Cost Ink-Jet Prin
BOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 26 (NB) -- Hoping to undercut Hewlett-Packard Co.'s established DeskJet line, NEC Technologies, Inc., has unveiled an ink-jet printer it said will sell for $329.
The Jetmate is a 300-dot-per-inch monochrome ink-jet printer that prints at 300 characters per second, the manufacturer said. It comes with 20 scalable TrueType fonts and a snap-in ink cartridge that NEC said will last for 1,400 typical business letter pages.
NEC is aiming the JetMate 1000 mainly at small offices and the home office, a spokesman for the company said, and expects the low price to be its main selling point. However, the company also pointed out that the JetMate's 300-character-per-second printing speed in letter-quality mode is faster than that of major competitors.
The unit also comes with a driver for Microsoft Windows and with emulation for Hewlett-Packard's PCL page description language. This means it will work with almost any software, NEC said.
The printer also carries a two-year limited warranty.
(Grant Buckler/19930826/Press Contact: Geoff Spillane Golin/Harris Communications for NEC, 508-264-8759; Jan Rasmussen Golin/Harris Communications for NEC, 312-836-7357; Public Contact: NEC Technologies, 508-264-8000)
C Technologies, 508-264-8000)
8/26/93
NEC Debuts Low-Cost Ink-Jet Printer
GENERAL
US Remains Option For Internatio
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Routing calls between nations through the US in order to get lower rates remains a viable option despite moves to reduce tariffs according to Patrick Townson of Chicago.
Townson wrote Steve Gold of Newsbytes to report on Telepassport which aims to do just this. He notes that calls between the US and UK cost about 50 cents per minute, but can then proceed to other countries. Like its competitors, Telepassport uses a technique called "re-origination," in which calls are first fed to the US, then re-started in order to get US rates on both legs of the call. According to Townson, this can cut costs up to 50 percent. "For example, a five minute call from Italy to the US handled and billed by the PTT [postal telephone and telegraph] would cost $11.40," he writes. "Using Telepassport, the cost for the same call would be $6.84.
"A five-minute call from Brazil to the United Kingdom costs $18.95 through the Brazilian PTT, but only $10.84 using Telepassport."
He said nations are required by international treaties to respect Telepassport's right to operate and compete, although the company must compensate local PTTs' for use of their lines as part of the normal international settlement process.
Townson also addressed objections by AT&T to the practice. "AT&T has raised objections when certain companies it suspected were marketing a callback system filed for FCC authorization to carry international traffic. In their objections they complained that callback systems were illegally using carriers' facilities to signal for the callback and thereby avoiding payment of the tariffed rates for usage. In fact, the tariffs are specifically set not to charge for uncompleted calls so there is no avoidance of payment. AT&T's own answering machine product, 'The Toll Saver' is designed not to answer a call if there are no messages on the machine, thus signalling such to the caller without him incurring a charge. There are several other examples of security systems, energy devices, etcetera, which use the telephone for signalling without payment."
Telepassport requires its own accounts on all users, but users can call from any phone. Subscribers call Telepassport's number in New York, let the phone ring twice, then hang up and wait for a call-back, at which point the authorization numbers and security codes are input, followed by the number the user wants to reach, including its country code. The system works using computers inside a phone switch, and a variety of languages can be chosen for prompts. The system also offers voice mail messaging forwarding, and phone home services similar to AT&T's Easy Reach 700 offering. The service can also be used by international businesses to offer toll-free lines to US customers.
Rates have three components. There's an access charge, per call an initial charge for call set-up, and a per-minute charge. The initial charge applies only when the US is used as an intermediary, with calls being routed through it to third countries. The access charge is usually remitted to a foreign PTT.
For users, the biggest risk lies in the method of payment, US dollars. If the value of a local currency falls against the dollar between the time a call is made and billed, it will cost more than otherwise. Billing is by credit card, either Master Card, Visa or American Express.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930823/Press Contact: Patrick Townson; e mail, ptownson@eecs.nwu.edu)
ick Townson; e mail, ptownson@eecs.nwu.edu)
8/27/93
US Remains Option For International Calls
TELECOM
Mac Software For Learning Disabl
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Winooski, Vermont based Laureate Learning Systems, a long-time publisher of sophisticated software for disabled children and adults, has expanded its offerings by porting major programs to the Macintosh platform.
Laureate, which is operated by speech and language-education specialists, publishes some of the world's most acclaimed MS-DOS programs for learning disabled users.
The first three programs ported to the Mac are all from the Language Activities of Daily Living Series: My House, My Town and My School.
Laureate programs are designed to help teach the use of language by providing positive reinforcement and simple lessons taken from common daily activities.
A free set of Laureate's Goals and Objectives short and long-term planning guides for speech-language pathologists and special education teachers are supplied with each program.
Using Goals and Objectives lets specialists quickly develop individualized education plans for students.
Award-winning Laureate programs were first introduced in 1982 and still run on basic IBM-compatible computers because many schools don't have more sophisticated systems available, but the company hopes to expand availability of its programs by porting many of them to the more sophisticated Macintosh environment.
(John McCormick/19930823/Press Contact: Terry Wright, Laureate 802-655-4755 or fax 802-655-4757 Public Contact: 800-562-6801)
5-4757 Public Contact: 800-562-6801)
8/27/93
Mac Software For Learning Disabled
APPLE
ISSI Intelli-Guard Computerized
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Silicon Brother is watching! At least that is the goal of Integrated Security Systems Inc.'s Intelli-Guard integrated security system which the company says will provide sophisticated site security at a fraction of the cost of earlier systems.
Intelli-Guard, introduced at this week's annual convention of the American Society for Industrial Security in Washington integrates cameras, sensors, security gates, and computerized supervision into a product which can be operated by non-computer literate security guards.
By bringing the cost of a powerful integrated security system down to where businesses other than giant corporations can afford it, Intelli-Guard, with prices starting under $40,000, will have widespread applications in schools, airports, prisons, parking garages, office buildings, and shipping operations, its creators anticipate.
The company claims that the computer system includes 43 man-years of sophisticated built-in proprietary technology and is based on an open-ended architecture which allows businesses to expand the coverage and sophistication of the system. A video processing PC interface lets the company integrate video images with computer generated data.
This type of system could be used to record anomalous sensor events and tag video images for later analysis to help supervisors determine what is occurring to cause those sensor readings.
Even relatively unsophisticated security (alarm) systems are often termed "supervised," but this just refers to the fact that if a wire is cut, the alarm is automatically tripped. A computerized security system would analyze events and help alert security personnel to conditions which require their attention.
(John McCormick/19930824/Press Contact: Ferdinand A. Hauslein Jr., ISSI, 214-444-8280)
t: Ferdinand A. Hauslein Jr., ISSI, 214-444-8280)
8/27/93
ISSI Intelli-Guard Computerized Security System
GENERAL
Parsons Intros MoneyCounts For W
HIAWATHA, IOWA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Parsons Technology, a leading provider of low-cost personal productivity software, has introduced a personal accounting program for the Microsoft Windows platform. MoneyCounts for Windows, with a list price of $50, is said by the company to be usable by anyone, whether they have any accounting experience or not.
MoneyCounts uses the checkbook-type entry system similar to the popular method used in the program Quicken. Parson's competing software is intended for home, small business, non profit, or farm users and can accommodate as many as 4,000 different accounts.
Thirty different tax categories can be set in MoneyCounts for Windows and the software includes a Tax-at-a-Glance tax estimation utility using the latest 1993 tax tables to provide small business users with a quick way to view potential tax liabilities resulting from transactions.
Data can be exported to Parson's Personal Tax Edge and imported from Managing Your Money, Microsoft Money, Quicken, Dollars & Sense, as well as MoneyCounts versions 5.0-7.5.
(John McCormick/19930824/Press Contact: Joan Dyal, Parsons Technology, 319-395-9626)
Dyal, Parsons Technology, 319-395-9626)
8/27/93
Parsons Intros MoneyCounts For Windows
Ares FontMinder 2.0 For Windows
FOSTER CITY CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Ares Software has announced a major upgrade to its Microsoft Windows 3.1 software font manager FontMinder. Version 2.0, which is available as an upgrade for $30 or for outright purchase at $80 (list) retains the drag and drop feature, but adds a more refined interface and an intelligent PostScript font downloader.
FontMinder 2.0 is said to seamlessly handle both TrueType and PostScript Type 1 fonts, allowing both kinds of fonts to exist in one master font library.
The organizing software also offers comprehensive type sample generation that allows a user to view and even print a sample of fonts from a floppy or CD-ROM prior to installation.
As laser and ink-jet printers become more common and the number of Microsoft Windows applications grow, many users are beginning to make more use of specialized downloadable fonts which expand the capabilities of their printers. But many fonts take up a large amount of hard disk space and users need a way to both manage the installation process (through type sample generation) and to locate and load the proper fonts for a particular task.
This has led to a growing market for font manager software like Ares' FontMinder. Ares also makes font utilities for Apple Macintosh systems.
(John McCormick/19930824/Press Contact: Kim Haas, McLean PR, 415 513-8800, Public Contact: Ares, 415-578-9090 or fax 415-378-8999)
415-578-9090 or fax 415-378-8999)
8/27/93
Ares FontMinder 2.0 For Windows
Fastest Rewritable CD-ROM Rivals
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Maxoptix says it has introduced a rewritable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive that is the industry's fastest, rivaling a hard disk drive in speed. The T3-1300 is a 5.25-inch drive with an average seek time at under 19 milliseconds (ms).
The removable media for the drive comes in 650-megabyte (MB) and 1-gigabyte (GB) sizes, and write-once read-many (WORM) media and 1.3 GB removable discs are also supported. The drive spins the discs at about 4800 revolutions per minute (rpm) and has a split-head optics head design, and latency times as low as 6.5 ms. Average access time to any location on the disc is 25.25 ms, which the company claims is nearly twice the performance of other 1.3 GB drives. Read operations have been clocked at sustained data transfer rates of 2.2 MB per second and write operations at 1.1 MB per second. Small computer systems interface (SCSI) transfers clock in at 5 MB per second in synchronous mode and 3 MB per second in asynchronous mode.
The drive offers a fast 3-second cartridge load/unload and has a Hewlett-Packard (HP) compatible jukebox interface that can be used with jukeboxes from HP, DISC, Kodak, NKK, IDE, and US Designs. In addition, the T3-1300 drive is available as either an internal or external unit, the company said.
The drive is aimed at the document and medical imaging scientific analysis, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), database storage, pre-press, and digital video playback and production markets. "... Users simply won't tolerate much less than hard disk speed for any application where large volumes of data are involved. ... On today's clogged data freeways, high-capacity removable optical disks now offer a very attractive alternate route," remarked Bob Root, vice president of sales and marketing for Maxoptix.
The drive is retail priced at $3,495 and the removable media is $249 each. This makes T3 storage less than 11 cents per megabyte, company officials boasted.
San Jose, California-based Maxoptix is a joint venture owned by disk drive manufacturer Maxtor and Kubota of Osaka, Japan. The company offers both rewritable optical drives and optical media. It describes itself as the industry's second largest supplier of 5.25-inch erasable optical media, behind Sony, and recently announced it would begin offering 3.5-inch erasable optical media under its own brand name.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930826/Press Contact: Werner Glinka Maxoptix, tel 408-954-9700, fax 408-954-9711; Carolyn Fromm The Benjamin Group for Maxoptix, 714-753-0755; Public Contact Maxoptix, 408-954-9700)
, 714-753-0755; Public Contact Maxoptix, 408-954-9700)
8/27/93
Fastest Rewritable CD-ROM Rivals Hard Disks In Speed
GENERAL
Interop '93 - SharpShooter 2.1 A
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- At the Interop '93 show, AIM Technology of Santa Clara, CA, introduced version 2.1 of SharpShooter, expert system-based performance management software for SunOS 4.0x-4.1x file servers.
Even experienced network administrators can find it difficult and frustrating to analyze network performance using Unix system utilities, which may provide a tremendous amount of data but don't tell the user what is important. Once a network administrator identifies a problem, he or she must devise a solution -- often based simply on trial and error or past experience.
Version 2.1 of SharpShooter helps with problem analysis by graphically modeling in real time such aspects of server performance as CPU usage, memory usage, disk input/output, and storage. One of the most important performance factors is NFS response time. System tools give you "no way to see which clients are generating which load," says AIM Technology Product Manager Brian Flock. SharpShooter lets the network manager monitor the response time of individual clients to pinpoint trouble spots precisely.
SharpShooter 2.1 includes 20 preconfigured "alarms" that alert network administrators to potential problems such as an overloaded CPU on the server, a memory bottleneck on the server or poor NFS response time to a client. Each alarm corresponds to a specified page in a solutions guide, which leads users through a cookbook-like approach to problem solving.
The product provides long-term capacity planning tools, as well. All SharpShooter data resides in a central database, allowing users to analyze historical trends. "Our goal is to help network and system administrators save time and better use resources making for happier end users," says Flock.
AIM Technology has begun porting SharpShooter to Solaris 2.x (available in late 1993). Support for IBM and Hewlett-Packard are planned for 1994.
(Audrey Kalman/19930826/Public Contact: AIM Technology Santa Clara, CA, 800-848-8649 or 408-748-8649)
IM Technology Santa Clara, CA, 800-848-8649 or 408-748-8649)
8/27/93
Interop '93 - SharpShooter 2.1 Aims For Better Network Mgt
Interop '93 - Windows Client Rel
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- CrossWind Technologies of Felton, CA, announced the Windows Client Release of Synchronize, its enterprise-wide scheduling and task management tool at Interop '93.
Synchronize lets large groups of people instantly schedule group personal, and recurring events. It's based on client/server architecture, with a Unix-based server and scalable distributed databases that can support thousands of group members. Users run Synchronize in their native desktop environments and communicate instantly via TCP/IP with the database server and other Synchronize users.
The new release brings CrossWind closer to its goal of providing enterprise-wide connectivity, regardless of the type of machine and whether users are local or remote. The new release of Synchronize will also include a database API development kit to assist in integration with other third-party scheduling applications.
Synchronize provides personal task management features such as to-do lists and reminders, as well as workgroup capabilities such as group address books and privacy protection. The product retails for $100 per user and is currently available for Sun3, SPARC DECStation Series, DEC Alpha AXP, IBM RS/6000, HP9000-300/400 HP9000-700/800, SCO, MIPS, Pyramid, Silicon Graphics, 88open Certified, and 386/486. The Microsoft Windows version is currently in alpha testing and will be available in November, 1993.
(Audrey Kalman/19930827/Public Contact: CrossWind Technologies Inc., Felton, CA, 408-335-4988)
rossWind Technologies Inc., Felton, CA, 408-335-4988)
8/27/93
Interop '93 - Windows Client Release Of Synchronize
- Windows Client Rel
UK - Mercury, Cable TV In Pacts
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Mercury Communications has revealed it is entering into contracts for telephone service provision with six cable TV companies in the UK. The deal will mean lower call charges for customers of the cable TV companies, as Mercury will install exchanges for the companies, rather than merely switch all calls over to its own exchanges.
The deal is a major step for the UK telecom industry. Traditionally, while cable TV companies have piggy-backed phone service on top of their TV services, allowing BT subscribers to dispense with their line if they wish, the cable companies have not operated the services themselves. Now they can for local calls although they will still have to switch trunk and international calls on to Mercury.
The deal is a direct result of the six cable TV companies -- Encom General Cable, Nynex, Southwestern Bell, Telewest and Videotron forming a trade group, the Cable Operators Strategy Group (COSG) with the express intention of negotiating a favorable deal.
It's still early days for cable TV telephone services in the UK Newsbytes notes. Mercury claims that around 180,000 subscribers are now using cable TV-provided phone service, but this figure is increasing at around 40,000 every three months.
"The new agreement strengthens our relationship with the cable TV industry... and we confidently expect our relationship to bring real benefit to consumers through increased competition with BT," said Andrew Coleman, Mercury's divisional managing director, when announcing the signing of the deal.
(Steve Gold/19930826/Press & Public Contact: Mercury Communications Tel: 071-528-2000)
Communications Tel: 071-528-2000)
8/27/93
UK - Mercury, Cable TV In Pacts
TELECOM
Video Diagnostic Products From T
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Truevision says the quality of the video production is dependent on the quality of the video signal generated. How do you know you're generating a quality video signal? Truevision says its new VIDI/O boards, VIDI/O Analyst and the companion VIDI/O Pattern Generator board, can tell you.
The company maintains VIDI/O Analyst and VIDI/O Pattern Generator boards are tools for monitoring, testing, and measuring video signals on the IBM-compatible personal computer (PC) video graphics array (VGA) desktop. For use under Microsoft Windows 3.1, the boards are designed for industry standard architecture (ISA) PCs and can monitor both NTSC and PAL video signals, providing graphical output.
VIDI/O Analyst combines the functions of a waveform monitor and vectorscope -- both standard video test equipment. Accompanying Windows software allows users to see waveform displays and vectorscope signal presentations under Windows. In conjunction with the VGA adapter, it uses a PC's VGA color monitor for all user controls and display of video signal data.
The VIDI/O Pattern Generator board offers over 20 video test signals and test patterns. Each board comes with Windows-based software.
Besides simply monitoring the quality of the video signal the boards are useful, reports Truevision, to create technical documentation such as inserting captured waveforms into documentation, and for remote video monitoring via modem. Also if a Truevision video VGA board is used, the VIDI/O Analyst waveforms can be keyed over the video being tested. In production facilities equipped with switchers and routers, all video sources can be routed to one workstation for test monitoring and preview, instead of requiring the installation of more-costly test equipment at each video source, Truevision added.
The company says there are extensive help and reference aids available for measurement tasks. Included are a video glossary of over 120 terms; a reference of standard video formats such as S-video, component and composite; a depiction of standard key video parameters such as burst, breezeway, and blanking; descriptions of common video measurements such as video amplitude level and burst width; and test signal/pattern usage and descriptions.
Both the Truevision VIDI/O Analyst and the VIDI/O Pattern Generator may be purchased from Truevision together in the Truevision VIDI/Workbench bundle for $1,995. Or the Truevision VIDI/O Analyst is available for $1,495 and the VIDI/O Pattern Generator is $995.
Indianapolis, Indiana-based Truevision is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rasterops, purchased by the company last year.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930826/Press Contact: Tom Ransom Truevision, tel 317-841-0332, fax 317-576-7700, Public Contact 800-344-8783, 24-hour Fax Back Information 800-522-8783)
24-hour Fax Back Information 800-522-8783)
8/27/93
Video Diagnostic Products From Truevision
Next-Generation VCR Standard Pro
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Japan Victor Corporation (JVC) has announced specifications for a next-generation analog video cassette recorder (VCR), which supports high definition TV (HDTV) programs. Called W-VHS, and compatible with existing VHS tapes, it is expected to be the industry standard as the analog version of the HDTV VCR.
Already four major Japanese electronics makers have agreed to support JVC's proposed standard: Matsushita Electric, Hitachi Mitsubishi and Sharp. This support nearly guarantees the specification as an industry standard.
The W-VHS supports both HDTV and current TV (NTSC) signals, and the tape size is the same as current VHS. The tape is also a high-quality version of a metal VCR tape which can also be used on VHS VCRs. The picture quality is better than VHS however, because pictures are recorded with 480 to 500 lines. W-VHS can also support a 3-time record mode, recording up to six hours of programming on a 120-minute tape.
The first W-VHS player will be priced by JVC at about 600,000 yen ($6,000) and it will be released at the end of this year. A 120-minute tape will be sold at 3,000 yen ($30). Matsushita and other firms are planning to release their versions of the machine next year.
Meanwhile, ten major electronics firms, including Sony Matsushita, JVC, and Philips, are discussing a digital version of the HDTV VCR. This digital VCR would not be compatible with current VHS or 8-mm VCRs, but the picture quality would be very sharp due to the digital mode. The W-VHS group will also support this standard.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930827/Press Contact: Japan Victor Corporation, +81-3-3241-6311, +81-3-3246-1254)
Corporation, +81-3-3241-6311, +81-3-3246-1254)
8/27/93
Next-Generation VCR Standard Proposed By JVC
TRENDS
Greek Government Wiretapping Pro
ATHENS, GREECE, 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- The much-reported wiretapping scandal that has been rocking the Greek Government this year, took a new twist this week as Nikos Gryllakis, a senior advisor to Constantine Mitsotakis, Greece's Prime Minister, was suspended.
Gryllakis, a retired general, has been suspended after being summoned to testify before prosecutors next Monday on his role in the scandal. The prosecution has alleged that he was the central figure in a plot to tap the phones of all the senior opposition MPs (Members of Parliament).
As reported previously by Newsbytes, Gryllakis and PM Mitsotakis were surrounded by the scandal in April of this year when Christos Mavrikas, an ex-engineer with the Greek state telecom company, sold his story on the bugging to the Greek press.
Mavrikas claimed that he was instructed by persons unknown to tap the phones of Andreas Papandreou, the popular Socialist PM, as well as Mitaiades Evert, the former conservative minister, and several other leading political figures. Under pressure, he admitted that Gryllakis had instructed him.
Later investigation revealed that the bugging scandal was not a one-time affair, and that Mavrikas carried out a series of wiretaps in the period 1988 to 1990. OTE, the Greek telecom company, subsequently revealed that its investigations had turned up evidence that Mavrikas' story was true. This was in June, when a formal investigation into the affair began.
As the investigation got under way, Gryllakis started to defend himself and the PM. In press reports from June, he said that the whole affair had been trumped up to discredit his leader. "It is a plot to destroy me because I am Mitsotakis' shield. I am at peace with my conscience," he said.
Experts are divided over the affair. Many political experts say that bugging of phones of the opposition is routine and carried out for intelligence purposes by many Western governments. Others, claiming that political freedom is the norm, say the whole affair is an outrage.
(Steve Gold/19930827)
air is an outrage.
(Steve Gold/19930827)
8/27/93
Greek Government Wiretapping Probe Deepens
Nigeria To Get Revitalized Phone
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Logica, the international systems house, has been commissioned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to plan and cost out the implementation of a new computer system and telecom network for Nigeria.
The contract was awarded after Logica teamed up with Touche Ross the management consultants in 1991/92 to tender for the project. The idea behind the contract is that Nigeria can plan its telecom infrastructure into the next century, rather than rely, as has happened in other African countries, on free market development.
The Logica/Touche Ross study identified that a lack of an effective telecom infrastructure in Nigeria had caused severe problems for the country as a whole. The report identified that the Nigerian banking network in particular had been held back by the lack of a good telecom infrastructure.
It highlighted the need for a reliable, wide-band and secure network covering the whole country to allow effective speech and data communications in the bank's head offices in Abuji and Lagos, and the branch offices.
Plans call for a very small aperture terminal network, using the Intelsat VI satellite, to be installed. This will link into various new telephone exchanges around Nigeria ensuring that a reliable trunk network is up and running in the shortest possible time. The whole project will take five years to complete.
"We were impressed by the results of the strategy study," explained Ayo Koyejo, the director of the CBN's computer services department who added that Logica's proposals for high level support for the implementation of the telecom five-year plan were well considered.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- The Russian electronics industry is experiencing hard times. During the first half of this year, total industrial output dropped by 18 percent while the production of electronics goods has fallen 39 percent.
Delovoi Mir (Business World) newspaper published an article by Arkady Shuklin of the Russian Federation Committee on Defence Industries. Shuklin states that large-scale import of computers and household electronic appliances into Russia caused severe damage to Russia's own home electronics industry. Russian citizens' beliefs that imported products are better in quality, and the drop of defense spending, have also contributed to the dire situation.
Although the buying public is choosing to buy imported electronics goods for quality reasons, this is disputed by the article. "Speculation about the low-quality of Russian-made computers and microcircuits is ungrounded." As an example of industry achievements, the article cites the much-quoted Russian-made Elbrus supercomputer.
The drop in defense spending has also dealt a devastating blow. Five years ago, two thirds of orders came from the USSR Defence Ministry, but in 1992, military orders dropped 10-fold the report states. Not only has Russia suffered, but so has much of the former USSR, as 40 percent of the region's electronics factories are outside Russia.
According to Shuklin, the industry has also suffered from "inconsiderate privatization" -- the State Property Management Committee has started to break apart electronics enterprises.
The future looks gloomy as 150 scientific and research institutes design bureaus, and hundreds of factories, struggle to survive. "Unless the financial situation improves, the industry will collapse," concludes Shuklin.
Those firms serving the military can't switch to civilian production overnight and conversion calls for major capital investment. A stable exchange rate may be a victory for the Ministry of Finances but the electronics industry sees it as a serious threat. With inflation at 20 percent a month prices for home-made electronics equipment are nearing those for imported items.
(Eugene Peskin & Kirill Tchashchin/19930826)
(Eugene Peskin & Kirill Tchashchin/19930826)
8/27/93
Russia's Electronics Industry In Dramatic Slump
TRENDS
Hong Kong - Digital Signs Up Bus
WANCHAI, HONG KONG, 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- In a move designed to strengthen its coverage of vertical markets, Digital Equipment Hong Kong Ltd., has signed agreements with six new business partners that offer specialized industry and applications knowledge.
The six partners comprise four authorized dealers and two "solutions" partners. The authorized dealers are Epro Systems (HK) Ltd, System-Pro Computers Ltd, Tricom Computer Ltd., and Absolute Logics Computer Consultant Group. The solution partners are DSL-MDL Ltd and Sanyo Extended Data Systems Ltd.
"Third-party channels are a major growth area for Digital worldwide and Hong Kong is no exception," said Business Development Manager Kenny Wong. "Today's announcement indicates that Digital is pursuing an aggressive channels development strategy that will yield increased market penetration.
"It also reflects Digital's recent restructuring into nine core business units, each of which will create new opportunities by working through a broad base of business partners."
Wong said the new partners shared a commitment to Digital in developing their vertical markets and serving their customers. All six were enthusiastic about Digital's Alpha AXP technology client-server computing and the potential of the local Unix market.
As hardware margins continue to fall and the computer market becomes increasingly commodity-driven, a strategy based on business partnerships enables Digital to focus its resources on effective cooperative marketing programs, he added.
"With the new business partners on board, our customers now have more choice when acquiring technology," said General Manager Bruce Dahl. "They can pick the best products on the market from companies that understand their industries and know how best to support them."
Dahl said that Digital's business partners not only offered excellent computing systems to targeted industries, but met another corporate goal by making it easier for customers to do business with Digital.
One of the leading providers of information technology in Asia, Epro Systems will target industries such as discrete manufacturing, electronics and import/export.
Offering a range of products from PCs and minicomputers to workstations and related peripherals and software, System-Pro will develop markets in financial services, public services professional services, health care, education, entertainment and the media.
The information technology arm of Tricom Holdings, Tricom Computer will target industries such as consumer and process manufacturing retail and distribution, travel and transportation, and utilities.
Absolute Logics, which is based in Macau, will explore new market segments in the Portuguese enclave.
A systems consultancy firm that has developed a portfolio of commercial applications, Sanyo Extended Data Systems will concentrate on sales to the wholesale and retail industries.
DSL-MDL, a company that specializes in computer services and systems consulting to commercial and industrial customers, will pursue new business opportunities in the electronics manufacturing sector.
(Keith Cameron/19930827/Press Contact: Vivian Chan, Digital 805 3013)
27/Press Contact: Vivian Chan, Digital 805 3013)
8/27/93
Hong Kong - Digital Signs Up Business Partners
Novell's Direct Mail Support For
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Novell has launched a direct mail marketing plan for Platinum resellers in the United States and Canada designed to deliver information on high-end Novell products to targeted customers at minimal cost to the reseller.
The six-month program, called the Platinum Direct Marketing Program for Enterprise Solutions, scheduled to begin this month, lets resellers choose from a set of direct mail pieces describing Novell's high-end products. The company says that the piece is then customized with the reseller's logo, location and phone number, and mailed to targeted customers each month.
Novell says that the first 200 mailing each month are free to the reseller, including postage. Platinum resellers can also accrue credit for additional free direct mail pieces by meeting specific sales targets.
The company says that the first four Novell enterprise "solutions" pieces describe NetWare NFS, Novell's recently announced Branch Office Bundle, internetworking technologies, and UnixWare.
In announcing the program, Nancy Bridgman, Novell's national reseller manager, said: "We depend on our partnerships with platinum resellers to deliver high-end networking solutions to our customers. The Platinum Direct Marketing Program for Enterprise Solutions offers platinum resellers a turnkey marketing solution. They simply identify a group of customers they want to reach and Novell does the rest."
Novell says that there are more than 550 platinum resellers in the United States and Canada, trained and authorized to sell and support all Novell products. Platinum resellers must have at least two Certified NetWare Engineers (CNEs) on staff at each of their business offices or support sites.
Novell's NetWare is the leading network operating system, commanding nearly 70 percent of the market.
(Ian Stokell/19930827)
nt of the market.
(Ian Stokell/19930827)
8/27/93
Novell's Direct Mail Support For Resellers
BUSINESS
Roundup - Stories Carried By Oth
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Roundup is a brief look at some computer stories carried in other publications received here this past week.
The August 23 Federal Computer Week reports that a recent $50 million Treasury Department acquisitions request (request for bid) is heavily weighted toward the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet and WordPerfect word processor. The bid request specifies a $12 million penalty for any non-"standard" program offered on the bid. This is intended to help pay for retraining employees on other software when they are used to WordPerfect and 1-2-3.
Computerworld for the week of the 23rd says that Novell's push into enterprise system vending will require the company to provide the sort of IBM-level service expected by Fortune 500 companies.
PC Magazine dated September 14 looks at 34 17-inch monitors and picks the Nano Flexscan F550i-W, NEC MultiSync 5FG, and Sony CPD 1730 as "Editors' Choice." All are priced at the high-end showing that, at least with monitors, you get what you pay for.
Network World dated August 23 says that IBM is hard at work on an object-oriented work flow management system which would integrate Big Blue products like ImagePlus and tools such as Lotus Notes from other vendors.
The August 24 Computer Currents carries that newspaper's columnist picks for the best inexpensive Windows, PC, and Macintosh programs.
Ever wondered just how well students learn from interactive Videodisc courses? The August Technological Horizons in Education Journal carries a university-level comparison which shows that motivated students will learn this way but that they won't seek any additional input even from readily available instructors or even fully utilize Videodisc options. Of course this was the University of South Florida, not Harvard so student motivation may not be at the highest level.
(John McCormick/19930827/)
at the highest level.
(John McCormick/19930827/)
8/27/93
Roundup - Stories Carried By Other Media This Week
GENERAL
Mars Probe Loss Blamed On Faulty
0 WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- In the ongoing drama surrounding the likely loss of the $1 billion NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Mars Observer satellite the US space agency is quietly acknowledging that the system is almost certainly lost and is now placing the probable blame on transistors used in the critical clock circuits which should have caused the spacecraft to act independently and reestablish contact with ground-based controllers yesterday.
Many activities on satellites, and all backup processes which are supposed to protect against permanent loss of contact by causing the onboard systems to react on their own after a set period of non-contact, are dependent for their activation on a clock which triggers certain events after a pre-set elapsed time. If the clock fails, then as far as the satellite's computers are concerned, the time never expires and the scheduled events are never initiated.
NASA reports that similar timing systems were in use on both the Mars mission satellite and a NOAA weather satellite which had to have its clock replaced before a recent launch. Both satellites ceased operation last week but it isn't yet known whether the replacement clock used in NOAA-13 was of the same type as the one which failed.
NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin told television interviewers yesterday that future projects would place less reliance on massive single vehicle projects like the billion dollar Mars Observer, instead breaking up such missions into less vulnerable multiple projects using several less expensive space probes.
The Washington Post reports in an article today that the suspect transistors were from the same production batch produced by a company named Frequency Electronics.
NASA has announced that an investigation has begun into the probably cause of the failure of the Mars Observer satellite.
Mission scientists said on Thursday that it was very unlikely that the satellite had been destroyed during the fuel tank pressurization sequence which began on Saturday, but that still leaves the probability that the Observer either flew on past Mars without entering orbit, or is perhaps in the proper orbit, but will never attempt to recontact earth scientists because of the suspected clock failure.
(John McCormick/19930827/)
clock failure.
(John McCormick/19930827/)
8/27/93
Mars Probe Loss Blamed On Faulty Transistor
US Eases High-Speed Computer Exp
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Ever since the beginning of the cold war, the US and many of its non-Communist allies have tried to restrict the sales of certain sensitive high-technology products to countries seen as "the enemy." The export restrictions were especially applied to high-performance computers with potential military applications, but those restrictions, along with the cold war, now appear to be ending.
The restrictions imposed on computer exports have become less and less realistic as microprocessors have pushed the envelope to the point where computers which would have been too powerful to export legally just fifteen years ago are now carried in briefcases or sold in video games.
Some observers see the expected change in regulations as a sensible recognition of the inability to control access to fast computers than as a basic policy change. Author Pat Choate in his landmark book "Agents of Influence," point out that companies such as Toshiba which are caught illegally exporting secret military technology usually get away with a slap on the wrist at worst.
The US Commerce Department's export restrictions are generally followed by the seventeen members of the Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Control (COCOM) so the process of removing computer export controls will involve multi-lateral consultations with allies. A Reuters report says that the embargo will probably end before next year.
Since high-speed computers in the class which are covered by current regulations are readily available on the world market US computer and microprocessor makers have been hurt by the COCOM export controls without imposing any real hardship on restricted countries.
The easing of export controls would not apply to countries which are also under other restrictions for being state sponsors of terrorism, but many former Communist countries will now become open markets to US and European exporters.
According to published reports, exports of all supercomputers and many other fast systems would still be restricted.
Meanwhile, the 3,000-member American Electronics Association (AEA) says the Clinton Administration's findings on easing export restrictions of high-speed computers do not go far enough in helping high tech companies expand their markets shares abroad.
J. Richard Iverson, AEA president and CEO, said, "We are pleased the Administration agreed to AEA's request to survey the foreign availability of computers that US companies are either not permitted to export or are delayed from exporting. But the final recommendation of the report falls short of realizing how far out-of-sync US regulations are with today's technological advancements."
Iverson referred to the study's recommendation to reduce export controls on computers from a speed of 12.5 MTOPS (which is the current restriction and equal to a 486 PC) to 67 MTOPS (equal to a single processor computer using an Intel Pentium or Sun SuperSPARC chip). In keeping with current technology, AEA said export restrictions should be eliminated on any computer operating up to 210 MTOPS, a level of a mid-range workstation with Sun SuperSPARC, Intel Pentium, DEC Alpha and Motorola PowerPC chips.
(John McCormick/19930826/PRess Contact: AEA, John Hatch 408/987-4232)
Ress Contact: AEA, John Hatch 408/987-4232)
8/27/93
US Eases High-Speed Computer Export Rules
Review of - KidPix, For Mac
Runs on: Macintosh
From: Broderbund Software, P.O.Box 6125, Novato, CA 94948 (415) 382-4700
Price: $59.95
PUMA rating: 3.5 (on a scale of 1 to 4, 4 being highest)
Reviewed for Newsbytes by: Naor Wallach
Summary: A painting program for the younger set. Has all the tools necessary to let the imagination roam wild. Also has some tools and options that are completely dazzling.
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REVIEW
=======
Little kids have always faced a major challenge when they want to use the home computer. Most programs are written with an adult in mind who can explain or handle complex procedures. This is especially tough for the littlest kids who want to play with a computer - typically three-year-olds. Just imagine putting one of them in front of a full-fledged drawing program like Pixel Paint and trying to explain how to select the different brush sizes!
To the rescue comes Broderbund with the KidPix program. KidPix is a full featured drawing program that was developed by a parent specifically for the skill set of his three-year-old son. Once the program is started, everything that the child could want or need is either directly on the screen or easily accessible with one or two mouse clicks.
The program comes on two diskettes and is accompanied by a 44-page Users Guide, a set of KidPix stickers, a registration card, a postcard for getting a catalog of other Broderbund offerings, and a packet of information that describes the Broderbund Kids Club which has additional offers, coupons magazines, and games.
Installing the program is a simple matter of copying all of the files from the two diskettes to a folder on your desktop. Once there, you double click on the KidPix icon.
The first time that you start the program you are asked to personalize your copy. Thereafter, your name appears as the owner of the program when you start it.
Like almost all painting programs, the screen is divided into two parts. The majority of the screen is the drawing area which starts out blank. A much smaller part of the screen offers the child various tools. As is also usual, the main tool bar is off to the left of the screen. KidPix also displays an additional tool bar along the bottom of the drawing area. The relationship of the two tool bars is simple: the left is really a tool bar and does not change. The bottom one is a set of options that are available for each tool selected.
One of the kid-friendly features is already apparent - although you may not realize it. The drawing area cannot be sized differently. This means that this program maintains a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) approach throughout. What appears on the screen will be printed.
There are twelve different tools in the tool bar. In addition systems that support color will see a color palette at the bottom of the tool bar. The twelve tools include a Wacky Pencil, Line, Rectangle, Oval, Wacky Brush, Electric Mixer Paint Can, Eraser, Text, Rubber Stamps, Moving Van, and The Undo Guy.
The Wacky Pencil, Line, Rectangle, Oval, Paint Can, and Text tools work much as might expect, but more interesting effects with these tools come from the options. For instance, you can paint with "o" characters, droplets, concentric circles, or other effects.
I would also suggest that you hold down the option key while using a tool occasionally. The option key modifies what the tool does in fun ways.
Rubber Stamps is a tool which offers an option bar full of little icons, for instance, a dog, a sun, a strawberry. When any of these icons is selected, the rubber stamp tool will place them wherever on the screen that the cursor is when the mouse is clicked. The basic KidPix program comes with 112 different stamps. There are some extension programs out on the market that add many more stamps. The stamps are not limited in size to that shown in the tool option bar. By pressing the option and shift keys in different combinations you can get the stamps to appear in different sizes on the screen.
When the child uses the tools, they are rewarded with some sound effect. The "undo guy" gives the child an "oh no!" sound for example. As you can imagine some of the sounds and tools are pretty creative.
Of course any masterpiece in progress can be saved or printed. The program will not let you leave unless you have saved the picture or indicated that you wish to discard it.
For this review I played with the program myself, and then let my four-year-old son and a bunch of other youngsters go at it while I watch their activities and answered questions. Most of the youngsters had no problem figuring out how to use the various tools and change colors. Without fail, all of the children were somewhat afraid of using the tool option bar without some instruction from me. One of the reasons for this is that the icons that represent the different actions are not necessarily completely intuitive. I know that it took me some time to experiment to figure them all out myself. Once they realized what the effects were, the children were very happy to go at them.
Key combinations however, were completely outside the ken of the any of the youngsters. After trying several times to explain how and when the option and shift keys can be used I gave up. The kids didn't seem to mind - they were having too much fun using other features of the program.
I also tried this program on older kids in the seven to ten-year-old range. These kids had no problems with the program at all. It only took several minutes of play for every one of them to start generating drawings. Most of them simply experimented with the tool options and the keys without any prompting from me.
To summarize, I found this program to be a very enjoyable tool for almost any age. Young as well as older kids had no problems mastering the program and putting it to use immediately. Although some of the features can take some getting used to most of the program is very logically laid out and understandable. The most important feature is, of course, that I am now besieged with requests to use the program every time one of my play-testers comes over!
=============
PUMA RATINGS
=============
PERFORMANCE: 3 Although the program runs flawlessly, there are occasional spots where performance seems to slow down. The choice of icons for the different tool options can be confusing at times.
USEFULNESS: 4 This drawing program is meant for kids and shows it throughout. There is even a menu item that drapes a virtual bib over the desktop and does not allow for menu selections. This effectively prevents youngsters from rearranging files on the desktop!
MANUAL: 4 In typical Broderbund style, the manual is thorough clear, and well-illustrated.
AVAILABILITY: 3 Widely available from mail order and software stores. Has been heavily advertised and promoted. Broderbund does not maintain a toll-free technical support number.
(Naor Wallach/19930713/Karen Omholt, Broderbund)
713/Karen Omholt, Broderbund)
8/27/93
Review of - KidPix, For Mac
APPLE
REVIEW
Review of - KidPix Companion, Fo
Runs on: Macintosh
From: Broderbund Software, P.O.Box 6125, Novato, CA 94948 (415) 382-4700
Price: $39.95
PUMA rating: 3.75 (on a scale of 1-4, 4 being highest)
Reviewed for Newsbytes by: Naor Wallach
Summary: An addendum to the KidPix program that adds many new twists and innovations in addition to more activities.
=======
REVIEW
=======
KidPix is a very good program. So how does one make it better? Broderbund's answer is to make an additional product called KidPix Companion which gives the purchaser an expansion to KidPix in both additional rubber stamps and other KidPix elements, as well as additional capabilities and functionality.
First, there are 112 new rubber stamps and 19 new hidden pictures. Both of these sets can be swapped in and out of KidPix. Then comes the new stuff -- DrawMe generates ideas for kids to try to draw. For instance: "I'm a singing mermaid in a spooky graveyard and I hate mayonnaise, Uggghhh!!!" Every time you invoke the DrawMe function, a new phrase is created. Each part of the phrase is spoken by a different voice which gives intonations to the words in such a way as to make it more lively.
ColorMe is a set of 17 predrawn pictures in the form of line art drawings that are just crying out for a kid to color them.
Wacky TV displays QuickTime movies within KidPix. This is more than just a QuickTime viewer. One of the more fun capabilities is that you can leave the image on the screen sans the viewer itself. The movie will play itself but no one need know how that happened!
The biggest addition and improvement is a totally new program called SlideShow. Slide Show allows you to create a set of drawings and have them displayed, one after another while your voice is on a soundtrack. In other words, you can create your own stories and play them back at any time.
KidPix Companion comes on 4 diskettes. These diskettes are accompanied by a 44-page manual, a product registration card, and a kit of coupons and information on Broderbund's Kids Club. The installation process takes about 10 minutes or so as the files are stored on the disks in a compressed form. KidPix Companion will also eat up about 3-4 MB of hard disk space. The manual is very clearly written and well illustrated.
After installing the program, I discovered that each of the additions is worthwhile and simply fun. The addition of so many things made for several hours of investigation and play, and that was even before I called the kids over!
I am very impressed with the program. Many of the mail order catalogs that I have seen advertise both programs in the same space. Both those and the software stores that I frequent have run occasional promotions in which the price of both products is substantially reduced. If you have not bought KidPix yet, my recommendation would be to buy both at the same time and install the Companion once you've mastered the basic program. If you already own the basic program then do go and buy the Companion. It's worth it.
=============
PUMA RATINGS
=============
PERFORMANCE: 4 The program works flawlessly. If you didn't know that you installed a totally new program, you would not notice the additions.
USEFULNESS: 4 It adds a lot to an already rich basic program.
MANUAL: 4 In typical Broderbund style, the manual is thorough clear, and well illustrated.
AVAILABILITY: 3 Widely available from mail order and software stores. Has been heavily advertised and promoted. Broderbund does not maintain a toll-free technical support number though.
(Naor Wallach/19930731/Karen Omholt, Broderbund)
lach/19930731/Karen Omholt, Broderbund)
8/27/93
Review of - KidPix Companion, For Mac
APPLE
REVIEW
The Enabled Computer
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- This is the third of a four-part look at the full text of John McCormick's talk at the Tuesday, July 27, 1993, ADA Expo '93 held in Washington, D.C. The final issue will contain contact information for products and services mentioned in the talk. The previous section discussed hardware and software purchasing criteria.
There are also general use technologies which are just as useful for non-disabled executives as they are essential for disabled workers. This would include a variety of speech-recognition systems like Dragon Dictate.
Although these systems have obvious applications for mobility impaired users, either in controlling the computer or actually entering data, they are also tremendous productivity boosters for non-typist executives or other employees who may literally have their hands full with other tasks.
Versatile, general application products like these, some of which also have major applications outside the enabling technology field, can solve a variety of specific problems for a business without the need for extensive research on an individual needs basis, maintenance of a large number of different products, or even making any changes to the standard software used in the office.
But some worker impairments will require special, even custom designed, devices, or special software.
These and all other adaptive computer technology products especially when working to comply with the ADA, must be evaluated with an eye to the value of the employee.
It would be unreasonable to expect any but the very largest company to pay $10,000 for a special voice recognition dictation system for a data entry clerk, but purchasing a custom communications program for a legal expert or key scientist may not only be required by the ADA, it also makes good business sense.
Fortunately most adaptive technology is very inexpensive, but when it isn't then the value of the employee must be taken into consideration before dismissing a costly adaptation out of hand.
With that basic factor in mind, selecting adaptive technology means looking at how well the particular product meets the special needs of a specific employee.
The best way to determine this is to start with the worker - in many cases he or she is the only expert who can really tell you whether a specific product will work for him or her.
But as a cost-conscious business person you can't just buy what the worker wants, and the ADA doesn't require you to supply the BEST solution to a problem, just an acceptable one.
So, while looking at alternatives, you must:
First narrow down the field to those products which will do the job and will solve the problem as far as the worker is concerned.
Then you must evaluate which is the most cost-effective solution considering all the usual factors of initial cost maintenance, and support.
In addition, you must also consider how important the efficiency of the worker is. This importance will vary with the job assignment and the salary and may be dramatically affected by the choice of adaptive technology. If there are four possible ways to provide access, then the least expensive may make the worker far less efficient than the most expensive and this variable must be considered in relation to the worker's value to the company.
This way of evaluating products is quite different from the usual process in an MIS department.
Vendors
The other difference when looking at adaptive technology is dealing with vendors who may never have thought that a business would want their products.
Many innovative and professionally designed adaptive technology products come from individuals or very small businesses which got into the business because of some personal or family tragedy and they have sold their products to individuals for many years.
Before the ADA was passed there was virtually no corporate market for adaptive technology, but that is now changing and the industry is changing with its market, but very slowly.
Some adaptive technology such as large-type word processors are standard products just sitting on a shelf ready to ship, but many vendors have prided themselves on working with the disabled individual to produce the best accommodation possible.
This one-on-one service may or may not be practical in a business setting, but it is important that you understand the mind-set of many of these vendors and also understand that the vast majority of them are very concerned with the needs of the disabled individual.
Some devices must be custom-fitted, and that needs to be considered when choosing the vendor and the product.
For instance, it makes little sense to buy a product from a vendor at the other side of the country just to save 15 percent if it will have to be custom-fitted to an individual. In that situation the nearest vendor with an acceptable product is the leading contender for the purchase, based only on the geographic location.
The other important differences involve part-time businesses.
The average business doesn't normally contract with a part-time vendor, but the demand and profit margins for some adaptive technology are so small that the best, or sometimes the only supplier is running a part-time business.
This doesn't mean that the product or support will be less than professional-grade; that part-timer may be a neurosurgeon or a senior design engineer at an aerospace firm, but it does mean that you may need to be more flexible about contacting the vendor during off hours or, in some cases, paying up front for the construction of a custom device.
Obviously, reasonable business practices will require an individual evaluation of each vendor's suitability, but when dealing with specialized adaptive technology buyers must be prepared to be more flexible than usual.
Contact addresses in next issue.
(John McCormick/19930730/)
n McCormick/19930730/)
8/27/93
The Enabled Computer
EDITORIAL
GENERAL
ONEBBSCON - BBS's Are Key To Cli
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- The more than 70,000 private and public bulletin board systems (BBS) are the key to President Bill Clinton's widely touted data highway of the future.
That's what Jack Rickard, organizer of the second annual Online Networking Exposition Bulletin Board Systems Convention (ONE BBSCON) being held this week in Colorado Springs, Colorado, says. "That network already exists to some degree, but the national highway is a conceptual problem. What they are proposing to do all can center on an infrastructure for the data highway part," says Rickard.
"Implicit in that is to bring K-12 education onto this data highway but some of their concepts are a little naive. There are 16,000 school districts in this country, and about 80,000 schools. The infrastructure that is the Internet now, or even that could be built with a fairly large application of money, tends to be more technical than these people are going to adopt as an interface." He also cited the enormous cost of teaching educators to use the system. Rickard believes bulletin boards will wind up being the interface between the Internet and the actual data highway.
BBS operation has become a big business, with thousands of boards both public and private, now in operation worldwide. About 2,000 of those operators, called sysops (system operators), met this week to hear talks by industry experts and participate in discussions about subjects as diverse as legal issues, media relations, bulletin boards for government agencies, programming languages, copyright issues, and women online. They also got a chance to play some golf see some Colorado scenery, take in a mountain barbecue, and rub shoulders with their counterparts as well as the big names in the industry.
The subject matter found on the thousands of boards is as varied as the people that operate them, sometimes general in nature and sometimes very specific. Newsbytes talked to Julie Silverman, sysop for the National Process Servers BBS. Five years ago Silverman, a real estate agent, was calling boards to get information about properties for sale. She now owns a legal processing service company in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and set up her board to provide a common ground for process servers and investigators in Minnesota and western Wisconsin to share information and exchange jobs. The monthly charge to access Silverman's board is $49.95. "That's to cover the cost of the equipment and phone lines," she told Newsbytes.
While this year's show didn't have a specific theme attached to it Rickard told Newsbytes there are several main issues being discussed. "There is an intense interest in, and we have a lot of sessions about, the Internet connection for bulletin boards systems. Another has to do with the legality of adult images, and the third, which is related to the second, is how to present images online as we move towards a more graphical user interface."
The attendees are also getting a look at the latest technology in hardware and software. "They (the vendors) are coming in with all kinds of secret stuff, new products, new presentations, and special show discount deals," says Rickard.
(Jim Mallory/19930827/Press contact: Jack Rickard, ONE, Inc 303-973-6038, fax 303-973-3731)
ONEBBSCON - BBS's Are Key To Clinton's Data Highway
TELECOM
Sega Orders FRAM Chips For Games
EBBSCON - BBS's Are Key To Cli
Dell Completes $225 Million Fina
AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Dell Computer Corporation says it has completed two private placements of securities totaling $225 million.
The personal computer maker said it will use the net proceeds of about $218 million to repay existing indebtedness and to provide funds for general corporate purposes that include working capital investments, expansion of operations, and investments in infrastructure. Dell spokesperson Ken Smith told Newsbytes costs of the placement totaled about $7 million, which was paid to the intermediaries.
Smith explained the difference between public offerings and private placements. Public offerings are traded over-the- counter, while private placements are purchased by qualified institutional buyers or accredited institutions that would not necessarily be traded on the open market.
To raise the money, Dell sold 1.25 million shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, which raised $125 million. The stock was purchased by Goldman, Sachs & Co and resold by them pursuant to exemptions from SEC registration. The Series A shares are rated B/b2 and carry an annual dividend rate of seven percent, payable quarterly beginning November 15, 1993. Each share has a $100 liquidation preference and is currently convertible into 4.21 shares of Dell common stock, an equivalent conversion price of $23.75. The Series A shares may be redeemed by Dell after August 25, 1996.
Dell also raised $100 million in unsecured 11 percent Senior Notes due August 15, 2000, also sold to Goldman, Sachs & Co as well as Citicorp Securities, and resold by them exempt from SEC registration. The notes carry a rating of BB-/B1. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually beginning February 15, 1994 and the 11 percent rate may increase by as much as one percent if the company has not filed a registration statement within 90 days and exchanged the notes for those registered under the Securities Act within 180 days. Dell has the option to redeem the notes, in whole or in part, beginning August 15, 1998.
Dell says it had assets in cash and investments of about $106 million at the end of the second quarter. As of August 25, 1993 it had approximately $70 million outstanding under its bank line of credit and $85 million drawn down under its asset securitization program.
Smith said Dell expects to open a manufacturing plant in Asia before the end of the year, but declined to be more specific about the plant's location. The company may also expand its Mexico assembly plant into a manufacturing facility.
HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Compaq Computer Corporation has launched new models of its Deskpro/M and Prolinea business computers into the European market, and also announced the pricing structure for the Presario line targeted to the home and home office market.
The new Deskpro/M and Prolinea units are based on Intel's new 486SX 33 megahertz (MHz) chip, which Intel says is about 30 percent faster than its predecessor 486/25SX. About $1.9 billion of Compaq's $4.1 billion sales last year were into the European market.
The company also announced pricing for the Presario 425, aimed at the home user, and the Presario 633, oriented for home office use. The 425 will carry a suggested retail price of $1,399 while the 633 is priced at $1,299. The 425 includes a Super VGA color monitor, a built-in telephone answering machine, a fax and data modem, four megabytes (MB) of system memory, and a hard drive. The 633 includes a 200MB hard drive, an Intel 486SX/33 processor, fax modem, and six pre-installed software packages. Compaq says additional models will be announced later. Presario units appeared in retail outlets this week.
Compaq thinks the Presario line will significantly boost its presence in the fast growing home computer market, according to Michael Norris, Compaq VP for consumer products. "We think we will have significant volume increases because of the Presario offerings," Norris told the British news service Reuters.
Norris said success in the personal computer industry depends on tapping all available markets. Compaq estimates PCs are currently in use in about 31 percent of all US households. Compaq hopes to be the largest US PC maker by 1996.
(Jim Mallory/19930827/Press contact: John Sweney, Compaq Computer Corporation, 713-374-1564)
Corporation, 713-374-1564)
8/27/93
Compaq Launches New Lines
tel Loses ULSI Appeal, AMD New
International Phone Update
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Leading the international telecommunications news are stories which should be familiar to US readers. New technology requires fewer people to manage it, resulting in lay-offs and screams from workers.
This long-running hit is now playing in New Zealand where Telecom Corp., owned in part by Ameritech and Bell Atlantic of the US wants to shed 40 percent of its 12,000 workers over the next five years. The Communication and Energy Workers Union won an injunction against this "restructuring plan," but Telecom management said the ruling allowed it to continue with the plan. More lawsuits are expected, and Telecom stock is falling in price due to the labor strife. Telecom must compete with a second company, Clear Communications, and that need is spurring the move.
In Germany, the Deutsche Bundespost is talking about axing 30,000 jobs, hoping to double productivity. DBT remains state-owned but management and the government are now keen on privatization. This is in part to gain capital for improving the telephone networks in five eastern provinces, and partly to prepare for competition for long distance business across the EC. With that will come a reworking of charges, again in line with US models, with local fees going up and long distance charges going down. The European marketplace is due to be opened up by 1998. Prosecutors are also investigating some DBT managers for bribery.
In Brazil, state-run Telebras is having many of the same troubles. Finance director Mauro Brito resigned and is being investigated for reportedly seeking a $15 million bribe from Merrill Lynch, which would like to help underwrite the company's $500 million in American Depository Receipts, or ADRs, through which it will become fully traded on US stock markets. The investigation could delay the ADR issue, and slow down Brazil's march toward privatization generally. As in many countries, that move is opposed by unions and some leftists. Meanwhile, the slow march to improving the nation's network continues with things like a new satellite network for the state of Bahia, from Satellite Technology Management Inc., of the US.
Brazil is trying to follow the success of Argentina, where the economy picked up after its EnTel monopoly was privatized into Telefonica and Telecom. It's trying to avoid the example of Uruguay, where voters rejected an attempt to sell state-owned AnTel. The Argentine story remains more compelling, as seven groups bid for two cellular tenders, which will be awarded September 23. Two operators in Buenos Aires, one partly owned by BellSouth of the US, already have 80,000 customers. Among the foreign companies interested are AT&T, Sprint and GTE of the US, BCE of Canada, Vodafone of the UK, and VTR of Chile.
Finally, in Hungary, US West was a big winner, as its joint-effort with MATAV of Hungary, called Westel 900, won one of two tenders for GSM digital cellular phone networks in that country. Pannon GSM, owned by Hungarian, Danish, Swedish, Finnish and Dutch interests, won the other tender. But the losers are protesting, charging they offered more money to the state than MATAV and US West and as "high bidder" should win. Westel already runs an analogue cellular system in Hungary. Both new systems which will feature international roaming, could be running nationwide by the end of 1994.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930827)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930827)
8/27/93
International Phone Update
TELECOM
BellSouth Appeals MTel NWN Award
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- BellSouth filed an appeal of a Federal Communications Commission order which gives Mobile Telecommunications the right to build what it calls a nationwide wireless network, or NWN.
The NWN would use Mtel's proprietary messaging technology and software and enable people to both send and receive messages on notebook and palmtop computers, or devices like the Apple Newton. In addition, the system enables subscribers to confirm receipt of messages, using pocket-sized acknowledgment receivers currently under development.
BellSouth owns MobileComm, which like MTel's SkyTel, has a nationwide satellite-fed paging service. Its appeal of the FCC order, based on a "pioneer's preference" given because MTel risked money proving its NWN technology, was filed in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. BellSouth was joined in the appeal by Freeman Engineering Associates Inc., which also wants to create something like the NWN.
Separately, Freeman and Global Enhanced Messaging Venture, filed petitions with the FCC asking that it reconsider the award. Both assert they meet the standards which MTel met when it was given its "pioneer's preference." That designation was created under the guidance of former FCC chairman Al Sikes, now with Hearst Corp., to encourage risk-taking by technology firms. Under the rules, companies which prove they have pioneered the creation of new technology get first crack at licenses.
In a press statement, MTel stated that these filings would not impede the company's plans to develop, construct, and operate NWN. The company won its preference in June, and intends to file a formal license application to construct NWN as soon as permitted under the FCC's rules, and commence commercial operations once it gets the license. "These filings are not unexpected and unfortunately are a common response to unsuccessful applicants in the regulatory process," said Chairman John N. Palmer, in a press statement. "We will continue our efforts to make NWN a commercial reality within two years."
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930827/Press Contact: Kathleen Baum, for MTel, 212-614-4239)
leen Baum, for MTel, 212-614-4239)
8/27/93
BellSouth Appeals MTel NWN Award
TELECOM
Atlanta Cable TV Expo - New Tech
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- The theme for the Eastern Show, an annual meeting of cable operators, was "A New World." Sessions included "What in the World," on the 1992 Cable Re-regulation act, and "It's a Small World," on the problems of small cable operators. But the most popular session was "Out of This World," on opportunities presented by new technology.
Larry Block of Access Telecommunications Interconnect suggested that cable operators link up to provide fast data services to buildings, and described how his company operates in Atlanta. He also suggested they consider the business market for cable, as executives get hooked on CNN and other channels.
Allen Ecker, chief technical officer for Scientific Atlanta discussed the possibilities for using digital compression technology to dramatically increase system capacity. It's easy to take about 8-10 TV signals onto one transponder," he said. "You have transparent transmissions with no ghosts. Once you have video digital everything's digital. And you can get storage and retrieval just like a file on a computer." He said some version of MPEG, which he defined as a compression language or syntax, is the best way to compress because it will be a standard.
Laurie Frick of Hewlett-Packard, which is bidding to become a force against Scientific-Atlanta and General Instruments in the set-top converter and cable hardware businesses, talked about the market for interactive TV. "Service providers will pay," if they can reach customers for less, "and so will consumers," if they get something exciting. "It's got to give them more control more convenience, and more personalization."
But right now they don't have it on offer, she warned. "What's appealing to consumers has more to do with entertainment and television than pull-down menus and computing. All the systems we see now are computer-y. It's got to have a lighter feel. If you're interacting with television, it's got to be television. I don't think anything is there yet, but it's clear that as we talk to companies creating content, it's really about having fun."
The most entertaining speaker was Malcolm Clarrissimeaux, central sales manager for First Pacific Networks Inc., Sunnyvale California. Clarrissimeaux was selling the idea of selling local and long-distance phone service over cable. "The future is here today. The bus of change will run over you like an armadillo if you don't act." If operators create joint-ventures to buy his company's FPN1000 cable telephone system, he said, they can "cherry-pick" customers like apartment complexes and nearby businesses, undercutting local phone prices and earning 50-60 percent on their investment the first year. "On an economic performance, it's there. If you have 5,000 apartments and sell 500 access lines, you can make $5.2 million gross and generate a 62% return on investment."
Finally, Naren Nath of Microsoft discussed the software side of interactive television. Interactive TV is "an area of extreme complexity, and software is used to make that manageable. Software also gives you flexibility, the ability to adapt." And with Windows, he said, "The only authoring tool you'll need is a PC" to create new channels, "and we'll provide software that will let you create interactive applications of all kinds -- whatever you can think of. We have a list of 100 applications, but that's just the tip of the iceberg."
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930827)
p of the iceberg."
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930827)
8/27/93
Atlanta Cable TV Expo - New Technology Showcased
TELECOM
Panasonic, Philips, Sony, JVC An
TOKYO, JAPAN, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Matsushita, the company involved with the production of the 3DO player which markets consumer electronics products under the brand name "Panasonic," says it has agreed with Philips, Sony, and Victor of Japan (JVC) to establish a compact disc (CD) video format called Video CD.
The companies say they will cooperate closely to establish the format and introduce a common logo mark that signifies compatibility with Video CD.
The Video CD format is based on the Karaoke CD format that JVC and Philips established in March of 1993 and licensed worldwide, the companies said. The format is well established in the professional Karaoke market in Japan and hardware manufacturers are expected to apply the format to a wider range of applications including movies, music, and educational programs.
The standard provides for storage of 74 minutes of audio and digital full-motion pictures using Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) level 1 compression on 12 centimeter (cm) CDs. Two levels of resolution, normal and high, will be part of the standard in still picture play-back functions and playback control, the companies added. The NTSC, PAL, and SECAM formats will also be supported in the Video CD standard.
The companies said the standardization will allow Video CD to be played back on planned Video CD players, on Philip's compact disc interactive (CD-I) players, computers equipped with compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drives, MPEG decoders and CD players with digital data output via an add-on Video CD adapter.
More information on licensing the Video CD format is available through Philips Japan, the companies added.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930827/Press Contact: Satoshi Takahashi Philips, tel 0427-46-9317, fax 0427-48-0889)
i Takahashi Philips, tel 0427-46-9317, fax 0427-48-0889)
8/27/93
Panasonic, Philips, Sony, JVC Announce CD Video Format
TRENDS
Unitel To Take Over AT&T EasyLin
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Unitel Communications Inc., the nationwide Canadian carrier in which AT&T holds a minority interest, will take over AT&T's EasyLink messaging services in Canada.
AT&T announced that Unitel will take over all the equipment and employees of its Canadian EasyLink operation. The change will not have any visible effect on EasyLink customers, said AT&T spokesman Bob Garnet. "It will be transparent to them," he said "except they'll have the combined strength of the two organizations now."
EasyLink, which was formed in the United States from the merger of the AT&T Mail unit with Western Union's business services group in January, 1991, provides electronic mail, electronic data interchange (EDI), network-based facsimile, information services and telex services.
Early this year, AT&T bought 20 percent of Unitel in a deal that also gives the Canadian firm access to intelligent switching technology from AT&T.
Rolling the EasyLink services into Unitel makes sense because Unitel provides similar services, Garnet said. "It only makes sense to combine the two messaging businesses into one up there," he said.
Unitel To Take Over AT&T EasyLink Services In Canada
TELECOM
EIS Conference - Planning Scienc
Corel Acquires Ventura Products
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- Corel Corp., has announced plans to acquire the Ventura Publisher desktop publishing software, Ventura Database Publisher, and other related products. The deal with Ventura Software, Inc., of San Diego, California, is subject to various conditions which Corel would not discuss, but is expected to close by the end of September.
Corel appears optimistic there will be no last-minute snags. The deal is "99.9 percent done," Michael Cowpland, Corel's president and chief executive, told Newsbytes.
The deal carries a sense of coming full circle for Corel, said Corel spokeswoman Fiona Rochester, because the company began as a systems integrator providing support and add-ons for Ventura Publisher. One of those add-ons grew into CorelDraw, the market-leading graphics software that is now the company's flagship product.
Ventura Publisher will complement Corel Draw, Cowpland said because the Ventura package is considered best suited to the production of long documents, while Corel has until now focussed on short documents with its own software.
Ventura Publisher was one of the first desktop publishing software packages. It was formerly sold by Xerox Corp., which still controls Ventura Software. Ventura Database Publisher is a complementary package meant to help prepare information from computer databases for publication using Ventura Publisher.
The deal would give Corel all versions of Ventura Publisher and Ventura Database Publisher, including foreign-language versions and new releases now in development. A major revamping of the software for Microsoft Corp.'s Windows environment is already in the works, and Cowpland said a new version, built entirely with object-oriented programming techniques and adding a number of new features, can be expected by May of next year.
"We are committed to move that technology ahead very quickly," Rochester said.
Corel will also take over all customer service and support for the Ventura products. The financial terms of the agreement were not released.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 27 (NB) -- In the ever fluctuating computer industry, where can the best career opportunities for the future be found? According to John Soyring director of software development for IBM, object technology (OO) and distributed client/server computing hold two of the keys.
In a presentation this week at Software Development '93, held in Boston this week, Soyring asked developers in the room for a show of hands as to how many were currently working in OT-oriented development. After seeing that many of them hadn't yet hopped aboard the OT bandwagon, he advised audience members to start getting ready now for the industry changes to come.
A recently released IDC study revealed that 56% of participating companies were "exploiting or expecting to exploit OT," along with a strong positive relationship between use of OT and client/server technology, he said. Organizations are interested in these technologies as methods of downsizing applications to the desktop he explained.
Vendors are supporting this movement by developing new hardware user interfaces, operating systems, and standards, Soyring added. Computer professionals can assure themselves of future employment by starting to gain expertise in OT and client/server technology now, he advised.
New hardware architectures such as Pentium and Power PC are already extending the capabilities of PCs for use in distributed computing he indicated. Other hardware technologies, such as digital signal processing (DSP) chips and asynchronous transport mode (ATM) network switching, are furthering the trend.
"We as an industry have not yet provided the tools for managing distributed computing," he contended. But this current industry "weakness" presents great opportunities to computer professionals who can fill the gap.
At the same time, deployment of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) is becoming more and more widespread. Yet many organizations report that, so for at least, GUIs are actually bringing a loss of productivity. "The GUIs are pretty, not but very productive," Soyring noted. Similarly, computer professionals can convert this weakness to an opportunity, he said.
Vendors are laying the groundwork for OT and distributed computing by establishing such standards as DCE (Distributed Computing Environment), DME (Distributed Management Environment), and CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture), according to Soyring.
In addition, smaller coalitions are working together on such efforts as COSE (Common Operating System Environment), OpenDoc, and Taligent, a joint effort between Apple and IBM. "IBM intends to layer OS/2 and AIX above Taligent," Soyring stated.
Programmers can get a head start on their colleagues by beginning to develop for these emerging industry platforms now, he told the audience.
Further, familiarity with the concepts and terminology of OT and distributed computing will benefit analysts and other professionals, as well as programmers, he reported.
Knowledge of buzzwords like "encapsulation" and "multiple inheritance" will help to guarantee passage into high-ticket employment within the computer industry, much as knowledge of Latin is required to become a doctor, Soyring maintained.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930827)
ing maintained.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930827)
8/27/93
Software Dev't '93 - IBM Chief Offer Job-Hunting Tips
TRENDS
UK - Document Templates For WP 5
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- Wordperfect and Lasertools have teamed up to offer users of Wordperfect 5.2 for Windows a suite of utilities that Wordperfect claims will allow them to create professional-looking documents. At the heart of the utilities is a series of 25 custom templates for use in the design of documents.
Plans call for the templates - known as Expressdocs - to come bundled with WP 5.2/Win very shortly. Existing users of the package are being offered the facility to upgrade to Expressdocs for UKP20. Users requiring further information are encouraged to call the new Wordperfect Information Service at 0932-850505.
Wordperfect claims that Expressdocs is a lot more than just a series of pre-created documents. According to the company, the templates are interactive, thanks to WP 5.2/Win's scripting ability, and can prompt for information automatically. A new button bar has been added that includes options for drop caps, watermarks, page borders and decorative paragraph breaks.
"One of our objectives is to automate most office tasks via the word processor," explained Greg Johns, Wordperfect for Windows' product marketing manager. He added that Expressdocs provides users with "a quick and easy way to produce everyday business documents with minimum effort."
Lasertools, which developed Expressdocs for Wordperfect, will be no stranger to many users of WP. The Emeryville, California-based company is the developer of several WP accessories such as Truetype for WP, Fonts-on-the-Fly and Primetype for WP.
Included with Expressdocs is Kickoff, a new startup utility. Kickoff will start up any executable program at any time pre-defined by the user. The facility is claimed to be useful when used with Quickfinder and a number of other packages.
Wordperfect claims that users can update their Quickfinder index at a convenient time to them, rather than having to sit around running the indexing program. Kickoff's only requirement is that Windows is running on the PC - Wordperfect does not have to run as well.
(Steve Gold/19930826/Press & Public Contact: Wordperfect UK Tel: 0932-850500; Fax: 0932-843497)
rfect UK Tel: 0932-850500; Fax: 0932-843497)
8/30/93
UK - Document Templates For WP 5.2/Windows
Animals Focus Of Kid's Zoo Softw
LA CRESCENTA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- Baby animals is the focus of Knowledge Adventure's latest educational multimedia software product. In Kid's Zoo, aimed at pre-readers and early readers, youngsters are introduced to the world of animals, ranging from butterflies to a baby hippopotamus.
An interactive encyclopedia is one learning module available to kids where the mammals, birds, fish reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates in the animal world can be explored via their type, size, lifespan, speed, and even footprints.
Learning games are also available in the program and a movie theater portion offers videos of animal antics. "Who Makes This Sound?" "Can You Find Me?" and "Where Do I Live?" games challenge children to select the baby animal that answers the question. At the end of each game, children are rewarded with applause and a computer-rendered movie, Knowledge Adventure added.
The information is read aloud to the child via digitized speech. Knowledge Adventure officials claim the program offers over an hour of original music and an hour of narration as well as the animal sounds compressed to fit on five floppy disks although a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) version is also available. The data is compressed and decompressed on the fly as needed so it conserves hard disk space as well, the company added.
The program requires an IBM compatible personal computer (PC) with a video graphics array (VGA) monitor and a hard disk drive. A mouse is recommended and over twenty PC sound devices are supported.
Kid's Zoo is retail priced at $59.95 on floppy disks and $79.95 for the CD-ROM version.
UXBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- Fujitsu Europe has announced the Joywriter thermal printer. The company claims that the 1.2 kilogram (2.5 pound) portable is one of the lightest of its type on the market.
Despite its lightweight nature, the printer is capable of 360 dots-per-inch (dpi) output and 81 characters-per-second (cps). Measuring 12- by 1- by 8.5-inches, Newsbytes notes that the Joywriter is one of the slimmest printers on the market.
Reiner Kratz, marketing communications manager with Fujitsu printer products, said that the printer is about the same size and shape as a one-inch thick A4 book. "Sales and business executives can pack it in their briefcases and print reports and presentations while traveling or waiting between appointments," he said.
In operation, the printer is folded and placed upright on one edge giving it a small footprint of less than a quarter sheet of A4 paper. It can print on plain paper ranging in width from 3.6- to 8.5-inches. A 20 cut sheet feeder is available as an optional extra. Power is via a AC/DC adapter or an internal ni-cad battery pack with a capacity of 20 pages.
Unlike other portable printers, the print cartridge in the Joywriter can be used several times over using replacement ribbons. Four fonts come with the printer as standard - IBM Proprinter X24em Epson LQ850 and Fujitsu DPL24C Plus. The printer costs UKP319 plus value added tax (VAT).
(Steve Gold/19930827/Press & Public Contact: Fujitsu Europe tel 081-371-4444, fax 081-813-7371)
tact: Fujitsu Europe tel 081-371-4444, fax 081-813-7371)
8/30/93
UK - Fujitsu Intros Joywriter Portable Thermal Printer
GENERAL
Hong Kong - FoxPro Tempting Loca
WANCHAI, HONG KONG, 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- Microsoft is homing in on the ardent Clipper community in Hongkong following its announcement of record sales of FoxPro 2.5, which the company claims has brought it up to the best selling dBase-compatible system.
According to Microsoft, FoxPro 2.5 is the only dBase-compatible product that takes full advantage of the Windows operating system yet is still three times faster in multi-user and multi-table joins than its predecessor.
"Small companies to large corporations are basing their business on FoxPro," said Fan Look, solutions marketing manager at Microsoft Hong Kong Ltd. "The speed of the FoxPro query system makes it ideal for large, complex data management in standalone or multi-user environments. Database developers are choosing FoxPro for its client-server connectivity, high transaction throughput and integrated application development tools such as the screen designer and report writer."
Continued Look, "We expect that developers with dBase or Clipper experience will value FoxPro as a convenient means to take full advantage of the graphical benefits of Windows - such as dynamic data exchange and object linking and embedding. We're also moving ahead to bring FoxPro to the Macintosh and Unix operating systems."
A regional consultant told Newsbytes: "Although FoxPro is held in high regard in the territory, it is hard to believe that it can make a deep dent in the enthusiastic Clipper cult here. The Clipper User Group, which was formed about three years ago, has its own Nantucket supported BBS (bulletin board system), and the members are fanatics."
MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- Targeting the multimedia market, Creative Labs Inc., has introduced the Sound Blaster 16 Basic audio board.
The upgradable board features CD-quality audio, a built-in CD-ROM interface, and real-time compression and decompression at a street price below $149. The product is scheduled for availability on September 1.
In announcing the product, Edward M. Esber Jr., Creative Labs' president and chief operating officer, said, "With the release of Sound Blaster 16 Basic, we now offer entry level products for the price-conscious consumer and full-featured boards for the technology enthusiast - all under the Sound Blaster product name."
The company claims that, unlike other basic audio boards on the market which provide CD-quality audio, Sound Blaster 16 Basic offers a built-in CD-ROM interface, an expansion connector for Wave Blaster, Creative's general MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) compatible sampled-wave synthesis daughterboard, and the ability to add the advanced signal processor, Creative's software programmable DSP for real-time hardware compression and decompression.
According to the company, the board also features 8- and 16-bit CD-quality stereo sampling and playback up to 44.1 kilohertz (kHz), and an enhanced 4-operator, 20-voice, OPL-3 stereo FM synthesizer, seven DOS and Windows utilities and Monologue for Windows text-to-speech software.
Sound Blaster 16 Basic, which has an suggested recommended retail price of $199, is claimed to be 100-percent compatible with all software titles written for the Sound Blaster platform.
Creative Labs Intros Sound Blaster 16 Basic For PC
Interop '93 - IBM, Shiva Sign Re
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- IBM and Shiva Corp., have signed a deal to develop remote networking technology. The firms will adapt technology from Burlington Massachusetts-based Shiva to work with IBM systems, and IBM will sell the resulting products to its customers worldwide.
The deal means "taking our basic technology and adding some technologies that IBM has that are specifically aimed at the IBM customer environment," Mike Feinstein, Shiva's director of marketing, told Newsbytes from the Interop trade show, where the deal was unveiled.
Shiva expects proceeds from the IBM connection to be worth more than 20 percent of its revenue in coming years, Feinstein said. He added that IBM's presence will be good for the remote networking market as a whole, saying it would "really help drive the growth of this market."
Remote networking products allow computer users who are traveling or at home to connect to their corporate networks by dialing in through an ordinary telephone line.
In the future, wireless connections to networks, through cellular phone networks or other wireless systems, are also possible. While Shiva and IBM have no formal plans in this area, Feinstein said, "I think wireless is an obvious extension."
IBM showed a "technology demonstration" of remote networking at its booth at Interop. A spokeswoman for Shiva said a second announcement, giving further details of product plans, can be expected within 30 days.
Shiva is an eight-year-old networking company, whose products include LanRover remote-networking servers for Token Ring and Ethernet local area networks (LANs) running the NetWare and AppleTalk LAN operating systems. Company officials said the firm's sales of remote networking products have grown 350 percent over the past year, and it was ranked 25th in Inc. magazine's 1992 list of the 500 fastest-growing private companies in the United States.
(Grant Buckler/19930827/Press Contact: Mike Feinstein, Shiva 617-270-8427; Carol McGarry, Schwartz Communications for Shiva, 617-431-0770)
arry, Schwartz Communications for Shiva, 617-431-0770)
AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- SunSelect, a unit of Sun Microsystems Inc., has signed a cross-licensing agreement with IBM that will result in IBM's RISC System/6000 workstations running software written for Microsoft Corp.'s Windows user interface.
The two companies have signed a deal that gives IBM the right to use Wabi, SunSelect's software that lets Windows applications run on Unix machines, on the RS/6000 line. In exchange, SunSelect is to be allowed to use certain IBM technology to enhance Wabi further.
SunSelect announced Wabi earlier this year. Initially the name was described as an acronym for Windows Application Binary Interface, but lately the company has stopped spelling it out reportedly because Microsoft objected to the use of the word Windows.
Few details of the deal are available to date. IBM spokesman Steve Malkiewicz said no specific products are being announced at this time, and details of how IBM will package and sell its version of Wabi will be revealed later. As for what SunSelect gets from the deal, Malkiewicz said, "We will be making technology contributions to them," but would not give details.
In a press release, IBM said it would provide further details on Wabi availability for the RS/6000 line later this year.
Wabi's ability to run Windows applications on the RS/6000 will be added to a previously announced plan to support software written for the Apple Macintosh. The result, IBM said, will be the ability to run Unix, Windows, and Macintosh applications side-by-side on the same RS/6000 screen.
(Grant Buckler/19930827/Press Contact: Steve Malkiewicz, IBM 914-642-5449; Greg Golden, IBM, 914-642-5463)
-642-5449; Greg Golden, IBM, 914-642-5463)
8/30/93
IBM Licenses SunSelect's Wabi Technology
Newbridge, Xyplex In ATM Allianc
KANATA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- Newbridge Networks Corp., and Xyplex Inc., have announced a development and marketing alliance to add Newbridge's asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology to Xyplex's Network 9000 Routing Hub.
ATM is a relatively new high-speed networking technology that can carry, not only data, but voice and video signals, potentially at speeds of one gigabit per second or more.
The two firms plan to incorporate Newbridge's Vivid Ridge and ATM switching technology into Xyplex's Network 9000 Routing Hub. According to officials, the Vivid Ridge is meant to ease the move from traditional local area network (LAN) technology to ATM. It provides quick switching among multiple LAN ports along with the links to let LAN users communicate over an ATM network to devices attached to the ATM network or to other LANs.
Officials of Xyplex claimed their 9000 hub was designed from the start to accommodate ATM, and will let customers connect Ethernet, Token Ring, and fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) LANs into a campus ATM backbone, then later move to ATM right to the desktop.
The companies said they plan to deliver products by mid-1994 that offer ATM-based LAN segment switching using Newbridge's ATM switching and LAN adaptation technology, and ATM switching and connectivity combining Newbridge's technology with the interface and port switching functions of the Network 9000 hub. The Vivid Ridge will be built into the Network 9000 platform in mid-1994 they said.
A spokesman for Xyplex maintained that the company chose to work with Newbridge rather than developing ATM technology itself because, "They will be investing about $50 million in ATM technology alone and we felt it would be wiser to work closely with a firm like that, that will be gaining some great benefits from investing in ATM technology." The companies have not had any previous relationship, said the spokesman.
(Grant Buckler/19930827/Press Contact: Jim Marshall or Sandra Plumley, Newbridge, 613-591-3600; Patrick J. Fetterman, Xyplex 508-952-4818)
J. Fetterman, Xyplex 508-952-4818)
8/30/93
Newbridge, Xyplex In ATM Alliance
BUSINESS
Taxi Payphone Technology Moves A
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- Cellular Payphones Inc., a unit of Cellular Telecommunications & Technologies Inc., has signed deals to handle credit card authorizations on cellular payphones it will install in New York City taxicabs, starting in November.
If the system works it will be offered nationwide. The deal means that riders will be able to pay for their rides with MasterCards as well as buy phone calls while en route.
Cellular Payphones has already begun installing cellular credit card telephones in taxicabs which bring a cellular signal into the vehicles. The company estimates that the US cab market is worth $7 billion and credit cards could capture $1 billion of those transactions.
Newsbytes got an explanation of the technology from Scott Carter director of Small Ticket Markets for Mastercard International. "We'll be using the cellular network for each transaction, even if it's $3. Each will be authorized separately," he said. The back of each cab will get a fairly standard cellular hand-set, at the base of which is a mag-stripe card reader. "The consumer swipes their card, the authorization is done, and they're given dial tone" on a cellular call. In New York, NYNEX will handle the cellular phone service.
Newsbytes asked why, since the transactions are so small MasterCard did not consider loading terminals in cabs with hot card lists and uploading transactions on a batch basis. "This is not a case like fast food where there are six people waiting in line," Carter explained. In those cases, MasterCard often installs a small box which checks a hot-card list which is re loaded every day through a small satellite dish on top of the restaurant, and uploads the day's transactions. "The additional 10-15 seconds needed to finalize the authorization" through the phone call "is acceptable and easily accomplished. The fact the cellular system is in the cab already makes the communication link available to the front seat point-of-sale terminal."
Continued Carter, "While a negative file system" like those in fast food restaurants "would work, the question is one of updating the cab's files daily, without putting in added equipment. Tax medallion owners can lease their cabs weekly. They're not going to stop each day to upload to satellites. Radio-based systems" which could also handle the uploads and downloads "are viable technology, but the cost of the link has to be justified by credit card transactions. We can piggy back the point-of-sale on" the same cellular link which is offering pay-phone service, "and now the credit card only has to justify the rental of the terminal" which captures the transactions.
Joseph Magluilo, vice president of sales and marketing for Cellular Payphones, said in a press statement, "The market for wireless data communications has an endless number of applications and we have not even scratched the surface."
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930827/Press Contact: Mastercard International, Scott Carter, 212-649-5382)
rnational, Scott Carter, 212-649-5382)
8/30/93
Taxi Payphone Technology Moves Ahead
TELECOM
Draw To Learn Mac Drawing Softwa
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- Draw to Learn has announced the Macintosh version of its educational software program that teaches children to draw. The first edition offers lessons on drawing dinosaurs which children copy with pencil and paper.
Aimed at children six to 12 years of age, the software breaks drawings down into basic geometric forms, company officials said. An animated character, Rembrandt Worm, shows the child the stroke as well as the form to be made. The resulting drawings are detailed recreations of nine dinosaurs, each of which takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete, according to software engineer Craig Chandler.
The artist behind the Draw to Learn drawings will be familiar to Captain Kangaroo trivia buffs as Tom Howell, who was the artist behind the drawing segment of the popular children's show. Howell passed away just a week ago, a cancer victim who spent his last years at children's hospitals teaching kids to draw and working on Draw to Learn.
More than just a drawing program, Draw to Learn also intersperses information on the habits and behavior of Jurassic-period animals in with the dinosaur drawing lessons.
Chandler says he values the fact that the computer is an infinitely patient tutor that will even allow a child who is half-way through a drawing to start over. Also the computer never gets ahead or lags behind, as the child controls the rate at which the program progresses.
Draw to Learn Dinosaur Edition for the Macintosh requires a Macintosh with one megabyte (MB) of RAM and a hard disk. The program will work with System 6.0.5 through System 7 the company said.
Retail pricing for the product is $39.95. It is available directly from Draw to Learn Associates. A IBM compatible version of the dinosaur version shipped in May and company officials say the next version, titled "Under the Sea" is already in development.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930827/Press Contact: Craig Chandler, Draw to Learn Associates, tel 714-263-0910, fax 714-263-0337)
n Associates, tel 714-263-0910, fax 714-263-0337)
8/30/93
Draw To Learn Mac Drawing Software For Children
APPLE
New Alpha Chips Aimed At Volume
Olivetti Targets Compaq With M4
Qualcomm Fighting Latest InterDi
Software Dev't '93: Blue Sky Int
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- At Software Development '93, Blue Sky Software released a product billed as the first prototyper and C/C++ code generator for Windows NT running on DEC's Alpha.
The company also introduced Visual SQL, a tool for creating client/server applications, along with a major upgrade of its RohoHelp help authoring package. Each of these two tools can be run on either Windows or Windows NT.
The Alpha NT version of Blue Sky's WindowsMaker Professional Version 5.0 prototyper and code generator is hitting the market before Microsoft's own Visual C++ and Visual Basic for Alpha NT officials stated in making the announcement.
In an interview with Newsbytes at the Blue Sky booth, Jorgen S. Lien, president, said that the company will also release NT versions of WindowsMaker for Intel and MIPS platforms, and to any other major platforms that Visual C++ will be ported to in the future.
WindowsMaker Professional is positioned by the company as the fastest way available to develop Windows applications. The visually oriented product includes a screen designer with drag-and drop editing, SmartMenus that appear when the user clicks on the right mouse-button, a user-configurable tool palette, and predefined templates.
The package also lets developers define their own templates, edit applications before compiling, and capture dialog boxes and menus from outside programs.
Visual SQL, an add-on for WindowsMaker or other C or C++ compilers is now in the "late Alpha" stage, and will ship in December, Lien told Newsbytes. The tools lets developers prototype and generate ANSI C source code for Windows client/server applications without in-depth knowledge of the APIs (application programming interfaces) of both Windows and the database systems being used he said.
In addition, the tool prevents a previous need on the part of developers to compile and link a program prior to execution and testing, according to Lien.
Visual SQL is designed for creating native Windows client/server applications that work with SQL and ODBC databases. The ANSI C source code generated by the products makes direct calls to both the Windows API and database API. The resulting applications run much faster than traditional interpretive or script-based applications, he said.
RoboHelp, a tool that works with Microsoft Word for Windows 2.0 or higher, is aimed at automating development of a Windows Help system, circumventing the need for developers to deal with the complexities of the RTF file format.
RoboHelp 2.0 improves on the original version with more than 100 new features, said Lien. In a demonstration for Newsbytes, he showed how a new error wizard in the package guides the user to the exact location of a potential error before compiling, and provides a detailed explanation.
Lien also illustrated how the developer can place a bitmap in a Help window, mark sections of it, and link each section to a different topic interactively, without having to remember context IDs.
Unlike the previous edition, Version 2.0 lets the user visually add context-sensitive help to the application, he said. The user places help buttons included in the package and then clicks to carry out a link in the associated help topic.
Version 2.0 is designed to fully utilize the new features of the Windows 3.1 Help Engine, including macros, secondary windows and multiple hotspot graphics. In addition, the upgrade is able to automatically convert a single text source into an on-line help system as well as printed documentation.
WindowsMaker Professional version 5.0 for Alpha NT is priced at $1,096, Visual SQL at $4,900, and $495 for RoboHelp version 2.0 at $495.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930827/Press Contact: Kerri Kato, Blue Sky tel 619-459-6365, Reader Contact: Blue Sky Software Sales Department, tel 800-677-4WIN or 619-459-6365)
are Sales Department, tel 800-677-4WIN or 619-459-6365)
8/30/93
Software Dev't '93: Blue Sky Intros Development Tools
Interop '93 - Data To PCs Via Ca
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- Soon your cable television hookup may deliver much more than HBO, ESPN, and CNN. At Interop '93, Hybrid Networks Inc., announced the Hybrid Access System (HAS) Service, which delivers high-speed information to remote sites at 10 Mbps (Ethernet-speed) using a personal computer, modem, telephone line, cable line, and Hybrid's Remote Link Adapter.
The HAS provides any PC or workstation user with wideband remote access to the Internet and corporate networks in selected metropolitan areas. The system relies on common personal computer and telecommunications equipment.
With one of Hybrid's systems, home and business users can connect to the Internet at speeds previously available only to users at large corporations or universities. Large files and complex graphics and sound originating at sites around the world become instantly accessible to PC users.
Hybrid announced two additional services that work off of the HAS: The Hybrid Telecommuter Service and The New Internet. The Telecommuter Service allows people to work at home and access corporate information without the expense of dedicated lines. The New Internet supports the National Center for Supercomputing Applications' (NCSA) Internet search-and-retrieval tool - called Mosaic - which offers user-friendly Internet access.
"We're the on-ramps and off-ramps to the data highway," said Hybrid President and CEO Howard Strachman. Initially, however these "ramps" will be most accessible to those with the equivalent of a high-performance sports car. PCs must be equipped with enough RAM and processing power to handle the images users want to display, and the Hybrid systems require at least a 9600-baud modem.
Another announcement from Performance Systems International Inc., (PSI) promises to bring similar capabilities to eastern Massachusetts in early 1994. PSI and Continental Cablevision Inc. have entered into an agreement to create a metropolitan area network (MAN) connected to PSI's nationwide wide area network (WAN), and to the Internet.
The agreement was designed so it can be applied to any metropolitan or rural cable television operator, though PSI declined to name other potential partners. PSI President and Chief Technical Officer Martin Schoffstall said the agreement is ushering in an age of "cable commuting," where employees can work remotely using existing cable connections to access corporate information.
Hybrid Telecommuter is available now for a fee of $99.95 per month. The model 100 Remote Link Adapter costs $1,495 and is available now. The New Internet will be available during the fall of 1993. PSI's system will be formally announced in December, 1993, and has not yet been priced.
(Audrey Kalman/19930827/Press Contact: Hybrid Networks 408-725-3250; Performance Systems International 703-904-7187)
erformance Systems International 703-904-7187)
8/30/93
Interop '93 - Data To PCs Via Cable TV Lines
TRENDS
Chipsoft Intros Turbotax Busines
Interop '93 - Worldtalk 400 For
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- On the heels of its early August announcement of a partnership with ISOCOR, Worldtalk Corp., demonstrated Worldtalk 400 for ISOCOR a version of Worldtalk's messaging integration technology for ISOCOR's ISOPLEX 1988 X.400 engine.
The announcement means that users of different Intel-based electronic mail systems such as Lotus's cc:Mail, Microsoft Mail CE Software's QuickMail, BeyondMail, and DaVinci eMail will be able to communicate with Unix-based electronic mail systems, and with one another, using the addressing conventions they are accustomed to.
Worldtalk does not require that an end user know anything about the complexities of X.400 addressing, which can be arcane and confusing.
For example, when a Microsoft Mail user adds an address name Worldtalk automatically creates an X.400 address and alias on the Unix system, as well as a cc:Mail-style address on other cc:Mail equipped PCs on the network. Within seconds, the new user appears on other systems. The support for native electronic mail systems goes beyond addressing, to include carbon copies, blind carbon copies text and binary attachment handling, return receipt and non-delivery notification, replies, and forwarding.
The Worldtalk 400 Server family provides other services such as location-independent forwarding, configurable address mapping intelligent attachment handling, and directory synchronization. "We want to bring OSI technology to the end user without the complexity," said Worldtalk Vice President of Marketing Mark Stieglitz, "giving the advantages of technology to those who aren't technologists."
Worldtalk 400 for ISOCOR is currently in beta testing and is expected to be available in September, 1993. Pricing has not yet been determined. The product requires a 486-based IBM PC or compatible equipped with an 802.3 Ethernet Card and driver, 16 megabytes (MB) of RAM, a 200MB hard disk, ISOPLEX 800-PC Unix, and SCO Unix version 3.2 or later.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- At Software Development '93, Poet Software Corp., introduced an object database system priced for $99. Available through January, Poet Personal Edition is an entry-level version of the company's previously released Poet Professional Edition.
Thomas Woywod, executive vice president, sees huge potential for the standalone product. "Research shows that, out of the industry's two million C++ programmers, at least five percent are in need of an object database today. Poet should appeal to the vast majority of these developers," he said.
Like Poet Professional, Poet Personal provides "C++ persistency," or the ability to store objects, according to Woywod. The product also offers database functionality, including object querying indexing, sorting and handling of variable-length strings and binary large object (BLOB) object types.
If they choose, Poet Personal users can step up to Poet Professional, a product that adds client/server functionality and portability across DOS, Windows, Windows NT, Novell (ELM), NeXT 486, Macintosh, OS/2, and various Unix platforms.
As of January, pricing for Poet Personal will be raised to $139, according to Woywod.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930827/Reader contact: Thomas Woywod Poet Software Corp., tel 408-748-3403; Press contact: Bill Trainer, The Public Relations Project for Poet Software Corp. tel 503-222-3546)
ons Project for Poet Software Corp. tel 503-222-3546)
8/30/93
Software Dev't '93 - Object Database System For $99
t For Windows 6.0 Due
AT&T Confirms Cable Discussions
` 4 BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- AT&T has confirmed to Newsbytes that it has held discussions with cable companies on using their networks to bypass local telephone companies like the regional Bells.
"The point was that the discussions that were reported are at a very preliminary stage," said spokesman Walter Murphy, refusing to elaborate on how long they have gone on or how long they will last.
At recent industry events many cable operators have been urged to compete in the local phone business, switching calls between subscribers, or in the fast-data business, sending large files between office buildings at speeds of millions of bits-per second. Major operators like TCI, Time Warner, and Cablevision have announced their intention to get into this market as they expand their own networks to offer up to 500 channels.
AT&T's cooperation with cable companies, if it takes place, is certain to renew the call by local phone companies such as Bell Atlantic - which are also getting into cable - that they should be allowed to compete with AT&T in long distance. Right now only so-called "bypass" companies like MFS Communications are able to link their local networks and offer both local and long distance services.
For AT&T, such link ups could also help it capitalize on its purchase, for $12.6 billion in stock, of McCaw Cellular, the nation's largest cellular operator. By sending calls through cable systems instead of local phone exchanges, the company could bypass the regional Bells entirely.
For the cable companies, a link with a long distance company like AT&T could also help them compete for so-called personal communication networks (PCN) licenses. These microwave-based cellular systems will be created after the Federal Communications Commission completes the auction of 200 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum, between 1.8 gigahertz (GHz) and 2.2 GHz, sometime next year. Current cellular systems operate at about 900 MHz.
The latest buzzword for the Bells, however, is "universal access." They are beginning to demand that state regulators have cable and bypass companies give them a portion of their revenues to pay the costs of subsidizing low local rates to rural areas which their own tariffs force them to serve at the same price as urban areas.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930830)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930830)
8/30/93
AT&T Confirms Cable Discussions
TELECOM
Nextel Keeps Expanding SMR-Cellu
WOODLAND HILLS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- Nextel Communications, formerly called Fleet Call, has continued its move toward competing with local cellular companies by finishing a definitive agreement to acquire a majority of American Mobile Systems Inc.
AMS holds a number of specialized mobile radio (SMR) licenses in Florida. SMR, which was first licensed in the early 1980s traditionally offers a single channel and a single antenna in each market, often used by taxi companies or ambulance companies to communicate with drivers. Federal Express created a network of such licensees in the 1980s and used digital technology to increase their capacity, allowing it to track packages without using other networks.
Now some SMR operators, like Nextel, are planning to change to a cellular topology, with multiple antenna, and increase their system capacities further with digital technology from Motorola, in the hopes of competing with cellular phone companies.
The problem is that SMR systems only work within a single licensed area, and the frequency used by Extended SMR systems in different cities may be quite different. This complicates the problem of "roaming" between cities, which is standard practice for cellular phone users.
With the latest transaction, Nextel is the largest owner and operator of specialized mobile radio systems in Los Angeles, San Francisco, the Central Valley between Los Angeles and San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Boston Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Minneapolis and Phoenix. It is the second-largest operator in the United States.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930830/Press Contact: American Mobile Systems Inc., Linda Fraser, 818-593-3000)
ile Systems Inc., Linda Fraser, 818-593-3000)
8/30/93
Nextel Keeps Expanding SMR-Cellular Network
TELECOM
Human Calculator Teaches Kids Ma
N CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- They call Scott Flansburg "The Human Calculator." Flansburg, who started by tutoring a friend's child in math, now travels the world teaching his math secrets. However, you don't have to take your child to see him because Compton's New Media has worked with Flansburg to develop an animated computer program to teach his secrets.
The Human Calculator is designed to fight what Flansburg calls "innumeracy," a term he has coined for math that parallel's "illiteracy" in the world of reading. Flansburg's techniques have kids solving math problems from left to right, in the same order children learn to read. He claims his methods work for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division and they help children reach quick answers and understand value placement more easily.
Flansburg started his own Phoenix, Arizona-based company, Youth Enterprises. The company has now become incorporated as The Human Calculator Corporation, and claims to be dedicated to the pursuit of math literacy. While books and videos on the subject have been produced through Flansburg's company, this is the first time the instruction has been offered on computer in the form of floppy disks and CD-ROMs.
The program includes a "Cool Tricks" section that offers fast ways to calculate cube roots mentally and figure out the day of the week of any date in the past, present, or future. There are also a number of games and adventures, featuring an animated calculator "Cal," which are made available to users after the completion of sets of addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division or any combination of the four.
Upon completing all four categories of each math game, the program will print out a certificate honoring the user as a Human Calculator.
The program will run on a 286-based 12 megahertz (MHz) or higher IBM compatible personal computers (PCs) with a hard disk drive 2 megabytes (MB) of random access memory (RAM), a 256 color video graphics array (VGA) card, and DOS 5.0 or higher. A mouse is recommended and the CD-ROM version requires a CD-ROM drive. The product retails for $59.95 on floppy disk and $39.95 on CD ROM.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930827/Press Contact: Barbara Carvello, Pat Meier Associates for Compton's New Media, tel 415-957-5999 fax 415-957-1733; Compton's New Media, 619-929-2500)
ax 415-957-1733; Compton's New Media, 619-929-2500)
8/30/93
Human Calculator Teaches Kids Math Via Computer
New Cricket 3D Mouse Offers Tact
` # FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- A new player in the three-dimensional (3D) mouse controller market, Digital Image Design (DID) has introduced the Cricket. The company says the Cricket offers all the control of traditional mice and joysticks but adds tactile feedback that can be linked to software events.
Like Logitech's Cyberman, the Cricket is specifically designed for role playing, adventure, and action games in a 3D virtual environment. The device looks like something you might find on Star Trek with a arched banana-like shape attached to a wedged shaped head. While other 3D controller manufacturers, such as Logitech, say their 3D products are not recommend for flight simulators, the DID says the extended shape of the Cricket is made for use as a joystick in-flight simulation.
The company says the unit offers flight control, a button that allows pressure and direction to be fed back to the computer, rows of tactile sensors that can display vibration, amplitude, and frequency in the users palm, a trigger button that returns pressure as does the long hand grip, a magnetic position sensor, and microphones for ultrasonic tracking.
The company claims that the Cricket offers the control and feedback of a glove, but users have trouble finding all the hand postures with a glove and might feel like their on a "leash." "We believe people are better at manipulating a physical control than making precise hand gestures in the air," company officials said.
The vibration can also be changed to make different objects feel different and continuously varied to give a feel for the energy level between two molecules, for example.
W. Bradford Paley, DID president, said the Cricket is an attempt to solve problems encountered with other 3D input devices. The company boasts early adopters include: American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) Bell Labs and Frauenhofer-Gesellschaft, a German research institute.
The Cricket has been designed for use with the Inscape software library from Advanced Visual Systems (AVS) used on workstations However, the company is planning a IBM compatible personal computer (PC) version of the Cricket for release sometime in 1994.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930827/Press Contact: W. Bradford Paley Digital Image Design, tel 212-222-5236, fax 212-864-1189)
mage Design, tel 212-222-5236, fax 212-864-1189)
8/30/93
New Cricket 3D Mouse Offers Tactile Feedback
GENERAL
Peachtree Complete Accounting 7.
NORCROSS, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- Peachtree Software says it is now shipping version 7.0 of its Peachtree Complete Accounting program for DOS.
The company says version 7.0 will give the user greater control of the customization and the usability of the software and includes features requested by users during surveys and support calls.
PCA includes modules for General Ledger, Budgeting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Invoicing, Inventory, Payroll Purchase Order, Job Cost, Fixed Assets, Custom Reporting, and Order Entry.
The new Order Entry module allows the user to enter quotes, orders and invoices as well as view customer credit information and check on inventory levels at the time of the sale. Once an order has been entered the program will print one of the five customizable invoice types and picking and packing slips. Peachtree says quotes can be converted into orders, and orders converted into invoices. Backorders are automatically generated if inventory is not available.
The vendor and customer information screens have been expanded in release 7.0 to allow entry of fax numbers, and the user can now search by either name or phone number rather than just by the customer/vendor ID. Both business and fax phone numbers can now be printed on statements, invoices and purchase orders.
Peachtree says the General Ledger module in release 7.0 now allows transactions to be edited during entry, produces comparative monthly financial statements and comes with 12 industry-specific charts of accounts to aid a new user in getting the program up and running quickly. The Payroll module now separates Social Security and Medicare deductions into items and has added capability for more deductions and miscellaneous income types per employee.
The Accounts Payable module has been modified to allow for future period transactions, can print duplicate information on the bottom of laser check stubs, and adds user-definable payment terms for vendors. Accounts Receivable adds the capability for a user customizable customer statement, sales tax codes for every ship-to address, and a warning/hold flag for any customer account.
In the Inventory module the user now has the capability to change item numbers and departments, and do pricing maintenance for individual price codes and a range of items within a department. Purchase Orders has added a comments option, and POs can be printed at the time of entry. The Job Cost module now accepts multiple postings from Accounts Receivable, allows for editing of costs when creating estimates, and provides customer versions of the pre-billing worksheet.
The single user version of version 7.0 has a suggested retail price of $249. A multi-user version is also now available and has a suggested retail price of $399. Current registered users can upgrade to the single user version 7.0 for $129 or to the multi-user version for $299.
System requirements include DOS 3.1 or higher, 640 kilobytes of system memory, and a hard drive. The multi-user version supports DNA, LANtastic, and other NetBIOS-compatible local area networks.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- An Indianapolis based company was promoting a new method of shareware software distribution at the ONE BBSCON show held in Colorado Springs Colorado recently.
Shareware is a software distribution concept that allows a potential user to obtain the software, either by downloading it from an electronic bulletin board or by receiving a floppy disk, then try the software to determine if it is suitable for their needs. If they decide to continue using the program, users are supposed to send in their registration fee.
The program has two major advantages. In the first place, they get to try before they buy. Additionally, shareware registration fees are well below the prices of commercial software. The disadvantage is that far too many users never send in their money, but continue to use the software.
Marc Camm, president of Amblsoft, the company that is touting the new method of distribution, says his concept, called "Shareware*," gives shareware software products higher visibility and registration rates, and the software author generates more revenues, thus resulting in more profits.
Here is how Shareware* works. Remember multi-level marketing (MLM), the system that was supposed to make distributors of soap cosmetics, and other consumer products wealthy? All they had to do was get some other people involved, who in turn got other people involved.
Camm says MLM delivers the needed incentive to drive traditional shareware registrations. He says that is not true of other products sold via MLM, such as soap and skin care products. Camm says Shareware* introduces a financial incentive to the traditional shareware distributor, such as the electronic bulletin board operator, or sysop.
Specifically, Shareware* requires the software author to modify their product to meet Camm's registration, license and trademark conventions, then send the software to Amblsoft. Camm's company releases the software to the Shareware* distribution network of sysops, VARS (valued-added resellers), and consultants, who in turn distribute the software to the end users they deal with. When a product is registered (done through Amblsoft's electronic bulletin board) the author and the distributor make money.
Camm says that while the amount of money the author makes per registered copy is reduced under Shareware* in order to pay the distributor's share, the author actually makes more money overall because a much higher percentage of copies are registered. The author also receives less money per copy as more copies are registered, so Shareware* can cover its distribution costs. And of course if you distribute a copy to a customer and he or she distributes a copy of your copy, everyone in the chain makes money according to Camm.
"Each distributor in the distribution network will financially participate in the future product registrations generated by THEIR (Camm's capitalization) network. The financial incentive to each distributor in the network will depend on how vast THEIR network becomes. The bigger their network gets, the more registrations they will participate in. As their network continues to grow they will continue to be extended a financial inventive on a much larger opportunity. The financial incentives could be endless!" according to the Shareware* Backgrounder document provided to Newsbytes.
The Shareware* program also increases the cost of shareware products to the consumer. Camm says Shareware products are sold for approximately 33 percent more than the author's current version of a program.
An Amblsoft press release says that is in order to fund the financial incentives offered to the distribution network and also the electronic support of the end user. "The author earns a sliding percentage based on the total revenues generated from their product. The end result is greater revenue and profits for the software author," according to the release.
Amblsoft Director of Operations Les Dukes says no financial commitment is required on the part of software authors in order to participate in the Shareware* program, but the author does have to commit to providing technical support for his or her Shareware product.
Products are registered by the user via Amblsoft's bulletin board system, furnishing their credit card information and an address. Amblsoft handles the billing and registration functions and pays the various levels in the distribution network as well as the software author.
(Jim Mallory/19930830/Press and reader contact: Marc Camm Amblsoft, 416-633-2625)
ontact: Marc Camm Amblsoft, 416-633-2625)
8/30/93
A New Concept In Shareware Distribution
GENERAL
Hayes Intros 144+Fax144 PCMCIA D
A NORCROSS, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- Hayes Microcomputer Products has introduced its new Optima 144+Fax144 internal data/fax modem for PCMCIA. The 2.5-ounce modem can provide both asynchronous and synchronous data communications and is designed to fit into most notebook computers that use the PCMCIA type II slot.
The PCMCIA version of Optima 144+Fax144 supports the ITU-T V.32 bis for 14,400 bits-per-second (bps) data transmission. The ITU-T standard was previously known as CCITT.
The new internal PCMCIA modem and its pocket modem sibling support synchronous communications through Hayes AutoSync, a standard Smartmodem feature that allows the system's asynchronous communications port to communicate synchronously when used with AutoSync software. That allows notebook PC users to communicate with minicomputers and mainframe systems.
The modem supports communication with Group 3 fax machines and comes packaged with a telephone cable and a carrying case. It supports pulse or tone dialing, wait for second dial tone, wait for quiet answer, and hook flash. A call progress monitoring feature notifies the user of dial tone, busy signal, detected carrier signal, and connection.
The modem can store up to four telephone numbers of up to 36 digits each in non-volatile memory, and can also store two user configuration profiles in non-volatile memory in addition to the factory configuration profile. A power saver feature drops the power requirement after 10 seconds of inactivity and the modem can be turned off via software that comes with the modem.
Hayes provides unlimited technical support via a toll call or through the company's electronic bulletin board system as well as via forums on CompuServe and GEnie.
Optima 144+Fax144 for PCMCIA has a suggested retail price of $499 in the US and $639 in Canada, and includes Smartcom for Windows data and Windows fax communications software.
The company has also lowered the price of the pocket edition of the Optima 144+Fax144 by 1/3, bringing the suggested retail price to $399 in the US and $509 in Canadian dollars.
(Jim Mallory/19930830/Press contact: Peggy Ballard, Hayes Microcomputer Products Inc, 404-840-6812; Reader contact: Hayes Microcomputer Products Inc, 404-441-1617 or Hayes electronic bulletin board at 404-729-6525(ISDN access), 404-446-6336)
ard at 404-729-6525(ISDN access), 404-446-6336)
8/30/93
Hayes Intros 144+Fax144 PCMCIA Data/Fax Modem
GENERAL
Software Dev't '93 - Techies Uni
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- Friction between mainframe, microcomputer, and networking professionals can be a bigger barrier to successful development than technology itself, said Lucy A.D. Lockwood, president of Constantine and Lockwood Ltd., in a session at Software Development '93.
"The technologies are coming together, but the people aren't," said Lockwood, who led a seminar called "Techies Unite: Integrating Micro, Mainframe and Network Development Teams."
Years ago, each company had only one management information system (MIS) department, and that department was built around mainframes, she explained. "But now, there's a lot of diversity," she added.
Mainframe, microcomputer, and networking departments have emerged as separate fiefdoms, each with its own vocabulary culture, priorities, world view, political base, and location according to Lockwood. When computer professionals of different backgrounds work apart from one another, they tend to arrive at unflattering stereotypes, she said.
To illustrate, she asked session participants for some examples of stereotypes about people from the mainframe world. "Not very flexible" was one response. She then posed the same question about people who work on microcomputers. "Undisciplined," answered another participant. Lockwood stressed that friction between departments only gets worse in times of economic uncertainty when employees fear for their jobs and departmental budgets.
In the interactive give-and-take that followed, attendees often chimed in with their personal experiences. One of them mentioned that, at his company, networking specialists have recently become interested in wireless technologies, but the thought of the security issues that might be involved sends shivers down the spines of the mainframe department.
Another conference-goer said that his company is making a concerted effort to bring the various professional groups together.
Lockwood noted that unifying departments can be a good idea because each group has unique contributions to make. However departmental integration has to be done in the right way, or resistance, anger, and hostility will result.
For unification to work, change needs to be actively managed, she said. The first step is to assess the context of change, asking such questions as "Where are we now? Where do we want to go? What type of organization are we? What type of organization do we want to be?" One important factor to consider is the pace of change, according to Lockwood. If change comes too fast, it can be overwhelming, but if it is too slow, you can lose momentum.
Another factor is the degree of centralization/decentralization that is needed. Certain areas, such as networks, data administration and security, demand a certain degree of centralized control, but too much centralization can lead to stagnation and rigidity, she suggested. In achieving change, a focus should be placed on shared concerns, and on what each group can contribute to the overall effort, she added. Open communications should be encouraged.
One approach that can be used is to build small teams, using horizontal and vertical integration, according to Lockwood. The organization can also define new roles, viewing staff as "consultants" to users, to each other, and to other divisions, or as "integrators" entrusted with bridging platforms and technologies.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930830)
technologies.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930830)
8/30/93
Software Dev't '93 - Techies Unite Seminar
GENERAL
Software Dev't '93 - Prolog Vend
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- The Prolog Vendors Group (PVG), an international organization formed in Europe last year, made its first US public appearance at the recent Software Development '93 in Boston.
The multivendor industry association was present in great force with a booth on the show floor, along with two panel discussions and a technical session.
In an interview with Newsbytes, Al Roth, London, UK-based group secretary, said that the appearance was aimed at bringing attention to the benefits of Prolog as a programming language, and at attracting new members to PVG, especially from the international user community.
Douglas J. Eadline, Ph.D., Bethlehem, PA-based principal scientist for Paralogic Inc., told Newsbytes that Paralogic is using Prolog to develop software for parallel computer systems from such vendors as NCube and Thinking Machines. "We'll have the final versions for those machines this quarter," he added.
Prolog saves time for application developers by speeding the edit compile-run-debug cycle and by automating such processes as search and memory allocation/de-allocation, said Manfred Groteluschen of VDI Verland, Dusseldorf, Germany, who also took part in the interview.
The advantages of Prolog become especially critical when building applications that use multiple processors, pointed out Paralogic's Eadline.
Paralogic was one of ten vendor and user companies represented in the two panel discussions that PVG put on at the show: "The Business Benefits of Prolog: A Management Perspective" and "The Advantages of Prolog for Software Engineering."
Moderated by Tom Murphy of Miller Freeman's AI Expert and Computer Language magazines, the two panels provided real-life examples of how Prolog is being used to bring products to market more quickly.
The technical session, "Prolog Made Easy for Software Engineers," was delivered by Leon Sterling of the Department of Computer Engineering and Science at Case Western Reserve.
Unlike the numerically based Fortran programming language or the file management-oriented Cobol, Prolog is a "declarative" language based on logic, Groteluschen told Newsbytes.
Prolog can be used in conjunction with object technology to create object-oriented programs with "learning capabilities," he said. Prolog can also be linked to external databases, graphical user interfaces, and other programming languages such as "C."
Aside from Paralogic, companies participating in the two panels at Software Development '93 included Lockheed, PrologIA, Boeing BIM, Knowledgeware, PDC, Quintus Corp., LPA, and Applied Cognetics.
Current members of PVG include Paralogic, IBM, Siemens Nixdorf InterFace Computer GmbH, BIM, AI International Ltd., Applied Logic Systems, Cosytec SA, Delphia, Integral Solutions Ltd., LPA, Prolog Development Center A/S, Quintus Corp., and SICS.
The Second International Conference and Exhibition on "The Practical Applications of Prolog" will be presented by the PVG from April 27 to 29, 1994 in London, England. The First International Conference was held April 1 to 3, 1992 in London. The PVG was formally established at a meeting in Avignon France, during June of that year.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930830/Reader and press contact: Al Roth PVG, tel 44 253 58081, fax 44 253 53811)
ontact: Al Roth PVG, tel 44 253 58081, fax 44 253 53811)
8/30/93
Software Dev't '93 - Prolog Vendors Group Appears In US
GENERAL
New Alpha Chips Aimed At Volume
Olivetti Targets Compaq With M4
Qualcomm Fighting Latest InterDi
Two Big Telecom Deals Go Down
Software Dev't '93 - Morph's Out
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- The first issue of Morph's Outpost on the Digital Frontier was distributed at Software Development '93. Craig LaGrow, publisher, was on hand to talk about the hip new magazine for multimedia developers.
The publisher could hardly have picked a better place to be. LaGrow was an original co-founder, not only of Software Development, a show now run by Miller Freeman, but of AI Expert and Consumer Language, two magazines also sold to Miller Freeman.
With "By developers, for developers" as its motto, Morph's Outpost will fill a need that goes unmet by the handful of other multimedia magazines on the market, LaGrow said, in an interview with Newsbytes.
Unlike glossy, consumer-oriented multimedia publications LaGrow's new venture is modeled after Rolling Stone magazine, he told Newsbytes. "We'll be mixing serious instruction with a little bit of whackiness," he explained.
Designed with the input of a Rolling Stone art director, Morph's Outpost is a four-color tabloid. The magazine is folded so it will fit into a news stand rack, and open up into an 11-by-17-inch format.
On the cover is Morph, "the developer's friend." LaGrow disclosed that Morph "lives in a shack by the edge of the digital highway." The cartoon character guides the developer through the "jungle" of multimedia development, "shifting shapes" as needed to carry out this mission, he said. "And right now, multimedia development certainly is a jungle," he noted.
Morph's Outpost is targeted at developers working on IBM-compatible PCs, Macs, Silicon Graphics workstations, and all other multimedia platforms, according to LaGrow. Readers' backgrounds range from animation to standard business programming, and from three dimensional graphic design to TV production.
Newsbytes notes that the premiere issue shows the scope of the magazine, as well as its instructional orientation. The lead story is an interview with Eric Neuman, a programmer closely involved with the authoring tool elements of Kaleida Labs' ScriptX cross-platform development environment.
An article called "SGI's Indy is Powerful, But Will Developers Buy?" is on the cover, too. So is a case study by developer Jack Fine on Pacific Bell's use of ISDN (integrated services digital networks) to get a multimedia application running over a wide area network.
Inside, multimedia programmers supply suggestions on subjects such as how to combine Director, HyperCard and QuickTime movies and why scripting a presentation with Macromind 2 gives more flexibility than icon-based programs for the Amiga. And let's not forget Morph, who has his very own column.
LaGrow told Newsbytes that promotional activities for Morph's Outpost will be as "innovative as the content." The premiere issue was officially launched at Siggraph, where more than 1,200 subscriptions were sold, he said. Morph's Outpost has already been written up in publications ranging from Variety to top computer magazines, he claimed.
And in a project now on the drawing boards, the Rolling Stone inspired publication for developers plans to run a bus tour that will travel around the US, in the style of troubadours of the 1960s.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930830/Reader and press contact: Morph's Outpost on the Digital Frontier, tel 510-254-0830)
utpost on the Digital Frontier, tel 510-254-0830)
8/30/93
Software Dev't '93 - Morph's Outpost Mag Debuts
GENERAL
Business Software Solutions - Th
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- "What's the potential for PDAs?" asked Amy Wohl, panel moderator, during "The Crystal Ball Session" - a roundtable discussion at the recent Business Software Solutions Conference.
Wohl and the other panelists generally agreed that personal communicators will get less costly over time, and sales will take off at that point. The exact nature of the upcoming market though, was a topic of debate.
Carol Patton, executive director for Mendham Technology Group predicted a "huge" market. However, Jeffrey Tarter, editor and publisher of Softletter, said he doubts the PDA audience extends beyond 10,000 people, consisting mainly of industry analysts and corporate executives.
If PDAs are going to make it as full-fledged business communications tool, the screens will have to be large enough and handwriting recognition will have to get a lot better than it is today, interjected Wohl, who edits TrendsLetter. Otherwise PDAs will be better suited to field work, she asserted. If priced below $100, they might also become widely popular among consumers for wireless electronic-mail exchange, she added.
Electronic calculators cost $400 to $500 when they first hit the market, Wohl recalled. "But now, you can buy a calculator in the drug store for $5 or $10."
Tarter countered that, in terms of field use, PDAs hold the "fatal flaw" of being unable to do bar code scanning. However, Wohl noted that manufacturers can overcome this problem by developing the right PCMCIA cards.
The PDAs of today might not be the same as the PDAs of tomorrow suggested Jonathan L. Yarmis, vice president and service director Personal Computing, for the Gartner Group. The first purchasers of PDAs are, in effect, "testing" the devices for manufacturers according to Yarmis. "It's a time-honored tradition in the industry."
PDAs might ultimately amount to a range of different products for different market segments, indicated Jan Duffy of Duffy Consulting Group. "This could open up a whole new market of briefcases to match," she joked.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930830)
match," she joked.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930830)
8/30/93
Business Software Solutions - The Future Of PDAs
TRENDS
Business Software Solutions - Co
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 -- At the recent Business Software Solutions, Comshare unveiled Commander Prism a Windows-based multi-dimensional modeling spreadsheet for financial managers, accountants, product managers, and other business users.
Although it looks on the surface like a traditional spreadsheet Commander Prism supplies a database of up to 64 million cells comparable to hundreds of megabytes, said Alison Doucette marketing rep, speaking with Newsbytes in the Comshare booth.
Commander Prism also operates in up to nine different dimensions and offers up to 32,000 different views of spreadsheet data, she told Newsbytes. Accessed by clicking icons and transposing rows and columns, the views allow users to compare multiple categories of data without altering the database.
The spreadsheet can be thought of as a kind of "Rubik's Cube" of data, and the multiple views as various slices of the "cube" architecture, according to Doucette.
Commander Prism also lets users employ English-language formulas for labeling categories of data, Doucette told Newsbytes. In contrast, traditional spreadsheets rely on cell locations, she said.
The new package also includes a rules-based Knowledge Dictionary she noted. The dictionary is designed to let users define business rules that apply across entire regions of a model, rather than defining multiple cell-by-cell calculations.
Typical applications for Commander Prism include budgeting profit/performance management, sales/marketing analysis, and executive information systems (EIS).
Commander Prism is a component in Comshare's Commander Series of client-server business intelligence applications, for use on a standalone basis or on a local area network. Other components in the series include Commander Budget, Commander FDC, Commander Profit, and Commander EIS.
The Commander Series is based on Comshare's earlier business intelligence system for mainframes, Doucette told Newsbytes. Commander Prism is priced at $960 for a single-user copy and $7,200 for a ten-user license. The product is shipping.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930830/Reader contact: Comshare, tel 313-769-6068; Press contacts: Tim Hurley, David Copithorne and Nick Berents, Copithorne & Bellows for Comshare tel 617-252-0606)
erents, Copithorne & Bellows for Comshare tel 617-252-0606)
8/30/93
Business Software Solutions - Commander Prism Spreadsheet
IDC On PC Market Shares - The Ri
FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- The top three vendors in the personal computer market will expand their market shares this year, as will several other well-known names at the expense of second- and third-tier vendors that are struggling to stay in the game. That is the view of research firm International Data Corp.
The IBM Personal Computer Co., will post significant gains in market share in its first year of operation, IDC said, climbing from 10.6 percent of the worldwide market at the end of 1992 to about 12.6 percent at the end of this year.
Bruce Stephen, director of PC hardware research at IDC, said IBM has "come out consistently with good new products well-engineered, well-priced products." Its well-received PS/ValuePoint and ThinkPad notebook lines have added to IBM's success, Stephen said, as has the increased price-competitiveness of the PS/1 line.
Number-two vendor Apple Computer will also boost its share of the market in 1993, Stephen said, from 9.2 percent to 9.6 percent. Third-place Compaq Computer Corp., is expected to post the biggest jump, from 5.1 to 8.5 percent. Other companies such as Dell, Packard-Bell, AST, Hewlett-Packard, and Gateway 2000 are also gaining.
The gains come at the expense of lesser-known vendors, Stephen said. "There's a lot of decline going on in the second and third tiers of the market." Over all, IDC said, the PC industry will grow 14.6 percent in 1993.
(Grant Buckler/19930830/Press Contact: Bruce Stephen, IDC 508-935-4269)
Press Contact: Bruce Stephen, IDC 508-935-4269)
8/30/93
IDC On PC Market Shares - The Rich Get Richer
TRENDS
DEC Launches New PCs, Segment St
MAYNARD, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- Saying it plans a dramatic expansion of its product line, Digital Equipment Corp., has unveiled nine new low-priced personal computers, four packaged systems including both hardware and software for specific types of users, and machines preloaded with Microsoft's recently launched Windows NT operating system.
DEC unveiled nine models in the DECpc LPv and DECpc LPx line replacing most of the year-old DECpc LP line. With prices starting at $1,049 without monitor - $200 less than the comparable DECpc LP machine, company spokeswoman Michelle Hoey said - the new systems appear to be aimed at other vendors' low-priced lines, such as Compaq's Presario and ProLinea and IBM's PS/1 and PS/ValuePoint.
Richard Zwetchkenbaum, an industry analyst with International Data Corp. in Framingham, Massachusetts, called the moves, "The next step for what they need to do to become a full-line supplier." Though DEC made "a pretty bold statement" with the launch of the original LP line a year ago, he said, the new machines carry the company farther in that direction. "Over time the company really needed to address the low end of the market," Zwetchkenbaum said.
The DECpc LPv machines have a low-profile chassis with three Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) expansion slots, two accessible drive bays, and two internal drive bays. They come with local-bus graphics and the processors can be upgraded.
A DECpc LPv 425sx, with a 25 megahertz (MHz) 486SX processor with a 170 megabyte (MB) hard disk, four MB of memory and no monitor, is $1,049. Other models in the series use the 33MHz 486SX, 33MHz 486DX, 50MHz 486DX2, and 66MHz 486DX2 chips.
The DECpc LPx line uses a full-size chassis with six ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) slots, two Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) VL local-bus slots, and one internal and four accessible drive bays.
Prices for the LPx line start at $1,299 for a 33-MHz 486SX with 170MB hard drive, four MB of memory and no monitor. Other models use the 33MHz 486DX, 50MHz 486DX2, and 66MHz 486DX2 chips.
DEC also launched four PC Solutions systems that combine the firm's hardware with software aimed at particular market segments.
Two are Small Business and Professional systems: an LPv 433dx or LPx 433dx with four or eight MB of memory, 245MB hard drive keyboard, mouse, 15-inch Super VGA monitor,14.4 kilobit-per second data and fax modem. Each is bundled with DOS 6.0, Microsoft Windows 3.1, and Lotus Development Corp.'s SmartSuite package of applications. Prices are $2,423 and $2,693.
The Network Client is a DECpc LPv 425sx with four MB of memory 170MB hard drive, keyboard, mouse, 14-inch Super VGA monitor Ethernet local area network interface card, DOS 6.0 and Windows 3.1, priced at $1,599. The Network Client Pro is a similarly equipped DECpc LPx 433sx with eight MB of memory, at $1,999.
More PC Solutions bundles will be launched in future, the company said. Zwetchkenbaum at IDC said the announcement was a "beginning" for Digital in hardware and software bundling, though the company still does not offer as many choices as some competitors.
DEC also said it will now offer its DECpc 466d2 MT, DECpc 433dx MTE, DECpc 466d2 MTE, DECpc 450ST, and DECpc 560ST personal computers with Microsoft's Windows NT preloaded. All these machines will come with 16MB of memory, a 245MB hard drive and a CD-ROM drive. Prices range from $3,939 to $7,234.
DEC said its product line will in future be divided into five groups: Value, Performance, Server, Mobile, and PC Solutions. Some existing models already fit clearly into these groups, Hoey said, but all new models that appear in future will be clearly positioned in one of these categories.
There is a clear trend to product-line segmentation in the industry, Zwetchkenbaum observed. "If Digital did not have that they would be remiss."
Finally, Digital said that all PCs it sells after August 31 will carry a three-year warranty, providing on-site service in the first year and carry-in service in the second and third years except for portable machines which will get carry-in service only from the beginning.
(Grant Buckler/19930830/Press Contact: Michelle Hoey, Digital Equipment, 508-496-8972)
e Hoey, Digital Equipment, 508-496-8972)
8/30/93
DEC Launches New PCs, Segment Strategy
New Alpha Chips Aimed At Volume
NCR Intros New Safari Notebook
T DAYTON, OHIO, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- NCR Corp., has unveiled a new notebook computer that features a modular design that allows the user to upgrade a display, hard drive, memory or modem without the need for any special tools.
The company says the NCR Safari 3180 uses Intel's 486SL microchip running at 33 megahertz (MHz), and is available with either a 180 megabyte (MB) or 250MB removable hard drive. Four MB of system memory is standard, and can be upgraded to either eight or 12MB. The system is available with a monochrome or thin film transistor active matrix color display. The monitor can be removed and is reversible for use in presentations.
The 3180 uses nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries which NCR says will provide up to five hours of battery life when running the color display, and up to six hours with the monochrome monitor. The removable 3.5-inch flex drive can be replaced with a second NiMH battery pack to double the battery life between charges.
NCR says the launch of the 3180 reintroduces the Safari brand name. The company plans to use that name on all of its future mobile products, according to Ed Cote, assistant VP of NCR's Workstation Products Division.
The 3180 has an 8 kilobyte (KB) internal cache and a built-in numeric coprocessor, as well as two Type II PCMCIA card slots or one Type III slot. PCMCIA cards can be inserted or removed without turning off the system.
NCR spokesperson Nancy Meyers told Newsbytes the company is also offering a $657 docking station option that includes two full-size ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) slots, two 5.25-inch externally accessible storage bays, and one internal 3.5-inch disk drive bay.
NCR will pre-load MS-DOS 6.0, Windows 3.1, the on-line user documentation, Bitfax 2.0 that allows the user to send a fax from within a Windows application, and AT&T's Mail AccessPlus 2.4 for Windows that gives the user access to AT&T Mail global messaging service.
Scheduled to ship in September, the Safari 3180 will sell for $3,469 with a monochrome display, four MB of memory, an 180MB hard drive, battery pack, separate trackball and the preloaded software. With an active matrix color display the suggested retail price is $4,675.
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 30 (NB) -- OpCon East '93, a three-day conference focusing on the practical business side of running a software company, opens today in Cambridge, MA.
The Customer Service & Support portion of the show goes on all day Monday and Tuesday, and the Manufacturing & Fulfillment component all day Wednesday.
OpCon East is put on by Watertown, MA-based Softletter, with the participation of many leading software and consulting firms as presenters.
On Monday morning, Jeffrey Tartar, editor and publisher, and other members of the Softletter staff will deliver the findings of a survey on benchmarks for measuring technical support ratios.
Later in the day, Burton Grad, chairman of CustomerCare, will give the results of the 1993 CustomerCare Survey. That evening, the Association for Customer Support Professionals hosts a technology showcase and reception.
Tuesday's highlights include a keynote by Lori Laub, vice president of Pro-Active Software, on "Numbers You Can Use," plus roundtable discussions on the subjects of outsourcing and "Building the Organizational Chart."
Also on Monday and Tuesday, individual presenters will talk about "Motivating Marginal Employees," "Designing Better Support Facilities," "The Politics of Support," "The Right (and Wrong) Way to Support Overseas Customers," "Trends in Paid Support Pricing," and many other issues in the customer service and support arena.
Wednesday's conference segment, OpCon East Manufacturing & Fulfillment, is aimed at professionals with responsibility for operations, manufacturing, fulfillment, and packaging. The day begins with a plenary session called "Key Indicators: Metrics for Tracking Fulfillment Performance," to be moderated by Tarter.
Next up is a roundtable progress report on electronic data interchange. Then comes a series of individual presentations on "Techniques for Improving Inventory Efficiency," "Combining On Demand and Traditional Production," "Trends in Manufacturing & Fulfillment Compensation," "Disaster Recovery Planning," "Managing Handicapped Workers," and "How to Implement a Packaging Reduction Program."
The seminar agenda ends with a keynote by Seymour Merrin president of Merrin Information Services, on "Selling Off the Shelf." The Software Manufacturing Association will hold a reception to cap off the day.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930830/Reader and press contact: Softletter, tel 617-924-3944)
: Softletter, tel 617-924-3944)
8/30/93
OpCon East '93 Conference Opens Today
GENERAL
Hong Kong - Medical Records Onli
WANCHAI, HONG KONG, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Due to the efforts of a few dedicated medical practitioners, Hong Kong is better serviced with online medical info systems and forums than many other developed nations. The Medical Informatics Society (HKMIS) is dedicated to establishing Hong Kong on the leading edge of medical information dissemination.
Each year, during IT (Information Technology) Week, the HKMIS has demonstrated facilities, both public and private, which make medical information available at the touch of a button for practitioners and the general public.
Planning is at an advanced stage and more vendor support is being sought for the HKMIS Pavilion at the October SEARCC exhibition in which the Hospital Authority is playing a substantial cooperative role. Largely due to the efforts of government information technology specialist John Tse and his team at the relatively new Hospital Authority, the use of IT in Hong Kong hospitals has increased dramatically over the past two years.
The HKMIS public online information service, Medilink available for about five years, has proven popular and now hundreds of doctors throughout the territory utilize a network of specialized information services such as Medinfonet, managed by Dr. C. P. Wong, and Practitioners BIS, managed by Dr. Alfred Tang.
Dr. Tang told Newsbytes recently that Practitioners BIS includes access to a large local database of the latest medical information on CD-ROMs. In addition, the five or six medical bulletin board services (BBS's) in the territory participate in the international Fidonet mail network, enabling local medicos to communicate directly with their counterparts around the world. Dr. C. P. Wong added that through the Association of Internet Resources, HKMIS hopes to expand its international network capability in the short term.
(Keith Cameron/19930825)
t term.
(Keith Cameron/19930825)
8/31/93
Hong Kong - Medical Records Online
GENERAL
Hong Kong - Client-Server Instit
WANCHAI, HONG KONG, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- The Client-Server Institute (CSI), Hong Kong's first training center dedicated to the client-server computing model, has been set up by the Pacific Technology Group.
Although companies within the Group represent leading client-server software suppliers such as Sybase and Powersoft, the Client-Server Institute aims to provide students with a more rounded curriculum.
The institute will develop the technical and management skills required to build successful client-server installations, providing a wide range of courses covering the principles and practice of client-server computing.
"There is a real gap in Hong Kong between the demand for client-server systems and a proper understanding of what client-server computing is really about," said Gary Leung, chairman of the Pacific Technology Group, "The Client-Server Institute seeks to fill this knowledge gap."
The initiative was welcomed by local network vendors and according to one of the very few networking specialists in the territory Bruce Fowler of Pacific Rim Systems, the buyers are becoming more sophisticated in their approach, but it is often after quite a few costly errors of judgement.
"The fact is that there is much more to installing client-server computing beyond the physical hardware and network, " Mr. Fowler told Newsbytes. "Unfortunately in price-conscious Hong Kong many otherwise astute business people are buying on price alone rather than really investigating whether a given combination of software hardware and network systems design will indeed satisfy their requirements."
"Perhaps one of the reasons for the frequency of this gross error of judgement is that local area networks (LAN) are most often personal computer-based. At least that is what it appears to the user. Present day lay attitudes toward PCs are that they all perform similarly and that most are compatible," he continued.
"This may be largely true for stand-alone PCs, but it is far from the truth when it comes to the design and configuration of sophisticated LANs which are supposed to provide the computing equivalent of the mainframes of a decade ago with far greater access to information on the system and substantially improved user friendliness."
"The value of an educational institute focussing on all the complex problems surrounding network systems is extremely high in this part of the world," Mr. Fowler stressed.
Another local consultant commented that one of the difficulties with a typical LAN installation is that a multiple of suppliers of hardware, software and cables virtually always exists. In a remote location such as Hong Kong it is not always easy to obtain in-depth technical support from individual manufacturers who regard the market as quite small and work through local agents. "CSI would assist the territory's prospective LAN users to make more informed decisions and selections," he told Newsbytes.
Pacific Technology Group has appointed seasoned IT professional Laura Duggan to head CSI. Ms. Duggan started her career with NASA in 1966 and later she was a consultant to the White House during its first office automation project.
As principal training consultant, Duggan will develop and implement a range of courses covering the principles and practice of client-server technology. She will also have management responsibility for the Institute's operations.
(Keith Cameron/19930825/PRESS CONTACT: Laura Duggan, Client-Server Institute: 852-576 2878 HK Time is GMT + 8)
erver Institute: 852-576 2878 HK Time is GMT + 8)
8/31/93
Hong Kong - Client-Server Institute Established
GENERAL
Southwestern Bell Sets Bandwidth
Australia - NEC Intros Int'l War
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- NEC Information Systems Australia has introduced a warranty for people who travel internationally with their NEC notebook PCs. NEC UltraCare International Warranty at present covers 28 countries.
"No longer do mobile users have to worry about having their Ultralite notebooks with them while travelling overseas," said NEC ISA customer service manager, Graham Tierney. "The UltraCare program is one of the most important offerings in the IT (information technology) industry and demonstrates our commitment to ongoing customer satisfaction. It will become an integral part of user's efforts to remain competitive in their business dealings."
As an introductory offer, all owners of Ultralite Versa notebooks will be given a year of free UltraCare warranty. They already have PersonalCare which is the Australian domestic warranty. Through UltraCare, users will have their machine courier-collected and delivered, with one-day turnaround in the US and two-day in other countries. Coverage for years two and three is a further AUS$140 per year. A "users pack" contains toll-free phone numbers and a registration sticker for the notebook.
(Paul Zucker and Peter Heininger/19930827/Contact: NEC ISA on phone +61 2-930 2000 or fax +61-2-550 5398)
EC ISA on phone +61 2-930 2000 or fax +61-2-550 5398)
8/31/93
Australia - NEC Intros Int'l Warranty For Notebooks
EIS Conference - Planning Scienc
UK - Netware 3.12
Beyond Intros BeyondMail 2.0 Rem
NCR Distributes PrintSoft Produc
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- NCR will now distribute a line of products from Australian manufacturer PrintSoft in the North American free trade area. PrintSoft's flagship product Printer Resource Software (PRS), has been on sale and widely used in Australia for three years.
PRS runs on Microsoft Windows and drives a full range of printers from PCL desktops to the fastest Line Mode, Xerox and IPDS. IPDS (intelligent print data stream) printers have the potential to print very sophisticated documents with a variety of type styles and sizes, mixed text orientation, and dynamic graphics.
PrintSoft claims that until now costly mainframe software was needed to utilize these advanced features, yet much mainframe software could handle only basic printing.
PRS allows users to apply these features to unformatted data. It composes each page dynamically, using formatting rules laid down in a "script." Because this is done "on the fly" it eliminates spooler files and system resources. PRS will format data from any source on any computer, and the script is portable between printer types.
Two companion products are TransForm, which creates graphics files and TransFont, which creates fonts for a range of printers from readily available outline fonts.
(Paul Zucker and Jeff Bird/19930827/Contact: PrintSoft on phone 61-3-532 2911)
d/19930827/Contact: PrintSoft on phone 61-3-532 2911)
8/31/93
NCR Distributes PrintSoft Products In North America
BUSINESS
Australia - Crack My Code!
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- An Australian developed PC file encryption system Scrambler was launched recently at the PC 93 show in Melbourne. Scrambler encrypts a PC file, thus protecting the contents from unauthorized viewing, even if the file falls into the wrong hands, as might happen during electronic transfer.
Mary Frenkel, marketing manager of PC-Plus Systems (manufacturer of Scrambler), said, "The transmission of text by floppy disk modem, LAN, WAN, e-mail or any store-and-forward service is not only a modern convenience, but a necessity. However, once the information leaves your computer, it becomes available for anybody to read, and possibly modify. While compression of such files will make them difficult to read, the technique is not at all secure as decompression utilities are widely available. On the other hand, encrypting with Scrambler will ensure that the information remains confidential until it reaches its final destination."
She said the chance of cracking the code was around one in 7.2 x 10^16. The encryption system used is the DES (ANSI X3.92) algorithm. A sixteen-digit password is required. This can be manually entered entered from a diskette, or generated by the encryption program. Suggested price in Australia is $149, or around US$100.
(Paul Zucker/19930827/PC-Plus Systems on phone +61-3-528 2311 or fax +61 3-523 0675)
2311 or fax +61 3-523 0675)
8/31/93
Australia - Crack My Code!
NEC Supplies NCR With OEM Color
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- NEC will supply color notebook-type personal computers to NCR. Their agreement calls for 20,000 units to be supplied to NCR over the next year.
NEC's latest color notebook-type personal computer, specified in the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) deal, comes with a TFT (thin film transistor)-type color liquid crystal display. It is an IBM-compatible personal computer and this same model has been sold by NEC in the US since March. The model will be sold under NCR's Safari 3180 label in the US in September.
NEC will produce this PC at its Yonezawa plant in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, and will ship it to NCR in the US. Later NEC wants to manufacture the PC in the US in order to reduce its costs in light of the surging Japanese yen. However, the TFT displays must come from Japan since there is no facility to produce them in the US at present.
Other firms such as Hitachi and Japan Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) also receive supplies of notebook-type personal computers from other PC firms on an OEM basis. Hitachi receives its notebooks from IBM Japan, and Japan DEC gets its notebooks from Toshiba.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Fujitsu will install a fairly large computer system into a Japanese University. The order includes 280 Compaq PCs and is the first time Fujitsu is supplying DOS/V-based PCs to its customers.
Fujitsu will install in the Shibaura Institute of Technology a system which includes Fujitsu's supercomputer the VPX210/10 80 Sun Microsystems Unix workstations, and 280 Compaq DOS/V personal computers, called Pro-linea models, which support Japanese kanji letters. Fujitsu receives Unix workstations from Sun Microsystems on an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) basis.
The total purchase, worth as much as 400 million yen ($4 million will be supplied to the university in September and is slated to be operational in October.
These systems will replace NEC's computer systems, which are currently installed at the university, and include NEC PC-9801 machines and NEC's supercomputer. The decision to install DOS/V PCs reflects a Japanese market trend toward DOS/V machines, a cheaper and powerful alternative to machines from NEC, which holds the largest market share.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- NEC will release its latest Digital Book Player in November, a unit which is smaller and less expensive than initially announced this past spring.
Several changes, proposed by book publishers, were implemented in the newest version of the device, according to NEC. The Digital Book Player will sell for 30,000 yen ($300) or about 20,000 yen ($200) cheaper than was announced in the spring. Also, the size has been reduced to 170 x 130 x 20mm, and it weighs only 400g, or 250g lighter than originally designed.
Another major change comes in the 3.5-inch floppy disk drive of the device. Initially built-in, it is now separate and costs an additional 10,000 yen ($100). Yet another change is the unit's ability to connect to NEC's desktop personal computer, the PC-9801.
The Digital Book Player is equipped with a small LCD. With the additional floppy disk drive, the device can display electronic novels or comic book programs supplied by book publishers. Unlike other digital book players such as one by Sony, NEC's device uses a floppy disk as its read-only medium.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- A new healing method has been developed with the help of astrophysics and computers to aid the one-in-30 families who have a cross-eyed child in Russia.
A computer program, initially developed by NPO "Astrophysics" to obtain clear images of space objects, was adapted to test the stereoscopic vision of pilots, drivers, and industrial machinery operators, according to the Izvestia newspaper. The program is now being employed to treat eye diseases.
Astrophysics researchers Abramov and Shapiro, together with Doctor Galich from the Ophthalmology Department of Moscow Children's Clinic No.7, invented a computer method to heal the affliction. Traditional vision training methods require 40-60 special sessions. The new method takes a mere 10 sessions, twelve minutes each.
The treatment requires children to put on red-blue glasses and to play computer games that require them, for instance, to put a blue square into the center of a red circle. A doctor chooses different texts individually. About 300 children between 4 and 15 years of age have been treated. 80 percent of them are no longer cross-eyed the doctors report. The method is used in the specialized children's ophthalmology center in Moscow Children's Clinic No.1.
(Eugene Peskin & Kirill Tchashchin/19930826)
eskin & Kirill Tchashchin/19930826)
8/31/93
Russia - Computer Games Help Eyes
GENERAL
Firm To Launch Six-Stage Documen
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Microstar Software Ltd., plans to launch in September a six-stage framework for document management, along with two products that fit into the structure.
Microstar will unveil its computer-aided document engineering (CADE) framework at the Technology in Government show in Ottawa September 14 and 15. Microstar is also based in Ottawa.
The six steps in the CADE structure are: plan, analyze, design create, distribute, and manage. Microstar will launched CADE Analyze, a product based on Lotus Development Corp.'s Notes workgroup software, for the analysis phase, and Near & Far, a package for the design phase.
Development is also underway on a package for the first or planning phase, said Sean McEwan, a company spokesman. Third-party products currently cover the last three stages of the cycle, he said, though he said he could not rule out Microstar offering its own products in those areas too.
Near & Far is a graphical tool to design the structure of documents. Microstar said it complies with the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), an increasingly popular standard for electronic documents. CADE Analyze creates a database, which Near & Far can refer to in assembling document models, the company said.
Both CADE Analyze and Near & Far are to be released in mid-September, McEwan said. Prices are not yet available.
Microstar, a 10-year-old company, also filed a preliminary prospectus for an initial public offering of its stock August 12 McEwan said.
(Grant Buckler/19930830/Press Contact: Sean McEwan, Microstar Software, 613-727-5696, fax 613-727-9491)
an, Microstar Software, 613-727-5696, fax 613-727-9491)
8/31/93
Firm To Launch Six-Stage Document Engineering Cycle
GENERAL
UK - Wordperfect Presentations 2
ADDLESTONE, SURREY, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Wordperfect UK has announced that Wordperfect Presentations 2.0 for Windows is now being shipped. The company claims that the package is the industry's most comprehensive presentation graphics product on the market today.
Features of the package include advanced presentation facilities along with charting, drawing, text and painting tools, together with support for TWAIN, OLE (object linking and embedding) and direct CD ROM (compact disc read only memory) sound.
Retailing for UKP 329 for the full package, the software comes with a free Logitech Scanman Model 32 scanner for the first 90 days after launch, or while stocks last. The scanner bundles are flashed as such on their wrapping, Newsbytes understands.
Announcing the package, Daniel Sumner, Wordperfect UK's product marketing manager, said that WP Presentations "introduces a best of class, all in one solution to the Windows presentation graphics market."
"The breadth and depth of features in this product make it easy for any users to quickly create effective presentations and demonstrates the strength of our commitment to this market," he said.
Sumner's enthusiasm for the package is mirrored by Simon Palmer WP's presentations product manager with Wordperfect UK. He claims that the inclusion of the free scanner in the early versions of the package will allow users to, quite literally, take the package out of its box and start using it straight away.
"The bundle with the Scanman Model 32 will enables users to take advantage of the scanner support in Wordperfect Presentations without having to invest in a separately sold scanner," he said.
(Steve Gold/19930830/Press & Public Contact: Wordperfect UK - Tel: 0932-850500; Fax: 0932-843497)
perfect UK - Tel: 0932-850500; Fax: 0932-843497)
8/31/93
UK - Wordperfect Presentations 2.0 For Windows
Microsoft Shipping Two IBM PROFS
Macintosh, DOS, Windows Rated By
US Eases High-Speed Computer Exp
International Phone Update
PenExpo Conference Opens In Bost
AT&T Expands GaAs IC Production
Dell Intros Optiplex L PC Family
Stratus To Buy Shared Financial
New Addressing Software -- Mikey
Compaq Intros New Server PCs
Athlete's Diary For DOS, Windows
UK - Fontware's Replix Fax Manag
Motorola Unveils World's Lightes
BASINGSTOKE, HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Motorola has announced the Microtac International 7200, the second generation digital mobile successor to the popular Microtacs hand portable analogue phone.
The Motorola 7200 is claimed to be 25 percent lighter and 15 percent smaller than the Microtac International 5000 digital mobile phone announced in March. Like the 5000, the 7200 is designed to work on the groupe speciale mobile (GSM) digital mobile phone network.
In parallel with the Motorola GSM 7200 hand portable, the company has announced a personal communications service (PCS) network version of the phone, the DCS 1800. This phone is designed for use on the higher-frequency PCS digital phone networks seen in the UK (Mercury One-2-One), Germany, and Thailand.
The 7200 has several features not available in the 5000, owing to rapid advances in the GSM feature set. These include support for the GSM Cell Broadcast Service. Cell Broadcast allows users to receive short information messages from highly localized base stations. This could be useful, for example, where a major traffic problem has occurred in an area -- the GSM service provider could broadcast a warning message to all mobiles in the area to this effect.
Don Burns, corporate vice president and general manager of Motorola's European Cellular Subscriber Division, said that it is the company's strategy to service all markets and offer product for all the world's phone standards.
"The introduction today of the International 7200 and the DCS 1800 incorporate two industry firsts and further consolidate our position as the world's leading provider of cellular subscriber equipment," he said.
Both the 7200 and 1800 include a number of advances on earlier hand portable phones. They both feature nickel metal hydride (NMH) batteries for extended battery life and the removal of the "memory effect" that shortens the life of nicad battery packs. In addition, the 7200 has an automatic answering facility when used with the optional car kit.
Features of the 7200 includes a four-line, 24-character supertwist LCD screen, 100-entry alphanumeric memory and a "call in absence" alert. Both the 7200 and 1800 phones use the full-size subscriber information module (SIM) card system. By slotting different SIM cards into the phone, the phone number and "ID" of that phone can be changed.
This facility is useful for companies with a pool of digital mobile phones. Each employee has his/her own SIM card which is activated when slotted into a GSM or PCS phone. The GSM cards can also be transported in the pocket, purse, or wallet and, when international destinations are reached, slotted into a foreign phone for use on that country's network.
The GSM standard allows for calls to be made and received anywhere in the world that a GSM network is operating and for which the local GSM network operator has an agreement with the home network operator.
(Steve Gold/19930830/Press & Public Contact: Motorola European Cellular Subscriber Division - Tel: 0256-790173)
Motorola Unveils World's Lightest Digital Mobile Phone
TELECOM
UK - Legent To Acquire Networx
SLOUGH, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Legent has announced it has signed a letter of intent to acquire Networx, the specialist in help desk management technology. According to the company, the acquisition will give Legent access to Networx' range of problem reporting and resolution tools for client/server environments.
The deal is subject to what is known as a due diligence clause and approval by the boards of both companies. If enabled, the acquisition will mark the latest move in Legent's declared strategy of making all its systems management skills available to the much wider client/sever marketplace.
Announcing the signature of the letter of intent, Roger Richardson Legent's managing director, said that it will add a critical component to the information technology (IT) infrastructures of businesses based on distributed computing.
"One of the key management components for any company running business critical applications is a distributed help desk function giving users a common and automated means of reporting and resolving IT problems. Networx' technology will further allow use to integrate many systems management applications with those for managing networks," he said.
Networx recently launched Paradigm, a Unix-based trouble ticketing help desk and inventory management application. The package runs on HP's Openview, IBM's Netview/6000 and Sun Microsystems' Sunnet Manager network management systems.
Paradigm allows network managers to respond quickly to problems that occur anywhere throughout even the largest organizations, the company asserts. The package is also the base technology behind IBM's AIX Trouble Ticket/6000 system that achieved LAN Magazine's annual product of the year award.
Chris Slatt, president and CEO of Networx, said that he is pleased with the deal. "Our leadership in problem management, combined with Legent's systems management and corporate strength, will enable the accelerated development of a comprehensive set of problem management and related applications spanning enterprise-wide systems," he said.
(Steve Gold/19930830/Press & Public Contact: Steve Hughes, marketing manager, Legent - Tel: 0753-672299)
ager, Legent - Tel: 0753-672299)
8/31/93
UK - Legent To Acquire Networx
BUSINESS
UK - Staples Opens 2nd PC Supers
z LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Staples UK has announced the opening of its second Office Superstore at Staples Corner, North London. The store, which opened on August 25, follows the opening of its first store in Swansea in April.
Staples UK is a joint venture company between Staples Inc., of Boston, US, and Kingfisher, one of the UK's leading retailing operations, which includes B&Q, Comet, Superdrug and Woolworths. The company says it expects to see more superstores opening over the coming months.
According to Staples, the opening of its second superstore marks an opportunity for small businesses and other computer buyers in London to change their PC-related buying habits. The store, like the Staples PC superstores in the US, stocks a variety of computer hardware and software, as well as books and peripherals. A total of 5,000-plus product lines are claimed to be in stock.
Unlike other PC superstores operating in the UK, Staples has imported a number of business related services, such as a copy and fax bureau, into the store. The idea is to offer computer users a "one stop shop" for all their business needs.
The store is open for business seven days a week -- 8am to 8pm M-F 9am to 6pm Sat, and 10am to 5pm Sunday. If a customer can't make it to the store, then the company is offering a next-day free delivery service for anyone ordering more than UKP 50 worth of goods and within a 20-mile radius of the store.
According to Roger Paffard, Staples UK's managing director "the gap in the UK small business supplies market today is just as wide as it was in the USA back in 1986 when Staples was launched by Tom Stemberg."
"Against this background, the Staples concept represents a significant new opportunity for businesses looking to buy office supplies and equipment in the UK at low prices," he added.
Tom Stemberg, who Newsbytes notes still retains an active interest in the US operation and now the UK joint venture company, said that he is delighted with the opening of the company's second store on this side of the Atlantic.
"The similarities between the needs of US and UK small businesses tell us that we can offer significant benefits to those UK businesses. In the US, we are already providing deeply discounted prices in 203 locations. We're confident that the UK company can repeat the same success over here," he said.
(Steve Gold/19930830)
e," he said.
(Steve Gold/19930830)
8/31/93
UK - Staples Opens 2nd PC Superstore
BUSINESS
TI To Make UltraSPARC-I, Early A
B MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation (SMCC) and Texas Instruments (TI) have teamed up to offer the UltraSPARC-I. TI will manufacture the UltraSPARC-I, which SMCC describes as a 64-bit central processing unit (CPU) binary compatibility with 32-bit SPARC applications.
SMCC designed the chip with some input from Intergraph, and TI will be the primary manufacturer, SMCC sources said. TI has already worked with SPARC to ship more than 300,000 SPARC microprocessors, a higher volume than any other reduced instruction set chip (RISC) chip in the computer industry.
The UltraSPARC's binary compatibility with its 32-bit SPARC counterpart means users can still use their existing SPARC software with the new UltraSPARC. However, much better performance is expected from the UltraSPARC as SMCC says the new chip is designed to execute up to four instructions at the same time. This gives the chip high performance without exotic clock speeds, according to SMCC, which said the chip will perform at well over 200 SPECint92, while only requiring clock speeds in the range of 100 to 170 megahertz (MHz). The UltraSPARC-I CPUs may also be interconnected for even higher performance multiprocessing applications, the company added.
SMCC has also announced an "early access" program to license the chip before its anticipated release in late 1994. This is to allow third party licensees a head start in building products around the UltraSPARC-I. The licensing will be done through SMCC's SPARC Technology Business (STB) which is offering licensees full design documentation, SMCC-designed development tools, simulation software, and diagnostic tools. STB is also responsible for updating and communicating with licensees concerning questions and ongoing developments.
SMCC is a leader in the RISC computing market in 1992 with 56 percent of the total RISC workstation/workstation server shipments, according to market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC). SMCC boasts it has shipped over 1 million SPARC microprocessors. The Mountain View, California-based company is a subsidiary of Sun Microsystems, Incorporated.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930830/Press Contact: Mark Richardson, Hi Tech Communications for Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation tel 415/904-7030 ext 239, fax 415-904-7025)
Corporation tel 415/904-7030 ext 239, fax 415-904-7025)
8/31/93
TI To Make UltraSPARC-I, Early Access Program Started
AST Intros New Advantage MPC, No
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- AST has announced two new multimedia computers, a new desktop model, a new notebook computer, and an energy-saving desktop computer. The Advantage Adventure multimedia personal computer (MPC) and the Advantage Explorer notebook are aimed at cost-conscious families and businessmen, the company said.
The Advantage Adventure multimedia desktop systems come in two configurations. A mid-size desktop 486SX/33 processor model is available with a 210-megabyte (MB) hard drive, a 3.5-inch 1.44 MB floppy drive, local bus graphics with 1 MB of memory, 4 MB of random access memory (RAM) upgradable to 64 MB, two available 16-bit industry standard architecture (ISA) slots two available drive bays, and a fax send/receive data modem.
The 486DX2-66 mini-tower model is configured with: 340 MB hard drive, dual floppy drives, 32-bit local bus graphics with 1 MB of memory which can be upgraded to 2 MB, and 8 MB random access memory (RAM) that can be upgradable to 64 MB.
Both Adventure desktop configurations meet the MPC Level 2 specifications by including 16-bit stereo sound, a double speed compact disc read-only (CD-ROM) drive with a motorized tray load similar to a home audio CD player, amplified stereo bookshelf speakers, and a microphone. The Adventure models start at $1,899, AST said.
Software titles included with the Adventure models include: the Microsoft Encarta, an electronic encyclopedia based on the 29 volume 1992 Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia with more than 25,000 articles and 17,000 multimedia elements; Microsoft Multimedia Works, a multimedia version of the popular integrated software with narrated tutorials.
The Advantage Pro is aimed at the home office and small business user and comes in four models starting at $1,199. The four models are based on the 486SX running at 25 megahertz (MHz) and 33 MHz, a 486DX running at 33 MHz and a 486DX2 running at 66 MHz. Local bus graphics comes standard and hard disk drives in 170 MB to 340 MB capacities are available. Both 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch floppy drives are included and one additional 5.25-inch bay as well as one internal drive bay for a second hard disk drive are also available. The units come with 1 MB of video memory, 4 MB of RAM expandable to 64 MB and four industry standard architecture (ISA) expansion slots.
A selection of pre-installed software on the Pro models includes: Microsoft DOS, Microsoft Windows 3.1, Microsoft Productivity Pack, Microsoft Works for Windows, Intuit Quicken for Windows, a Prodigy starter kit, an American OnLine starter kit, and Delrina's Winfax product.
The Explorer notebook computer is based on the 25 MHz 486SX microprocessor and also includes local bus enhanced graphics for fast video performance in its dual-scan STN color liquid crystal display (LCD). The unit has Type III PCMCIA slot for use with credit card-sized memory cards. The system comes standard with 4 MB of RAM expandable to 20 MB and hard drives ranging from 80 MB to 170 MB in size. Some of the Explorer models include the pre-installed software Microsoft DOS Microsoft Windows, Lotus Organizer, Delrina's Winfax and start up software for the Prodigy and America OnLine.
An energy efficient mini-tower model is AST's first computer of this type and meets the EPA's "Energy Star" program guidelines for energy use. The mini-tower offers 32-bit accelerated local bus graphics, up to 2 MB of video RAM, either a 340 MB or 420 MB hard disk drive, six expansion slots, six drive bays, a 3.5 inch and 5.25-inch floppy disk drive, up to 256 kilobytes (KB) of second-level cache memory and a 200-watt power supply.
AST is offering its Advantage line through US consumer retail outlets such as Circuit City, Computer City, Fretters, Costco and Sam's Wholesale Club. Its Advantage systems are covered by one-year, on-site service and one-year parts and labor warranties, the company said.
A Fortune 500 company, AST recently purchased the manufacturing facilities of Tandy Corporation. The company is headquartered in Irvine, California.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930830/Press Contact: Hollie Chriss-Cronin AST, tel 714-727-7977, fax 714-727-8592)
-Cronin AST, tel 714-727-7977, fax 714-727-8592)
8/31/93
AST Intros New Advantage MPC, Notebook, Others
MCI & Canada Offer 800-Number Fl
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Businesses with operations in both the United States and Canada are getting more freedom to set up their toll-free phone service the way they want it thanks to the relationship between Stentor, the consortium of Canadian telephone companies, and MCI Corp., a US long-distance carrier.
MCI and Stentor have announced Advantage 800 service, which will allow subscribers to route incoming toll-free calls freely across the border between the two countries.
In the past, explained Dave Sherlock of Stentor's inward services product management group, both Canadian and American companies could get 800 numbers that could be called from either country. However, some advanced features available within either country did not work across the border.
For instance, Sherlock said, subscribers will now be able to set up their toll-free lines to route calls to different call processing centers at different times of day. A company with offices in Toronto and Los Angeles, for instance, could route calls from Canada to the Toronto office during the day, but to the Los Angeles office between 5:00 and 8:00 pm Eastern time to take advantage of the time difference. Companies will also be able to have calls rerouted to operators on the other side of the border when one call center is too busy, Sherlock said.
The new service will carry the same rates as existing 800 service, Sherlock said, though he admitted that some companies might end up paying more in usage charges if, for instance, the new service lets them route calls to a distant location that would previously have been answered by a recording.
Advantage 800 service is due to be available by the end of this year.
Stentor and MCI formed an alliance in September, 1992.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Now under way at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston is PenExpo, a pen computing extravaganza that is being sponsored by Boston University's Center for Information Technology, with Pen Magazine as program consultant.
This afternoon from 12:30 to 6:00, and Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., visitors will be able to browse through a huge array of hot new pen technology, and also participate in workshops and other special events, in PenExpo's Exhibit Hall.
Today through Thursday, the conference component of the show will offer about 30 different sessions on mobile computing, systems integration, and pen development, plus a series of keynotes and featured presentations by pen industry luminaries.
Keynoters will include industry observer Amy Wohl on the subject of "Changing Market Expectations: Who Is the Pen User?," Tim Breidigan, Microsoft's product manager of Mobile Services, on "Pen Computing -- Success or Failure?" and J. Gerry Purdy, Dataquest's chief analyst of mobile computing, on "Wireless Communications: The Key to Pervasive Pen Computing."
In the featured presentations, Stratton D. Sclavos, Go's vice president of worldwide sales and business development, will speak on the topic "Mobile Computing Is Here to Stay!"
James Dao, CEO of Communications Intelligence Corp., will examine "Pen-Based Computing for the Horizontal Market: The Inevitability of the Pen on Desktops, Notebooks, and Handhelds." Howard Elias president of Grid, will address the subject, "Pen Computing Is Now Mainstream for Mobility."
Also at PenExpo, the Boston Computer Society will host a special session on "Pens in the Consumer Market," to be delivered by Donna Dubinsky, president/CEO of Palm Computing and previously a cofounder of Claris.
The exhibit area at PenExpo will feature PenLabs, a demonstration room set up by PenWorld Labs to give attendees a close-up look at pen products. Qualified lab staff will be on hand to answer questions about the new technology.
Also within the exhibit component, mobile and pen computing companies will hold in-depth classroom-style workshops on their products and services. Today from 1:15 to 2:00 p.m., IBM Microsoft, and Toshiba will be the presenters. Tomorrow from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m., Grid, Computer Intelligence Corp., and Kalidor will step to the plate.
Wednesday afternoon at 3:30, PenWorld will hand out the Point Awards, based on a poll of readers as to which categories they consider to be "best" in a number of categories, including spreadsheets, tablets, pentops, palmtops, PIMS, PDAs, forms builders, and development environments.
At the end of the awards ceremony, Pen Magazine will conduct a drawing for the winner of the "best computer under $5,000," as determined by the Point Awards. Entrants in the contest will include all PenExpo preregistrants. Other prizes will be announced during the show.
Friday at PenExpo will be devoted to a series of Post-Conference Seminars entitled "High-Level Application Development Tools," "Primary Pen Operating Systems - Back-to-Back Presentations of the Leading Operating Systems," and "PenWorld Labs Evaluation Criteria."
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930831/Reader and press contact: Boston University Corporate Education Center, tel 508-649-4200)
Education Center, tel 508-649-4200)
8/31/93
PenExpo Conference Opens In Boston
GENERAL
AT&T Expands GaAs IC Production
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- In a move aimed at increasing production of critical fiber optic and wireless communications-related semiconductors such as low noise amplifiers, AT&T Microelectronics has announced that many of its gallium arsenide (GaAs) semiconductors will soon be built by Beaverton, Oregon-based TriQuint Semiconductor using AT&T production and design technology.
In return for access to production facilities and a cash infusion, AT&T will gain minority stockholder status and a seat on TriQuint's board of directors.
Although TriQuint already makes telecommunications and computer semiconductors, the gallium arsenide chips will be produced using a new technology developed by AT&T which will continue development of both products and manufacturing processes as well as continuing to jointly market the GaAs microchips.
These chips also have applications in high-speed fiber optic based computer networks.
Gallium arsenide-based semiconductors provide better performance (higher switching speeds) and better power handling capabilities than silicon-based semiconductors, but are considerably more difficult to produce and thus more expensive.
Dick Muldoon of AT&T told Newsbytes that foundry operations will be transferred to TriQuint over the next 18 months with each product being qualified for production at the higher-volume production facility before production is dropped at AT&T Microelectronics.
(John McCormick/19930831/Press Contact: Dick Muldoon, AT&T Microelectronics, 908-771-2825)
Dick Muldoon, AT&T Microelectronics, 908-771-2825)
8/31/93
AT&T Expands GaAs IC Production With New Partner
GENERAL
Int'l Teletext Expands Market
SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- International TeleText Communications Inc., said it expanded its network coverage through an agreement with Silver King Communications Inc., of St. Petersburg, Florida.
ITC offers online services at about 48,000 bits/second which are sent inside a TV picture, according to ITC president Bob Evans. The company offers free stock exchange listings, on a 15-minute delay, through Standard & Poors Comstock, as well as the USA DecisionLine service, a long-time favorite of BBS operators through Gannett. The services are free, because there's advertising in them in order to pay the costs.
Silver King Communications Inc., is the fifth largest broadcast group in the United States, reaching up to 40 million homes via 12 stations in such major markets as New York, Los Angeles Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Tampa Cleveland, Long Island, and Miami. ITC is already broadcast in San Francisco on KICU and Los Angeles through KHSN. ITC is a unit of a Hong Kong company, WKK International holdings Ltd., which makes electronic equipment on an OEM basis for sale by other companies.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930831/Press Contact: International TeleText Communications Inc., Bob Evans, 408-735-8833)
Inc., Bob Evans, 408-735-8833)
8/31/93
Int'l Teletext Expands Market
TELECOM
AT&T Enhances InterSpan
BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- AT&T announced a series of enhancements to its InterSpan frame relay service aimed at helping companies tailor its use to their specific needs. All three new options will be available in the first quarter of next year, AT&T said.
A new disaster recovery option, for instance, allows connections using AT&T Accunet Switched Digital Services in the unlikely event of an access link failure or degraded access link to InterSpan. Full password security is maintained and traffic is switched back to the frame relay network when quality is restored. This is in addition to alternate dial-in access at 9,600 bits/second and 14,400 bits/second.
For easier management, customers will be able to change or delete login records with a new batch file transfer procedure, at no extra charge. And there's a new call detail billing report available, detailing use of the network by users ID. It's designed for customers who want to periodically audit use of the system to control costs.
The InterSpan service is accessed through a local, toll-free seven-digit number, 950-1288, or 950-1ATT. Such local toll-free lines have long been used to provide local access to calling card services. The access is currently available in 90 percent of the US, and there's a toll-free 800-exchange number available for other areas.
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- When more than 2,000 BBS system operators (sysops) got together at the prestigious Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs recently for the second annual ONE BBSCON trade show, one of the issues they discussed was user access to and downloading of adult images.
About 100 sysops and other interested parties attended a panel discussion about adult images online, trying to find out how to walk the fine line between making a service available that their customers obviously want and staying clear of the police.
Panelists for the workshop, which was chaired by EXEC-PC Vice President of Operations Greg Ryan, included Jim Maxey, founder and president of Event Horizons Inc., and operator of Event Horizons BBS, a board specializing in graphic images; electronic frontier Foundation's Shari Steele; Larry Wood, forum administrator of CompuServe's Graphics Forums; and Lee Noga owner of Lion's Den International, Inc., a worldwide distributor producer, and publisher of CD-ROMs, many of which include adult images.
Sysops are concerned about the adult image issue because the stakes are high. Law enforcement officers have swooped down on several board bulletin board locations across the country, confiscating all of their hardware, software, and business records. In Des Plaines Illinois a board operator was arrested recently in what is believed to be the first prosecution of its kind in that state's history
More and more boards are including the X-rated material for a simple reason - their subscribers want it. The question is how to offer what users desire and still stay clear of the law. The panelists some of whom have had close up and personal encounters with federal and state law enforcement agencies, said there are still a lot of questions unanswered. However it appears that more boards will add adult images to their offerings, but are looking for ways to keep it legal.
It's also a source of big money. With thousands of users accessing the estimated five percent of the nation's boards that offer adult material at annual fees of $25 to $50, hundreds of thousands of revenue dollars are at stake.
Suggestions from the panelists included doing everything possible to assure that subscribers accessing the adult material area over 18 years of age. Users accessing adult material on BBS systems can expect to be asked to mail in a copy of a document that establishes age, such as a driver's license. If they aren't already, they can also expect to start paying for connection to boards that carry adult material with a credit card. Jim Maxey says both Secret Service and FBI agents have told him that if a board user has a major credit card, there's a good probability he or she is over 18.
What can you, the board users, expect in the future? Look for dazzling graphics, faster data transfer, and continued access to adult theme material. But you better be over 18 years of age, and be able to prove it. We've come a long way since Playboy Magazine came in a plain brown wrapper.
(Jim Mallory/19930831)
rown wrapper.
(Jim Mallory/19930831)
8/31/93
BBS Operators Ponder Adult Image Issue
TRENDS
Sony To Launch Smaller Cellular
THATCHAM, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- After the runaway success that it has enjoyed over the last year with its CMH333 "Mars Bar" sized hand portable cellular phone, Sony is about to launch another pocketable unit, the CMR111 cellphone.
This unit is even smaller than the CMH333, measuring 2.675 x 3.375 inches and just under an inch thick. Because the UKP 449-99 cellphone is so small, it will not "reach" between the ear and mouth of a typical user. For this reason, a flip down tubular microphone not unlike an operator-style mike, allows the user to speak into the phone.
Optional extras for the 165-gram phone include a UKP 69-99 wired remote control and a similarly priced mike/earpiece unit, both of which allow the phone to be used on a totally hands-free basis. A car kit is also available at UKP 229-99 -- UKP 30 more than the car kit available for CMH333 hand portable. The car kit includes a cradle and all wiring requiring to install in a car, bar the aerial and its cabling, Newsbytes understands.
Although this Newsbytes bureau has yet to get a hands-on with the new Sony handportable, a review on MTV Europe, the satellite TV station, over the last few days revealed that the unit is incredibly small and, as such, is aimed very much as a pocketable device that can be used as required, rather than as a general purpose cellular phone.
Despite its small size, the new cellphone has a standby time of up to 14 hours and 60 minutes talk time -- the same as the CMH333 unit. An unusual feature is a rapid charge time of 60 minutes.
Sony will launch the phone in late September in the UK. Similar launch schedules are being planned for other countries, Newsbytes understands.
(Steve Gold/19930831/Press & Public Contact: Sony UK - 0635-873322)
/Press & Public Contact: Sony UK - 0635-873322)
8/31/93
Sony To Launch Smaller Cellular Hand Portable
TELECOM
Wall Data To Acquire Capella Sys
; SOUTHALL, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Wall Data has announced plans to acquire Atlanta-based Capella Systems, a developed for Windows-based electronic mail client software. The Windows-based connectivity company has also announced it has made an equity investment in Isocor, the Los Angeles-based developer of messaging transport systems.
Announcing the deals, Archie Thomas, Wall Data's vice president for Europe, said that the company's Rumba software provides PC users with easy access to data and applications residing on public or private networks.
"These announcements mean we now have the technology to provide the same kind of easy connectivity of electronic mail applications, and the foundation for developing additional messaging clients in the future," he said.
The Capella agreement involves Wall Data exchanging 145,000 shares of its stock plus an extra 5,000 shares-worth of cash in exchange for the entire stock in Capella. This values the deal at around $3.2 million, Newsbytes notes.
Plans call for Wall Data to continue to develop, market and support Capella's Smartscreen software. Capella's staff will join Wall Data's as an operating unit, and CEO James Ottinger will stay on with Capella for an unspecified period of time to direct product integration.
The Isocor deal, meanwhile, centers around an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) license agreement with the company for technology that will eventually be integrated into Wall Data's products. The amount of the equity investment in Isocor has not been revealed.
According to Dr Andy De Mari, Isocor's president and CEO, the deal gives Wall Data access to Isocor's X.400 technology. X.400 is the agreed standard by which messages and binary files can be exchanged between otherwise incompatible online systems. The X.400 standard was agreed by the CCITT, now superseded by the International Telecoms Union, an international telecoms regulatory body.
"X.400 is the standard for worldwide transfer of business documents via electronic messaging. The Wall Data/Isocor partnership will give Rumba users the ability to communicate with corporate information systems and the 15 million mailboxes accessible via X.400 technology," he explained.
(Steve Gold/19930831/Press & Public Contact: Wall Data - Tel: 081 813-8188; Fax: 081-813-8693)
Tel: 081 813-8188; Fax: 081-813-8693)
8/31/93
Wall Data To Acquire Capella Systems
BUSINESS
Bell Canada Denied Local Rate In
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Canadian regulators have said no to a 40-percent increase in local rates requested by Bell Canada, the country's largest phone company.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) also denied Bell permission to expand the local calling areas around Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, while levying an extra charge on customers in those areas. But the CRTC did give Bell permission to improve its 911 emergency service and to pass on the cost to subscribers in the form of a 32-cent-a-month charge.
In February, Bell asked the CRTC for a two-stage rate increase amounting to total increases over present rates of between C$1.90 and C$4.90 per month for residential service, and C$3.25 to C$13.25 for single-line business customers. The original application called for an interim rate increase April 1, with the remainder of the hike taking effect September 1. The CRTC earlier denied the interim increase.
In filing the request, Bell officials said the higher rates were needed because of growing competition, not only in the long-distance field as a result of the CRTC decision last year that allowed two other companies to launch competitive long-distance service, but also from alternative carriers such as cellular telephone firms and long-distance resellers.
The company said it expected to fall short of its regulated rate of return, which was pegged at 12.25 to 13.25 percent. The CRTC has addressed that issue by moving the target, lowering Bell's allowable rate of return to the 11-to-12-percent band. The regulators also allowed Bell an increase in its debt-to-equity ratio.
In a press release, the CRTC said Bell had overestimated its expenses, "as it has in previous projections since 1988." The regulators also said Bell had underestimated market growth and overestimated the effect of competition on its revenues.
In a statement responding to the decision, Bell called the ruling shortsighted and "inconsistent with maintaining a world-class telecommunications system." The company hinted that service could suffer as a result.
But Philippa Lawson, counsel with the Public Interest Advocacy Centre in Ottawa, scorned that suggestion. Bell has thoroughly modernized its network in recent years, she said, and "there's absolutely no reason for the quality of service to fall." Lawson added that growing competition means Bell would be cutting its own throat if it skimped on service. The Public Interest Advocacy Centre represented the National Anti-Poverty Organization, which opposed the rate increase, during the CRTC hearings.
"We're really pleased that the CRTC is doing its job and looking beneath the numbers that Bell has provided," Lawson said.
Unitel Communications Inc., the Toronto-based company that last year received permission to compete with Bell in nationwide long-distance service, also praised the decision, saying Bell "must fund price cuts through greater operating efficiencies and not by exploiting its monopoly base."
The Canadian Business Telecommunications Alliance (CBTA), an association of major business customers, took much the same view. "Our membership supports the CRTC in its finding that a rate increase of that magnitude -- or any magnitude for that matter are not warranted in the circumstances," Joseph Schmidt, the CBTA's president, told Newsbytes.
Denise Sarazin, a spokeswoman for Bell, said the company had not made a decision on whether it might appeal the CRTC ruling.
The extra fee for 911 will cover Enhanced 911 service, which means the origin of every call made to the emergency number is automatically identified at the emergency monitoring station.
Bell had also asked regulators to approve the transfer of some of its assets and services to Bell Sygma and WorldLinx Telecommunications, new subsidiaries created this year. The CRTC said it could not do so without an independent assessment of the value of those assets and services.
(Grant Buckler/19930831/Press Contact: CRTC, 819-997-0313; Linda Gervais, Bell Canada, 613-781-3724; Public Interest Advocacy Centre, 613-562-4002)
c Interest Advocacy Centre, 613-562-4002)
8/31/93
Bell Canada Denied Local Rate Increase
TELECOM
Aldus Shuffles Mgt Team
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Aldus Corporation announced this week that it has named its founder, president and chief executive officer as the company's first chairman of the board of directors, and its chief operating officer has resigned concurrent with the elimination of that position.
Paul Brainerd was named chairman and will also retain the duties of president and CEO while executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles conduct a search for his successor. The search is expected to take several months.
Brainerd founded Aldus in 1984 and has led the company to its position as one of the top ten software companies in the world reporting annual revenues in excess of $154 million.
Brainerd will apparently distance himself somewhat from day-to-day activities, saying about his new position, "This move will enable me to continue to help guide the company, while allowing some time to pursue my personal interests outside the software industry." However he says he will focus on Aldus' long term business vision and corporate strategy, and will continue as a company spokesperson. Aldus spokesperson Kim Bouic compared his role to that of John Warnock at Adobe Systems. Brainerd is interested in environmental activitism and may pursue activities in that field. Brainerd said he made it clear to the board of directors two years ago that he was interested in a less direct management role. "I made no real secret of my desire to eventually transition myself."
Chief Operating Officer Sandy Smith joined Aldus in 1988 as vice president of operations and was appointed COO in 1992. She was responsible for sales, marketing, product development, operations finance and worldwide subsidiaries. Those functions will now report directly to the chief executive officer when that position is filled. Her resignation was effective immediately. Brainerd said Smith had made it clear she wasn't interested in the CEO job.
Industry analysts expect Aldus to introduce a new product in the publishing area by the end of the year, and Brainerd, while not confirming that, did say, "We've got some very strong products coming."
Aldus recently purchased After Hours Software and the Company of Science & Art, a developer of post-production broadcast quality digital effects, and has also introduced fee-based service offerings, mostly for professional graphics artist who use Pagemaker and other publishing programs. Aldus released Pagemaker 5.0 this summer.
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Electronic games maker Sega Enterprises has placed a multi-million order for ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) chips from Colorado Springs, Colorado-based Ramtron International Corporation. The chips will be used in Sega video game cartridges.
Sega says it selected the FRAM chips to replace its present non-volatile memory method, a combination of a lithium battery a controller chip, and a static RAM (SRAM) chip.
The new order is the second from Ramtron, following a 100,000-chip order about three months ago. It's the largest FRAM chip order for Ramtron to date. Jack Morgan, Ramtron's marketing VP, says FRAM will be the next generation of semiconductor memory. "We expect FRAM memory to be included in additional SEGA game titles as well as in countless other consumer products as Ramtron moves forward."
FRAM chips retain the information stored in them when the power is turned off or interrupted, and holds promise for non-volatile personal computer system memory as larger capacity chips are developed.
Ramtron spokesperson Lee Brown told Newsbytes that the agreement with Sega precluded him from disclosing the total value of the deal but did say the order is for about two million units. Brown said the chips will be used in games that have not been introduced to the market yet. "We are building the chips now and plan to ship them before the end of the year."
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Symantec is buying again and this time it's Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Fifth Generation Systems, probably best known for its personal computer (PC) backup software product Fastback. This makes the tenth company in four years.
The Peter Norton Group, developer of utility products for PCs was the first company Symantec bought beginning in 1990. Since then Symantec has been on a buying spree, acquiring some of the best known companies. These include: Dynamic Microprocessor Associates, maker of PC Anywhere; Zortech, developer of C++; Leonard Development Company, maker of Great Works; Multiscope; the Whitewater Group; and Certus, maker of tools for software developers; and Contact Management International developer of ACT. The tenth company acquired was an exclusive independent distributor of Symantec products in Europe Symantec UK.
Fifth Generation Systems develops and markets utilities for DOS, Windows, OS/2, Unix, Macintosh, and Netware operating systems. The company's products include Fastback, Safe Disklock, Pyro, Suitcase. Fifth Generation president, Barry Bellue, will join Symantec to help integrated the company's products into Symantec's utility effort and assist in the ongoing centralization of Symantec's service and support operations.
Symantec said plans are to integrate the Fifth Generation organization into Symantec's Peter Norton Computing Group.
Estimated cost of the acquisition is about $43 million at current market prices. The acquisition will be accounted for as a pooling of interests as Symantec will issue approximately 2.8 million shares of its common stock for the current outstanding shares of Fifth Generation's stock, the company said.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930831/Press Contact: Brian Fawkes Symantec, tel 408-446-8886, fax 408-253-3968)
es Symantec, tel 408-446-8886, fax 408-253-3968)
8/31/93
Symantec Buys Again, This Time 5th Generation
BUSINESS
Judge Denies Microsoft Injunctio
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Stac Electronics is gloating over the denial of Microsoft's motion for a preliminary injunction against its compression product Stacker 3.1.
Judge Edward Rafeedie in US District Court in Los Angeles California, said the issues in the case need to be decided at trial.
The battle began when, spurned by Stac Electronics, Microsoft made a deal with Verisoft to include a modified version of its software compression product, now called Doublespace, in the MS-DOS 6.0 operating system. Stac filed suit when pre-release copies of the DOS 6.0 operating system were distributed in January of this year, claiming the compression product is in violation of two of its patents.
Microsoft filed a countersuit against Stac and company president and chairman of the board, Gary Clow, for patent infringement, breach of contract, conspiracy to commit fraud and other claims. Microsoft claims both Stacker 3.0 and the new Stacker 3.1 products are in violation of its copyrights, but sought only to enjoin Stacker 3.1 as the 3.0 version had been on the market for some time. Stac officials claim Microsoft timed the injunction to coincide with the release of Stacker 3.1, but Microsoft officials deny Stac's allegations.
Stac has reported losses, layoffs, and lower earnings and is vocal in blaming Microsoft for its woes. Gary Clow, president and chief executive officer of Stac said, concerning today's announcement: "We are very pleased that Judge Rafeedie agreed with us, ruling in our favor against Microsoft's motion, and we now look forward to going to trial in December on our original complaint."
John Mason, senior corporate attorney for Microsoft said: "The ruling is not a determination of the merits of our case. It means only that the court declined to enjoin sales of Stacker v. 3.1 prior to trial. We will continue to aggressively pursue all aspects of our case, including issues not covered by our motion for preliminary injunction. We look forward to presenting our entire case at trial."
The trial date is currently scheduled for December 14, 1993.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930831/Press Contact: Lois Leslie, Stac Electronics, tel 619-431-7474, fax 619-431-1001; Collins Hemmingway, Microsoft, tel 206-882-8080, fax 206-936-7329)
y, Microsoft, tel 206-882-8080, fax 206-936-7329)
8/31/93
Judge Denies Microsoft Injunction Against Stac
BUSINESS
Key Apple EzTV Developer Leaves
SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 AUG 31 (NB) -- Apple Computer Interactive Television team member, Michael Grant, is leaving Apple to join Canadian interactive software developer Sanctuary Woods. Sanctuary Woods is known for its multimedia software titles, some done in conjunction with actress Shelley Duvall.
Grant is to begin work next month in Sanctuary Woods' new San Mateo, California offices on a new genre of titles aimed at the planned interactive cable systems called the "I-television" brand. The titles will be done first on compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), but are planned to eventually be available on cable once the interactive cable infrastructure is in place the company said.
At Apple, Grant was responsible for developing a plan for Apple's participation on the interactive television market and was working on long-term interactive cable technology and business planning. He was also product manager for Apple's television users interface EzTV, which was introduced at the Seybold Digital World Conference in Beverly Hills in June.
Scott Walchek, president and chief operating officer at Sanctuary Woods, said concerning Grant: "Michael brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the emerging interactive cable market to Sanctuary Woods. His talent and expertise make him the ideal individual to lead our products from CD-ROM into the interactive cable world."
The company develops titles for both the Windows and Macintosh platforms and is planning titles for the new 3DO interactive multiplayer. Current titles include: "The Awesome Adventures of Victor Vector & Yondo Series," "The Selfish Giant," and "Shelley Duvall's, It's a Bird's Life." Planned titles will be under the brands: "I-learn," "I-tales," and "I-ventures," the company said.
Key Apple EzTV Developer Leaves For Sanctuary Woods
APPLE
New Edition Of Computer Industry
LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- The sixth edition, for 1993, of the well-regarded Computer Industry Almanac is now out.
As in previous years, this latest edition is chock-full of information including entries on some 2,900 computer companies, 930 publications, 246 market research firms, 389 associations and user groups, 71 book publishers, 51 testing companies, 255 conferences and over 7,300 key people in the computer industry.
The 816-page book is co-authored by two long-time computer industry observers and users, Dr. Karen Petska Juliussen and Dr. Egil Juliussen.
Now available in bookstores or directly from the publishers, the 1993 Computer Industry Almanac is $45 in softcover, or $55 for the hardcover edition. For more information or to order directly contact Computer Industry Almanac, Incline Village at Lake Tahoe Nev., at 800/377-6810 or 702/831-2288, or fax 702/831-8610.
(Computer Currents/19930901)
fax 702/831-8610.
(Computer Currents/19930901)
9/1/93
New Edition Of Computer Industry Almanac Out Now
GENERAL
Exploring Multimedia BBS Goes On
SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- "Exploring Multimedia," a Macintosh multimedia newsletter launched in January 1993, has gone online with the Exploring Multimedia Bulletin Board System (BBS). "Exploring Multimedia" is published by the Multimedia Workshop.
Subscribers to the monthly newsletter can now download demos examples, and multimedia source materials, as well as communicate online with other users and with the publishers of the newsletter.
"More than any other publication, we needed a way to distribute electronic documents and materials to our readers," explained Michael Murie, editor of "Exploring Multimedia." "The BBS makes this possible," he added.
The BBS uses Spider Island Software's TeleFinder, a Macintosh GUI to provide a Mac Finder-like interface. Files are organized in folders and users can download by dragging a file icon to their hard disk. Spider Island is currently working on a Windows version of TeleFinder.
The BBS does not replace or supplant the newsletter. The content of the newsletter remains the same, but references will be made to material available on the BBS. Back issues will also be available on the BBS. A CD-ROM (compact disc - read only memory) version of the newsletter is also planned.
There are no online costs when accessing the BBS other than any telephone charges. Anyone with a Macintosh and modem can call and download the client software, or simply log-on using the command line interface. Newsletter subscribers have full access and can connect for up to two hours per day. Non-subscribers are limited to 30 minutes a day.
The phone number for the Exploring Multimedia BBS is 617-666-9447. The "Exploring Multimedia" newsletter costs $60/year from Multimedia Workshop, P.O. Box 44-37, Somerville, MA 02144. Voice phone 617-776 2469.
(Marguerite Zientara/19930901)
2469.
(Marguerite Zientara/19930901)
9/1/93
Exploring Multimedia BBS Goes Online
APPLE
Wordperfect Enters Microsoft Eur
HK Businesses Want Hotline Suppo
WANCHAI, HONG KONG, SEP 1 1993 -- Hong Kong executives expect more than just products from their PC software vendors -- they are looking for service and support. This is the clear message from a recent survey conducted by ResearchAsia on behalf of Microsoft Hong Kong.
"What a surprise!" Newsbytes was told by one user of packaged software products who preferred not to be named in case what little support he had been receiving dried up completely. "It is heartening that Microsoft is taking the initiative, though," he said.
The survey, which canvassed more than 230 organizations across a broad cross-section of Hong Kong business, aimed to determine customer satisfaction in the areas of software, support and service. Conducted blind, it required participants to complete a detailed questionnaire on a range of topics including hardware, operating systems, applications and hotline support.
"Over the past few months, Microsoft has placed a great deal of emphasis on providing first-class hotline support," explained David Chung, Product Support Services Supervisor of Microsoft Hong Kong.
"The results of this survey highlight the fact that it is no longer acceptable for PC software vendors like ourselves to supply products alone. Whether respondents are registered as Microsoft users or with other vendors, their needs are the same -- service and support is now a top priority," he said.
One of the key questions was to establish how many customers currently use a hotline. To support this, further questions asked participants to choose from a list of vendors or the names of their products.
Respondents were asked to identify vendors who offered a hotline service; if they thought that it was offered at no charge to registered users; and to evaluate the service against criteria such as hours of availability, ease of use, the knowledge-level of the engineers taking the calls, and how effectively problems were solved.
"More than half of the respondents confirmed that they already use a hotline service," said Chung. "Of those who don't, 40 percent felt that it was `very important' and an additional 50 percent said that it would be nice to have."
More than 150 companies in the sample group named Microsoft when asked to select vendors who offer this service in Hong Kong but the company is quick to point out that this is only part of the story.
"Surveys like these play an increasingly important role in our market," said Laurie Kan, Country Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong.
"Customer satisfaction is paramount. We need to ensure that we're adopting the right strategies and we need to know how we stack up against the competition. We also expect to find problem areas that need to be addressed and this survey is no exception," he said.
Newsbytes spoke with another information technology (IT) consultant who commented that there had been a noticeable increase in trade in illegally copied software at the notorious Golden Shopping Arcade over the past year or so.
"Generally this can be read as a barometer for the status of software support in the territory, the availability of illegally copied software is inversely proportional to the quality of the support services. That has been the way here for years, and it isn't likely to change," he said.
When respondents were asked to identify areas for improvement faster response to enquiries was top of their list. Longer service hours and rapid telephone answering were also priorities.
A report prepared from the survey data concludes that, although Microsoft has a high profile for offering hotline services, it clearly has some competition. The data suggests that that all vendors must continue to focus on fast access to top quality technical support.
Last year data from a similar questionnaire revealed that although DOS was still the most prevalent desktop operating system in Hong Kong, but the latest survey reveals some growth in Windows applications usage, with companies in the banking and finance manufacturing and computer services sectors predominant in naming Windows as their standard environment.
(Keith Cameron/19930901/Press Contact: Sasha Skinner, Microsoft Tel: 804 4261)
/Press Contact: Sasha Skinner, Microsoft Tel: 804 4261)
9/1/93
HK Businesses Want Hotline Support - Microsoft Report
GENERAL
Int'l Teletext Expands Market
HK Businesses Want Hotline Suppo
Canadian Show Roundup: Macs, EDI
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- The computer show and conference circuit in Canada in September will include a wide selection of events aimed at different industry segments.
The Canadian Business Telecommunications Alliance (CBTA) holds its annual conference in Montreal this year, at the Palais des Congres. The conference runs from September 12 to 16, with an accompanying exhibit area open September 14 to 16. Key speakers will include Richard Solomon, co-author of The Gordian Knot: Political Gridlock and the Communications Revolution, to be published by MIT Press later this year, and Pauline Couture, a Quebec writer, broadcaster, and consultant.
Digital Consulting of Andover, Massachusetts, will hold its Downsizing Expo in Toronto September 13 to 15, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Speakers will include Digital Consulting Chairman George Schussel, columnist and consultant Cheryl Currid, veteran Canadian computer-industry commentator William Hutchison, and Janet Perna, director of database technology at the IBM Toronto laboratory.
Macintosh enthusiasts can look forward to Macworld Expo/Canada, also at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, September 20 to 22. Organizers say this year's show will cover 130,000 square feet of exhibit space, and the conference program includes nearly 100 sessions.
At the same time -- September 20 to 22 -- the EDI Council of Canada will run its regional EDI Forum at the Constellation Hotel in Toronto. The three-day conference will include keynote speakers, seminars, workshops, and an exhibit area.
Finishing off the month, the 16th Annual Ottawa Business and Government Computer Show is slated for Lansdowne Park September 29 and 30. More than 150 exhibitors are expected, organizer Industrial Trade & Consumer Shows Inc. of Toronto said.
(Grant Buckler/19930830/Press Contact: David Eliot, Macworld Expo, fax 617-361-9074; Patricia D. Marshall, Industrial Trade & Consumer Shows, 613-567-8471; Public Contact: Digital Consulting 508-470-3880, fax 508-470-0526; Macworld Expo, 416-620-5412; EDI Council of Canada, 416-621-7160; CBTA, 416-865-9993, fax 416-865-0859; Industrial Trade & Consumer Shows, 613-567-8471 or 416-252-7791, fax 416-252-9848)
ows, 613-567-8471 or 416-252-7791, fax 416-252-9848)
9/1/93
Canadian Show Roundup: Macs, EDI, Telecom And More
GENERAL
$77M Expansion For NatSemi In Ma
Samsung Non-Impact Printers To B
Japan - Sega Links With Motion P
Canadian University Offers On-Li
LONDON, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- The University of Western Ontario has announced plans to offer "Navigating The Internet", a five-week on-line computer communications course.
The course, which starts September 20th, costs $150 (Canadian) and is based on a pilot course given during summer 1993. Mark Baycroft of the University told Newsbytes that the pilot course was extremely successful.
"We had a very good response. While the pilot was rather limited to people in this area of the world, the new session has participants from around the world. We have students from Alaska, Wisconsin Australia and, of course, Canada," he said.
Baycroft said that he views courses like this as "the future of education as I see it. I think that we will really see marked growth over the next few years in courses delivered in this manner. I know that we have four or five courses on the drawing board for the spring semester."
The course schedule, as announced, is:
Week 1: Introduction: Course outline and documentation. Getting connected and basic instructions on using e-mail to communicate with the instructor and other students. How to send messages to users on other systems.
Week 2: Telnet & Gopher: How to use Telnet to access other systems including Library Catalogs, free databases and commercial systems. Instructions and practice on getting on systems. Finding out what is available. Exploring the Internet with Gopher & exploring Gopherspace with Veronica!
Week 3: USENET or NEWS: How to use the NEWS computing conferencing system. Reading NEWS for information and making contacts.
Week 4: FTP: How to use anonymous FTP to transfer software programs, electronic journals and data files from remote archive sites. How to find out what is available.
Week 5: Other Tools: Archie, WAIS, the internet bbs, World Wide Web and more.
(Barbara E. McMullen & John F. McMullen/19930901/Press Contact: Mike Baycroft, The University of Western Ontario Libraries, 519-661-2111 X4809, voice; E-mail on the Internet: baycroft@lib.uwo.ca)
voice; E-mail on the Internet: baycroft@lib.uwo.ca)
9/1/93
Canadian University Offers On-Line Internet Class
GENERAL
Seven Million US Telecommuters P
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- According to some statistics pulled together by telephone equipment maker PhoneMate the number of home offices is growing at a steady rate due both to telecommuting and new businesses.
BIS Strategic Decisions reports that the company's latest data shows 4.5 million people in the United States now telecommute at least part-time, a 15 percent increase from last year and the research firm sees 7 million telecommuters by the end of 1996
Telecommuting improves productivity, cuts commuter driving time and consequent air pollution, and reduces office space requirements according to BIS Strategic Decisions' Jon Hulak.
The research firm also claims that there are now about 39 million home office workers in the United States, including both owner operated businesses and telecommuting installations.
More than 12 million of those workers were either fired or encouraged to leave companies under early retirement plans and opened up their own businesses either to tide them over until permanent positions opened up or as permanent careers.
Unsurprisingly, the PhoneMate sponsored report quotes Noramae Munster, owner of a small home-based, San Pedro, California graphic design firm as saying that the basic tools for a home office include a good telephone, an answering machine, and fax capabilities.
Jim Oblak, vice president of marketing for PhoneMate, which makes telephone answering machines and portable phones, says: "Home office workers really don't need to spend a lot on business equipment, with a little research, outfitting a modern home office can cost as little as $2,200."
Of course most home office experts also say that the average home business will also need at least a basic computer.
(John McCormick/19930901/Press Contact: Lisa Verbeck, Bob Thomas & Associates for PhoneMate, 310-314-6600)
b Thomas & Associates for PhoneMate, 310-314-6600)
9/1/93
Seven Million US Telecommuters Predicted By 1997
TRENDS
Fax Access To BBSs Gains Momentu
s WHEATON, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Fax access has given bulletin board systems (BBSs) a new dose of popularity, and makers of fax server systems like Copia International are rushing to cash in on the success of the technology.
Newsbytes talked with Steve Hersee, president of Copia, which makes a system called FaxFacts. His fax-on-demand system was originally designed for stand-alone use, but he says sales have risen sharply since he announced support of major BBS software systems such as Galacticomm's Major BBS.
"For BBS people we tend to be a fax server," he said. "They have interfaces to our software that cause us to send a fax. We're interfaced with Galacticomm and some others. The interface is quite simple," he said.
"Basically FaxFacts lets you offer the same information you offered through a BBS," he added. "Both the National Cancer Institute and Department of Commerce had computer bulletin boards. But they found utilization wasn't what they'd like. When they added the fax their utilitization took off."
"We point to the same data. If you've got 30,000 to 100,000 files out there we have a mechanism to point at them with a number. That mechanism is sitting there weekly or monthly, and once the data is in place our stuff points to it," he told Newsbytes.
As a result, he added, the company now has nearly 700 systems in use. "We're starting to see a pattern," he said. "Municipalities love us."
According to Hersee, one of the newest FaxFacts systems on offer is Flood/Fax, offered by the Department of Commerce and Greater Des Mouines Chamber of Commerce Federation, offering updates on the Mississippi floods and how to get help.
"The Flood/Fax system was also used for Hurricane Andrew relief, and could be put into service immediately. They doubled the size, from 8-16 lines. It's actually the same number used for the Hurricane. In both cases the government bought from us," he said.
"The person who put the stuff up in the Commerce Department runs their 900 number and is familiar with how the systems work," he added.
And Newsbytes notes that the Government isn't the only buyer. "In the private sector we're doing well. Dow Corning has a system. We're getting customers all the time. Fax on demand is starting to become common," he said.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930901/Press Contact: Steve Hersee, Copia International, 708-682-8898)
Copia International, 708-682-8898)
9/1/93
Fax Access To BBSs Gains Momentum
TELECOM
STB Intros 24-Bit Accelerator Ca
RICHARDSON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- STB Systems has announced plans to start shipping its Pegasus PCI 24- bit graphics accelerator card, a local bus-compatible card that can display 16.7 million colors at resolutions up to 1024 by 768, later next month.
STB Marketing Communications Director Robert Hoskins told Newsbytes that a few boards are already in the hands of final beta testers and, based on their findings, he expects the cards will ship in late September.
According to Hoskins, Pegasus comes in two configurations. The base system will be configured with 4 megabytes (MB) of video RAM and will support resolutions up to 1,024 by 768 pixels at 16.7 million colors and up to 256 colors at 1,600 X 1,200 pixels resolution on non-interlaced monitors. Non-interlaced monitors repaint every other line of the screen image on each scan, while interlaced monitors have their images completely repainted on each scan.
STB claims that it will also offer a 2MB version that will support up to 65,000 colors at 640 by 480 pixels resolution or 256 colors at 1,280 by 1,024 pixels, with refresh rates of 60, 72, 76 and 80 hertz supported.
The Pegasus PCI cards come with software that allows the user to change the monitor resolution and color settings from a window accessible by double-clicking on the Pegasus icon. STB says it will also include PowerStar, a power management utility that reduces the monitor's power usage after a user-specified period.
Pegasus PCI comes standard with a BNC-style RGB (red- green-blue) connector and a VGA 15-pin d-sub connector. The RGB connector is used with high-end desktop publishing monitors. Both connectors support variable and fixed frequency monitors.
STB says it will also include drivers for Windows 3.0 and 3.1 and Windows NT applications, as well as for OS/2, SCO Open Desktop Unixware, X-Windows, and several CAD (computer aided design) and CAM (computer aided manufacturing) platforms.
The 2MB version of Pegasus PCI will sell for $799, while the 4MB card will have a suggested retail price of $999.
(Jim Mallory/19930901/Press contact: Robert Hoskins, STB Systems 214-234-8750, ext 402; Reader contact: STB Systems, 214-234-8750)
contact: STB Systems, 214-234-8750)
9/1/93
STB Intros 24-Bit Accelerator Card
Olivetti Unveils New Range Of Hi
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Olivetti UK has announced a range of high-end servers that it claims will address the Novell Netware, Unix and Microsoft Windows NT market-place.
According to Alan Hendry, Olivetti UK's LSX product manager, the LSX 5000 is the company's flagship solution for departmental networks serving between 10 and 250 users. Olivetti claims that the machines will act as platforms for the company's Open Systems Architecture (OSA).
The LSX 5000 series includes four new models, all based around a 60 megahertz (MHz) Pentium processor and will ship in the UK towards the end of the year.
Pricing on the systems ranges from UKP 4,538 for a 5015DX2 system which comes with 8 megabytes (MB) of memory and a 340MB hard disk to the 5025DX2AD, which comes with 8MB of memory, a 420MB hard disk and a 250 user Netware site licence.
According to Hendry, corporates today are demanding a far greater choice when it comes to servicing departmental computing needs. "The new LSX family if modular in design and enables users to migrate to more powerful solutions as and when processing power becomes available and the need arises," he said.
"Having established the positive correlation between performance and available cache memory, we have built in a facility that enables users to increase cache on selected models and thereby satisfy the high performance requirements of `heavy duty' departmental applications," he added.
(Steve Gold/19930901/Press & Public Contact: Olivetti UK - Tel: 081 785-6666; Fax: 081-874-3014)
vetti UK - Tel: 081 785-6666; Fax: 081-874-3014)
9/1/93
Olivetti Unveils New Range Of High End Servers
AST Europe Unveils Bravo Desktop
BRENTFORD, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- AST Europe has launched a new range of Bravo desktop and notebook PCs for sale in the UK. The Bravo LC and NB series join the company's recently announced energy efficient Bravo LP series to create what Olivetti claims is a complete range of value-oriented computing solutions.
The key advantage of the Bravo range of energy efficient PCs is that they all feature local bus graphics sub-systems. The first Bravo notebook, the NB, is available with both monochrome or color displays and claims to have been designed with optimal price/performance in mind. The Bravo LC desktops, meanwhile, claim to feature improved graphics performance and greater expandability over previous Bravo desktop systems.
Announcing the new Bravo machines, Frank O'Brien, AST UK's sales manager, said that AST has expanded the number of ranges in the Bravo series from one to three to allow business users to have a complete range of value-oriented computing solutions.
These include "from enhanced mid-size desktop computers and low profile, energy efficient systems to feature-rich notebook computers. With this broad-based product offering, users will find the new value line ideally suited for virtually every working environment," he said.
The Bravo NB series are based around a 25 megahertz (MHz) Intel 80486SX processor and feature a type III PCMCIA (personal computer memory card industry association) slot, integrated tracker ball and a choice of mono, passive or active matrix color displays. Hard drive options are 0 (floppy only) megabytes (MB), 80MB or 170MB with pricing ranging from UKP 1,495 to UKP 3,095.
The Bravo LC series have a very wide range of processors including 25MHz and 33MHz 80486SX, 33MHX 80486DX, and 50MHz or 66MHz 80486DX2 chips. All the LC series come in three flavors -- floppy only, 120 or 210MB hard disk-equipped. Three monitors are available 14, 15 or 17 inch.
Pricing on the LC varies widely, starting at UKP 1,195 for a 4MB memory, 120MB hard drive-equipped Model 123B with 25MHz 486SX processor, up to UKP 2,545 for the top of the range 66MHz 486DX2 processor-based Model 213B with a 17 inch monitor and 210MB hard disk.
(Steve Gold/19930901/Press & Public Contact: AST UK - Tel: 081-568 4350; Fax: 081-568-4600)
act: AST UK - Tel: 081-568 4350; Fax: 081-568-4600)
9/1/93
AST Europe Unveils Bravo Desktop And Notebook PCs
Sega Orders FRAM Chips For Games
Review of - Boatowner's Guide To
Browsing the Internet
Gandalf Builds New Bridges
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Gandalf Premier, a division of Gandalf Technologies, has launched two new local-area network (LAN) bridges and software for an existing remote LAN bridge.
The LANLine 5210 and 5211 are both local bridges meant to isolate work groups from a corporate network backbone, explained John Pelkola, director of business development for Gandalf Premier. They cost less than the existing 5220L local bridge but lack some of its features, such as support for the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), which allows bridges to be managed from a remote console.
A network bridge filters traffic on a LAN, allowing a message to pass through it only if its destination is on the far side of the bridge. This reduces the load by keeping messages from travelling throughout the network needlessly.
The 5210 is a device smaller than a cassette tape and able to plug into an existing network hub or repeater. In use, it can support a maximum of 256 users and draws its power from the network. Even an inexperienced user can install the bridge quickly, Pelkola said.
The LANLine 5211 has a larger enclosure to accommodate connections for both thick Ethernet (AUI) and thin Ethernet (BNC) cabling, Pelkola said. It also supports as many as 1,024 users.
The previously available 5220L, meanwhile, supports about 2,000 users and provides extensive filtering options not available with the new models, he added.
The LANLine 5210 has a list price of US$499 or C$639. The 5211 is priced at US$895 or C$1,095. Both are shipping now. The 5220L sells for US$1,600.
Gandalf has also unveiled OptiMiser, software for the remote version of the 5220 bridge. The software improves data compression and offers bandwidth on demand for users of Novell Inc.,'s IPX protocol the company said. The software is available now at C$800.
(Grant Buckler/19930901/Press Contact: Alex Brisbourne or John Pelkola, Gandalf Premier, 613-723-6500; Diane Slopek, Creative Marketing Network for Gandalf, 416-539-0694)
k for Gandalf, 416-539-0694)
9/1/93
Gandalf Builds New Bridges
GENERAL
D n R
EIS Conference - Planning Scienc
UK - Netware 3.12
Beyond Intros BeyondMail 2.0 Rem
India - Technology Briefs
UK - Security Software For VTAM
Tech Support Productivity Low, B
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Tech support productivity at software companies is not as high as it ought to be according to a new survey by Softletter, presented at OpCon East '93 this week.
That news may be disheartening to CEOs, CIOs, and CFOs, but the study arrived at some upbeat findings, too. Low-priced software is costing vendors the least amount of money to support, while high priced software is costing the most to support, and this is just as it should be, according to Jeffrey Tarter, Softletter's editor and publisher.
Tarter told Newsbytes that the new study is the most in-depth examination of tech support costs and productivity that Softletter has ever done. Softletter undertook the project as a result of vendors' needs for concrete data, he added.
"Software company execs are very concerned about costs and productivity. They talk about these issues a lot. But they haven't had solid numbers to work with," he explained in an interview with Newsbytes.
Softletter explored the tech support cost issue in a survey conducted three-and-a-half years ago, but the latest inquiry is much more exhaustive, he said. This is the first time Softletter has ever looked into the tech support productivity market-place.
To rate productivity, the total number of employees in a company was divided into the total number of phone calls received. Softletter used the total number of employees, rather than the total number of tech support staff, on the theory that other employees are supposed to be assisting technical staff in doing their jobs.
Results showed that the average software company employee received ten calls a day, and the average call lasted eight minutes, meaning that each employee was on the phone less than two hours each day.
"But this doesn't suggest that the tech support people are goofing off," Tarter emphasized. Instead, the results indicate that tech support staff as well as other employees are often engaged in supplementary activities, such as research, he said. Further, at small software houses, tech support staff often double as field installation personnel.
To measure the costs of technical support, Softletter looked at costs as a percentage of revenues. The ratio was 10 percent for complex vertical/industry and job-specific applications, which carried a high median price of $1,495, and for programming tool/language apps, with a median price of $395. Not far behind, at 9.9 percent, were accounting/finance/tax apps, with $300 as a median price.
At the other end of the spectrum, the ratio was 3.5 percent for consumer/entertainment apps, with a median price of $50, and 2.8 percent for education apps, with a rock-bottom median price of merely $47.
In between these two extremes were moderately priced packages such as communications/networking, utility/add-on/desk accessory publishing/presentation/fonts, and general business. Regardless of the degree of application complexity, the majority of tech support time was devoted to the installation phase, Tarter said.
The findings indicate that, for tech support to be cost effective companies must keep the prices of complex applications relatively high, he told Newsbytes.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930901/Press and public contact: Softletter tel 617-924-3944)
901/Press and public contact: Softletter tel 617-924-3944)
9/1/93
Tech Support Productivity Low, But Software Priced Right
TRENDS
Digitalk Ships Version 2.0 of Sm
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Digitalk has released a major upgrade of the Apple Mac edition of its Smalltalk/V object-oriented programming environment.
According to Michael Arrigo, vice president, Version 2.0 does an even better job than its predecessor of hiding the maze of complicated Mac subsystems from the developer. In addition, support for System 7 is stronger than before, and developers can port applications more quickly between Mac, Windows and OS/2 Smalltalk/V platforms, he said.
Arrigo told Newsbytes that the package provides a new event-driven user interface framework with enhanced browsers and inspectors for faster programming, along with a new object filer for easy retrieval and sharing of objects between users and applications.
The new interface is more consistent with Smalltalk V's Windows and OS/2 development environments, he noted. At the same time, high level object-oriented support is included for System 7's Data Access Language/Data Access Manager, letting developers access Standard Query Language data via DAM application programming interfaces, 32-bit color QuickDraw, QuickTime, Balloon Help, and AppleEvents. Further, 200 new Toolbox classes have been added.
Version 2.0 also comes with new packaging and improved documentation, Arrigo said. The 1,000 pages of documentation is divided into three manuals. These include a revised Smalltalk/V tutorial customized for the Mac, a complete class encyclopedia of the base image, and a rewritten reference manual explaining the new application framework and the enhancements to the operating system interface.
Version 2.0 is available now at a list price of $495. Registered users of Smalltalk/V for the Mac can upgrade for a limited time for the special price of $149. The purchase price includes unlimited runtime applications.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930901/Reader contact: Digitalk, tel 310-645 1082; Press contact: Barbara Noparstak, Digitalk, tel 310-645 1082)
act: Barbara Noparstak, Digitalk, tel 310-645 1082)
9/1/93
Digitalk Ships Version 2.0 of Smalltalk/V For Mac
APPLE
Canadian Firm Offers NT Developm
MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Accelerated Data has announced a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) workstation tailored for use by software developers working on programs for Microsoft's new Windows NT (New Technology) operating system.
Windows NT runs on personal computers built around Intel's x86 line of chips, but also on RISC processors from MIPS Computer Inc. and Digital Equipment Corp. The Accelerated Data system uses the MIPS R4000 50/100 megahertz (MHz) chip.
The system comes with 32 megabytes (MB) of memory, expandable to 64MB, a 1.2-gigabyte (GB) hard disk, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive, 512K bytes of high-speed secondary cache memory, an S3 Super VGA adapter, a 15-inch 1,280 by 1,024 non-interlaced monitor, six 32-bit Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) slots, a keyboard, and a mouse, plus Windows NT.
A version is also available using the R4400 chip, and both versions are upgradable to future versions of the R4000 and R4400 chips. According to Kevin Cornell, president of Accelerated the company builds the machines using system boards from a California company.
The list price is C$10,750, Cornell said, and Accelerated Data will also rent the machines for C$398 per month. They carry a three-year warranty.
(Grant Buckler/19930901/Press Contact: Kevin Cornell, Accelerated Data, 416-672-9299, fax 416-672-5906)
erated Data, 416-672-9299, fax 416-672-5906)
9/1/93
Canadian Firm Offers NT Development System
GENERAL
PenExpo: IBM To Announce New Mob
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- IBM plans to announce a completely redesigned mobile PC product line-up, ranging from handhelds to notebooks, within the next 30 to 45 days Newsbytes has learned. The upcoming announcement was revealed by Deborah Dell, product manager, Tablet Systems for IBM, during an Information Workshop at PenExpo.
Also at the workshop, Dell divulged details of several products and features within the forthcoming mobile series, including a pen/notebook convertible, an "A4-sized tablet," a snap-on keyboard a docking station, cellular wireless capabilities, PCMCIA slots, and ultimately, AT&T's Hobbit processors.
After the presentation, Dell told Newsbytes that the PCs will be "upgradeable" to monochrome notebook, color notebook, and pen screens, and that enhancements will be made throughout the line. "You haven't seen a PDA from IBM yet, but I guarantee you will," the product manager commented during her talk.
The new PCs will initially use Intel processors only, but a migration will eventually be made to the Hobbit, she told the workshop participants.
Among the first crop of new models, only one, the pen/notebook convertible, will run IBM's new OS/2 for Pen, Dell said. The docking station will be able to work with any of the new IBM models, and possibly with PCs from other vendors, she added.
IBM will also be announcing new cellular wireless capabilities within the next 30 to 45 days, said Dell. "You'll probably see them demonstrated on our new (mobile PC) products," she noted.
IBM's new PC series will retain some of the characteristics of the current ThinkPad line, such as TrackPoint, an industrial design and ThinkPad's general display capabilities, she said. "But these PCs will be lighter and more durable," stated the product manager.
The new pen/notebook convertible will be the first in its category from IBM, according to Dell. IBM had developed a convertible alongside the ThinkPad 700C, but ultimately decided not to release that item, she revealed. IBM's upcoming convertible will be able to use a color notebook screen without being too heavy to carry she explained.
The forthcoming A4-sized tablet will be a streamlined version of IBM's current B5-sized tablet, offering the same size screen in a steno pad-sized package weighing less than four pounds. Another member of the new family will be an enhanced edition of the ThinkPad 720 notebook, she said.
"There are other people working on snap-on keyboards, but I think we'll be the first ones with it," Dell observed. The PC manufacturer has also invested a lot of effort in PCMCIA slots, trying to decide how many Type II and Type III slots to use, she revealed. "We have 25 people on staff who are dedicated to PCMCIA," she noted. Advanced power management using 33 volt technology will also be incorporated.
Cursive handwriting recognition will be added in 1994, according to Dell. "You can also expect to see from us a trend toward ROM-based software," she said. A PIM is one likely application, she divulged.
"In addition to what you'll see 30 to 45 days from now, very shortly you'll see a new announcement from IBM on multimedia," the product manager told the workshop participants.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930901)
he workshop participants.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930901)
9/1/93
PenExpo: IBM To Announce New Mobile Line Within 45 Days
Dell Intros Optiplex L PC Family
AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Dell Computer has expanded its OptiPlex line of PCs with the introduction of the OptiPlex L family, which the company claims is targeted at "techno-critical" users.
Dell's latest marketing strategy divided users into several "techno" categories, a process is calls "techno-typing." "Techno-critical" is the category Dell assigned to business users who need advanced features and functions. The OptiPlex L systems start at $1,278 including a color monitor. The "L" line is immediately available in the US., and Dell says it will be available in Canada in mid September.
The OptiPlex L models join the OptiPlex MX PCs announced in early August. The "L" chassis includes three ISA (industry standard architecture) and three drive bays. The OptiPlex chassis is designed to be re-configured with the removal of a few screws and snapping components in or out.
That feature allows users to turn an "L" model into an "MX" model if they want to expand the system to five ISA slots and five drive bays. An optional up[grade for a VESA local-bus slot is available.
The new line of PCs is available with a variety of Intel 486 microprocessors from 25 megahertz (MHz) to a 66MHz DX2, has two buffered serial ports, a 128-kilobyte external cache, and easy upgrade of system and video BIOS from the company's electronic bulletin board.
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Microsoft didn't get the contract, but its expects to sell millions of dollars worth of software because of it.
"It" is the Desktop IV contract for the purchase by the US Air Force of personal computers. The contract, after months of wrangling by the various bidding hopefuls and several re-awards by the government, finally went to Zenith Data Systems and GTSI, and will include hundreds of thousands of copies of Microsoft software. Ironically, Desktop IV was supposed to be awarded under a speeded-up government purchasing procedure but instead may go into government purchasing annals as the most difficult contract ever awarded.
Desktop IV calls for the personal computers to be supplied with Microsoft Office, a suite of software that includes Microsoft Word Excel, and PowerPoint. Word is a top-selling word processing program, Excel is Microsoft's entry in the spreadsheet wars, and PowerPoint is a presentation graphics program.
Microsoft claims that the Desktop IV contract will add up to 300,000 users of Microsoft Word and other Microsoft Office software in government offices all over the world. The company says about 40 percent of the copies of Word being sold are through the Microsoft Office collection. Microsoft said it expects that percentage to increase to 50 percent by the end of the year. The company estimates there are about 10 million Microsoft Word users world-wide.
Microsoft has said it expects to release a major upgrade to Word, to be called Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0, by the end of the year. New features are expected to include support for object linking and embedding (OLE) version 2.0 that provides drag-and-drop editing between applications, as well as a technique called visual editing which allows the user to edit spreadsheets, graphics, and other objects without leaving their current document.
Microsoft is also expected to increase the capabilities of Wizards the step-by-step help it has introduced in several of its most recent releases. The company also says Word for Windows 6.0 will offer "improved consistency and integration with other major Microsoft business applications."
Also look for improved file conversion for Wordperfect documents as Microsoft continues its campaign to get Wordperfect uses to switch to Word. the features of WordArt will also be enhanced to include TrueType fonts and an improved selection of patterns and shapes. Word art is an easy way for Word users to form text into arcs or circles and apply a particular type style to the text.
Version 6 of WFW is also expected to utilize a technology Microsoft calls IntelliSense. According to Chris Peters, general manager at Microsoft's word business unit, IntelliSense "senses what the user wants to do and intelligently produces the desired result, making routine tasks automatic and complex tasks easier."
(Jim Mallory/19930901/Press contact: Lisa Matchette, Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080; Reader contact: Microsoft Corporation 206-882-8080, 800-426-9400)
oft Corporation 206-882-8080, 800-426-9400)
9/1/93
Microsoft Sees Big Business In Desktop IV
Iomega Slashes Bernoulli Drive,
ROY, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Iomega Corporation said this week it has implemented the most aggressive price reduction it its 13-year history when it cut the retail price of its current line of Bernoulli removable media drives and media cartridges by almost 50 percent.
Iomega claims that, with the price reductions you can now buy a Bernoulli MultiDisk 150 drive for $589 and one of its 90MB drives for $499. The price of the data storage cartridges used by the drives -- resembling an oversized and thicker 3.5 inch floppy disk is now $119 for both 150 and 90 megabyte capacities in single unit sales, and $99 per disk when sold in a five-pack of 90MB cartridges.
Iomega markets its Bernoulli cartridges in 35MB, 65MB, and 105MB sizes. A single 35MB disk is now available for $39 under the new pricing structure.
Bernoulli drives are available in various configurations for both IBM-compatible PCs and Apple Computer's Macintosh platform. The drives come in both exterior and interior models. Price cuts apply across the board, and range from 17 percent to 51 percent.
The company says it's making the price reductions in order to keep their prices in line with the lowering of desktop personal computers prices.
(Jim Mallory/19930901/Press contact: Jennifer DeAnda, Franson Hagerty & Associates for Iomega Corporation, 408- 453-5220; Reader contact: Iomega Corporation, 800-777-6179)
der contact: Iomega Corporation, 800-777-6179)
9/1/93
Iomega Slashes Bernoulli Drive, Media Prices
New Alpha Chips Aimed At Volume
Olivetti Targets Compaq With M4
Wordperfect For Windows 6.0 Due
OREM, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Wordperfect Corporation has announced plans to ship release 6.0 of its Wordperfect for Windows word processing program before the end of the year.
That puts perennial competitors Wordperfect and Microsoft neck in neck for the "who can get our word processing product out the door first" award. Both companies are now touting the new features of their respective programs. It isn't likely to be vaporware (a product that is announced but never ships) of the days of yore, but it seems that the period between features announcements of major upgrades and the appearance of that upgrade on the shelf is getting longer and longer.
Wordperfect says that Wordperfect 6.0 for Windows "offers everything needed to create professional-looking documents: powerful word processing, drawing, charting, spreadsheet functionality within tables, and direct integration with other Windows applications."
The company is heavily touting the user-customization of version 6.0, saying virtually any aspect of the interface can be customized. Users will also be able to have a less cluttered screen to work on by clicking on the Hide Bars feature that removes the button Bar Power Bar, Ruler Bar, and Status Bar. Access to the main menus is still available by moving the mouse pointer to the top of the screen.
The Button Bar, which provides quick access to Wordperfect features and macros (repetitive keystrokes that are stored for replay, such as the steps necessary to print a document) will be able to "float" anywhere on the screen or as a floating palette, a feature already available to Microsoft Word users through MasterWord, a third-party program recently reviewed by Newsbytes.
Wordperfect will also have a Power Bar that contains icons providing one- click access to formatting tasks. Wordperfect's Power Bar can be customized. Moving the mouse pointer over a Power Bar icon (the little pictures that represent functions or applications, such as a picture of a printer to start printing the document)automatically pops up content- sensitive help for that function.
WP corporation says that version 6.0 will also have templates called ExpressDocs, a collection of pre-formatted fax forms, memos newsletters, and other documents. WP says the templates are more than customized documents, are interactive, and will prompt the user for the information to enter. It's a technique also used by MasterWord which combines a pre-formatted document with a macro. We found it very useful when we reviewed MasterWord.
WP says it's making the transition from Wordperfect for DOS users as easy as possible. Macros will run in version 6.0 for either DOS or Windows, and files are also compatible. The company is also introducing Coaches, a feature similar to Microsoft's Wizards. Coaches are prompts that lead the user step by step through a variety of common tasks.
There will also be a feature called QuickMenus. By clicking the right mouse button, a context-sensitive menu will appear that contains commands appropriate for the current task. For example, in a document, a right-button click will present a menu that allows you to select text, change margins, or add comments to a document.
There's also a Preview Windows feature that lets the user see what the document will look like if you make changes such as setting different margins or changing the line spacing.
WP for Windows 6.0 will also allow the user to launch any Windows application or file from within Wordperfect. Suppose you use a Windows-based spreadsheet program frequently and want to be able to access it from within Wordperfect. Just drag the spreadsheet program file icon to the Wordperfect Button Bar. Click on the spreadsheet icon to launch the spreadsheet application.
Wordperfect for Windows 6.0 supports dynamic data exchange (DDE) and object linking and embedding (OLE). spreadsheet and database files can be directly imported to WP. The company claims that Paradox dBase, Oracle, and popular SQL formats are supported. Once imported the user can do queries to extract only the desired data. You will also be able to launch Wordperfect Draw from within the word processor, create a drawing, and embed it in the document via the OLE support.
WP Corp says the suggested retail price of release 6.0 will be $495. Present users can upgrade for $125, while users of competitive products can change for $149 if their original product cost at least $395. You will need at least a 386- based PC, a minimum of four megabytes of memory, and Windows.
VIENNA, VIRGINIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- America Online announced new deals to bundle its software with computer hardware and added a new special interest section from a unit of Communications Trends.
Simba Communications Trends, owned by Cowles Media of Minneapolis said it will begin offering a forum on America Online starting in October, which will include the posting of many of its 60 newsletters and other products, searchable by keyword, as well as a bulletin board through which its editors will answer reader questions. The America Online deal will also include a daily electronic news service covering the media industry. The deal is non-exclusive.
Simba also said it's bought NewsInc., a magazine covering the newspaper industry, from Fadner Media Enterprises and will turn it into a twice-monthly newsletter starting in October. NewsInc personnel will stay at Simba to edit the new newsletter as well as the daily news service, which will be called Simba Media Daily.
President Alan Brigish explained that the company's strategy is to become a leading business publisher for the media industry, "from the traditional to the futuristic."
Simba was bought a few years ago by Cowles, which is best known for publishing Folio, a business magazine for magazine publishers.
More important for America Online, however, are its deals with Compaq and Compudyne under which the two computer makers will bundle AOL software on their machines aimed at the consumer market. Other companies which announced last month their intention to pre-install AOL software are IBM, Tandy, Apple, and AST, NEC and Acer.
By pre-installing its Windows-based communications software and interface on computer hardware, the online service gets the first shot at becoming the online home of new computer buyers.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930901/Press Contact: Jean Villanueva America Online, 703-883-1675; Simba Communication Trends, Chris Elwell, 203/834-0033x130)
Communication Trends, Chris Elwell, 203/834-0033x130)
9/1/93
America Online Picks Up Bundling Deals, Simba Forum
TELECOM
F *
Claris & Quality Computers Annou
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Claris and Quality Computers have announced that AppleWorks 3.0 and AppleWorks GS will be developed, marketed, sold, and supported by Quality Computers, effective October 1. Also, Quality Computers has announced version 4.0 of AppleWorks 4.0, which will begin shipping in October.
Kevin Mallon, a spokesman for Claris, told Newsbytes that the company realized there were " a few AppleWorks users," and therefore "looked for a vendor willing to upgrade the product and avoid abandoning the product completely."
Announcing the deal, Dick Gorman, Claris vice president of world wide marketing, said: "While continuing its central focus on productivity applications for Windows and Macintosh, Claris has secured a robust upgrade path for AppleWorks and AppleWorks GS user and institutions with Quality Computers. As soon as AppleWorks moves to Quality Computers, a brand new full-featured upgrade will be available to every current AppleWorks 3.0 user."
According to the companies, AppleWorks 4.0, written by AppleWorks 3.0 authors Randy Brandt and Dan Verkade, provides a number of improved features, including a built-in macro player plus several macros that will automate some AppleWorks functions.
Version 4.0 also offers better integration capabilities that link the AppleWorks modules -- a word processor, data base, and spreadsheet. Other new features include built-in AutoSave, split screen word processor window, and a number of new Activities Menus that give users the ability to Edit Disk Activities, and File Activities.
(Ian Stokell/19930901/Press Contact: Kevin Mallon, Claris - 408-987 7227)
/Press Contact: Kevin Mallon, Claris - 408-987 7227)
TUCSON, ARIZONA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Artisoft's LANtastic peer-to-peer network operating system (NOS) has selected for the "Best of Times" award by McGraw Hill's LAN Times magazine.
The award names LANtastic as the top peer-to-peer Windows-based NOS as selected by the LAN Times Testing Center. According to Artisoft LANtastic was evaluated against six other leading peer-to-peer networking products, including Novell's NetWare Lite and Microsoft's Windows for Workgroups.
The products were evaluated on networking functionality performance, management, installation, and ease of use. The award appeared in the August 23, 1993, issue of LAN Times magazine.
Peer-to-peer NOS local area networks are becoming increasingly popular among small businesses and even individual departments of large companies because they do not require a dedicated server.
Computers on the network can be either a client or a server, or both. This allows network systems to access each other's resources such as hard drives, CD-ROMs and printers. Peer-to-peer NOS are lacking in a number of features compared to dedicated server-based products such as the market-leading NetWare.
For example, notes Newsbytes, security can be a problem for managers of peer-to-peer LANs because of everyone's ability to access most resources. Also, the back-up of vital files can be a problem, with the data dispersed over many hard drives -- on a dedicated server system, all data would be on the server, and therefore easy to back up on a regular basis.
Concerning the award, Artisoft's William Keiper, president and chief executive officer, said: "We are extremely pleased to win this prestigious award from such as highly regarded publication. Version 5.0 continues the LANtastic award-winning tradition, and Artisoft takes its networking know-how into more market segments."
International Data Corporation (IDC) reportedly ranks Artisoft as the number two network vendor in overall world-wide NOS license shipments. IDC also maintains that LANtastic holds a 46 percent share of the peer-to-peer NOS market, nearly doubling its next closest competitor. LANtastic also has a claimed installed base of over 1.6 million users world-wide.
LANtastic is available for DOS and Windows environments, and offers multiplatform connectivity for NetWare, TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) and Apple Macintosh systems. It allows up to 500 users on one network to connect and share information and peripheral devices.
(Ian Stokell/19930901/Press Contact: Joe Stunkard, Artisoft 602-670 7145)
ress Contact: Joe Stunkard, Artisoft 602-670 7145)
9/1/93
LAN Times Rates Artisoft's LANtastic In Top Slot
GENERAL
Dell Intros Optiplex L PC Family
Stratus To Buy Shared Financial
International Phone Update
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Privatization, cost cutting, and competition have remained the watchwords in the world's telecommunication networks over the last week.
In New Zealand, Telecom's share price slumped as traders feared a court would roll-back planned lay-offs. The court had ruled that unions must be consulted before lay-offs, but it doesn't require that the union agrees to the lay-offs.
Telecom is owned in part by Bell Atlantic and Ameritech of the US. The job-cuts, amounting to a third of the workforce by 1997, were combined with a share buy-back scheme and increased dividend to send the company's stock shooting up 50 percent over the last few months. Telecom is moving to compete more closely with Clear Communications a new competitor.
Competition is also coming to Poland, where a private firm called RP Telecom, owned by US. and polish investors, began building an $80 million network in northwest Poland, near the German border. The company plans eight more networks, and links among them, in its $2 billion modernization plan, which is going up against a state-owned company called Telekomunikacja Polska.
In Mexico, where the government is hoping its Free Trade pact with the US wins Congressional approval, Telmex announced completion of the first stage of its modernization plan. The country will have 7.5 million phone lines by the end of the year, a fiber network linking 54 cities will be done early next year, and the nation's link to international fiber cables called the Columbus II network, should go onstream by the end of 1994.
Southwestern Bell of the US owns about 11 percent of the company and its profits, driven mainly by the rising price of the stock, has encouraged other US phone companies to invest heavily in privitized nets around the world.
Elsewhere, the privatization of Telebras may still be held-up by an ongoing scandal. President Adyr da Silva has been asked to resign by the nation's press, but President Itamar Franco is sticking by him. Finance Director Mauro Brito is charged with bribery involving the company's move to issue American Depository Receipts, or ADRs, in the US.
ADRs offer US investors ownership rights in foreign countries, and the protection of US accounting standards, but do not convey control and the right to vote on directors as US shareholders get from domestic holdings.
Finally, the Asian Development Bank said it will lend Indonesia's state-owned PT Telkom $100 million to expand its network in southern Sumatra by 76,000 lines, while Tele Danmark reported its profits rose nearly 50 percent for the half-year ending in June, as the national government moves to cut its stake in the carrier from over 90 percent to just over 50 percent.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930901)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930901)
9/1/93
International Phone Update
TELECOM
Broderbund Ships Print Shop Delu
NOVATO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Broderbund Software has begun shipping The Print Shop Deluxe Companion for Windows-based personal computers, priced at $39.95.
The Print Shop Deluxe Companion can be run independently or in combination with The Print Shop Deluxe, and helps users design and print "professional-looking" documents.
According to the company, the program can help design envelopes and can also co-ordinate envelope, letterhead and card designs in order to create stationery for business and personal correspondence. It can also design business cards, name tags gift tags, and post cards.
The company claims that the Print Shop Deluxe Companion includes more than 350 color graphics and 25 TrueType fonts.
Other features of The Print Shop Deluxe Companion include: a name and address list manager, for the creation of a personal database and to manage multiple mailings; initial caps and numbers feature which allows for the designing of lead characters for paragraphs of text or monograms for stationery; Timepieces, which allows the user to select from a cabinet of clocks and cartoons to display the time of a party or meeting; the Border Maker feature, which allows for the creation of customized borders; and the Graphic Library Manager, which lets users merge and rename graphics for creating personal graphics libraries.
The Print Shop Deluxe Companion is designed for IBM PC/Tandy and 100 percent compatibles with a 386SX or greater microprocessor. The software requires two megabytes (MB) of RAM (although 4MB is recommended), a hard disk, a high-density 1.2MB 5.25-inch or 720 kilobyte (KB) 3.5-inch drive, a VGA monitor, and a keyboard or mouse. The package also requires at least Windows 3.1.
(Ian Stokell/19930901/Press Contact: Karen Omholt, 415-382-4639; or Dawn Montoya, Broderbund Software - 415-382-4637)
4639; or Dawn Montoya, Broderbund Software - 415-382-4637)
9/1/93
Broderbund Ships Print Shop Deluxe Companion For Windows
GENERAL
EIS Conference - Planning Scienc
UK - Netware 3.12
Beyond Intros BeyondMail 2.0 Rem
UK - Security Software For VTAM
Claris Ships FileMaker Pro 2.1 F
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Claris has announced the shipment of its FileMaker Pro 2.1 for Windows and Macintosh cross-platform database. According to the company, the new version offers expanded peer-to-peer networking support.
Kevin Mallon, a spokesman for Claris, told Newsbytes that the new version contains "no inherent changes in the graphical user interface," but it does contain "more networking support." The version number is the same for both platforms, he said.
The company claims that the new version allows PC and Mac users to share complete multi-user database applications with a single menu selection across local area networks (LANs) without need for special configuration of server-based data files and applications.
FileMaker Pro is claimed to be fully compatible with Novell NetWare Microsoft LAN Manager, Microsoft Windows for Workgroups, Banyan Vines, Artisoft LANtastic network, and other NetBIOS networks. The package is claimed to support the standard NetBIOS application programming interface (API).
The new version also supports Novell's MacIPX, a tool that reportedly provides streamlined peer-to-peer integration between FileMaker Pro 2.1 Windows and Macintosh users, without need for special configuration of server-based data files and applications.
Announcing the product, Dick Gorman, Claris vice president of world-wide marketing, said: "FileMaker Pro 2.0 was the first true end-user cross-platform database, and now, in less than one year FileMaker Pro 2.1 enhances cross-platform computing, running over more LAN products than any other database in its class,"
According to Claris, the product was designed to support QuickTime for Windows. FileMaker Pro 2.1 for Windows also supports Windows' DDE (dynamic data exchange) facility. The company also claims that a new ScriptMaker step within version 2.1 allows FileMaker Pro Windows users to automatically send e-mail to Microsoft Mail and Lotus cc: Mail and other applications that support MAPI and VIM APIs.
FileMaker Pro 2.1 for Windows will carry a suggested retail price of $129 through January 1994. FileMaker Pro 2.1 for Macintosh is available for $399. Updates for 2.1 from both FileMaker Pro 2.0 Macintosh and Windows versions are priced at $20 (shipping and handling costs only).
Competitive trade-ups for FileMaker Pro 2.1 for Windows, all priced at $99, are available to users of other popular DOS and Windows database software products, including Access, FoxPro Approach, PFS Professional File, Q & A, dBase, rBase, Reflex, PC File, Paradox, Alpha Four, and ACT Contact Manager.
Competitive trade-ups for FileMaker Pro 2.1 for Macintosh, priced at $119, are available to users of 4th Dimension, dBase Mac, Double Helix, FoxBase+, Omnis 7 and Panorama.
Mallon told Newsbytes that, like version 2.0, version 2.1 has four basic modes: "browse," "find," "layout," and "preview." At that time the company claimed that, by switching between these four screens users could design a database, present and format data, search for records, summarize data, print reports and print mailing labels and envelopes.
To set up a database, users define fields from a central menu either with a mouse or using the keyboard. Fields can contain text numbers, dates, times, sound, video, graphics, calculations, or summaries, and can be changed at any time.
Mallon told Newsbytes that the files can be password-protected and users do not have to know how to program.
(Ian Stokell/19930901/Press Contact: Kevin J. Mallon 408-987-7227; or Steve Ruddock, 408-987-7202, Claris Corp.)
-987-7227; or Steve Ruddock, 408-987-7202, Claris Corp.)
9/1/93
Claris Ships FileMaker Pro 2.1 For Macintosh & Windows
GENERAL
PenExpo: Eo Is Targeted At Frequ
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Eo Incorporated is aiming the Eo at "frequent travellers," a group of executives and other white color professionals who are on the road extensively, but who are not intensively computer literate, according to Ted Barnett director of hardware product management, in a presentation at PenExpo.
Barnett told the audience that Eo's recent merger with GO was designed in part to help deliver PDA hardware and software more smoothly. Upcoming Eo hardware, he said, will be smaller and lighter, he added. After the presentation, he told Newsbytes that Eo will be announcing new hardware in the fourth quarter of this year.
The frequent travellers the Eo is targeted to spend 48% of their time outside of the office, and take an average of 5.5 trips per month, according to Barnett.
Although 60 percent of the group uses fax when out of the office and 17 percent use notebooks, few of them yet use e-mail yet, he added. But the fax users have become very reliant on faxing, often finding out before a trip whether the hotel has fax facilities, or whether a copy shop is located nearby, he noted. In the future, the group will turn increasingly to e-mail, he predicted.
The frequent travellers consist of professionals such as doctors and lawyers, in addition to executives, said Barnett. "They're not spreadsheet guys, or word processing guys. They're not document creators, but document annotators," he commented.
Frequent travellers are also frequent users of daytimers, he added. The Eo provides daytimer-type capabilities in the area of address books and calendars, in addition to a wide range of other capabilities that travellers need.
Send and receive fax, cellular voice calling, the ability to take notes at meetings, relational databases, and connectivity with desktop PCs are some of these features, he said.
The development of new applications for PenPoint is helping to meet some of these needs, Barnett suggested. He then demo'd two applications, introduced at PC Expo, to prove this point.
Barnett showed how Aha! Software's InkWriter application lets frequent travellers easily search for, edit and annotate handwritten words in the form of electronic ink, without first translating them into electronic text. He also demonstrated how Numero 2.0 allows them to change data on spreadsheets, quickly create pie charts and bar graphs from the data, and add comments to documents.
Then, to an audible "ahhh" from the audience, he showed how the Numero 2.0 user can quickly fax or e-mail a completed document to a subordinate, simply by touching the pen to a "fax" or "e-mail" box on a menu.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930901)
il" box on a menu.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930901)
9/1/93
PenExpo: Eo Is Targeted At Frequent Travellers
Common APIs To Unify Unix At Las
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- In a move that may well turn out to be the real end of the "Unix wars," the two major Unix camps -- X/Open and a long list of hardware and software vendors -- have announced plans for a set of common application programming interfaces (APIs) that they claim will make Unix applications fully portable.
In a New York press conference this morning, Unix International (UI) and the Open Software Foundation (OSF), which for several years have backed similar but competing versions of Unix, joined X/Open in backing a comprehensive Unix specification. They said any Unix application that complies with the APIs would be able to run on any implementation of the operating system that does so, with only recompiling needed.
Geoff Morris, president and chief executive of X/Open, told Newsbytes that the announcement ends the fragmentation of Unix that has been seen as a key weakness for many years. The only way Unix could become more standardized, he said, would be if there were a single source of the system, which would not necessarily be desirable.
Industry analyst Norton Greenfeld, director of Unix systems and applications at Infocorp, agreed. "I think it finally means hat Unix as viewed by application builders is really one system," he told Newsbytes.
The list of vendors backing the initiative is a virtual census of the Unix business, including AT&T, which developed Unix in the 1970s, IBM, Digital Equipment, Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard Unix International, Santa Cruz Operation, and a variety of major applications software vendors such as Computer Associates International, Lotus Development, and WordPerfect.
The biggest name missing from the list is that of Microsoft, whose Windows NT operating system is considered something of a threat to Unix and may have helped concentrate the minds of Unix vendors on the need for a true standard.
Morris admitted the NT threat played a role, saying "competitive claims from the Microsoft NT community that the Unix community is fragmented" helped push Unix vendors toward a common standard. So did a growing user interest in open systems, he said.
The efforts of the Common Open Software Environment (COSE) initiative, in which a group of vendors last spring announced agreement on several vital Unix specifications, also helped lay the groundwork for the latest announcement, Morris said.
Greenfeld said the move "takes a little bit of the wind out of the NT marketing," but he believes that user demand was a bigger factor in forcing the standards move than the NT threat was. Unix vendors have finally realized that they can differentiate their products in other ways that do not require making them mutually incompatible, Greenfeld observed, and the move is "long overdue."
The effort's backers said that APIs were chosen based on formal industry standards, including X/Open's Portability Guide, and widely used specifications, such as the System V Interface Definition (SVID) and Application Environment Specification (AES).
A working group of Unix system vendors, Unix International, and the OSF has put together an initial draft specification, and will work with X/Open to finalize it. Member companies of both UI and the OSF will review the final document, which X/Open will add to its Portability Guide.
The draft will be available for review by the end of September, from UI or the OSF, and is to be submitted to X/Open for approval through that organization's fast track process in November. After that, test suites for verification and X/Open branding will be developed. Standardized documentation should be available by the middle of 1994. Products supporting the specifications can be expected by late 1994 or early 1995, Morris said.
The final specifications will be available to all organizations the standards-makers said.
(Grant Buckler/19930901/Press Contact: Tim Hurley or Mel Webster Copithorne & Bellows for X/Open, Unix International, and Open Software Foundation, 617-252-0606)
Software Foundation, 617-252-0606)
9/1/93
Common APIs To Unify Unix At Last
PenExpo: Kalidor Intros Pen PC,
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- At PenExpo in Boston, Kalidor has introduced a ruggedized 386-based pen PC with an infrared-capable docking station to match.
An even more capable version of the new K2000 pen computer, with a 486 processor along with an integrated GPS (global positioning system) and 24-bit camera, will be announced by the company at Comdex, Scott B. Hansen, company president, told Newsbytes.
The first version of the K2000 weighs only 3.5 pounds, and is built to withstand rugged treatment in vertical field applications, said Hansen, in an interview with Newsbytes.
The new K100 docking station uses infrared technology to communicate with a desktop PC, he added. The PC can be used as a gateway to communicate with multivendor hosts over local and wire area networks, he explained.
"A technician can come in from the field, place the pen computer in the docking station, and download the day's data into a Unix or mainframe host," Hansen illustrated. The use of the wireless docking station eliminates the need for cables between the pen computer and the desktop PC, he emphasized.
Kalidor decided to integrate wireless capabilities into the docking station, instead of using a wireless LAN PCMCIA card, because of the need for ruggedization, he explained. PCMCIA slots can interfere with a pen computer's insulation, and PCMCIA cards can be relatively fragile, he told Newsbytes.
The K2000 pen-based computer includes an 85 MB ruggedized hard disk drive, 4 MB of memory (expandable to 16 MB), a 6-by-4-inch VGA pressure-sensitive display, a tetherless pen, amd a nickel metal hydride battery rated for eight hours of operation between charges. The PC runs MS Windows with Pen Extension. PenRightPro and PenPoint operating systems are optionally available.
The K100 docking station has a two-hour direct, or eight-hour inductive recharging system. Each docking station is individually addressable by a host computer, and a variety of network protocols are supported, including Novell and TCP/IP, he said.
Kalidor can also supply system integration services for linking the K2000 and K100 to enterprise computing resources, according to Hansen.
Manufacturer's suggested prices are $3,495 for the K2000 and $965 for the K1000. The docking station and the first version of the pen computer are both scheduled for availability in the fourth quarter.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930901/Reader contact: Kalidor, tel 800-2 KALIDOR; Press contacts: Fred Gladney, Kalidor, tel 800-2-KALIDOR; Jennifer De Anda, Franson, Hagerty & Associates for Kalidor, tel 408-453-5220)
Hagerty & Associates for Kalidor, tel 408-453-5220)
9/1/93
PenExpo: Kalidor Intros Pen PC, IR Docking Station
Sharkware PIM Based On Mackay's
Yeoman Consortium Wins UK Milita
Software Dev't '93 - IBM Chief O
Hong Kong - Medical Records Onli
NCR Distributes PrintSoft Produc
Greek Alleged Wiretapper Formall
Wordperfect Enters Microsoft Eur
EC Gives Thumbs Up To BT-MCI, Al
Adobe Class Action Suit Dismisse
Claris Intros 1st Windows Produc
AST Shipping Penright Pro 3.5 Fo
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- AST has announced the latest version of its pen-based software development product aimed at C programmers, Penright Pro version 3.5. The company claims that enhancements include an integrated database manager and a library of database functions as well as improvements to the data communications capability and other new functions.
Version 3.5's database manager is implemented for developers to use alternate database software without adding overhead that might slow performance. In addition, a library of database functions to allow developers to create one or more databases is included. These functions can be used to data between forms and databases, search for specified values, create index files, and create query sets.
The data communications functions now allow applications developed in Penright! to communicate with a remote computer using the standard Hayes compatible modems that have become a standard in the personal computer (PC) industry.
The functions include: configuration and initialization functions basic modem controls to establish communications sessions over telephone lines, and functions to perform data and file transfer operations between the connected computers. An integrated data communications manager has been incorporated as well to provide the option of using other alternate data communications libraries without adding overhead.
Four other new features aimed at allowing further customization of applications are: (1) the incorporation of new verb lists; (2) the ability to create and define sets of verbs; (3) a Global Window for entry of codes or other data that a developer would want to appear in the global area of the C code; and (4) the support of new parameter types, such as ControlType, FieldType, FormType, ListType and WindowInfoType structures from within CodeStart, the code generation tool included in Penright Pro.
Penright Pro is designed for the Penright! pen-based supported by major pen-computer manufacturers such as AST Research, Fujitsu, IBM Microslate, NCR, NEC, Norand, Samsung, Superscript, and Toshiba. Industry analysts indicate the Penright! operating system has more than 80 percent of the pen- based market and AST reports sales of the operating system are up more than 200 percent.
The Penright! operating system is designed for handwriting recognition and recognizes upper and lower case characters, pen gestures and offers international character support for languages including Turkish, US and UK English, French, French Canadian Spanish, German, Italian, Danish, and Norwegian. AST claims there are over 600 developers who have developed 1500 applications for the Penright! operating system using Penright Pro.
Penright Pro Version 3.5 is retail priced at $795, but current registered Penright Pro users can upgrade for $249. The product is shipping now and more details are available via AST's toll-free information line on 1-800-876-4278)
Irvine, California-based AST is a Fortune 500 company. It recently announced the purchase of computer manufacturer Tandy Corporation and Tandy's pen-based Grid computer manufacturing. This purchase makes AST the fourth largest US manufacturer of computers and the sixth largest world-wide, according to 1992 unit volume shipment data from International Data Corporation.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930901/Press Contact: Lauren Baker, AST, tel 817-491-5369, fax 817-491-6001)
en Baker, AST, tel 817-491-5369, fax 817-491-6001)
9/1/93
AST Shipping Penright Pro 3.5 For C Programmers
GENERAL
Tech Support Productivity Low, B
Novell Offers NetWare 4.x Securi
IBM Beefs Up AS/400's Client/Ser
IBM Cutting Facilities
India Develops 40,000-Line Autom
Eastman Exchange Helps Movies Fi
EIS Conference - Planning Scienc
UK - Netware 3.12
Beyond Intros BeyondMail 2.0 Rem
India - Technology Briefs
UK - Security Software For VTAM
Westech Acquired By Integrated P
Sybase Announces Momentum Client
EMERYVILLE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 1 (NB) -- Sybase, a company known for its client/server tools announced a new family of tools under the name Momentum. The Momentum tools consist of three integrated products for developing graphical, enterprise- wide applications under Windows, Windows NT, Macintosh, and Motif platforms, the company said.
The three Momentum products are: Build Momentum, Gain Momentum, and Enterprise Momentum. Build Momentum is described by Sybase as an industrial strength tool that combines a highly visual graphical interface with the team development capabilities and scalability and is aimed at building high performance production applications.
The package is targeted at front office applications which are often characterized by graphical, management-oriented, and real-time decision support applications and can also be of use to customers who are moving back office on-line transaction processing (OLTP) applications from character terminals to new graphical platforms.
The company claims that Gain Momentum is the first object-oriented multimedia development environment that combines an information-rich user interface with seamless integrated access to relational database management systems (RDBMS).
The package is targeted at information delivery in the extended office where "elective" users within a company (such as executives) or outside the company ( such as customers or trading partners) need "enticement" to interact with the computer system.
Other uses include: decision support systems, electronic information kiosks, command and control systems, interactive product catalogs computer based training, on-line help, and reference applications.
For example, in the area of geoscience, Sybase says Gainmomentum is being used to integrate structured query language (SQL) databases containing massive amounts of data with multimedia information such as contour maps and well analysis charts to help geologists find oil reserves.
Enterprise Momentum is an object-oriented development framework based on an active repository, that provides a new development process for building complex, enterprise-wide applications.
Enterprise Momentum consists of the Enterprise Modeler, the Enterprise Meta Server (repository) and Enterprise Application Builders, Sybase added. This product is targeted at large-scale multi-departmental applications and allows application development to be done directly from models built to demonstrate what the system might look like in operation, Sybase maintains.
Stewart Schuster, Sybase vice president of marketing, commented: "People have been developing applications with procedural code for the past 30 years. Recently, many users have adopted object-oriented programming techniques in order to realize the benefits of reusable code. With Enterprise Momentum, we've combined the benefits of object-oriented technology with model-driven application generation to create 'model-oriented' development."
Build Momentum is scheduled to go into beta test in the fourth quarter of 1993 and begin commercial shipments in the first quarter 1994. Gainmomentum has been available previously but the multimedia version 2.0 has just been released commercially. Enterprise Momentum is scheduled for release in the second half of 1994.
Sybase also maintains the products are based on an open architecture and will work with third-party development tools, computer aided software engineering (CASE) products and heterogeneous databases and data sources so customers can mix and match products in a heterogeneous, networked environment.
The company said it will continue to support its previously released APT Workbench product, but claims customers will be able to easily migrate APT applications into Build Momentum. Further, Deft Sybase's CASE product, will be migrated into the Enterprise Modeler components of the Enterprise Momentum product. Both the Build Momentum and Gain Momentum tools will work as application builders in the Enterprise Momentum environment, Sybase claims.
Emeryville, California-based Sybase offers client/server-based software products and services for on-line, enterprise-wide applications. The company claims is has over 2,000 licensees world-wide and boasts revenues of $265 million.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930901/Press Contact: Holly McArthur Sybase, tel 510-596-3500, fax 510-658-9441; Public Contact 800 8-SYBASE)
-658-9441; Public Contact 800 8-SYBASE)
9/1/93
Sybase Announces Momentum Client/Server Tools
Sharkware PIM Based On Mackay's
Yeoman Consortium Wins UK Milita
Software Dev't '93 - IBM Chief O
Hong Kong - Medical Records Onli
NCR Distributes PrintSoft Produc
Greek Alleged Wiretapper Formall
Wordperfect Enters Microsoft Eur
EC Gives Thumbs Up To BT-MCI, Al
Adobe Class Action Suit Dismisse
Combo Wrist Rest/Mouse Pad
Claris Intros 1st Windows Produc
Cable Act Results In Studious De
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- As they predicted cable operators have responded to the requirements of the 1992 Cable Reregulation Act by trying to force through new rate increases, using the law's complexity as an excuse.
In Atlanta, for instance, where basic service formerly cost $29.69 per month, the new charges total $33.15. These include separate charges for a remote, a set-top converter, and a new "value pack" tier of three formerly basic channels: WWOR, WGN and the Weather Channel. A spokesman for GCTV, the local operator, blamed the requirements of the law. The company simply raised the price of "basic-basic" service, then carried those increases throughout the other tiers of service.
GCTV is far from alone. Most operators who quizzed FCC Commissioner Ervin Duggan at a speech last week claimed they would be "forced" to raise rates by the new law. Duggan claimed the only rates to rise would be basic-basic rates, which were formerly seen as "teaser" rates and thus subsidized. The increases announced yesterday, however, may not be reflected on next month's bills. Operators remain under a rate freeze ordered last spring and extended through November.
But this is not the last word. Franchise holders like the City of Atlanta may now file papers questioning the new rates. The result will be a formal rate-making procedure which could result in a city's demanding a roll-back. But the cable operator could then appeal that order to the FCC, which would have to rule on whether the roll-back is justified based on its own "benchmark" tests.
Duggan admitted in his Atlanta speech that rules for a second test for rate-making, called the "costs" test, which rural operators can use to justify higher rates, has yet to be completed, and indicated he'd favor releasing small operators from the requirements of the act. He also expressed the hope that the new rates would not prompt a flood of complaints from consumers, each of which would have to be investigated and responses made at taxpayer expense.
The results of all this are open to dispute. Operators hope that consumers will become angry at the law, and urge its repeal. Consumer advocates will urge that consumers get angry at the cable operators, and demand that the law be tightened further.
Ironically, all this is happening just as cable operators look at new, unregulated opportunities. Larry Block, who works for a unit of Wometco Cable, owner of GCTV, told an audience at the same Eastern Show where Duggan spoke that he's making big profits by linking Wometco's 12 operational "head-ends" with fiber cable then selling phone and data services where the fiber passes major office buildings. The 200-mile fiber connection thus becomes the primary competition for MFS Communications, which links businesses to the central offices of their long distance carriers, thus "bypassing" regulated phone monopolies like Southern Bell in Atlanta.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930901/Press Contact: Nancy Horne, Cable TV Association of Georgia, 404-252-4371)
TV Association of Georgia, 404-252-4371)
9/2/93
Cable Act Results In Studious Defiance
TELECOM
ISSI Intelli-Guard Computerized
OpCon East '93 Conference Opens
AT&T Enhances InterSpan
Key Apple EzTV Developer Leaves
Japan - ASCII To Beef Up PC Netw
Upcoming IDC Conference To Focus
Chipsoft Intros Turbotax Busines
Lotus Spins Off CD-ROM Enterpris
AMD Shareholder Suits Spurred By
EIS Conference Underway This Wee
Issues Narrowed In CDMA Digital
Correction - America Online SW I
Hong Kong - ICL Sells $1 Mil Ret
WANCHAI, HONG KONG, 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Britain's largest computer manufacturing and information technology company, ICL, has further secured its position in the Peoples' Republic of China with two large retail systems worth more than US$1 million.
ICL Retail Systems Asia has been contracted to supply a complete in-store and back office system for Olympic Light, a joint venture between state-owned venture capital firm China Venturetech Corporation (CVIC) and France's huge retailer, Lafayette. When opened in December this year, the store will boast about 2 million square feet of shop floor area.
The system will include more than 80 intelligent POS terminals linked to a Unix-based DRS 6000 computer system. Application software has been localized by ICL China agent, Waveful & Co. It is a full Chinese version of ICL's successful Profit package. The total contract is worth more than US$1 million.
The second deal, though slightly smaller, is no less significant according to Paul Lynch, sales manager of ICL Retail Systems. "Waveful clinched this deal with Shanghai Supermarkets with a PC-based LAN driven by ICL-developed Chinese language supermarket software," he said.
"The retail market in China is set to explode with over ten million square feet of new retail space coming on-line by the end of 1994 and these two new sites, together with our huge sale to Beijing Friendship Stores last year, should hold us in good stead for the upcoming surge," says Scarborough.
Hong Kong - ICL Sells $1 Mil Retail Systems To China
BUSINESS
Hong Kong - Digital Launches PC-
TAI KOO SHING, HONG KONG, 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Digital Equipment Corporation has announced that the DECpos intelligent point-of-sale (POS) terminal, the most recent addition to the company's integrated suite of retail technology systems, is now available in Asia.
Designed for use in specialty, discount, department, grocery drug and convenience stores, and based on industry-standard PC technology, the DECpos enables critical information to be shared throughout a retail enterprise.
"Responding quickly and accurately to customer purchasing preferences is vital for success in today's fiercely competitive retail environment," said Bernard Fung, retail/wholesale market segment manager for Digital's Asia region. "As part of Digital's commitment to total retail solutions, the DECpos gives retailers immediate access to, and control of, the information they need to make correct business decisions.
"As Asia's economies boom, retail businesses in the region are continuing to modernize their outlets and expand throughout the area. We are finding that retail executives are also demanding more cost-effective technology solutions. The DECpos meets this need by combining next-generation technology with attractive prices to help retailers keep costs under control."
Based on an Intel i386SX microprocessor, the DECpos has a modular low-profile design with a small footprint that maximizes available counter space, the company reports, and creates a more friendly environment for sales staff.
The DECpos supports industry-standard operating systems such as MS-DOS, OS/2 and Unix, allowing it to run a wide variety of popular applications. In addition, the DECpos supports FLEX as another operating system platform. In features a reliable backup system that prevents the loss of critical data during power failures.
Leading software products complementing Digital's DECpos system tailored for the Asia market include retail applications from Financial Tech Ltd and Sanyo Extended Data Systems Ltd in Hong Kong.
Financial Tech's product is a store-level application with the DECpos responsible for all POS functionality. It connects to a store PC for all inventory control, management functions, and electronic mail. On-line credit card authorization and electronic draft capture are available as options.
The DECpos/Financial Tech product is targeted at department, mass merchandise, discount, specialty and grocery stores. This total system supports both English and Chinese versions.
Sanyo Extended Data Systems offers a bilingual system for both the retail industry and the wholesale/distribution industry. The retail system includes POS for the store and a back office system for the head office. The system is targeted at department mass merchandise, discount and specialty stores.
The DECpos can be tailored to any retail environment. Options include nine-inch monochrome or 14-inch colour VGA display; up to 120 MB hard disk capacity; magnetic stripe readers and optical scanners; a Hayes-compatible modem; and interfaces to Ethernet, Token Ring and spread spectrum networks.
I TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Delrina Corp. has begun shipping FormFlow, the work-flow automation software it announced in May.
Originally due for shipment in June, the new software builds on Delrina's PerForm forms software with links to electronic mail creating a work-flow management package for personal computers running Microsoft Windows.
Work-flow automation involves putting vital business information and then using computer programs to control its movement through the organization. BIS Strategic Decisions, a Norwell Massachusetts, research firm, predicts sales of mail-enabled work-flow automation products will grow from US$19 million this year to US$128 million in 1997.
FormFlow requires electronic-mail software, Delrina spokesman Shelly Sofer said, and is compatible with the Vendor Independent Messaging (VIM), Messaging Application Program Interface (MAPI) and Message Handling Service (MHS) messaging specifications.
To use FormFlow, you create and fill out forms much as you would in Delrina's existing forms software. An Intelligent Forms Language (IFL) is used to create scripts that control what happens once the form is filled in.
For instance, filling out an order form might trigger a check against an inventory database. If enough inventory were on hand the form would go directly to the shipping department. If not one form would go to shipping for shipment of the inventory on hand, while another would go to accounts receivable to modify the invoice to reflect the back-order, and a third would tell operations to build or order more inventory.
Scripts created with IFL are portable, Sofer said -- users can change e-mail or database systems without having to rewrite their scripts.
The software can also work with popular database management packages, including Borland's dBase IV and others that follow the Xbase standard, Borland's Paradox, IBM's DB2, Oracle, Microsoft's SQL Server, and IBM's OS/2 Data Manager.
FormFlow consists of manager and user modules. The manager module for developing applications costs US$399 or C$479. User packs are available for five, 10, 25, or 50 users. A 10-user pack lists for US$1,840 or C$2,280.
(Grant Buckler/19930901/Press Contact: Shelly Sofer or Josef Zankowicz, Delrina, 416-441-3676, fax 416-441-6016; Public Contact: Delrina, 800-268-6082)
: Delrina, 800-268-6082)
9/2/93
Delrina Ships FormFlow
Borland Sets Aussie Prices
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- With the introduction of the latest Quattro Pro for Windows and DOS, version 5.0, Borland Australia has announced a new pricing structure. The prices are significantly different from those in the US.
Quattro Pro 5.0 for Windows is the single-user version of this popular spreadsheet product. It has a suggested retail price in the US of US$49. The suggested Australian price is US$130 which is more than twice what had been expected.
Borland MD Belinda Hanna said that the price had been set as a commercial decision, after talking to Australian resellers. Press reaction at today's launch event was vocal, many journalists expressing surprise that the price was so high, especially in the light of strong public feeling about excessive Aussie prices for software from the US. Ms. Hanna said she felt that the large differential would not encourage parallel importing (gray marketing) of the product but admitted that her company would fully support all Borland product, regardless of its travel arrangements.
The next version of the product is the Workgroup Edition which is essentially the same product but with connectivity and workgroup functionality. It has a suggested price of US$460 which is actually lower than the domestic US price of $495.95. Additional user licenses cost $300 each.
A new licensing program, called Borland Advantage, allows large users of Borland products to purchase product from their reseller at discounts of up to 60 percent. Preferred Customer Status gives corporate users access to strategic information briefings and technical reviews from management and technical staff. Borland Volume Licence Agreement VLS) rewards users by discounting product on a sliding scale, depending on volume. Borland Maintenance is a scheme to allow volume users to purchase upgrade products at VLA prices.
Borland Site Licence gives customers unlimited use of a product anywhere within their organization.
(Paul Zucker/19930902)
(Paul Zucker/19930902)
9/2/93
Borland Sets Aussie Prices
BUSINESS
$ N 2
Correction - Fastest Optical, No
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- In the story that ran August 17, 1993, "Fastest Rewritable CD-ROM Rivals Hard Disks In Speed," Newsbytes was incorrect in referring to the drive as a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive. It is actually a magneto-optical (MO) multifunction drive.
While Maxoptix says many of its customers plan to use the new T3-1300 drive with CD-ROM authoring workstations, the MO multifunction drive is very different. It uses disks that conform to the International Standards Organization 10089 and ECMA 183,184 media standards. These disks look much like 3.5 inch floppy disks in appearance as they are in a protective cartridge and have a metal hub in the middle, according to Werner Glinka of Maxoptix.
The CD-ROM format is based on the ISO 9660 standard and was developed by Philips and Sony in 1983.
So while the T3-1300 is the world's fastest MO multifunction drive and does rival a hard disk drive in speed with a 19 millisecond (ms) average seek time, the T3-1300 is not a CD-ROM drive. Newsbytes apologizes for this error and thanks a reader for pointing it out.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930901/Press Contact: Werner Glinka Maxoptix, tel 408-954-9700, fax 408-954-9711)
ka Maxoptix, tel 408-954-9700, fax 408-954-9711)
9/2/93
Correction - Fastest Optical, Not CD-ROM Drive
CORRECTION
NEC Supplies Color LCDs To Apple
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- NEC will supply Apple Computer with color TFT (thin film transistor)-type LCDs in what amounts to the largest color LCD shipment to a third party firm for NEC.
NEC will ship 9.4-inch-type multi-color TFT LCDs to Apple Computer in the US this October. This is a 640 x 480 pixel-type LCD. NEC expects to ship 30,000 units to Apple's plants in the US including the Fountain plant in Colorado. The color LCD costs 120,000 yen ($1,200) per unit.
Apple Computer will use this LCD on its new color notebook-type personal computer. Currently, Apple Computer obtains a supply of color LCDs from Japan's Sharp. The units are shipped to Apple's Irish plant.
NEC has been expanding its LCD business and has already announced plans to set up additional LCD production lines at its plant in Northern Japan. According to the firm's business plan, NEC aims to gain 40 billion yen ($400 million) in sales in fiscal 1994. This is 2.5 times more than what it expects to make this year.
NEC currently sells only 10 percent of all its LCDs to third party firms, but will increase this percentage to 30 percent by the end of this fiscal year. NEC hopes its Apple deal will go a long way toward achieving that goal.
NEC is also planning to manufacture the color LCDs at its US plant in Roseville, California, in the near future. One plan is to convert semiconductor chip production lines to LCD production there.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Japanese audio producers and makers of the CD medium say they will release what's called a CD-R player and CD-R disks at the end of this year. CD-R is compatible with current CDs but the big difference is that the medium allows one-time recording by the user.
The CD-R player can play the same CD discs as any CD player but users can also record new audio data on a blank CD disk. Currently, a player will allow recording only one time on a blank CD but the manufacturers hope to improve the player to allow it to record more than once within a couple of years.
The players are already being sold for corporate users but they cost about 1 million yen ($10,000). The new CD-R player for the general consumer market will be sold at around 500,000 yen ($5,000), which is about half of the price of the corporate user version. The price is expected to drop further in the future. Observers, however, suggest that the player will not catch on with the public until the price drops below 100,000 yen ($1,000).
The players will be released by Pioneer, Yamaha, Maranz Japan, and Kenwood. Some 100,000 units are expected to be sold the first year. CD blank discs will be made and sold by TDK, Mitsubishi Kasei, Taiyo Yuden, and Mitsui Toatsu Kagaku. The price of a blank disc will be about 3,000 yen ($30) each. 200,000 to 300,000 units are expected to be shipped per annum.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Japan's ASCII plans to improve its personal computer-based telecommunication network called ASCII Net. The company will offer more free software to its users and will provide multimedia tools and tips online.
ASCII Net currently has about 40 software makers participating in a forum called "Soft Shop." ASCII wants to lure in another 60 software makers within a year. Also, the number of software programs online will increase from 160 to 600 titles.
The firm is planning to offer multimedia tools, which support animation and voice data, and tools to download the multimedia programs. ASCII will set up a special conference to exchange ideas on multimedia and to encourage the creation of more multimedia programs by participating users.
ASCII Net currently has 82,000 users, most of them individuals and not corporations.
ASCII Net was originally set up in 1985, immediately after the deregulation of the Japanese telecom industry. Along with Tokyo-based TeleStar network, it has been one of the two major PC networks for hobbyists in Japan.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- More Japanese software firms are enlisting the cooperation of Taiwanese makers to do contract software work. Taiwan's software industry is increasingly being employed to produce IBM PC versions of Japanese language programs.
Kyushu-based Japanese software maker Riverhill Soft signed an agreement with Taiwan's GOF to rewrite Riverhill's role-playing game software, "Mineruba," from the NEC PC-9801 to IBM's DOS/V PC. GOF will develop Japanese and Chinese language versions of the software which will be sold by GOF in Taiwan, and by Riverhill in Japan and the US market.
Other Japanese software makers -- Enix, System Soft, T & E Soft and Koei -- are also thinking about linking with Taiwanese software firms.
About 14 major Japanese software companies will participate in the first game software trade show in Taiwan in early September. The Taiwan Game Show will be held at Taihoku in Taiwan starting tomorrow. The forum will give the Japanese firms a chance to strengthen ties with their neighbors.
The arrangement is beneficial to both Japan and Taiwan. The Japanese firms will be able to develop other versions of their programs in a relatively short time period and at a relatively low cost. Taiwanese counterparts can develop and sell new programs without spending much on development.
Taiwanese hardware makers have already linked with Japan's Mitsui Bussan and NKK concerning sales of their PCs in Japan.
ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Bard College has announced that Benoit Mandelbrot, known as the "father of fractal geometry," will be the first lecturer in this year's "Distinguished Scientist Lecture Series." Mandelbrot will speak on Saturday, September 11th at 3:00PM on the campus of Bard.
Mandelbrot is an IBM Fellow at the Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, New York and is a professor of Mathematics at Yale University. He is a graduate of the Paris Ecole Polytechnigue, the California Institute of Technology, and The University of Paris. He has held positions at CNRS in Paris the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, The Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and the University of Paris-Sud.
Mandelbrot received the 1993 Wolff Prize in Physics for "having changed our view of nature." He is the author of "Les Objets Fractals" and "The Fractal Geometry of Nature."
Ginger Shore, Bard director of publications and public relations, told Newsbytes "We have had 88 speakers since we began the series in 1979. Of these, 44 have been Nobel Laureates. We are looking forward to Dr. Mandelbrot's participation in this tradition."
(Barbara E. McMullen & John F. McMullen/Press Contact: Karen Becker Bard Center, 914-758-7508/19930901)
enter, 914-758-7508/19930901)
9/1/93
Mandelbrot To Speak At Bard
GENERAL
Japan - NTT Delays Home Digital
Modem Prices Keep Falling
NASA Efforts To Contact Mars Pro
Software Dev't '93 - Symantec C+
AT&T Confirms Cable Discussions
Seven Million US Telecommuters P
Australian Company Unveils Sound
Electronic Medical Records Modul
Dariana Ships WinSleuth Gold Plu
Rupert Murdoch Firms Up Digital
Aspec Licenses Portfolio Design
UK - Mercury's One-2-One Tariffs
Video On Demand To Be Tested In
REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA, 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- About 200 households in Sasketchewan will be able to watch current hit movies whenever they want for the next year as part of a trial of video-on-demand technology delivered through Saskatchewan Telecommunications' fiber-optic network.
SaskTel, the telephone company serving the province, has joined with Acme Video, a Regina videotape distributor and operator of five video superstores in the city, to run a one-year trial of the video-on-demand technology, which can deliver video signals over optical fiber to individual subscribers.
Acme will offer 10 to 12 movies at a time, said Joel Steinberg vice-president of the video firm. They will be currently popular releases from major studios. Subscribers will be able to see the movies they request within five minutes of asking for them, the companies said.
The service will compete with video-rental stores and its offerings will be priced accordingly -- C$3.99 for a new release possibly with midweek specials and other incentives like those that video stores sometimes offer, Steinberg said.
Acme Video hopes to launch a commercial video-on-demand service in the city after the trial is completed, Steinberg said although of course that depends on the trial's success.
The service is unlikely to be extended to rural areas in the foreseeable future, he said, as the cost of the technology today requires a fairly dense population to support it.
SaskTel, which is provincially owned, was a pioneer among Canadian telephone companies in installing optical fiber in the 1980s.
(Grant Buckler/19930902/Press Contact: Don Savaria, SaskTel 306-777-4105; Joel Steinberg, Acme Video, 306-525-0571)
105; Joel Steinberg, Acme Video, 306-525-0571)
9/2/93
Video On Demand To Be Tested In Saskatchewan
TELECOM
IBM Technology Products Renamed
SOMERS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- In an effort to put the focus more squarely on its main business, IBM's Technology Products business unit has taken on a new name: IBM Microelectronics.
The new name caps a move to an increasing public profile for the operation, which until last year did little but develop technology for IBM's internal use. Last fall, it began marketing its wares to other manufacturers for use in their products.
In June, IBM Technology Products began limited manufacturing of chip cubes, which fit more semiconductor power into the same space on a circuit board by stacking the chips. The technology was a joint project with Irvine Sensors Corp., of Irvine California.
In July, the unit launched a microcontroller for disk drives and other board-level applications, and a range of wireless communications adapters and data and facsimile modems meeting the Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association (PCMCIA) standard for credit-card-sized peripherals.
And in August, it announced development of the ALDC 1-5S, the first in a series of chips that will implement a new technique for lossless data compression, expected to be used in a variety of applications including medical imaging and communications.
Jim Monahan, a spokesman for IBM Microelectronics, said the new identity does not signify any further change in the unit's status within IBM. "Our relationship to IBM has not changed," he said. "It remains the same and we don't anticipate a change."
However, IBM Microelectronics is not escaping the staff-cutting that has been going on at IBM in recent years; its current payroll is about 29,000 people and shrinking, Monahan said. The organization is also in the midst of moving from Somers to nearby Fishkill, New York, "in line with our efforts to reduce expenses," Monahan said.
(Grant Buckler/19930902/Press Contact: Jim Monahan, IBM Microelectronics, 914-766-4793)
tact: Jim Monahan, IBM Microelectronics, 914-766-4793)
9/2/93
IBM Technology Products Renamed IBM Microelectronics
( F ~
New IBM Group To Focus On Ease O
SOMERS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- By a combination of pulling together existing work and launching new initiatives, the IBM Personal Computer Co. is creating a Center for Natural Computing that will focus on making computers easier to use.
The center, which starts its formal life with a staff of about 36 people, according to company spokesman Michael Corrado, will explore ways to let computing build the innate and cognitive aspects of human behavior, the company said. In other words, it will try to make computers work more the way people naturally expect them to work.
An example of the kind of thing the center will do is the Trackpoint, a pointing device that IBM introduced a few months ago for some of its notebook computers, Corrado said. It consists of a tiny lever mounted in the middle of an ordinary computer keyboard, and serves the purpose of a mouse while allowing the user to keep his or her fingers on the keyboard.
The new center's function will be not only to do its own research but to pull together research from a variety of sources and help turn it into IBM products, Corrado added.
He would not say how much money IBM plans to put into the effort but "it's a big push here and it's coming from Bob Corrigan's office down." Robert Corrigan is president and chief executive of IBM Personal Computer Co., a business unit of IBM.
The center will investigate a variety of hardware and software including mice, keyboards, touch screens, and pen computing.
(Grant Buckler/19930902/Press Contact: Michael Corrado, IBM 914-766-1813)
act: Michael Corrado, IBM 914-766-1813)
9/2/93
New IBM Group To Focus On Ease Of Use
PenExpo - Attendees Select Best
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- At PenExpo in Boston this week, Pen Magazine announced the results of a "Best of Show" contest, as voted upon by conference attendees.
In pen hardware categories, Dauphin's DTR-1 got the nod for Best Palmtop Computer, AST's GRiD Convertible for Best Pen Convertible IBM ThinkPad 710T for Best Pen Tablet, and Kurta Tablet as Best Desktop Tablet.
In the software arena, Microsoft's Windows for Pen was voted Best Pen Operating System. PowerPenPal was selected the Best Application Development Tool, and SimCity by Maxis the Best Entertainment Product. Handwriting Recognition by CIC was the attendees' choice for Best Handwriting Recognizer.
Other software winners were PenCell by PenWare for Best Numeric Application, Contact Software's ACT! for Pens as Best PIM, CIC's DSV as Best Pen Utility, and PenMagic's Numero as Best Unique Pen Application.
Delrina's Winfax Pro was named Best Connectivity Product. Proxim's RangeLAN won the award for Best Wireless Hardware Product, and ARDIS for Best Wireless Service Product.
Also receiving honors were Wacom Meeting Staff for Best Wallboard and PenUltimate's PenEd and Hansen Field GIS (Geographic Information System) for Best Industry-Specific Applications.
John Wagoner, editor and publisher, told Newsbytes that ballots distributed at the show listed virtually every product offered in each category. Readers were also allowed to write in their own suggestions, he added.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930902/Reader and press contact: John Wagoner Pen Magazine, tel 310-377-7858)
ontact: John Wagoner Pen Magazine, tel 310-377-7858)
9/2/93
PenExpo - Attendees Select Best Of Show Products
GENERAL
US West Completes Sale of Rural
ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- US West signed a definitive agreement to sell some of its rural telephone properties to Pacific Telecom of Washington.
The agreement represents something of a reversal among the regional Bell companies, which have generally been anxious to acquire additional territories within their service regions. US West, however, announced some time ago its intention to divest itself of some rural service areas, citing the high expense of serving them.
Pacific Telecom is an experienced operator of rural systems, and will pay about $207 million for 45 rural exchanges, based on estimates of their book value at the time the deal closes, and other minor adjustments.
A preliminary agreement to sell the territories was announced July 28. There are about 48,000 customers. The deal hinges on approval from the US Federal Communications Commission and the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, but that is expected to be given. In the past people in the affected area have complained that US West has not been upgrading party lines rapidly enough or improving service with digital technology.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930902/Press Contact: Brian M. Wirkkala Pacific Telecom Inc., 206-696-0983)
kkala Pacific Telecom Inc., 206-696-0983)
9/2/93
US West Completes Sale of Rural Systems
TELECOM
Cerritos, California Interactive
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEPT 2 (NB) -- If the pundits are watching the west coast for the lead on interactive television then they might soon be downgrading their rosy estimates of just how hot the market is because the first full-scale test in the Los Angeles suburb of Cerritos has been a resounding flop.
A Los Angeles Times story also carried in yesterday's Washington Post reports that after a four-year trial GTE's two-way cable TV experiment has had little impact on Southern California residents who had access to the services.
Newsbytes has spoken with several affluent families in Cerritos California and has learned that not only do they not have cable service, they never even heard of the GTE experiment. Many people there just don't spend much time watching television not even retirees. Swimming pools and other outdoor activities seem to take up the time of most adults' and teenagers' time.
Although this may not have been a good sample population on which to test interactive multimedia cable services, the fact that only about five percent of the cable subscribers even participated in the interactive test should give pause to those cable companies which are making big plans to invest in the new technology especially since another interactive cable test in Virginia (suburban Washington) has also disappeared almost without a trace.
The services offered in Cerritos include all of those which have been hyped as having such a gigantic potential market: banking services, movies on demand, shop-at-home services and an online encyclopedia.
(John McCormick/19930902/)
ncyclopedia.
(John McCormick/19930902/)
9/2/93
Cerritos, California Interactive TV Flops
TELECOM
FedMicro Show Closes Today
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Washington's FedMicro show closes after a three-day run today with very little news emerging in the way of new product announcements but considerable excitement generated by already announced software like Microsoft's Windows NT.
It was hard to tell by counting the number of uniforms present but Pentagon software and hardware budgets are down this year so companies were leaning slightly more toward civilian agency buyers because those budgets are up about ten percent, just about equaling the drop in military spending.
More than 250 companies exhibited at this year's FedMicro, about the same as last year, and the sponsor, National Trade Productions of Alexandria, Virginia, expected a small increase over last year's attendance numbers.
FedMicro includes a special CD-ROM Expo and takes up most of the giant Washington Convention Center, which is located downtown about 10 blocks from the White House.
(John McCormick/19930902/Press Contact: National Trade Productions, 800-638-8510 or 703-683-8500)
00-638-8510 or 703-683-8500)
9/2/93
FedMicro Show Closes Today
Identix Wins Fed Contract
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Sunnyvale California-based Identix has received a $9.9 million contract from the federal General Services Administration to provide management services at East Coast regional GSA warehouses. The actual contract, which will last for five years, was awarded to Identix's wholly owned ANADAC division which is based in Arlington, Virginia.
Identix is well known for its advanced biometric (biological measurement) analysis and access control systems which measure everything from an individual's mass to actual fingerprints to verify identity.
Identix acquired the Arlington-based logistics and construction company to increase its presence near federal agency headquarters. ANADAC provides information technology, software development, engineering, system integration and consulting services to federal and civilian clients.
(John McCormick/19930902/Press Contact: Owen Daley, South Coast Communications Group, 714-252-8440)
ations Group, 714-252-8440)
9/2/93
Identix Wins Fed Contract
CA-Visual Objects To Begin Beta
UK - RAM Mobile Data Wins Retail
New Far Side Planner/Calendar Fo
Review of - KidPix, For Mac
Australia - Crack My Code!
MCI & Canada Offer 800-Number Fl
Sega Orders FRAM Chips For Games
Review of - Boatowner's Guide To
Browsing the Internet
Western Digital's Rocketchip In
Sharp Develops Hand-Held Multime
UK - Hewlett-Packard's 1st Softw
Emerald Sys Backup Software To S
Mirus Intros Under-$5000 Film Re
Compaq To Host Industry Tech Sum
HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Compaq Computer Corporation will host a conference and exhibition this month that it says will offer "the broadest and most unique array of technical programs to take place at an industry gathering."
Called Innovate '93, the show will take place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston from September 13 through 17. Compaq says more than 300 technology specialists, many from major corporations, consulting firms, and the media will conduct the seminars and tutorials. "The impressive line-up of technology sessions offered at Innovate '93 truly demonstrates the spirit of this worldwide technology summit - a gathering of the industry to share thoughts, insight and information on the trends of today which are fast becoming the computing standards of tomorrow," says Joe Nahil, Compaq VP of corporate communications.
The 125 technical sessions will be divided across four tracks including enterprise and corporate strategies; operation, service and support; technology development, and technology integration. Compaq says some of the highlights of the event include a discussion of mobile companion products, the engineering issues and marketing impact of low energy, or "green" computing, and a roundtable discussion of wireless computing issues. The implementation of multimedia technologies on local area networks and future trends in server technology will also be discussed.
Compaq spokesperson Mike Berman told Newsbytes Innovate '93 will feature four keynote speakers. Compaq President Eckhard Pfeiffer will be speaking at 9AM on Tuesday. Microsoft Executive VP Steve Ballmar will speak Tuesday afternoon at 3 PM. Ballmar will discuss the role partnerships play in Microsoft's strategic direction. On Wednesday morning Intel President and CEO Andy Grove will talk about how companies can re-engineer their corporations with advanced PCs and microprocessors. Thursday morning Novell Chairman and CEO Ray Norda will share his thoughts on how to survive in the decade of the 90s.
Berman said registration for the complete conference, including keynote speeches, seminars, and exhibits costs $600 if the registration is made prior to September 10. At the door the cost will be $700. If you just want to attend the keynote speeches and view the exhibits the cost is $10 for pre-registration and $20 at the door.
(Jim Mallory/19930902/Press contact: John Sweney, Compaq Computer Corporation, 713-374-0484; Reader contact: Compaq, 713-374-1459 800-345-1518 (general information) or 800-235- 2133 (800-932-0804 in Texas only) for show info or registration)
only) for show info or registration)
9/2/93
Compaq To Host Industry Tech Summit
GENERAL
Intuit & ChipSoft To Merge
MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Intuit Inc., and ChipSoft Inc., have announced the signing of a definitive agreement to merge.
The companies maintain that the merger is expected to be completed by December, 1993. However, it is subject to approval by the stockholders of each company and other "customary conditions."
Samantha Lagerlof, spokesperson for the companies, told Newsbytes that the two companies thought it would be a "perfect merger" because their product lines were "very complimentary." The companies have been doing business with each other for some time.
Intuit's products include the Quicken personal finance software and the QuickBooks small business bookkeeping software. ChipSoft markets the TurboTax and MacInTax individual tax preparation software products and the TurboTax ProSeries tax preparation software.
Lagerlof also told Newsbytes that the two companies have "been bundling TurboTax and MacInTax with Quicken for sale during tax season for four years."
According to the companies, ChipSoft will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Intuit, with operations continuing in San Diego Tucson and Boca Raton. Intuit operations will continue in Menlo Park, Palo Alto and London, England.
Under terms of the deal, the holders of ChipSoft common stock will receive on a tax-free basis .446 of a share of Intuit common stock for each share of ChipSoft common stock in a transaction valued by the companies at about $225 million. Approximately 7,250,000 shares of Intuit stock will be exchanged for ChipSoft stock representing approximately 39 percent of the combined company on a pro forma basis. Intuit will also assume all outstanding ChipSoft options. The transaction will be accounted for as a purchase.
In announcing the deal, Scott D. Cook, CEO and president of Intuit said: "We are excited about creating a complete financial software and services company with this merger of equals. ChipSoft's strengths in tax preparation software are extremely complementary with Intuit's strengths in personal finance and accounting software and related services."
Charles H. Gaylord Jr., chairman and CEO of ChipSoft, said: "We now have the opportunity to develop seamlessly integrated products which marry tax with personal finance and accounting."
According to the companies, Cook will continue as CEO of Intuit and Gaylord will continue as chairman of ChipSoft, remaining responsible for ChipSoft's new business operations. He will also become executive vice president of Intuit. William H. Harris Jr. currently president and COO of ChipSoft, will assume the title of executive vice president of Intuit and general manager of the ChipSoft subsidiary.
The plan is for Cook to remain chairman of the Intuit board of directors, which will consist of three of the current Intuit directors and two of the current ChipSoft directors.
The companies say that the holders of approximately 38 percent of the outstanding ChipSoft common stock and about 48 percent of the outstanding Intuit common stock have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the merger. ChipSoft has also granted Intuit an option to purchase newly-issued shares equal to approximately 19.9 percent of its currently outstanding stock.
Lagerlof told Newsbytes that the companies do not expect any products to be discontinued as a result of the merger. Also, she added that they do not expect any layoffs. On the contrary, she said, they expect "they will require in the future more technical support staff."
(Ian Stokell/19930902/Press Contact: Eric Dunn 415-329-2722, Intuit)
c Dunn 415-329-2722, Intuit)
9/2/93
Intuit & ChipSoft To Merge
BUSINESS
Correction - ZiffNet Offers Hewl
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- In yesterday's story on ZiffNet, Newsbytes mentioned a difference between night-time and day-time charges on the service, which is linked to CompuServe. There are no differences between night and day rates, and Newsbytes regrets the error.
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Apple Computer has announced that its Newton MessagePad personal digital assistant (PDA) is shipping in quantity to dealers, computer superstores, campus resellers and K-12 institutions nationwide. The product is expected to be available by the Labor Day weekend priced from $699 to $949, depending on configuration.
The company says that the nationwide introduction follows a a sell-out introduction in the New York and Boston areas, after its introduction in Boston on August 2, 1993.
Apple claims that the Newton MessagePad's communications capabilities - faxing, wireless messaging, electronic mail, beaming and printing - allow users to send, receive and share information through telephone lines, wireless networks, and computer networks.
In announcing the quantity shipments, Ted Briscoe, general manager of PIE Sales, Apple USA, said: "The MessagePad is the fastest-selling new product Apple has ever offered. Our resellers in the Northeast have been inundated with orders for the MessagePad. We have ramped up our manufacturing and are excited about extending shipments to all areas of the US."
MessagePads were first sold on the trade show floor at Macworld Boston and then by resellers in the New York and Boston areas.
Apple says that the Newton products and accessories will carry Apple's standard one-year limited warranty on parts and labor along with mail-in service. The company also says that "built-in up-and running support is also provided for as long as the customer owns their product." Up-and-running support includes set-up and installation, Newton operating system support, and assistance with configuration, compatibility and troubleshooting.
The company plans to provide all service and support through the Apple Assistance Center at 800-SOS-APPL during the hours of 6 am to 6 pm Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
As reported extensively by Newsbytes previously, the Messagepad is 7.25-inches high by 4.5-inches wide by 0.75-inches deep and weighs 0.9 pounds. It is powered by a Advanced RISC Machines reduced instruction-set computing (RISC) 610 processor running at 20 megahertz (MHz), has 4 megabytes of read-only memory (ROM), 640 kilobytes (KB) of RAM, and offers Apple's own custom system application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
The PDA has a low-power, reflective liquid crystal display (LCD) display at a resolution of 336 by 240 picture elements (pixels) covered by a transparent tablet with passive pen for handwriting input. For communication and translation of data between desktop machines the unit offers a Localtalk compatible serial port; a single Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) 2 card slot; and a low power, half-duplex, infrared transceiver which can transfer data from one Messagepad to another at 9600 baud from a distance of no more than 1 meter.
(Ian Stokell/19930902/Press Contact: Eric Wee, 408-862-7797 Apple Computer Inc.)
t: Eric Wee, 408-862-7797 Apple Computer Inc.)
9/2/93
Apple Shipping Newton MessagePad In Quantity
APPLE
Upcoming IDC Conference To Focus
FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) Recognizing that the PC industry has become an increasingly global market, International Data Corp., (IDC), is planning a one-day conference in San Jose, California, which will examine the current status of the PC marketplace and offer a preview of where that market is headed.
IDC's PC Market Outlook will be held September 28 and, according to the company, will provide "comprehensive market and technology forecasts, fresh primary research on emerging markets, access to IDC's expert analysts from around the globe, and a forum for discussion about the hot topics in the PC market today."
A company spokesperson told Newsbytes that the conference registration costs $495 for the whole day. IDC clients get a break because it only costs them $295, the spokesperson said.
The company says that Compaq's recent introduction of the home market-oriented Presario illustrates the new strategies vendors are adopting to adjust to the shifting topography of the PC market. According to IDC, "With Pentium chips becoming more available in desktops and servers, and with IBM's expected new product launches across the PS/1, PS/2, ValuePoint, and Thinkpad PC families, this market will continue to evolve."
The ability to design, source, manufacture, deliver, and price products competitively are the key factors contributing to success according to the company. It also says that PC Market Outlook will offer "reliable, accurate, worldwide expertise to help identify and target opportunities for growth."
In announcing the conference, John Gantz, IDC's senior vice president for Personal Systems and Workgroup Applications, said: "One of our goals is to make the conference as interactive as possible. PC and peripheral hardware manufacturers, software vendors, marketing executives, channel partners, end users, and anyone else who wants access to the latest expert analysis of the PC market should attend."
More information about PC Market Outlook can be obtained from Mike Ault at 800-343-4952.
(Ian Stokell/19930902/Press Contact: Mike Ault, 508-935-4055 International Data Corp.)
t: Mike Ault, 508-935-4055 International Data Corp.)
9/2/93
Upcoming IDC Conference To Focus On PC Marketplace
GENERAL
Network General & 3Com In Net Mg
MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Network General Corp., has announced a joint technology and marketing deal with 3Com Corp.
According to the companies, "Users of 3Com's STNM network management tool for the LinkBuilder Focus and LinkBuilder TR Series of intelligent hubs have the ability to interpret RMON (remote monitoring) packet information with network analysis applications from Network General."
Donna Stein, spokesperson for 3Com told Newsbytes that the deal, "Allows us to tap into benefits of Network General's network analyzer without having to have the whole analyzer."
In announcing the deal, Les Denend, president and chief executive officer of Network General, said, "The announcement is the first in a series of strategic partnerings that Network General is actively pursuing with key network providers. By linking our products more closely with those of companies like 3Com, we can complement our customers' existing network management systems by providing greater insight into their networks."
Network General says that its Expert Analysis software automatically identifies common communication problems that cause downtime and decrease performance and can then suggest possible causes for the situation.
3Com maintains that the STNM (Star-Tek Network Management) has an enhanced packet capture feature that lets users gather and forward RMON packets to Network General's Expert Analysis software for "comprehensive protocol decode and packet analysis. The STNM automatically converts RMON packet captures to the Sniffer format transparently."
Pete Williams, vice president and general manager of 3Com's Star-Tek Division, said: "3Com has placed significant development efforts behind network management to give our customers the system solution they expect from a global data networking leader. Combining Network General's industry leading Expert Analysis with our full RMON management capabilities offers customers a truly robust and unique solution for Token Ring chassis-based and stackable hubs."
In April, Newsbytes reported that Network General had added to its line of analysis products by shipping both the Distributed Sniffer System (DSS) with Expert Analysis and the Expert Sniffer Internetwork Analyzer.
At the time the company said that DSS with Expert Analysis is an intelligent client-server analysis system that proactively and automatically identifies problems on Ethernet and Token Ring local area networks (LANs).
The Expert Sniffer Internetwork Analyzer (SIA) is designed for router-based internetworks that incorporate different technologies. The company says that, with real-time monitoring at speeds up to 2.048 Mbps, the SIA supports both router-based internetworks using leased line, frame relay, or X.25 circuits and traditional terminal to-host networks such as async and Systems Network Architecture (SNA).
(Ian Stokell/19930902/Press Contact: Mary Carlisle 415-473-2627, Network General Corp; Donna Stein 408-764-5960, 3Com Corp.)
p; Donna Stein 408-764-5960, 3Com Corp.)
9/2/93
Network General & 3Com In Net Mgt Deal
BUSINESS
CA-Visual Objects To Begin Beta
UK - RAM Mobile Data Wins Retail
New Far Side Planner/Calendar Fo
Review of - KidPix, For Mac
Australia - Crack My Code!
MCI & Canada Offer 800-Number Fl
Sega Orders FRAM Chips For Games
Review of - Boatowner's Guide To
Browsing the Internet
Western Digital's Rocketchip In
Sharp Develops Hand-Held Multime
UK - Hewlett-Packard's 1st Softw
PenExpo - FUI (Fun User Interfac
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- "The user interface to the Zoomer will be a FUI (`fooey')," said Donna Dubinsky, president of Palm Computing, the development company that is creating the ROM-based software for the upcoming PDA.
Palm Computing -- a partner in Zoomer with Tandy and Casio -- has kept a "fun" interface in mind, Dubinsky explained, during a special session at PenExpo last night that was sponsored by the Boston Computer Society.
Written for the Geoworks graphical operating system environment the Zoomer software includes five components, said Dubinsky, who was previously a cofounder of Claris.
After opening remarks, she demonstrated all five: a palm calculator, a PIM, America Online, three games, a series of pen-driven reference tools, and Pocket Quicken, a pen adaptation of the Quicken financial package.
The Zoomer and its "FUI" will hit the retail stores this fall Dubinsky said. "Palm Computing's next focus for Zoomer will be add-ons," she noted. The new software company, though, will not stop with Zoomer. Palm Computing aims to become the leading software vendor for PDAs, she stated.
Palm is already developing a desktop companion software for Zoomer and also has other Zoomer-related projects in the works, according to the company president. But Palm is also interested in producing software for other PDA hardware platforms and operating environments, including the Apple Newton and GO's PenPoint, she added.
Geoworks' file management capabilities played a strong role in the selection of the operating environment for use with Zoomer Dubinsky said. To allow data exchange between Zoomer and desktop based spreadsheets, word processors, and other applications, Palm is making the APIs to the Zoomer software available to outside developers, she noted.
During the demo, Dubinsky showed how the software lets users enjoy "hours of exploration" in a series of applications that combine practical utility with sheer entertainment. The first application shown, the PIM, consists of a datebook with a "to do list" feature an address book, and a notebook.
In developing the PIM, Palm Computing tried to minimize reliance on handwriting recognition, letting users work mainly with a mix of "electronic ink," which preserves the user's handwriting, and menu choices, the company president said.
To access a name from the address book, for example, you can select the first letter of the last name from a list of all letters of the alphabet. A list of all entries under that letter then comes up. You then tap on the specific name you want.
You can use the electronic ink to draw as well as jot down names addresses, notes, and "things to do." Palm Computing has arrived at a technique that lets the user tap on a left arrow key to erase mistakes made in electronic ink, Dubinsky said.
The "to do" list will automatically carry forward "to do" items from one day to the next, until you check them off as done. The notebook lets you organize their work by creating your own topic indexes -- "books to read," for example, or "movies to see."
The palm calculator includes a standard calculator, as well as such special features as a loan calculator, a currency calculator for converting sums between monetary exchanges, and a "bill splitter" for figuring out "who owes what" at restaurants.
Dubinsky told the audience that the "bill splitter" is her own personal favorite. "That's my answer to wireless communications...the `bill splitter,'" she commented.
Zoomer comes with the communications software needed to access America Online, but an external or PCMCIA card modem is also required, according to Dubinsky. Users can create messages either offline or online.
Solitaire, Pyramid, and Uki are the three games that will ship with Zoomer. Dubinsky provided a quick peek at Pyramid, a card game based on a pyramid of cards. Uki is a version of Othello, she explained.
Pocket Quicken, like its desktop counterpart, lets users perform such tasks as recording expenses and keeping track of bank balances. Components to the PDA version include a Wallet, a Bank and a File Cabinet.
The reference tools consist of such features as a standard dictionary, translation dictionary, spell checker, thesaurus, world map, and searchable travel information on restaurants, airports and other points of interest. Through a "world clock," you can instantly find out what time it is anywhere in the world, simply by tapping on a location on the map.
The translation dictionary covers 26 languages, including such relatively rare tongues as Esperanto, Serbo Croatian, and Indonesian. Dubinsky told the onlookers that she has been using the translation dictionary to brush up on her French.
By the time Dubinsky had finished her talk, members of the audience were ready to begin their "hours of exploration" immediately. Large numbers of them stepped up to her right afterward, for an even closer view of the Zoomer and its software.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930902)
the Zoomer and its software.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930902)
9/2/93
PenExpo - FUI (Fun User Interface) For Upcoming Zoomer
TRENDS
Rupert Murdoch Buys Delphi
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. has bought General Videotex, which runs the Delphi and Bix services. The company will be renamed Delphi Internet Services when the deal closes in about a month. Terms were not disclosed. Delphi will become a part of News Corp.'s news technology group.
Newsbytes discussed the deal with Rusty Williams, vice president and general manager of Delphi. "It's a great opportunity for our perspective," he said. "It gives us access to the name brand content and technical expertise of News Corp. This will allow us to grow at a much faster rate, and become a much bigger player, a dominant player, in the interactive services future." Delphi bases its service on Digital Equipment VAX computers.
Delphi, unlike larger competitors like America Online and Prodigy, is not known for having a graphic interface. Williams said that's being addressed. "There's some graphic interfaces designed for Bix, and some we have for working with Delphi. Primarily you use Delphi with a text interface, and that's part of this News Corp. deal, we'll have access to the work they've done in their electronic publishing division" to develop a graphic interface.
Williams also claimed that Delphi didn't need Murdoch, that it's doing well. "We've been growing at a rapid pace over the last year or so, and have been doing quite well. Certainly their assets and access to their muscle is attractive, and it will allow us to put together a more aggressive business plan. We'll be able to run a lot faster a lot sooner."
Change is already coming, he indicated. "We've actually talked with a lot of different divisions. They publish 'TV Guide,' and we'll work with them to develop interactive components. They also publish the Boston Herald, NY Post and other newsppaers. We'll be looking, in a generic sense, at developing the newspaper of the future which can be used by us and other newspapers as well. I would expect things will change very soon. There will be time required for some of the development of these higher level applications, but we'll soon have authors appear online, or set up communities for different subjects of information, perhaps with Harper Collins," Murdoch's book publishing arm. "We'll still work with online communities complimenting what's done with other forms of users."
Williams concluded, "I want to say the good news is we're an entrepreneurial company, and we're fitting in with a company which, while large, has a very entrepreneurial spirit. We think this will allow us to become the dominant player in the interactive services market, while continuing to have the community feel people really cherish on Delphi. They're not coming in to make a wholesale change -- they want to invest in the value we have.
Market analyst Joshua Harris of Jupiter Communications has been predicting for some time that major media companies like News Corp. would buy into and dominate the online market in the future, but he was surprised at the news of the Delphi purchase.
"News Corp. needed an engine, simple as that. And that was the only one available," he said. But, "I'm not sure what they're buying -- they might have been better served by building their own" system. In Jupiter's recent reports on the online market Delphi was listed with a host of "others" in a market dominated by Prodigy, CompuServe, America Online, and GEnie. Harris commented on claims by Delphi, repeated by Murdoch at a London news conference, that it's the fifth-largest and fastest-growing online service. "They could be ahead of the Imagination Network," of which AT&T recently bought control, but both networks have far fewer than 100,000 subscribers each. "It's a lot of hyperbole. I'm sure Murdoch didn't waste any time putting his imprimatur on the company."
Why, then, would Murdoch move, Harris was asked. The answer is in the company's new name, Delphi Internet. "They are pretty good at doing the switching element. In that sense they understand how to take a subscriber and switch him somewhere else. But you'd might as well make your own. They're not the most technically advanced service right now."
Harris speculated that Delphi is getting much the better of this deal, even if it's not getting much cash up-front. Perhaps they're getting "cigarette money," he speculated. Still, he said it's "entirely possible" that Delphi could become the largest player in the US online market, as predicted by Murdoch in London and Williams in Cambridge. "That is entirely possible. But only because it's Rupert's Delphi. If Rupert wants to make this his engine, and he decides to put a classy shell around it, he could be the leader of the industry in two years."
Murdoch added in London that he's also going to unite his Sky Television cable service into partnerships with other communication companies, and launch a 14-channel service called BSkyB using his Sky assets which includes many US networks including Viacom's MTV, Turner Broadcasting's TNT and The Movie Channel. Theoretically, the digital signals could also be used to extend one-way database service from Delphi around the world. He is also reportedly working with British Telecom on new ways of sending data, pictures and sound over phone lines, and that he's working with the British Research and Telecommunications Organization, Comstream of the US and his own data encryption company, News Datacom to develop a digital satellite system for Europe, Asia and the Americas.
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Major long distance phone companies worldwide announced that service has begun over the APC fiber cable system.
APC links Japan with Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia a distance of 7,520-kilometes or 4,673-miles, and connects to existing Trans-Pacific cables, such as the NPC and TPC-4 cable systems which are already in service between the United States and Japan. The system cost $354 million and has 7,560 basic circuits capable of handling 30,240 simultaneous voice conversations or any equivalent combination of voice, data and video.
AT&T is the largest US investor in the system, followed by MCI and Sprint. Sprint claims its investment is highest on a per subscriber basis. Other investors include Optus and Telstra of Australia, Teleglobe of Canada, Telecom New Zealand, France Telecom, British Telecom, the Deutsche Bundespost Telekom of Germany, KDD, ITJ and IDC of Japan, and phone services from Switzerland, Turkey, and Sri Lanka.
In time, the APC system will connect to TPC-5, a "self-healing" ring system costing $1.4 billion linking the US to Japan by 1996, as well as the Asia Pacific Cable Network, which will link the region around 1997.
CLEVELAND, OHIO, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- LCI took some business from MCI, winning the contract to broadcast professional and college sports for TRZ Communications Services. The contract is valued at $1 million.
TRZ was founded by Thomas R. Zawistowski, and most of its feeds go into sports bars, military bases, and the homes of displaced sports fans who are willing to pay to hear home-town announcers call the games of their favorite teams, explained Gary Heldt of LCI. "You call in on an 800 number, plug in a 4-digit code for the team, add the credit card number, and listen-in. That whole process takes about a minute.
While LCI has helped bring TRZ' costs down, Heldt added, the company is also working on other ventures. "That could happen in the future as other applications are developed. He has partnerships to expand this into the medical field, legal field and financial field -- there are applications for it all over." Costs range from 16 cents per minute to about 50 cents per minute, depending on the length of time the call.
This year, TRZ is also taking its service abroad to Europe and Canada to meet the demand there for coverage of football basketball and hockey in the US. LCI International, according to the terms of the contract, will be TRZ's exclusive provider of outbound and inbound long distance services via a direct connect in LCI's Akron facilities. TRZ will also be implementing LCI's new Broadcast Fax and Fax on Demand services through an arrangement with affiliated colleges and universities. .
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930902/Press Contact: Gary Heldt, LCI, 216 328-0688)
ess Contact: Gary Heldt, LCI, 216 328-0688)
9/2/93
LCI Sets Deal to Broadcast Sports for TRZ
TELECOM
Greek Alleged Wiretapper Formall
ATHENS, GREECE, 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- Christos Mavrikis, the telecom engineer fired by OTE, Greece's telecom company, earlier this year after selling his wiretapping for the government stories to the press, has been formally charged with his exploits.
Mavrikis has claimed all along that his wiretapping was carried out under the direct orders of retired general Nikos Gryllakis, who acted as an aide to Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis. Newsbytes notes that, of the case comes to court, both Gryllakis and Mitsotakis may be called to testify.
According to the Greek press, Mavrikis sold his story in the spring of this year to them, covering his exploits for the years 1988 to 1990. Since the revelations were published, other senior figures in the government have confirmed much of Mavrikis' allegations.
According to a statement issued by the Greek Government earlier this week, Gryllakis, who was employed by Mitsotakis as a security advisor until the Prime Minister fired him late last week, has been charged with supplying Mavrikis with false ID and papers to gain access to various telephone exchanges.
The whole affair could explode in Mitsotakis' face if it transpires that Gryllakis was in control of the whole affair. As with the Watergate affair in the US, some speculate that it would be highly unlikely that the Prime Minister would be unaware of the affair.
(Steve Gold/19930902)
re of the affair.
(Steve Gold/19930902)
9/2/93
Greek Alleged Wiretapper Formally Charged
Intel Loses ULSI Appeal, AMD New
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 2 (NB) -- In the court battle saga between Intel and its microprocessor chip rivals, two milestones have been announced. A date for a new trial in the microcode case between Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) case has been set and the United States Court of Appeals in Washington DC has declined Intel's petition to rehear the Intel versus ULSI patent infringement suit.
In the battle with AMD, Intel claims AMD does not have a right to use microcode for its 80C287 processor. The battle is over whether or not the statement "microcomputers and peripheral products" in a 1976 agreement renewed in 1982 gives AMD the right to Intel microcode. However, there is concern in the computer industry that if AMD loses here, it could mean the end of clones of Intel microprocessors.
It appeared late last year that AMD had lost until the company convinced the court that Intel had withheld documents that would have proven AMD's assumption that the original intent of the statement included the microcode. Intel calls the documents "press releases" which have no bearing on the case. AMD calls the documents "key" to the case and claims the jury may have decided differently had it seen the documents. The new trial date has been set for November 1, 1993.
In the ULSI case, Intel lost in its claims that a former Intel employee, who became an employee of ULSI, brought over documents that were Intel's private property. In the trial that ended in June, a jury ruled the documents were not private property but were public documents, vindicating ULSI. However ULSI also denies the documents were used in the development of its math coprocessor products.
Intel announced at that time it would take the case to the United States Court of Appeals, but has now been denied. ULSI's Vice President of Sales and Marketing Robert O'Brien said: "The court mandate effectively slams the door shut on Intel's attempt to restrain ULSI from selling it's Math Co family of math co-processors for the 386 and 486-SLC/DLC systems." Intel officials said it isn't over yet, however, as Intel has asked the US Supreme Court to review the case. No word is forthcoming as to whether or not the Supreme Court will agree to do so and no time frame for a decision from the highest court is available, Intel officials said.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930902/Press Contact: Sandra Duncan, Intel 408-765-1433, fax 408-765-5677; Robert O'Brien, ULSI, tel 408 943-0562, fax 408-943-0951; Scott Allen, AMD, tel 408-749-3311 fax 408-749-3375)
n, AMD, tel 408-749-3311 fax 408-749-3375)
9/2/93
Intel Loses ULSI Appeal, AMD New Trial Scheduled
U of Washington Police Catch All
PORTLAND, OREGON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- University of Washington campus police believe they have captured the person who has been stealing high-priced computer parts from their school and at least one other area university.
The 23-year old man was arrested after a half-mile foot chase across the University of Washington campus in Seattle last week, ending up face down in an irrigation canal under a campus police officer. The suspect is presently in jail on burglary charges, so far unable to come up with the $100,000 cash bond the judge set.
Campus police Captain Randy Stegmeier told Newsbytes the man had 125 computer memory boards in his possession when captured, as well as a pipe wrench they think he used to gain entry to the area where the computers are. Stegmeier said the suspect is on probation after being convicted of a similar theft from the Cal State campus at Fullerton, California. Stegmeier said the man has made restitution in the amount of at least $50,000 in that case.
Campus officers were alerted after a staff member in the school's statistics department located in Padelford Hall rigged his PC to page him if the system was turned off. Stegmeier said the building had been burglarized about a month ago. On that occasion about 70 offices were forcibly entered. A similar theft occurred at Portland State University last Friday night, and University of Washington computers have been victimized on 25 previous occasions since early April. Universities in California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia have also been hit this year, according to a campus spokesperson.
Police say the staffer's pager went off shortly before 3 a.m., so he called campus police, who dispatched officers to the building. Arriving within 90 seconds, the officers, Newsbytes was told confronted the man as he was leaving the office where the rigged computer was located. The suspect fled and after a brief physical confrontation with one officer, was captured on the east side of the campus. Further investigation revealed about 35 offices had been forcibly entered.
Stegmeier said the alleged burglar has no connection with the university, but has lived in the area in the past, possibly with relatives.
University officials are coordinating with their counterparts in the other states to see if the burglaries are linked. FBI Special Agent Dick Thurston, spokesperson for the bureau's Seattle office, said agents are also investigating the case to see if there have been any violations of federal statutes, including those pertaining to interstate transportation of stolen goods and computer hacking.
Stegmeier told Newsbytes if convicted the man could be fined up to $10,000 and one year in jail on each felony count. While hopeful that the arrest will clear up the burglaries that have plagued the school, Stegmeier said officials aren't convinced the suspect is the sole perpetrator, saying "the watch continues."
The value of computer chips went up dramatically after a July fire in a Japanese manufacturing plant that makes most of the world's supply of the chemical that is used to seal the chips.
(Jim Mallory/19930903/Press contact: Captain Randy Stegmeier University of Washington, 206-543-2843)
ndy Stegmeier University of Washington, 206-543-2843)
9/7/93
U of Washington Police Catch Alleged Computer Thief
International Telecom Update
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Continuing privatization dramas in Europe highlight the telecommunications news of the world.
In Greece, Socialists promised to cancel the sale of the nation's OTE phone network if they win elections next spring. They could owing to a scandal over the alleged wiretapping of the party's former leaders by a man with ties to the current government. A 35 percent stake in OTE, plus operating control, will be sold to either NTT of Japan, GTE of the US, Telefonica de Espana of Spain, France Telecom, STET of Italy or Korea Telecom, after bids are finalized. Making matters worse, OTE President Nikos Themelis resigned over cancellation of a major digital switch purchase pending the sale.
In Germany, Post Minister Wolfgang Boetsch, hoping to sidestep criticism of his government's moves to sell the Deutsche Bundespost Telekom, detailed a program of gradual rate cuts totaling 20 percent over the next five years, in the run-up to an open European telecom market. Previously, voters there had heard only that, while long distance rates might go down, local charges would rise substantially.
The minister hopes that, as in the US, new digital systems won't need as many people to man them, allowing for lower calling costs. In the private sector, Siemens won its first mobile telephone equipment order for digital GSM systems in Shanghai and Guangdong provinces. While ostensibly given an advantage by the central government in Beijing, Siemens has achieved somewhat disappointing results in China compared to US rivals.
In Taiwan, AT&T is making waves, signing an agreement to supply software and technology for pay-per-view, home shopping, and data networking to South Pole Star Technology Group, which wants to run a cable television system. The industry in Taiwan has been growing like topsy, with entrepreneurs simply putting up dishes and passing on foreign shows without royalty. Under pressure Taiwan's parliament passed a regulatory law this summer. While the law does attack the pirate operators, it bans foreign equity in Taiwan's cable industry.
In Argentina, the government postponed until next month the opening of bids on two provincial cellular networks, allowing new groups more time to prepare. Seven groups have bought "term sheets" covering the licenses. One, ironically, is based in Mexico, where the successful privatization of Telmex was the model for Argentina's successful spin-off of EnTel, a phone monopoly now run as two companies, Telecom and Telefonica.
In Southeast Asia, Singapore Telecom announced plans for its public offering. The 6-8 percent stake will be listed on local exchanges, becoming the largest issue there by far. Almost half the stock will go to participants in a government-mandated retirement plan, at a discount. Malaysia's TRI, the nation's largest cellular network, confirmed it might sell a 20 percent stake to a foreign partner, perhaps as early as next month. The capital and expertise of the foreign partner is expected to help TRI get into making cellular phone equipment.
In the Philippines, the nation's continuing efforts to improve the telephone network may win allies in cable television, which like its US counterpart can be upgraded to handle telephony functions with the mere addition of switches. Such a move could help break PLDT's long-time monopoly, and reduce a huge backlog of service requests.
Finally, in Russia, officials estimated it will cost $40 billion over the next 10 years to make that nation's phone network efficient, with 15 million people waiting for a line which probably doesn't work. While China has been able to modernize and force Western companies to invest in its domestic capacity Russia has no money with which to make initial purchases, no firm law on which to base joint ventures, and still suffers from COCOM import restrictions on advanced equipment like fiber cable.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930907)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930907)
9/7/93
International Telecom Update
TELECOM
Emulator Runs Mac Software On PC
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- A New Mexico company says it is working on a product that will allow unmodified Macintosh software to run on 80X86-based personal computers.
Called Executor/DOS (the emphasis is on the second syllable, not the first one), the initial release won't support color, sound System 7, AppleTalk, or Script Manager yet, but the company says those features will be added when release 2.0 comes out in May 1994.
Version 1.0 is expected to ship by the end of the month. Right now the company is shipping a demo version. "The development team is working night and day to polish it up," says Ardi Public Relations Director Susan Blumenthal.
Ardi says it has solved the problem of poor performance in cross-platform compatibility systems by using dynamic recompilation in their "synthetic" CPU and an efficient recompilation of the system software. They describe the results as "impressive." Blumenthal says there's no speed penalty running Macintosh applications using Executor. "It will run as fast as it does on the Mac, and in some instances faster," she told Newsbytes. Blumenthal says the look and feel of Executor is so similar to a Mac that you won't be able to tell the difference.
The company says it's not concerned about getting into legal trouble with Apple Computer, and has been shipping a version of Executor for the Next workstation for the past 18 months without a challenge from Apple. "Ardi is immune to legal challenges because Executor was developed using strictly clean room techniques and we have never disassembled any of the Mac ROMs and System file. From a look and feel perspective, compared to Quorum's (a company that markets a RISC-based emulation program) endeavors, Apple will prefer our technology because it doesn't attempt to disguise the origins of the applications running under it."
Ardi says it also working on an X-windows and Windows NT version of Executor for the Alpha, MIPS and SPARC processors. Executor/DOS 1.0 has a suggested retail price of $99.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Security is one of the main headaches for network managers. Novell's new NetWare 4.0 network operating system (NOS) evidently had a security problem associated with its login program. Now the company has announced availability of a security enhancement to the NetWare 4.x login utility.
The company says that the enhancement eliminates a "small window of exposure" where a user's name and password may be temporarily swapped to disk when running in a DOS environment with a small memory configuration.
Newsbytes notes that each user on a NetWare network is allocated a security level by the system manager. This allows the user to access certain areas and files on the server. It also prevents unauthorized users from gaining access to sensitive directories and files. The compromising of a user's password, whether through a system bug or user negligence, can have extensive repercussions.
Novell says that NetWare 2.x and NetWare 3.x login utilities are not affected and require no enhancement.
The company says that the new file is named LOGIN.EXE v4.02. It is available at no charge through NetWare resellers and on NetWire in library 14 of the NOVLIB forum as SECLOG.EXE. Customers in the US and Canada can call 1-800-NETWARE toll free. Those outside North America can call 303-339-7027 or 31-55-384279, or fax a request for the security enhancement that includes company name contact name, mailing address, and phone number to 303-330-7655 or 31-55-434455.
NetWare dominates the dedicated-server NOS market, with about a 70 percent share.
(Ian Stokell/19930902/Press Contact: Martha Felt, 801-429-5811; or Michael Adams, 801-429-5809, Novell Inc.)
Michael Adams, 801-429-5809, Novell Inc.)
9/7/93
Novell Offers NetWare 4.x Security Patch
GENERAL
Quick Restart For Windows, DOS
FOSTER CITY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Powerpro Software has introduced Quick Restart For Windows and DOS, an auto-resume utility for DOS and Windows-based personal computers.
The software-only program allows the user to turn off his or her personal computer after pressing a user-designated hot key or clicking an icon with the mouse and return to the same place they left off when the computer is turned on again. A similar technology is standard on some notebook and subnotebook computers, such as Gateway 2000's Handbook.
People who use Windows-based applications might find Quick Restart particularly useful because of the time it takes to close all open applications and exit Windows before turning the computer off or to wait for Windows to load and to re-open applications when the machine is restarted in the next session. The company says quick Restart even saves the contents of a RAM disk.
The auto resume program is available for desktop, laptop, notebook and portable computers and does not require a particular microprocessor to work, according to Powerpro Software. If you are a notebook, laptop or portable user who relies on battery power, the company says you will also appreciate the program, since you don't have to leave the system on and continue to draw battery power when you step away from your desk for a while.
Quick Restart has a suggested retail price of $39.95.
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- This regular feature, appearing every Monday or Tuesday, provides further details for the Canadian market on announcements by international companies that Newsbytes has already covered. This week: Compaq's Presario comes to Canada.
Compaq Canada recently announced that the Presario 425 first in the company's new line of home and small-business PCs (Newsbytes, August 27), is shipping here. The suggested list price of the 425, which has a 25-megahertz (MHz) Intel 486SX processor, a Super VGA color monitor, four megabytes (MB) of memory, a 200-MB hard disk, a fax and data modem, and five software packages pre-installed, is C$1,999.
Compaq Canada also announced the Presario 633, a machine based on the 33-MHz Intel 486SX chip. With 200-MB hard drive, integrated fax and data modem, and five bundled software packages, it also has a C$1,999 list price, but in this case the monitor is not included.
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Microsoft is preparing another release of MS-DOS 6 and is preparing to send out a beta test version of the new release, MS-DOS 6.2. Microsoft is saying the product is not a bug fix release, but will add some new technology to the Doublespace disk compression utility portion of the product.
While informal polls conducted by Newsbytes have turned up no user problems either with DOS 6.0 or its data compression utility Doublespace, reports from Microsoft are that a minority of users have experienced problems. Most of them are not problems with Doublespace, but are with other components such as a hard disk drive or other products.
Specifics as to the nature of the technology additions to Doublespace are slim. However Microsoft Director of Marketing Tony Audino told Newsbytes the changes are aimed at providing more data protection and improving performance.
In addition, there will be changes to the SMARTDRIVE.SYS cache utility, including the more conservative option of making the cache read-only instead of read-write.
Over 5 million copies of the MS-DOS 6.0 Upgrade have been sold through the retail channels, since its introduction at the end of March this year, making it the hottest-selling software product in history. An additional 6 to 8 million copies have been offered with new computer systems by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Microsoft says more copies of the MS-DOS 6.0 Upgrade were sold in the first 90 days after it was released than the combined total sales of the retail versions of MS-DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.1.
Of the total number of MS-DOS 6.0 copies sold, Microsoft estimates about 62 percent (3 million) of those who purchased the upgrade are using Doublespace and about 10 to 15 percent (0.6 to 1.2 million) more who received the product through OEM channels have installed Doublespace. Audino says the lower numbers through the OEM channels are due to the fact that most new computer buyers are getting larger hard disks and are therefore not in as much need of the disk compression utility.
Microsoft said it had identified two bugs which it planned to fix in the "near future." One bug was if the personal computer (PC) running DOS 6.0 lost power (usually by being unplugged) while the Windows driver Smartdrive is flushing its cache (or disk memory), it could lose data. Users don't usually go around pulling the plugs on their computers, but Microsoft's Chief Bill Gates pulled the plug twice on the demonstration computer during the satellite-broadcast introduction of DOS 6.0 to show the safety of utilities Doublespace and Memmaker.
In the case of the other bug, DOS 6.0 would allow files recovered with the Windows Undelete command to have invalid characters such as the "?" and "*" characters.
Microsoft did not confirm or deny that the name for the new version is DOS 6.2, but did say a new release of MS-DOS 6.0 is in beta test stages. Users can expect to see the new MS-DOS version in the fourth quarter of this year, Microsoft said.
Why choose 6.2 as the version number for the new release? Newsbytes sources said IBM is releasing PC-DOS 6.1 and Microsoft wants to stay one digit ahead.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930902/Press Contact: Delona Lang, Waggoner Edstrom for Microsoft, tel 503-245-0905, fax 503-244-7261)
or Microsoft, tel 503-245-0905, fax 503-244-7261)
9/7/93
MS-DOS 6.2 Released Planned For 4Q, Not Bug Fix
Big Losses For Japanese Electron
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- The continuing slump in the Japanese electronics industry is affecting Hitachi Toshiba and Mitsubishi. All are expecting to suffer a reduction in profits of about 20 percent compared to their previous term. Although recovery is underway, it is going very slowly.
In fiscal 1993, which will end in March 1994, Hitachi, Toshiba and Mitsubishi expect to see a downturn due to weak consumer demand and the surging Japanese yen. Hitachi expects to make 3.7 trillion yen ($37 billion) in sales, or three percent less than its previous term. However, profits will be 60 billion yen ($600 million), or about 23 percent lower.
Hitachi has particularly suffered from a decline in demand for its large scale computers by financial firms and by the lessened demand for VCRs.
Toshiba expects to see a 3-percent increase in sales due to high demand for its memory chips. However, profits will hover around 45 billion ($450 million), which is 18 percent lower than the previous term. For Toshiba, sales of personal computers, air conditioners and VCRs, have been hardest hit.
Mitsubishi Electric expects to see a 2-percent sales reduction, and 23-percent profit decline. Its products to suffer most include industrial robots, semiconductors, and VCRs.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Toshiba will cut 10,000 employees over the next 3 to 5 years from its 40 group firms and headquarters, in an effort designed to curb losses.
Toshiba will cut 5,000 employees from the main company and another 5,000 from group firms. Toshiba stresses that none of these people will be fired or laid off. Rather, they will not be replaced as normal attrition takes place. This number of employees are due for retirement or are expected to voluntarily quit due to personal reasons.
Also, Toshiba will also cut back on the number of university and high school graduates it hires in the spring. The group firms hired 1,500 school graduates this past April, but only 600 will be hired next April.
Toshiba claims to have 75,000 employees, and hopes to reduce that to 70,000 in 3 to 5 years. The group firms have about 20,000 employees, which will be reduced to 15,000 employees.
NTT, NEC, and Fujitsu are also planning to reduce the number of employees. NTT has announced a massive reduction plan to cut 10,000 employees by the end of next year. NTT will request voluntary retirement from employees who are over 40 years old. They will receive one year's salary and an extra bonus.
NTT is the largest telecommunications firm in Japan and news of the cuts has sent shock waves through the industry.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Sony has announced an extremely low-cost 28-inch high definition television (HDTV) set. At 650,000 yen ($6,500), it's about half the cost of other HDTV sets on the market. The KW-2810HD, as it's called, will be released on November 15.
The HDTV set comes with Sony's second generation MUSE decoder and LSI chips which are 10% smaller but just as powerful and efficient as the previous generations, Sony reports.
The first generation of HDTV sets were released at 4 million yen ($40,000) about two years ago. The price dropped to 1.3 million yen ($13,000) a year ago. Many Japanese electronics makers such as Toshiba, Matsushita, and Mitsubishi, recently released lower priced versions, but they are still 900,000 yen ($9,000). Sony's $6,500 price tag is an industry first.
Some 10,000 HDTVs reportedly have been sold in Japan to date. The industry projects sales of 30,000 units by the end of next March.
Currently, HDTV programs are aired 8 hours a day in Japan on an experimental basis. Laser discs for HDTV systems have also been released. Still, many consumers are taking a wait-and-see attitude on the technology and expect even lower prices in the future.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- At PenExpo last week, Kurta released a new pen-based monochrome video display system designed for desktop use by pen developers.
The company also showed prototypes of pen-based active and passive matrix color display systems. The color panels are currently being demonstrated to OEMs for use in pen computers, but will also eventually be released by Kurta in desktop video display systems for developers, John D. Fisher, national OEM sales manager, told Newsbytes.
A few OEMs have announced pen PCs with the higher quality active matrix panels, but none to his knowledge have started to ship such products yet, he added.
The monochrome display system will let the developer work on a desktop system, while simultaneously viewing how the application will appear on the end user's pen display in either landscape or portrait mode, said Chris B. Cleland, marketing systems engineer.
Available now, the VTS-5 Video Tablet System includes a monochrome LCD, a textured glass writing surface, the Kurta VTS-5 VGA controller for connection to desktop ISA or EISA computers, and a suite of software programs for implementing the system in several different operating environments.
The applications operate in the host computer and interface directly to the display tablet element's pen system controllers.
The controller provides simultaneous LCD and CRT monitor support along with a built-in serial port for the pen system. The controller connects to the display tablet via a 25-pin cable.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930903/Reader contact: Kurta, tel 602-276 7823; Press contacts: Gary Fitzgerald, Kurta, tel 602-276-5533; Richard Burger, Martz & Wadas for Kurta, tel 602-998-3154)
Burger, Martz & Wadas for Kurta, tel 602-998-3154)
9/7/93
PenExpo - Kurta Intros Desktop Pen Display System
GENERAL
PenExpo - Dauphin Announces VAR
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- At PenExpo this week, Dauphin announced a licensing agreement with Group Technologies to ruggedize its DTR family of computers, as well as the establishment of a new program to distribute the handheld pen based PCs through VAR channels.
A company spokesperson told Newsbytes that both moves are aimed at bolstering DTR's position in the vertical markets at which the PCs are primarily targeted.
In the new licensing deal, Group Technologies will be adding ruggedized casing to the DTR's CPU. The ruggedized pen PCs will then be sold by both Dauphin and Group Technologies, she said.
Group Technologies will market the new PCs under its Badger brand name. The first ruggedized DTR to be sold by Group Technologies will be the DTR-1, which Badger will rename the Badger 486-P. Dauphin will market the ruggedized DTRs under the DTR moniker, but no decision has yet been reached on exact model names, she added.
The establishment of the full-fledged VAR program follows a test program that netted 100 VARs in three weeks, according to the spokesperson. The first VARs being targeted are application specific VARs fields such as sales automation, health care, and field data collection. Pen-based VARs as well as other VARs will be sought.
Several large VARs have already committed to the program, including Medvantage, which is using the DTR-1 in its automated medication system, and Verticomp, which is providing data collection system to oil field personnel.
Based on a strategic alliance philosophy, the program includes a competitive price margin, aggressive demo program, quality assurance, and co-op advertising credits, she told Newsbytes.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930903/Reader contact: Dauphin, tel 708-971 3400; Press contact: Colleen Burke, Dauphin, tel 708-971-3400, ext 1229)
ss contact: Colleen Burke, Dauphin, tel 708-971-3400, ext 1229)
9/7/93
PenExpo - Dauphin Announces VAR Program, Ruggedized Computers
UK - Wordperfect 6.0 For Windows
i ADDLESTONE, SURREY, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Shadowing the US launch earlier last week, Wordperfect UK has formally launched Wordperfect 6.0 for Windows. The company is pencilling in a fourth quarter shipment date with a suggested price tag of UKP 329.
David Godwin, the company's general manager for sales and marketing told Newsbytes that he is very enthusiastic about the package. He claims that the current trend towards Windows over DOS is starting to progress beyond the 50:50 mark and that, within three years, he expects sales of Wordperfect for Windows to be outselling the DOS edition four to one.
"(Wordperfect for) Windows will take around 80 percent of the market in the future, though it may take three or more years to achieve these ratios. In the meantime, we intend to service both markets as effectively as possible," he said.
Wordperfect 6.0 for Windows is as impressive features-wise as Wordperfect 6.0 for DOS. The package allows users to personalize the word processor for virtually any environment and/or task. The company claims that almost all aspects of the user interface can be customized: button bar, power bar, ruler bar, status bar, keyboards and menus.
"No other word processor makes it easier for Wordperfect DOS users to make the move to Windows," explained Godwin, adding that he believes that no other package has better compatibility with existing Wordperfect files and macros, or better cross-platform compatibility.
Wordperfect 6.0 for Windows gives Wordperfect for DOS users the easiest transition to Windows with feature and file compatibility, as well as macro conversions, the company reports. Wordperfect 6.0 for Windows is 100 percent compatible with Wordperfect 5.1 and 6.0 for DOS and Wordperfect 5.2 for Windows. Users can also write macros that will work in both Wordperfect 6.0 for DOS and Windows. The Windows version even contains a WPDOS keyboard layout.
What about existing users of Wordperfect? How will they upgrade to WP 6.0 for Windows? Godwin said that pricing on an upgrade path has yet to be sorted out price-wise, but that any user of Wordperfect whatever platform and/or issue, will be able to upgrade for a modest upgrade fee. "We'll be deciding on exact pricing closer to shipment date," he told Newsbytes.
(Steve Gold/19930903/Press & Public Contact: Wordperfect UK - Tel: 0932-850500; Fax: 0932-843497)
el: 0932-850500; Fax: 0932-843497)
9/7/93
UK - Wordperfect 6.0 For Windows
Russian Computer Buying Trends
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- MTB Computer Info., has announced the results of its opinion poll regarding Russian computer buying habits. Every second respondent based their buying decisions on information printed in newspapers.
33% asks advice of colleagues and experts, 19% were influenced by television sources, and 18% of buyers got price quotes from the foreign press, according to the poll results.
53% of those polled said they experienced no problems finding the correct computer system to suit their needs, mostly due to the large supply of brands from competing companies. However, only 27% were able to correctly name even a few local computer retailers.
MTB Computer Info is a marketing, consulting and public relations company started by entrepreneur Dimitry Mendrelyuk. It is affiliated with the Moscow Commodities Exchange. The poll was conducted among executives of 80 independent trading companies in Moscow.
(Kirill Tchashchin/199302)
(Kirill Tchashchin/199302)
9/7/93
Russian Computer Buying Trends
TRENDS
Correction - MacWeek's Gore Pred
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- In a story that appeared in Newsbytes' daily edition Sept. 22, a typographical error reversed the meaning of a statement by MacWeek Senior Editor Andrew Gore.
Speaking at MacWorld Expo/Canada, Gore said anticipated Macintosh models based on the PowerPC chip will not deliver hoped-for performance improvements without software written especially for the PowerPC chip. Our story used the word "with" when we meant "without." Newsbytes apologizes for the error.
(Grant Buckler/19930924)
izes for the error.
(Grant Buckler/19930924)
9/24/93
Correction - MacWeek's Gore Predicts Mac Moves
APPLE
CORRECTION
Media 100 Online Video Productio
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Media 100, an inexpensive video production system which is used in conjunction with an Apple NuBus Macintosh computer to create standard NTSC or PAL video programs, has begun shipping from Marlboro Massachusetts-based Data Translation.
According to the company, Media 100 is the first 100 percent digital, online, nonlinear video production system to create high quality video programs directly from a Macintosh computer.
Digital video and audio processing, which are used to produce such things as commercials where one image appears to morph (metamorphosize) in real time into another was until recently the exclusive province of powerful RISC-based graphics workstations.
Media 100, which is suitable for use by small production studios or even local television stations, uses two NuBus slots in a fast Macintosh computer and the related software runs under the Apple System 7 operating system.
CD-quality stereo audio is supported, and the video output is a full 30 frames per second which meets the NTSC (North American) broadcast television standard, meaning that output from the Media 100-equipped Macintosh would provide images of the same quality as seen on normal broadcast or cable television.
The Macworld trade show saw the premier of the beta version of Media 100, which began shipping earlier this week at a list price of $12,000.
In addition to the video/audio editing board, a production studio will need a powerful Macintosh Quadra computer with two open expansion slots, 32 megabytes (MB) of memory, a minimum of 1 gigabyte (GB) of high-performance SCSI or Small Computer Systems Interface hard drive capacity, System 7, and Quicktime.
Some sort of video recording capacity is also required to input data and store edited output, and a TV-standard video monitor, not a standard computer monitor, is needed to view the images during editing.
Media 100 FX (special effects) is a $1,000 option which uses Adobe Premier software to provide 62 different standard transitions and editing techniques like wipes and dissolves, filtering through posterizing (images which appear to be a combination of positive and negatives), blurring, solarizing (strongly outlining objects), and embossing video. Media 100 FX even provides such advanced effects as page turns and squeezes which are familiar to television viewers, but which are normally produced using very expensive, dedicated television effects processors.
The FX option is not yet shipping but the company says it is scheduled to be available this month.
(John McCormick/19930903/Press Contact: Patrick Rafter, Data Translation, 508-460-1600, ext. 877; Public Contact: 508/460 1600, ext. 100)
877; Public Contact: 508/460 1600, ext. 100)
9/7/93
Media 100 Online Video Production On A Mac
APPLE
Australia - HP Launches Faxed In
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- HP First is Hewlett Packard's new information service for Australian and New Zealand customers. Like many other computer companies, HP is anxious to get as much information out, as efficiently as possible.
The system uses a voice menu and a touch-tone phone. Selected info is then faxed to a telephone number entered by the enquirer. Even at its start, the system has a database of around one gigabyte of information for customers, resellers, consultants, the media, and the general public.
HP says the system differs greatly from normal fax-back services which simply send brochures or fact sheets from a small list. First time users are advised to request a faxed index of the hundreds of available documents.
The HP Australia communications group that implemented the system will now export the technology across Asia-Pacific, including installations in Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore.
While HP pays to send the fax, the user pays for the enquiry call as it is a Melbourne number and not toll-free. Interested Newsbytes readers can try the service by dialling +61-3-272 2627.
(Paul Zucker/19930903)
g +61-3-272 2627.
(Paul Zucker/19930903)
9/7/93
Australia - HP Launches Faxed Info Service
GENERAL
Sharp 32 Mb MROM
CAMAS, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Sharp Electronics has announced the development and availability of the highest density MROM (mask read-only memory) available. Designated the LH5355, the 32-megabit (Mb) memory is suitable for embedded computers which require large amounts of memory, such as global positioning systems, printers, games, and advanced telecommunications switching systems.
The low-power 32-Mb mask ROM can replace more expensive EPROMS (erasable programmable read-only memory) and since a single MROM can substitute for four 8Mb EPROMS it will also lower construction costs and improve reliability while reducing the overall size of the electronics package.
These MROM chips are created using a 0.6-micron CMOS process and the data which is imprinted on the memory chips to make them application specific is done at a late stage of production which Sharp says will reduce turnaround time to 6-8 weeks.
MROM chips are not used as general purpose computer memory and can't be individually programmed by the user, but are suitable for mass production of even relatively small quantities of read only memory which provide programming or fixed data to specialized devices.
(John McCormick/19930902/Press Contact: David White, Young & Roehr, 503-222-0626)
ehr, 503-222-0626)
9/7/93
Sharp 32 Mb MROM
GENERAL
AT&T Intros Fractional T-3
BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Companies which could not afford a 1.544 million bit/second trunk line called a "T-1" in the trade, have long been offered slower lines called "fractional T-1s" at speeds like 384,000 bits/second. Now that kind of strategy has arrived with the faster "T-3" trunk line, which typically moves data at 45 million bits/second.
A T-3 has plenty of capacity to carry a TV back-haul from, say, a sports stadium to a broadcasting center, without any compression. Simple arithmetic shows that 28 T-1s can be combined to make one T-3. Now AT&T's Accunet data service is offering other combinations, like its new T32.
T-32 offers 32 million bit/second service, two-thirds the speed of a T-3. It's supported by the company's Fastar infastructure which restores service quickly in case of a cable cut. Product line manager Hemant Vaidya noted that many customers with 9-15 locations requiring a T-1 connection have been reluctant to buy use of a T-3 trunk because they couldn't justify the wasted capacity. Now they'll be able to buy the capacity they need, he said. While 10 T1 sconnections between Addison, Texas and Akron Ohio cost $62,650, and a T-3 cost $63,800, a T32 which can handle 21 T-1s, costs $55,000, a real savings. Prices vary based on the cities connected.
This is just one of the "Fractional T-3" speeds being supported by AT&T Accunet. The company has offered 4.6 million bit/second 6.2 million bit/second, 7.7 million bit/second, and 10.8 million bit/second, lines since January. The new service becomes available in some locations September 20 under an FCC tariff with general availability in December.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Ameritech, the regional Bell company for the upper Midwest, will begin a test of voice dialing through its phone switches in the Chicago suburbs.
About 100 Ameritech employees will participate in the test, which lets callers store up to 70 phrases like "call doctor" or "call mom at work" and dial those numbers by speaking those phrases into their home phones. Ameritech plans to evaluate the results and could offer the service commercially early next year. The technology in the trial is coming from Texas Instruments, which has long been a leader in voice processing algorithms.
Many phone companies have been interested in creating new interfaces for customers. The 12-key touchtone keypad can perform many tasks, but surveys show most consumers don't know they can dial *70, for instance, and turn off call-waiting services. For this reason, companies like Ameritech have long been testing screen-based telephones, but a lack of standards and additional services, combined with the high cost of the phones, have kept them from being a major market success.
Voice recognition has been a feature in phone networks for some time, and AT&T is planning to replace thousands of operators with equipment that recognizes spoken phone numbers over the next several years. But the motive behind voice recognition, in the past, has been lowering costs. This is one of the first times that voice recognition through a telephone switch is being tested with the idea of offering new services to consumers and the extra revenue could help justify the added expense of the switches even if sales of so-called CLASS services like Caller ID continue to lag.
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- If Bill Gates thought that he was almost out of the legal woods a few months ago when the Federal Trade Commission announced that it was unable to come to a conclusion about possible unfair trade practices on Microsoft's part, the illusion has surely burst by now with the US case against Microsoft now in the hands of an aggressive anti-monopoly Justice Department and last week's surprise announcement that Novell had raised similar charges in Europe.
The basis of most charges against Microsoft is that it is just too successful by far. The Redmond-based operating system developer, responsible in large part for both MS-DOS and OS/2 points out that, since there have long been both compatible alternatives from Digital Research (DR-DOS) and powerful non compatible operating systems like Unix, it has expanded because of good marketing and superior products.
It is no secret that Mr. Gates has made excellent strategic alliances with companies like IBM, but competitors contend that Microsoft's marketing goes far beyond that and actually violates US anti-trust laws.
The recent announcement is that Microsoft has also been accused by rival network firm Novell with violations of the European Community's rules concerning competitiveness.
Most of the potential problems come from Microsoft's licensing arrangements with computer manufacturers who obtain operating systems very inexpensively and install them on all computers they ship.
Both Reuters and The Washington Post reported over the holiday weekend that the Brussels-based European Commission is investigating newly brought charges against Microsoft.
A Microsoft spokesperson quoted in the Post article says that the "allegations are meritless."
Despite a three-year investigation, the US Federal Trade Commission failed to find compelling evidence that Microsoft had violated US laws and, although the details of the charges were not made public, the Novell charges in Europe are thought by observers to be based on the same actions.
However, the fact that the understaffed FTC was unable to build a case may mean very little when compared to the much more powerful US Justice Department, and as far as the EC rules go, they are based on a different set of laws. So even if Microsoft did nothing illegal in this country, there is no assurance that an EC investigation will also find the company blameless.
(John McCormick/19930907/)
nd the company blameless.
(John McCormick/19930907/)
9/7/93
Microsoft Faces New Legal Problems - Europe This Time
Cooling The Hot Pentium
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Early reports by people who have worked with the powerful new Intel Pentium (586) chip have been unanimous on two points -- it is hot in the sense that it is very fast, and it is really hot in the sense that it heats up when working hard. Laconia, New Hampshire-based Aavid Engineering, which says that the Pentium chip gets hot enough to actually boil water, has just announced a line of active and passive heat-sinks that will let developers install the Pentium in close proximity to other components.
The biggest problem with having a hot microprocessor is that not only does the chip itself get hot, it also heats all the nearby components, many of which are even more heat sensitive than the microprocessor itself, so getting the heat away from those components and into the airstream which is already cooling the computer is essential.
Passive heat-sinks usually consist of a relatively heavy aluminum base which attaches to the heat source, and a series of thinner "fans" of metal which essentially expand the amount of surface available to dissipate the heat.
This just puts the heat into the air surrounding other components and must be exhausted by the computer's normal cooling fan(s) but in any case it reduces the intense temperatures generated at the site of the microprocessor.
Active heat-sinks include some type of dedicated fan which is used to directly cool the heat exchanger's fins, speeding the dissipation of heat and leading to even lower on-chip temperatures.
Along with a line of standard heat-sinks designed to fit the Pentium and adapt to various computer and cooling configurations Aavid also offers custom design and production services for companies wishing to configure their computers in some unusual design.
In conjunction with this announcement of Pentium heat-sinks Aavid has announced the formation of a new division named the Digital Products Group which will specifically address the special cooling needs of today's most advanced PCs.
Heat-sinks are not consumer products, but they are vital to the reliable design of personal computers which use advanced microprocessors.
(John McCormick/19930907/Press Contact: Gary Kuzmin, Aavid Engineering, 603-528-3400)
ngineering, 603-528-3400)
9/7/93
Cooling The Hot Pentium
AMD Admits Some Intel Microcode
SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- In a Friday press conference, AMD announced the California Supreme Court will hear its case against Intel. The company also admitted it did probably include Intel microcode in its 486 microprocessors which started shipping this summer.
Originally, Intel and AMD came to an agreement in 1976, and renewed it 1982, under which AMD licensed the rights to Intel's technology. What technology was covered under that agreement remains to be seen. The agreement contains the statement "microcomputers and peripheral products." AMD says that statement means it can use the code inside the Intel microprocessor family of chips, or microcode, which makes its chips compatible with Intel's. Intel claims it did not intend to offer AMD the rights to the microcode in that statement.
The companies went to an arbitrator and Intel lost. But Intel got an appeals court to overturn the arbitrator's decision. Now AMD has gone to the California Supreme Court, which has agreed to hear the case. AMD officials claim the California Supreme Court has historically leaned toward supporting the decisions made by arbitrators, so they expect to win.
AMD also said the fact that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case negates the Appeals Court decision. This means AMD feels it still has the rights to use the microcode until the Supreme Court decision is made.
So, AMD announced Friday it feels it not only again has the rights to the Intel microcode, but admitted its engineers designing the company's 486SX chip were exposed to some Intel microcode from its 386 version of the chip and therefore some Intel microcode was probably incorporated into the 486 version. Estimates were offered by AMD officials that 25 percent of the microcode in the AMD 386 microprocessor was from Intel.
This appears to fly in the face of a July announcement by AMD that its new Intel-486 compatible microprocessors contain only microcode developed internally by AMD. Earlier this year, Intel filed suit concerning the AMD 486 chips before the chips were released claiming the microcode in the chips was not "clean" meaning AMD did not start from scratch. AMD appears to have verified Intel's claims in its admission.
AMD officials did not wish to comment as to why they decided to announce now that the Intel 386 microcode may have ended up in the AMD 486 chips. Richard Lovgren, AMD associate general counsel said on Friday: "The development team was exposed to certain 386 intellectual property that had been awarded to us by the arbitrator in our breach-of-contract dispute against Intel. The June 4 decision by the court of appeal reversing the arbitrator's award potentially compromised our right to use the 386 microcode. Today's decision by the California Supreme Court to hear our appeal reinforces our confidence that the arbitrator acted correctly and justly in awarding AMD license rights to the 386 microprocessor for Intel's breach of the 1982 technology exchange agreement."
Intel officials were unavailable for comment by press time.
Officials at AMD asserted that the company is also hedging its bets by developing its own "clean" microcode, just in case. In addition, company officials said they are working on a fifth generation microprocessor that will be "Microsoft" compatible meaning it will run the operating system software developed by Microsoft, but will not contain any Intel microcode.
In a separate, but related announcement, AMD officials said a trial date of November 1, 1993 has been set in the case with Intel involving the use of Intel microcode in the AMD 80C287 math coprocessor chip.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930907/Press Contact: Sandra Duncan, Intel tel 408-765-1433, fax 408-765-5677; Scott Allen, AMD, 408-749 3311, fax 408-749-3375)
77; Scott Allen, AMD, 408-749 3311, fax 408-749-3375)
9/7/93
AMD Admits Some Intel Microcode Might Be In AMD486
Apple To Ship Multimedia Kits Fo
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Apple Computer hardware for IBM and compatible personal computers (PCs), the Apple Compact Disc (CD) Multimedia Kit for PCs, is being offered in conjunction with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) deal with multimedia PC hardware maker Media Vision.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Media Vision's Pro Audio 16 add-in sound board is included in the kit along with a Sony double speed small computer systems interface (SCSI) compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive, the necessary cabling, and the driver software. The 16-bit sound card and the double speed CD-ROM drive are required in order to meet the Multimedia Personal Computer (MPC) Level 2 specifications which also require a PC with at least a 386 microprocessor.
Purchasers of the kits are also entitled to select up to three free CD-based titles from a list of over 30 titles. Pricing information was not available from Apple by press time.
Apple has an OEM agreement which gives it access to a vast quantity of CD-ROM drives and plans to ship a CD-ROM drive in one-third of the computers it sells in the near future Newsbytes sources said. In order to further leverage its investment in multimedia, and particularly in CD-ROM, Apple is extending its hardware offerings to the millions of PC owners as well.
Another MPC kit manufacturer, Creative Labs, has cut prices to $650 on its Sound Blaster Edutainment CD and Sound Blaster Discovery CD kits. The company claims these are the lowest prices available for kits that meet MPC Level 2 specification.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930907/Press Contact: Elizabeth Gebhardt Apple Computer, tel 408-974-6028; Abigail Johnson, Roeder Johnson for Apple, tel 415-802-1851, fax 415-593-5515; Elizabeth Fairchild, Media Vision, tel 510-623-5856)
rchild, Media Vision, tel 510-623-5856)
9/7/93
Apple To Ship Multimedia Kits For PCs
APPLE
IBM Beefs Up AS/400's Client/Ser
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- IBM has announced a long list of new hardware and software products including three new AS/400 models, to extend the usefulness of its midrange system line in client/server computing.
John Thompson, senior vice-president and general manager of application business systems at IBM, said the more than 100 new products fleshed out a statement of direction the company made on client/server last February.
"What's important I think with this announcement is not any one of the 100 individual line items, but what they mean together," Thompson said.
Of about 200,000 AS/400 systems now installed, Thompson said some 60 percent are running some client/server applications. But for users who want to move more heavily into client/server, IBM launched three new AS/400 models meant to offer better performance in purely client/server environments.
"As a market, the client/server opportunity is a very large opportunity," said Susan Whitney, director of midrange systems marketing for IBM United States. The market is growing at about 25 percent per year, she said.
The three new models in the AS/400 Server Series are the models 100, 135, and 140. They come at prices roughly comparable to those of the existing F02, F10, and F20 models respectively Thompson said, but will deliver three to five times better performance than the older models when dedicated to client/server computing.
"If you're running client/server type of work for more than 50 percent of the time," he said, "then these are the models that we would recommend."
IBM also announced:
Software to support a variety of desktop clients. The announcements included support for desktop database access standards, including Microsoft Corp.'s Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), the Integrated Database Application Programming Interface (IDAPI), and the Structured Query Language 2 (SQL-2) standard. Also, IBM announced support for Apple Computer's LocalTalk network interface, allowing Macintosh computers to connect directly to the AS/400.
Enhancements to the AS/400 Server Series -- including hardware-and-software packages for the new AS/400 server models and the addition to the AS/400 Client Series of an IBM PS/ValuePoint personal computer specially configured to be used as a client to an AS/400 server.
Programs and controllers to connect Novell NetWare servers, and support for connections to Sun Microsystems and Hewlett-Packard Unix workstations.
Nine new models in IBM's 9337 line of disk products, intended to provide better support for the Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) approach to data protection, plus a 7.2-terabyte tape library intended for data archival and network backup.
Enhancements to the OS/400 operating system, including the ability to use main memory for data caching, thus speeding data retrieval.
The new servers are to be available by year-end on a limited basis. The new disk products are to be available in November, and most other hardware products are to be available this year except the Apple LocalTalk adapter, which is slated for March, 1994. Software products are to ship at various times between now and the fall of 1994.
(Grant Buckler/19930907/Press Contact: Kelly Fitzgerald or Jen Revis, Technology Solutions for IBM, 212-505-9900, fax 212-254-3402)
tions for IBM, 212-505-9900, fax 212-254-3402)
9/7/93
IBM Beefs Up AS/400's Client/Server Features
UK's Mercury Offers Digital Mobi
H LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- In what must be one of the British telecoms industry's worst-kept secrets, Mercury Communications today took the wraps off its digital mobile phone service. The service, known as One-2-One, has rejected the usual 900 megahertz frequencies espoused by the Groupe Speciale Mobile (GSM) services, and opted instead for the 1,800 MHz (1.8GHz) bandwidth instead.
The charging structure is carefully designed to make a hole in Cellnet and Vodafone's digital mobile phone services. Cellnet's GSM service and its "consumer version," LCH, as Vodafone's Eurodigital GSM and Metrodigital consumer digital service, will charge a small rate per minute for off-peak calls. But One-2-One's off-peak local calls are free of all charges.
Off-peak rates at defined as 7pm to 7am on weekdays and all day weekends. Mercury claims that this tariffing arrangement is unique in the UK, where local phone calls are charged at rates that are the highest in the world.
"For the first time, wireless mobile phones are being priced to be attractive to the average consumer, not just to business people," said Richard McCormick, chairman and CEO of US West, another Cable & Wireless subsidiary, which was involved in launching Mercury's One-2 One service in the UK.
"By being the first in the world to offer free local calls in the off-peak hours, One-2-One is making the first assault on the emerging mass market for wireless communications," he added.
One-to-One has a service area ringed by the M25 orbital London motorway. Plans call for the service to be rolled out around the UK over the next few years, although critics say that, even by the later end of the decade, a long list of farther-flung potential users will be unable to use the service.
Another claimed revolutionary aspect of One-2-One is the inclusion of voice mail and call forwarding to a third line without any extra charges incurred. McCormick described these breakthroughs as mass-market oriented.
"The characteristics of the UK market make it ideal for the launch of new wireless services. British people are very interested in using new technology, and the UK market will actually form a testing ground for us in the development of our worldwide PCS strategy," he said.
(Steve Gold/19930907/Press & Public Contact: One-2-One, US West Tel: 0710495-8484)
lic Contact: One-2-One, US West Tel: 0710495-8484)
9/7/93
UK's Mercury Offers Digital Mobile Phone Service
TELECOM
UK Police Raid Adult BBS Service
ATTLEBOROUGH, NORWICH, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Police have raided the home of an unknown man in Attleborough, a small village near Norwich, confiscating his computer, software, modem and compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) drive, as well as several CD-ROM discs.
Newsbytes understands that the man, who has not been named, was running a CD-ROM-based BBS with adult pictures on a BT premium rate (0891) phone line. No charges have been made.
Local police, apparently acting on an anonymous tip-off from a concerned parent, were joined by detectives with Manchester's obscene publications squad, raided the house in Attleborough confiscating 12 CD-ROM discs.
Although no charges have been made against the unnamed operator of the BBS in question, police say that they are concerned about the number of similar incidents. They claim that the problem has been discovered in the US, but is now starting to appear on this side of the Atlantic.
Because of the nature of the case, Newsbytes understands that the file on the matter will be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service once all the data has been assessed, in order that a decision on whether to prosecute can be made.
The Commons Home Affairs Select Commute will investigate the problem of computer pornography, at the suggestion of Emma Nicholson, MP when it returns this autumn after the summer recess.
Newsbytes sources have discovered that the 12 discs in the police's possession were almost certainly sourced through the US. Inspector Robert George of Thetford Police in Norfolk said that his officers were sorting through the material gathered during the raid, but added that it could take up to six weeks before all the material had been viewed and a decision on how to proceed is taken.
Press reports on the incident suggest that no child pornography or bestiality is on the discs, but the material is still not suitable for public consultation. Police say that details of the BBS were advertised through other BBSs, rather than on a direct to public basis.
(Steve Gold/19930907)
c basis.
(Steve Gold/19930907)
9/7/93
UK Police Raid Adult BBS Service
TELECOM
CA-Visual Objects To Begin Beta
UK - RAM Mobile Data Wins Retail
New Far Side Planner/Calendar Fo
Review of - KidPix, For Mac
Australia - Crack My Code!
MCI & Canada Offer 800-Number Fl
Sega Orders FRAM Chips For Games
Review of - Boatowner's Guide To
Browsing the Internet
Western Digital's Rocketchip In
Sharp Develops Hand-Held Multime
UK - Hewlett-Packard's 1st Softw
Mirus Intros Under-$5000 Film Re
New nVIEW LCD
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Newport News Virginia-based nVIEW, a major supplier of high-tech projection panels for presentations and training, has announced ViewFrame Spectra C, an active-matrix liquid crystal display that projects computer and video images in up to 1.4 million colors.
Available for shipment now, the $5,695 color projection panel was premiered at last week's FedMicro trade show at the Washington Convention Center. Although it is considerably advanced over the previous version of the popular LCD projection system, Spectra C only costs $100 more than its predecessor.
The 8.4-inch diagonal LCD panel, combined with nVIEW's special electronics, produces the brightest active-matrix projection screen on the market, one which provides sharp graphics and true flesh tones, the company claims.
A remote control lets presenters switch between different sources and the Spectra C provides compatibility with PCs and Macintosh computers, as well as standard NTSC, PAL, SECAM and S-Video sources. A VCR or other video source can be directly connected to the panel without any additional external adapter or need to process the full-motion images through a computer-based video card.
nVIEW LCD projection panels are used during business presentations or in classroom settings.
CAMUS, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- Sharp Electronics has announced a new addition to its digital signal processor (DSP) line, a 25 MHz (megahertz), 24-bit array processing sound and image processor for medical applications. The LH9124L includes 26 built-in functions which provide digital filtering spectrum analysis, correlation, adaptive filtering, and compression for 8-bit to 24-bit digital signals.
The major applications for this real-time processor are in medical equipment such as ultrasound and tomography (3-D X-rays).
The new LH9320LU-25 Address Generator a 68-pin plastic leadless chip carrier (PLCC) chip provides support for the LH9124L which comes in a 262-lead pin grid array (PGA) package.
The LH9124L DSP has six on-board multiplier/accumulators, eight adders, four complex bidirectional buses, and 24-bit external with 64-bit internal precision.
Design for the new pin grid array DSPs was done in Camas, with fabrication performed at Sharp's Fukuyama, Japan plant.
These new chips will allow medical equipment to be built using fewer components while providing equal or improved performance and Sharp has PC simulation software available to speed development of new designs using the LH9124L DSP.
(John McCormick/19930902/Press Contact: David White, Young & Roehr, 503-222-0626)
David White, Young & Roehr, 503-222-0626)
9/7/93
New Sharp Digital Signal Processing Chip
GENERAL
Software Has 5300 Companies For
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 7 (NB) -- In an example of what can be done with a computer and a mailing list Scope International has released version 4.0 of Jobhunt, a software package designed to help the unemployed use their computer to barrage the job market. The new version has 5300 companies listed with contact names, addresses, telephone and fax numbers as well as the type of business.
Scope develops and maintains the mailing list, updating it continuously. In addition, the list is cleaned, meaning the correlation between the addresses and companies listed is verified every six months, using the United States Postal Service's (USPS) list cleaning service, according to company president, Salman Sami.
Jobhunt now allows companies to be searched by the government's Standard Industrial Classification code, or SIC code. These codes identify the type of business. For example 8111 is the SIC code for attorneys.
In addition, the product has its own built-in word processor but now will export the company data to the generic format American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) or to the Wordperfect merge file format for use in creating mail merged letters with Wordperfect.
The product allows the user to select companies and maintain that list so a follow-up phone call can also be made. Automatic phone dialing is also new in this version, requires a modem and is based on the number listed for the company.
A European edition is in the works and a Canadian edition is already available, according to Scope International. The company said the US version is selling overseas as well to military personnel who are faced with the proposition of leaving the military.
Jobhunt 4.0 runs on all IBM and compatible personal computers (PC) with 512 kilobytes (K) of random access memory (RAM). The product is available directly from Scope International for $49.95 (plus $4.95 shipping and handling) and one free update is included. A complete listing of SIC codes can be obtained in the "Standard Industrial Classification Manual" available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Rd Springfield, VA, 22161, 703-487-4600. Book form of the SIC Manual is $30.00 although it is available on diskettes as well.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930902/Press Contact: Salman Sami, Scope International, tel 704-535-0614, fax 704-535-0617; Public Contact 800-843-5627)
ax 704-535-0617; Public Contact 800-843-5627)
9/7/93
Software Has 5300 Companies For Job Seekers
UK - Revive Dead & Dying Mice Wi
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- According to Softcover International, a lot of computer users are throwing away their "faulty" mice when, in fact, all they needed to do is give them a thoroughly good cleaning.
Unfortunately, cleaning a mouse is a lot more than sticking the beast under the faucet -- the delicate components, it seems, cannot stand up to such treatment. Instead, the company recommends the use of its own Mouse Wash, which comes in 24 sachet packs.
According to the company, regular cleaning with Mouse Wash can treble the lifespan of an average mouse. Part of the problem is the nature of the debris that builds up on a mouse ball -- washing with water is often ineffective, the company claims. Usual "solutions," it states, range from scratching with a pen to cleaning with furniture polish. Neither course of action, it claims, is helpful to the mouse's longevity.
Steve Hannath, a director of Softcover International, says that the classic symptoms of a clogged up mouse are when the cursor on the screen fails to respond accurately to the movement of the mouse. To induce traction, he claims that it frequently has to be wiggled jiggled or violently jerked to release the ball inside the mouse mechanism.
The Mouse Wash system is a prepared wet towelette in a sachet. For bad cases, two towelettes may be required, with a regular monthly cleaning with one towelette to keep the problem of a clogged mouse ball at bay.
Mouse Wash costs UKP 5-95 for a 24-sachet pack. The company claims that this will last the typical user up to two years. This is a cheap enough solution, the company adds, for almost all users.
(Steve Gold/19930903/Press & Public Contact: Softcover International Tel: 071-259-2100; Fax: 071-373-6368)
rnational Tel: 071-259-2100; Fax: 071-373-6368)
9/3/93
UK - Revive Dead & Dying Mice With Mouse Wash
GENERAL
HP To Acquire CAE Developer EEso
Borland Manipulates Justice Syst
Wall Data To Acquire Capella Sys
Software Dev't 93 - Microsoft In
Sega Links With McDonalds, Circu
Interop's Real, Live Network
More Japanese Software Firms Hit
AEA Supports NAFTA
PenExpo - FUI (Fun User Interfac
Editorial - The Urge To Be Left
UK - London's Financial Times Of
Correction - US Programmer Blows
Canadian Regulators May Ban Reco
Microprose Intros NFL Football S
Russia - Telecom Privatization A
Storagetek Expects $25M Operatin
Linkon Intros Low Cost Unix Voic
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- The integration of fax and voice mail on networks is a major aim of many businesses -- a goal which will be helped along by New York City-based Linkon's inexpensive Faxpeak board for Unix systems. A $3,000 version of the board using digital signal processor and fax technology will handle four telephone lines, while an eight-line board is priced at $8,000.
Designed specifically for fax-on-demand systems where users call in to the company's computer system and request that specific faxes be transmitted, there is also an S-bus version of the Faxpeak board for RISC (reduced instruction set computing) chip computers which is priced at only $1,500.
Although other phone/fax boards are priced in this same range, they depend on touch-tone responses from callers. Linkon indicates that their new board actually responds to spoken commands from callers making this board unique in its price range.
The Faxpeak board, which connects to high-speed digital telecommunications lines (T1 or E1) can also be used to send or receive faxes by any network client.
(John McCormick/19930908/Press Contact: George Dinsdale, Linkon 212-753-2544)
0908/Press Contact: George Dinsdale, Linkon 212-753-2544)
BUFFALO, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- WordPerfect users who want to teach the popular word processor a few new tricks may want to look at Perfected!, a WordPerfect add-on from Niad Corporatuon. The vendor says its software can turn WordPerfect into an address file manager, an invoicing and purchasing system, or a financial reporting tool.
According to the company, Perfected! automates some of WordPerfect's more complex features, such as tables, mail merging, outlining sorting, and macros. According to Niad, it will make it easier for novice users to put these features to work, and will help more experienced users do new things with their word processor.
Among Perfected!'s functions is a simplified way of printing envelopes and mailing labels, as well as facsimile cover sheets. Also, the software lets users retrieve addresses from an "address book" maintained in WordPerfect and print envelopes and letters without retyping the address.
Pre-designed administrative forms are also available, including expense reports, calendars, and schedules. Like other WordPerfect add-ons, the software does its tricks by taking advantage of the word processor's powerful macro capabilities.
Perfected! began shipping in late August in the United States and Canada, according to Lucrezia Motta, marketing co-ordinator for Thetis Marketing Group of Toronto, which is marketing the product for Niad. The list price is US$59.95 or C$74.95.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Australian keyboard manufacturer ACTek has released Versakey III, the latest version of its intelligent PC keyboard. The company claims that VersaKey series III has an additional 60 programmable function keys.
One or two sets of keystrokes can be assigned to the extra 60 keys automating many tasks regularly performed on the PC. Unlike some software-based macro recording systems there is no special macro language and the need to re-assign the same 10 or 12 keys for each application.
Because the keyboard itself stores up to 30,000 keystrokes, a typical application could be to place large sections of boiler plate text behind some keys, for applications such as word processing.
Another suggested usage is to record important and complicated, but perhaps infrequently used, strings of commands onto keys for jobs such as month-end roll-over of products like accounting packages. This could save the monthly hunt for the manual or the scrap of yellow sticky paper with the command string on it.
The VersaKey III plugs into any 286, 386, 486 or PS/2 PC and requires no installation. Keystroke settings can be entered manually or from disk, allowing multiple keyboards to be programmed from a single source -- such as a corporate user having all keyboards in the organisation programmed the same way.
(Paul Zucker/19930908/Contact: ACTek Technology Pty Ltd on phone 61-3-349 1666 or fax +61-3-349 1900)
n phone 61-3-349 1666 or fax +61-3-349 1900)
9/8/93
Series III VersaKey Keyboard For PC Debuts
Correction - CardGrabber Busines
NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- In a story with the above title, which ran on the Newsbytes news wire service on September 13, the speed of business card scanning on Pacific Crest Technologies' new scanning system was in error.
The company's new CardGrabber scans and displays a business card on screen within eight seconds, not within eight minutes, as the story had reported. Newsbytes regrets the error.
(Wendy Woods/19930920/Reader contact: Pacific Crest Technologies, tel 714-261-6444; Press contact: Les Goldberg Public Relations for Pacific Crest, tel 714-545-3117)
rg Public Relations for Pacific Crest, tel 714-545-3117)
9/20/93
Correction - CardGrabber Business Card Scanning System
CORRECTION
Australian Company Unveils Sound
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- The Australian subsidiary of Singapore-based Creative Technology has released a new product Sound Blaster 16 Basic. According to the company, the card is a fully upgradeable sound board with compact disc (CD)-quality audio inbuilt CD-Rom (compact disc - read only memory) drive controller and real-time hardware compression and decompression of sound files to save disk space.
The card has a suggested retail price in Australia of $299 (US$200) placing it below the top line 16ASP board, yet offering similar features. It has an interface connector for the addition of a Wave Blaster board which offers sampled-wave sound synthesis. It can also take an Advanced Signal Processing (ASP) option board. As standard it records and plays back in 8 and 16-bit samples, in mono or stereo, up to 44.1kHz (CD sound quality) sample rate and has a four operator, 20-voice OPL-3 FM synthesizer.
All the usual software goodies are included, ranging from games, to music to text-to-speech converters. And believe it or not, the board is even compatible with the standard for PC sound boards -- the Sound Blaster!
(Paul Zucker/19930908/Contact: Creative Pacific on phone +61-2-906 8887 or fax +61-2-906 5577)
reative Pacific on phone +61-2-906 8887 or fax +61-2-906 5577)
9/8/93
Australian Company Unveils Sound Blaster 16 Basic Sound Card
Electronic Medical Records Modul
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Medical Synergies Corporation (MSC) says it is licensing the electronic medical record module of its PAL/MED software, designed to aid physicians in avoiding malpractice charges. The company already markets billing, financial and scheduling modules.
The company claims that the key components of the newest module include on-line patient medical history, patient care and nursing notes, lab and x-ray reports, automatic patient follow-up and recall, and automatic drug interaction warnings. MSC says that the module automatically evaluates the utilization of each component of the patient record to ensure completeness. that's designed to decrease the physician's risk of being charged with malpractice.
MSC says it's targeting small and mid-sized software companies who already have entries in the medical arena, especially those with billing and insurance filing packages, and with current system installations ranging from a few dozen to a few thousand. "Such companies may find they lack either the time, expertise, or finance to develop a medical records module," explained Doctor James Palen MSC VP of marketing.
Software vendors that license the MSC records package have the option to private label the package. Specific license pricing information was not provided, but Palen says the company is flexible. "To kick-start this strategy, we are giving very flexible and attractive terms for licensing."
Palen founded his firm, Palcor Corporation, in 1983, and merged with an Atlanta marketing firm recently to become MSC. Palen claims that a physician's malpractice insurance premium can run to more than $100,000 annually, which increases the cost of medical care for everyone. The National Medical Liabilities Reform Coalition says negligence claims cost clinicians and patients more than $10,000 million in 1992, and estimates malpractice premiums account for nearly 20 percent of total medical costs annually.
MSC says that the PAL/MED package will alert physicians to failure to diagnose an ailment, inadvertent drug reaction, failure to properly inform the patient about his or her condition and the risks of a particular procedure, and failure to complete proper patient follow-up.
President Bill Clinton's health care program estimates savings of millions of dollars by reducing present health care costs. The PAL/MED package may be a step in that direction, Newsbytes notes.
(Jim Mallory/19930908/Press Contact: Stacy Imyak, S&S Public Relations for Medical Synergies Corporation, 708-291-1616; Reader contact: 314-335-0061)
708-291-1616; Reader contact: 314-335-0061)
9/8/93
Electronic Medical Records Module Shipping
GENERAL
Cardinal Intros Multimedia Upgra
LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- IBM PC and compatible users wanting to get into multimedia usually turn to all in-one upgrade kits to get the necessary hardware. Now Cardinal Technologies has introduced two new Cardinal Sensory System upgrade kits. According to the company, the kits are designed for 386- and 486-based systems, and cost $599 for the Cardinal Sensory System I and $699 for the Sensory System II.
The company claims that the multimedia kits can save users between $100 and $500 -- compared to retail price tags on Creative Labs' Sound Blaster Digital Edge/Edutainment CD 16, Media Vision Pro 16/Fusion Double CD 16, Turtle Beach System's MultiSound, and other multimedia PC (MPC) upgrade kits.
The company is also claiming that the Sensory System I is the market's lowest-priced MPC Level 2-compliant upgrade kit to offer a complete multimedia/CD title pack.
The Sensory System kits feature Cardinal's Digital Sound Pro 16 soundcards with studio MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) wavetable music, double-speed CD-ROM drives for faster data access, Windows/DOS multimedia presentation software, and a number of CD software.
The Digital Sound Pro 16 series was originally introduced in May. The cards offer 16-bit audio, as well as digital recording and playback features.
Digital Sound Pro 16 cards are based on a re-programmable digital signal processing (DSP)-based audio processing chipset from Analog Devices. Additionally, the Cardinal soundcard in the kit is claimed to play MIDI music in up to 24 different, realistic, simultaneous instrumental "voices" -- through wavetable synthesis, which draws tones from a library of digitally-recorded samples of actual musical instruments stored in an onboard ROM chip.
The company also claims that the CD and digital audio tape (DAT) quality sound, coupled with onboard sampled instruments, can help transform a PC into a personal music studio.
Announcing the products, Harold Krall, president of Cardinal Technologies, said: "Because our customers can easily load in new features as affordable software upgrades to their soundcards, we help them protect their multimedia PC investment. Today, changing desktop multimedia standards and new audio product features make our competitors' soundcards obsolete almost as you buy them -- so why purchase overpriced MPC kits if they have dead-end sound, inferior components and boring software?"
The Sensory System I includes: the Digital Sound Pro 16 soundcard; Labtec CS-150 external stereo speakers; and a Sony CDU-31A-03 double speed internal CD-ROM drive, which features 300 kilobytes per second/370 millisecond average data access speed. The Sony drive is CD-ROM XA and multi-session Photo-CD compatible, and needs no "disk caddy" to load CDs.
Both Cardinal packages include a Voyetra Technologies PC audio/multimedia software for DOS and Windows-based PCs designed to control all the sound-generating capabilities of the Cardinal DSP 16.
The package also includes a number of CD titles: Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia; "Arthur's Teacher Trouble" interactive children's book, "Return of the Phantom" mystery thriller, "F-15 Strike Eagle III" flight simulator; "David Leadbetter's Greens" golf and "MusiClips."
The Sensory System II includes: the Digital Sound Pro 16 Wavetable soundcard; Labtec CS-800 external stereo speakers; the Sony CDU-31A-03 double speed internal CD-ROM drive, and a dynamic microphone for voice/sound recording. The kit adds Asymetrix's Compel multimedia presentation and MediaBlitz! sound/image scoring software.
The technology require at least a 386SX PC with Windows 3.1, at least two megabytes (MB) of RAM, a 30MB hard drive, and a VGA graphics card. Both Sensory System kits reportedly comply with the 486 multimedia PC performance demands of MPC Level 2.
The Sensory System I kit is available in volume now, with the Sensory System II kit to become available by October 1.
(Ian Stokell/19930908/Press Contact: Jim Buhrendorf, 617-246-0444 Cardinal Technologies)
dorf, 617-246-0444 Cardinal Technologies)
9/8/93
Cardinal Intros Multimedia Upgrade Kits
Mac Software For Learning Disabl
Parsons Intros MoneyCounts For W
NEC Supplies NCR With OEM Color
America Online Picks Up Bundling
Emulator Runs Mac Software On PC
New Sharp Digital Signal Process
$77M Expansion For NatSemi In Ma
Samsung Non-Impact Printers To B
Japan - Sega Links With Motion P
Review of - MasterWord
UK - Ram Mobile, Psion Offer Mob
Gateway 2000 Intros Pentium-Powe
Govt NII Council To Include Look
Correction - CardGrabber Busines
Electronic Imaging '93 - Smalles
Micrografx Picks New President,
Wang Expected To Emerge From Cha
US Programmer Blows A Hole In RS
BOULDER, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Phillip Zimmerman, a US programmer, claims to have developed a second RSA encryption/decryption system completely from scratch. He claims that the owners of the RSA patent, Public Key Partners (PKP), and the US Government are conspiring to prevent non-US parties from gaining access to the RSA technology.
Part of the problem, he alleges, is that the Rivest Shamir Adleman system is patented by PKP, the Californian technology company. And since PKP has the exclusive commercial rights to the RSA technology as well as three other cryptography patents, he argues that the company has a stranglehold on the industry.
Zimmerman, a software engineer who specialises in embedded real-time systems, cryptography, authentication and data communications claims that PKP is working hand in hand with the US Government to ensure that no-one outside a small group of companies, all of whom are in the US, has full access to the RSA technology.
Zimmerman has caused a storm of controversy in the normally placid world of encryption by developing his own implementation of the RSA algorithm and then writing his own public key software from scratch. He is now attempting to promote the software, known as PGP (short for Pretty Good Privacy) for DOS-based PCs, Unix and VAX/VMS computers.
Because of his desire to promote RSA, as well as apparent annoyance at PKP, he has released his PGP packages into the public domain classifying them as freeware, with users actively encouraged to copy the software and pass it along to others.
"Giving PGP away for free encourages far more people to use it which will hopefully have a greater social impact. This could lead to widespread awareness and use of the RSA public key cryptosystem," he said.
Zimmerman claims that, before he released his PGP technology software to the public, he took advice from a leading patent lawyer on the legality of releasing the packages into the public domain.
Newsbytes notes that it is illegal under current US legislation to export RSA technology outside of the US. Zimmerman says is unsure as to whether this legislation would affect exports of PGP. He claims that the law as it relates to RSA technology is based on shifting sand and, as such, is interpreted and applied by "volatile State Department policies."
Copies of PGP can be downloaded from the Internet on several of the security topic areas, as well as from several online services including Compuserve. The DOS version (PGP23A.ZIP - 221,332 bytes) is available for download on Compuserve in the IBMSYS forum under the File Utilities (section 6) library section heading.
Zimmerman says that, although he is available for contact on PGP, he is not willing to mail copies of his program out. He is quoted as saying: "Don't ask me for a copy ... since I'd rather avoid further legal problems with PGP at this time."
b WINNERSH, WOKINGHAM, ENGLAND, 1994 SEP 8 (NB) -- Microsoft has announced the availability of the Microsoft Workgroup templates, a range of 13 modifiable templates for developing workgroup solutions based on the company's development tools and applications.
The templates were actually announced on August 30 as part of Microsoft Devcast, a satellite broadcast on that date designed to show developers how to build workgroup solutions. More than 50,000 developers, solution providers, original equipment manufacturers and independent sale vendors from Canada, the UK and the US participated in the event.
Announcing the UK availability of the templates, Mark Hassall Microsoft's workgroup applications product manager, said that they make it easier for corporate developers to use Microsoft products to address workgroup needs.
"Microsoft's Workgroup computing strategy is about matching the right tools to specific customer needs. The Workgroup Templates allow corporate developers and solution providers to create beneficial workgroup solutions easily, using the everyday applications and development tools they already have," he said.
According to Hassall, the templates fall into three categories: activity management, collaboration and forms-based workflow. The six activity management templates cover status reporting, customer tracking, meeting co-ordinator, service requests,m project scheduler and an expertise planner. They can all be modified using Microsoft Access, Schedule Plus and the company's electronics forms designer.
There are three collaboration templates, covering the fields of report consolidation, budget consolidation and expense reports These templates can be modified using the new workgroup extensions to Microsoft Excel and Word.
There are four forms-based workflow templates that allow customers to automate common paper-based workflow processes, including: supply order, help desk request, travel reservations and remote queries.
All the templates are available as a package in the UK for UKP 29 though MIcrosoft's resellers. They are also available free of charge from the Compuserve online service, as well as via the MIcrosoft Developer Network CD program. Routine technical support for the templates will be provided by Microsoft, the company claims.
(Steve Gold/19930908/Press & Public Contact: Microsoft - Tel: 0734 270001)
ic Contact: Microsoft - Tel: 0734 270001)
9/8/93
Microsoft Offers MS-Workgroup Templates
Zoo Keeper Teaches Kids About En
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Davidson & Associates, a company known for educational software, has announced it is shipping the Apple Macintosh version of Zoo Keeper, a multimedia software package that teaches children age 6 and up about animals.
The program is a game, with the child as a temporary Zoo Keeper at "Zoo World" which requires learning about animal habits and habitats in order to win. As the child successfully completes portions of the game, the reward is to release an endangered animal back to the wild. Successful completion of the game can gain a child the position of Head Zoo Keeper, Davidson said.
The object of the game is to catch villains on the loose in the zoo who are feeding the animals the wrong food, upsetting the plant life, and littering the animal habitats, the company said. Animated animals, "Zoonie the Robot," a walkie talkie, and binoculars, are available to the player in the pursuit of the trouble-makers.
Photos and sounds of 50 different animals from Zoo Life Magazine and the television show "Zoo Life with Jack Hanna" are included in the product. In addition, Davidson says it is donating $1 for each registration card received to the William Holden Wildlife Foundation.
The Macintosh version of Zoo Keeper requires a color Macintosh with a hard disk and 9 megabytes (MB) of hard disk space. The product is retail priced at $59.95, but a 2-program teacher pack is $79.95, and a lab pack is $169.95. Site licenses are also available. The product is also available in an IBM compatible personal computer (PC) version, the company added.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930903/Press Contact: Linda Duttenhaver Davidson & Associates, tel 310-793-0600 ext 230, fax 310-793 0601; Public Contact, 800-556-6141)
0, fax 310-793 0601; Public Contact, 800-556-6141)
9/8/93
Zoo Keeper Teaches Kids About Endangered Animals
APPLE
Yamaha Releases Multimedia PC Fo
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Yamaha, the musical instrument manufacturer, has developed what it claims is a multimedia PC for kids. Known as Kopera, the unit connects up to a regular TV and costs 350,000 yen. The machine will ship in Japan from December onwards.
The Kopera unit was jointly developed by Yamaha and Sega Enterprise the well-known games machine manufacturers in Japan. The system consists of a portable PC equipped with picture book software. However, unlike conventional PCs, the machine no keyboard. Instead it comes with a handwriting "slate" and a proprietary pen.
Internally, the machine is equipped with a 16-bit chip and a sound system. The chip and sound system conform to the IBM multimedia personal computer standard.
Using the Kopera is simple -- kids just insert the picture book into the slot provided. Them, as the book moves, it generates sounds. In the case of the animal orchestra package, the screen shows images of animals while playing musical instruments through the sound system.
The slightly bad news is that Sega is charging 85,000 ($85) for every games package that it supplies for use with the machine.
Kopera is actually based on Sega's Pico games unit, which is already available in the Japanese domestic market-place. Yamaha has reportedly made some design improvements on the Pico, adding powerful sound hardware which allows it to be used as an electric keyboard and (you guessed) a Karaoke system.
ST PAUL DE VENCE, FRANCE, 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Colin Coxall, the City of London's Assistant Commissioner, has revealed that smart card technology is being considered as the basis of a national ID card system for use in the UK.
Coxall, who is also the chairman of the Association of Chief Police Officers' technical and research computer group committee, speaking at a Unisys conference in St Paul de Vence in the south of France said that suspects could be much better identified if a smart card ID system were in place. He added, however, that it will be up to each individual country to decide whether to accept the cards.
Civil liberties groups are against the introduction of the cards. John Wadham of Liberty's legal office, said that anyone who does not conform to the norms of society is at risk from this type of technology. "Vagrants, travellers or racial minorities would be harassed to produce their cards and would be the first to be detained if they could not,' he said.
Wadham noted that tests of "smart card" ID cards have already started in France and the US. In the Netherlands, regular travellers passing through Amsterdam's Schipol Airport can apply for a similar card for rapid clearance through security. The card contains an electronic image of the traveller's palm print, which can be checked using a portable reader by security staff.
Coxall is in favour of this type of technology, since every person's palm print is different. Short of hacking off someone's hand at the wrist, the chances of the palm print ID card being forged are very small. "A palm print card could be easily scanned and a person's identity quickly verified,' he said, stressing that such a card system may not be made compulsory.
Coxall's comments come just as Leicester University has published the results of a survey into the viability of ID cards. According to the University's findings, 78 percent of the British public would accept ID cards as an aid towards preventing terrorism.
(Steve Gold/19930908)
ing terrorism.
(Steve Gold/19930908)
9/8/93
Smart Cards Under Consideration For UK
TRENDS
P z ^
Southwestern Bell Sets Bandwidth
DALLAS, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Southwestern Bell will begin trialing a "bandwidth on demand" technology based on integrated service digital network (ISDN) standards, in conjunction with Pacific Bell and AT&T. Manufacturers of equipment using the ISDN service will be announced later, Southwestern Bell officials said.
The idea is to offer data capacity in increments of 64,000 bits/second which can be used in place of dedicated circuits. The trial starts in the fourth quarter and runs through mid-1994. The standard being used is the Wideband ISDN service of Pacific Bell in California, which in the trial will be linked using AT&T circuits to a Southwestern Bell ISDN system in Texas. SW Bell is also doing a lab trial of Wideband ISDN.
Before all this becomes a commercial offering, of course, price lists must be approved as tariffs by state regulators. That is expected to happen next year. Among the uses of fast data services are videoconferencing, linking Local Area Networks connecting to the global Internet, and the transfer of multimedia files between PCs.
Southwestern Bell also confirmed that it will cut 1,500 managers from the payroll over the next two years, fulfilling a previously announced restructuring. Half the jobs will be cut by the middle of next month, representing a 12 percent reduction in the management workforce.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930908/Press Contact: Scott Hilgeman Southwestern Bell, 314-235-2043)
t: Scott Hilgeman Southwestern Bell, 314-235-2043)
9/8/93
Southwestern Bell Sets Bandwidth Trial, Job Cuts
TELECOM
AST BBS Supports RIP
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- AST Research has begun supporting the Remote Imaging Protocol, or RIP, on its bulletin board service.
RIP was created as a windowing interface for bulletin boards by TeleGrafix Communications and is now supported by two of the major BBS software houses, eSoft with its TBBS and Galacticomm with its Major BBS. AST spokesman Gerry Lynne Baker told Newsbytes that the AST board uses Galacticomm software.
In order to use RIP, both a board and a user's communications software must support the protocol. RIPscrip allows integration of high-resolution graphics without the need for highly specialized software and the large overhead of most graphical environments.
To help its users AST is providing RIPterm free of charge, a terminal program that replaces a user's communications software and supports RIP. RIPterm software requirements are an IBM-PC compatible computer with modem, MS-DOS 3.0 or higher, 540KB minimum memory and an EGA or higher video adaptor.
To obtain a free copy of RIPterm, users can download file ASTRIPTM.EXE from the AST On-Line! online service (details below). Alternatively, they can request the RIPterm diskette, PN 507003-502 by calling AST at 714/727-7641. BBS users also may use other communications software packages that support the new RIPscrip protocol, such as QmodemPro v1.5 by Mustang Software Inc. and the newly announced Telix For Windows by deltaComm Development.
AST On-Line! was established in 1988 and provides a new product descriptions, software upgrades, technical bulletins, switch and jumper settings, answers to typical service questions, and service center locations. A search program called ALEX allows users to navigate quickly through categories and text. AST has a total of 19 BBS locations world-wide and recently added three additional high speed modem lines in the United States to its system. AST's BBS based in Irvine, receives approximately 2,000 calls per week and has 8,000 active users.
To access the BBS in the United States, users can call 714/727 4723 for 2400 baud rate or 714/727-4132 for 14,400 baud rate.
REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Parental guidance ratings have long been a fixture on the movie entertainment scene, but now Sega of America has established a program that extends the concept into the world of videogames.
Adopted so far by Sega, Sega's third-party developers, and Sierra On-line, another leading computer game producer, the new program includes a rating system, a toll-free parents' hotline, a retail information campaign, and "Everybody Wins, A Message to Parents about Videogames," a parent's guide written by Scholatisc, the major educational publisher Scholastic.
The ratings are determined by the Videogame Rating Council (VRC), an independent committee of experts in the fields of child psychology sociology and education. The VRC evaluates games for "young," teenage and adult audiences, focusing on basic premise and rules of gameplay, audio content, and graphical depictions of characters and background scenes.
The rating classifications include GA for "general audiences," MA 13 for "mature audiences with parental discretion advised," and MA 17 for "not appropriate for minors."
The ratings started to appear last month on all new games from Sega as well as on new titles created by third-party developers. Of the initial 82 games to be rated, 90 percent garnered GAs, according to Sega officials. Seven games were rated MA-13, and only one received an MA-17. "Jurassic Park," the very first game to be assessed, was among those awarded a GA rating.
The toll-free hotline number, 1-800-379-KIDS, is staffed by "professional gameplayers," officials said. Hotline personnel inform parents about the content and age appropriateness of the games, and also give tips on how parents can become involved as videogame players with their children.
The "Everybody Wins" booklet provides "smart-choice" tips on the rating system, responsible use of videogames, and family involvement in video gameplaying. The complimentary brochure will be available to children and parents through retail stores, the toll-free hotline, and Sega Visions, a magazine produced by Sega.
Videogame entertainment systems can now be found in more than one out of three US households, officials maintained. "The parental guidance program offers consumers -- especially parents -- the information they need to make informed decisions about videogame purchases. We see the Videogame Rating Council as a positive step in educating parents on the content and intended audience for videogames," explained Tom Kalinske, Sega's president and CEO.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930908/Reader contact: 1-800-379-KIDS; Press contact: Manning, Selvage and Lee for Sega, tel 818-509-1840)
Manning, Selvage and Lee for Sega, tel 818-509-1840)
9/8/93
Parental Guidance System Established For Videogames
GENERAL
IBM Holds Its Own In Tough Midra
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- The mid-range computer market is weak this year, particularly in Europe and Japan but IBM expects to do better than its rivals and ship its 250,000th AS/400 computer by the end of the year. So said John Thompson senior vice-president and general manager of the company's Application Business Systems unit, at a wide-ranging product announcement.
IBM expects the three new AS/400 models and assorted peripherals and software it announced Tuesday (Newsbytes, Sept. 7) to help the midrange line grab more of the client/server computing market.
Thompson said that the overall midrange computer market may shrink by one to two percent this year. But he added that IBM expects to do better than that, at least matching last year's sales. To help sales along, IBM announced a new delivery channel, IBM Direct, to sell AS/400-related products and services through a catalog and a toll free order number.
"Our goal is to establish a new relationship with our customers making it easy to buy from IBM, while delivering outstanding service and support," said Susan Whitney, midrange systems director for IBM United States. "IBM Direct re-emphasizes our dedication to serving AS/400 customers, delivering products how and when our customers want to buy."
IBM is promoting the toll-free number, 800-IBM-CALL, in advertisements this month in Midrange Computing, Midrange Systems News 3X/400, and 3X/400 Systems Management, and in a mailing to customers.
IBM mails a 72-page AS/400 catalog to more than 110,000 AS/400 customers twice a year.
IBM has retained the Boston-based direct response marketing agency Bronner Slosberg Humphrey to promote AS/400 sales through 1 800 IBM-CALL. BSH's clients also include American Express Federal Express, and L.L. Bean.
Various other IBM products are already sold through IBM Direct.
(Grant Buckler/19930908/Press Contact: Barbara McNair, IBM 914-642-5357)
9930908/Press Contact: Barbara McNair, IBM 914-642-5357)
9/8/93
IBM Holds Its Own In Tough Midrange Market -- Thompson
J h
Printers, Storage, Software Roun
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- The stars of a long list of products announced by IBM Sept. 7 were the three new AS/400 computer systems aimed at the client/server computing market (Newsbytes, Sept. 7). But the company bolstered these with assorted other hardware and software. Here are further details on those announcements.
In co-operation with Apple Computer, IBM announced that it will sell two Apple products as part of its AS/400 Client Series, a product line aimed at helping the AS/400 work with a variety of desktop clients.
Apple's Data Access Language Server for AS/400, meant to let Apple Macintosh users obtain data from AS/400 systems through Systems Network Architecture (SNA) or Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networks, will join the Client Series in late October. It will also continue to be available from Apple.
IBM will also sell Apple's SNAps Gateway. It provides SNA services to AppleTalk networks. The SNAps Gateway will also be available from IBM starting in October, and will continue to be sold by Apple.
John Thompson, senior vice-president and general manager of IBM Application Business Systems, said that the announcements extend the alliance that IBM and Apple announced in October, 1991.
Prices will vary depending on package requirements, the companies said, but the SNAps Gateway will range from $1,219 to $3,649 depending on the number of users supported.
IBM also announced a new Workstation Adapter that lets Macintosh users connect their computers and printers directly to an AS/400.
A new high-speed communications adapter supports local-area networks (LANs) and other communications at 1.5 million and two million bits per second, the company said.
IBM also added more main memory to its most powerful AS/400 processors, added more integrated storage to mid-sized systems, and said it will add new graphical interface functions to Operating System/400, the AS/400's operating system.
OS/400 Graphical Operations will let users of client computers running Microsoft Windows or IBM's OS/2 operating system use a graphical interface to handle AS/400 tasks, IBM said. It will be a standard part of OS/400.
OS/400 Graphical Operations will be among the first enhancements for the AS/400 to be introduced under the Technology Preview plan, which will give selected customers access to new hardware and software before general release, IBM said.
IBM enhanced the year-old 9337 Disk Array Subsystem with new models said to provide better support for Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks (RAID) technology, which makes data more secure by writing it to more than one disk drive.
"We are selling a lot of these machines," Thompson said, "and about 50 percent of them use RAID."
Priced the same as existing base models, the new 9337 units will give as much as 30 percent better performance, the company said. They will use a new write cache said to speed write performance and other functions. According to IBM, the new controller makes available an eighth subsystem disk drive for active storage, to the high-performance models can now store almost 16 gigabytes (GB) of data in base mode and almost 14 GB in high-availability mode.
IBM's Pennant Systems midrange printer unit weighed in with four new printers, ranging from a dot-matrix machine through a high-speed line printer to laser and light-emitting diode (LED) printers.
The 3916 Page Printer is a desktop laser that printers 300-dot-per inch (dpi) output at 16 pages per minute or 600-dpi PostScript output at eight pages per minute. With a 15-by-21-inch footprint IBM said, it can be used in the office or the data center. Due to ship Nov. 19, the 3916 will be priced from $4,985 to $5,895.
The 3930 Page Printer uses LED printing technology and prints as many as 30 pages per minute, IBM said. There are four models, two of which print one side of the paper while the other two print both sides.
Both single-side and double-side models are available with support either for Hewlett-Packard Co.'s popular HP-PCL5 page description language (upgradeable to PostScript) or for IBM's Advanced Function Printing (AFP) print and presentation architecture. Also due to be available Nov. 19, the 3930 will cost from $15,550 to $20,930 depending on the model. The 3916 also supports AFP.
The IBM 4232 Printer is an ASCII dot-matrix machine meant for high speed office printing or as a workstation printer for client/server set-ups and LANs, IBM said. Able to print 600 characters per second (cps) in draft mode or 100 cps in near-letter-quality mode, the 4232 will print on continuous or cut-sheet paper. It is due to be available Sept. 30 for $2,595.
Finally, the IBM 6408 Printer is a heavy-duty line printer rated at as much as 800 lines per minute in draft mode, or about 320 lines per minute in near letter quality mode. Slated to ship Oct. 1, it will be priced from $8,995 to $10,495.
(Grant Buckler/19930908/Press Contact: Barbara McNair, IBM, 914-642 5357)
8/Press Contact: Barbara McNair, IBM, 914-642 5357)
9/8/93
Printers, Storage, Software Round Out AS/400 News
Dubai Police To Computerize Popu
DUBAI, THE GULF, 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- In one of the most ambitious fingerprinting plans ever, the Dubai Police have announced they are computerizing the entire country's fingerprints. The aim of the project is to digitally store fingerprint records and associated data from a variety of sources, including the Police's own criminal records and those of various Dubai Government departments.
According to First Lieutenant Mohammed Al Mari, the officer in charge of the Police fingerprints section, the aim is to collate on computer the digital images of almost the entire population of Dubai and other people known to the Police and the Government.
"Technicians have been chosen to carry out the assignment and the headquarters has approved the introduction of computers at the section to upgrade its performance", he said.
Mari said that the project will take several months to complete and will involve seven staff. "We believe that the project will be very useful as we have benefited from the experience of advanced countries," he said.
Mari added that, as the project gets under way, the public will be told about the database and asked to keep the site burglaries and other thefts intact so that Police can scan the fingerprints into the computer system as quickly as possible.
He said that, when the system goes live some time next year, he expects many crimes that would otherwise have gone unsolved, could then be solved in a matter of minutes. He claimed that virtually all cases referred to the Criminal Investigation Department through the Forensic Laboratory and the Fingerprints Section had been solved.
He added that the Dubai Police had long ago realised the importance of fingerprints and special attention was given to the section by the police chief, Brigadier Dhahi Khalfan Tamim and the CID director, Colonel Rashid Al Mazroui.
As part of the project, he added, specialized courses, are being conducted to augment policemen's knowledge about this sensitive area of investigation. He said that the Police were keeping in touch with new technologies, including eye, sound, lip and smell prints, to be put to police use in due course it they proved to be successful.
(Steve Gold/19930908)
they proved to be successful.
(Steve Gold/19930908)
9/8/93
Dubai Police To Computerize Population's Fingerprints
Law Group Calls For Computer Use
Interop - Keynoter Sees Life Aft
UK - Legent To Acquire Networx
FedMicro Show Closes Today
Microsoft Faces New Legal Proble
Japanese Ministry Supports Devel
New Alpha Chips Aimed At Volume
Olivetti Targets Compaq With M4
Qualcomm Fighting Latest InterDi
Two Big Telecom Deals Go Down
Intuit To Open Support Center, H
Online Book Published As Sharewa
OSLO, NORWAY, 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Odd de Presno, a Norwegian author has released an updated version of his "The Online World" as shareware on online services and networks like the Internet and CompuServe. The new version, dubbed Version 1.1 by de Presno, was released just 30 days after an initial version, in Norwegian, went to bookstores as a 275-page hardcover. Local print versions are being prepared for publication in Denmark and Germany.
de Presno, an experienced online hand, deals with the practical side of using global online information resources, with emphasis on applications. Services discussed include discussion forums and conferences, news, databases, shareware and free files. Examples range from databases to entertainment, while networks and services covered include the Internet, Fidonet, Usenet, CompuServe, BITNET IASNET, and others.
de Presno said that he wishes to emphasize that the book is not being issued into the public domain. As shareware, he does not waive any rights or copyrights. The book is distributed as an ASCII text file suitable for sending to a printer, searching, and reading with a wordprocessor or a file viewing program. The book is available as ONLINE.ZIP from Library 14, on the Telecom Forum at CompuServe. Or it can be obtained using the remote File Transfer Protocol of the Internet, using standard protocols. For information on that send e mail to LISTSERV@VM1.NODAK.EDU, or LISTSERV@NDSUVM1 on BITNET, and in the TEXT write GET TOW WHERE.
This will also give information about TOW, a mailing list set up as an information service. It is used for announcements of new updates of the book. Members can also use it to report and discuss their discoveries in the Online World.
Newsbytes e-mailed de Presno directly on his book. He writes that "Communications costs are falling dramatically in most countries and people in far-away places like Vladivostok and Paramaribo are getting access to the Internet. I want to tell the world about the new opportunities that this gives us."
"While my earlier books started with an introduction to modems and communications programs, now is the time to talk applications. That is what people want to know when deciding whether to get online for the first time. That is what drives those already online. I've made applications the core of my book."
"We enter an era where the rest of the world is getting online in hordes." de Presno's own Kidlink project now has participating children from 52 countries. "Since things move so fast, updating the book is important. This makes shareware an interesting complement to print publishing. It makes it easy for readers to tell me what they think, and they do. Their feedback helps me keep the book current."
"My first registration came from New Zealand four days after the initial announcement. Contrast this with print publishing. Typically, I'll have to wait maybe half a year for my first sale."
GIVAT SHMUEL, TEL AVIV, 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Israel's Algorithmic Research has installed its Arcrypto PC data security software at a major bank in Germany. The first stage of the contract, which has just been completed, called for the Tel Aviv-based company to install 1,000 units of its software at the un-named bank's regional headquarters in Germany.
Plans now call for several thousand more units of software to be installed in individual branches of the bank throughout Germany. Algorithmic Research claims that the German bank order has already led to additional orders for Arcrypto PC from customers in Israel and elsewhere.
Arcrypto PC is based on public key/private key technology that the company designed itself. The software, which claims to protect designated information and prevent it from being copied without authorisation, is also capable of giving authorisation for specific computer functions to a number of different users.
Algorithmic Research researches, develops, manufactures, and exports data communication and data security products for personal computers and mainframe computers.
(Steve Gold/19930908/Press & Public Contact: Algorithmic Research Tel: +972-357-45-102)
blic Contact: Algorithmic Research Tel: +972-357-45-102)
9/8/93
Israeli Cryptography Company Scores Success In Germany
Japanese Ministry Supports Devel
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- The Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has announced it is planning to support the development of next generation of software for computers.
Plans call for the Government-funded ministry to give the money to Japanese universities and institutions, with the criteria for the grant being that they must jointly develop software with private companies.
Under MITI's plan, some 20 to 30 million yen ($20 to $300,000) is available to assist bona fide educational establishments in developing software.
So why the decision to support what appears to be an already booming software industry in Japan? According to MITI, while the Japanese computer hardware industry is doing quite well, the process of software development is not keeping pace -- hence the investment by MITI.
Not that getting the money is going to be easy. According to MITI the grants are available to any educational establishment that creating next generation software and operating systems. In order to be considered, the firms must attend an evaluation committee meeting to decide who is the most worthy.
MITI has also been discussing the possibility of lending money -- in the form of development fees -- to private companies at lower than normal rates, in order to assist them in getting software development programs under way.
The subsidized loans plan is expected to be finalized and the evaluation committee will be set up by the end of this year. The money will be granted to the appropriate organizations in fiscal 1994, which will start in April 1994.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930908)
tart in April 1994.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930908)
9/8/93
Japanese Ministry Supports Development Of Computer Software
Sharp To Intro DOS-Compatible PD
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Sharp is planning to introduce a new pen-based consumer electronic device which it describes as a mix between a personal digital assistant (PDA) and a notebook computer. The PT-9000, expected to be officially announced in the fourth quarter of this year, has a new acronym -- personal information assistant (PIA).
Sharp, which manufacturers the Newton Messagepad PDA for Apple Computer, has decided upon a DOS-compatible Geos graphical user interface (GUI) for the steno-pad sized PIA. Sharp announced its own version of the Messagepad, called the Expert Pad, that uses Apple's Newton operating system technology, but Geoworks boasts the power saving Geos operating system won out for use in the PT-9000.
The PT-9000 has not been officially announced, but Newsbytes has learned the unit will have a detachable keyboard, use 6 AA batteries for 25 hours of operation, weighs under two pounds, offers an "instant on" facility, and the entire top portion of the unit is a screen that can also accept pen-input via an included pen.
The Geos operating system offers built-in software applications including the Geowrite word processor, forms-based database Geofile and the spreadsheet Geocalc. Also included is the software for accessing the electronic information service American Online, as well as utilities for file management and games. The Geos operating system is also compatible with DOS- based personal computers (PCs) and a connection kit is being developed for desktop computers by Los Altos, California-based Palm Computing.
Palm Computing and America Online will be familiar names for those who are awaiting the DOS-compatible competitor for the Messagepad the Zoomer. Expected from Casio and Tandy toward the end of this month, the Zoomer is a direct competitor to the Newton Messagepad. Geoworks, the makers of the Geos operating system, claim Geos makes the Zoomer and PT-9000 more attractive to consumers because of its DOS compatibility and because of all the built-in applications that come with it.
To encourage software development for the new Zoomer PDA and PT-9000 PIA, Geos is hosting a developer's conference, Monday and Tuesday October 25-26, at the Hyatt Regency in Burlingame, California. Attendees of the two-day conference entitled, "Geos: The New Profit Platform," will each receive the Geos Software Development Kit (SDK) without charge.
In addition, attendees will be treated to a preview of the prototype PT-9000 and three Zoomer PDA's will be raffled off. Conference attendees who sign up before October 6 can register for $445, a discounted price from the regular conference fee of $595, Geoworks representatives added.
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- The Redmond, Washington based software giant Microsoft, which has always been a leader in multimedia, has announced a co-publishing agreement with Byron Preiss Multimedia which is in the home entertainment market.
According to Microsoft, the venture is a long-term agreement covering a minimum of six home-user oriented multimedia titles starting with the late Isaac Asimov's The Ultimate Robot.
Surprisingly for a Microsoft-involved venture, plans call for the first title to appear in an Apple Mac version first sometime later this year, while a Microsoft Windows version won't be ready until 1994.
Microsoft is operating as a distributor for the Byron Preiss titles, just as it already does for Dorling Kindersley which has produced Microsoft Dinosaurs and Microsoft Musical Instruments.
Microsoft's multimedia publishing group also has an exclusive agreement with The Voyager Company which publishes classically oriented multimedia music titles such as "Microsoft Beethoven: The Ninth Symphony."
As a personal aside, this reporter knew Isaac through our mutual MENSA membership and knew of the good doctor's long struggle to become comfortable with a computer-based word processor, but we feel certain that he would have loved multimedia in all forms and would have been happy to see one of his works published by Microsoft in this medium.
Microsoft was one of the first big software companies to really get behind compact disc - read only memory (CD-ROM) publishing which is essential for most multimedia publishing because of the sheer size of the associated image and sound files.
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Minnesota-based Control Data has announced that it will now include Acer America's line of personal computers in CD's international computer integration offerings in the US and Canada.
The one year, renewable contract will initially include North American sales but may be expanded to overseas consulting and integration operations at a later time. Acer products to be offered as part of Control Data systems will, according to the report from CD, include notebooks, desktop, and Microsoft NT optimized computers.
Acer America, as part of The Acer Group, already has a presence in 14 countries, while Control Data is a leading international systems integrator serving government and private business.
(John McCormick/19930908/Press Contact: Charlotte Fransen Control Data Systems, 612-482-4857)
sen Control Data Systems, 612-482-4857)
9/8/93
Control Data To Sell Acer America PCs
BUSINESS
Radio Shack Intros Green PC With
FORT WORTH, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Radio Shack has introduced the Tandy 3100, the first Tandy personal computer to carry the Energy Star logo, and also the first in the line-up to come with local bus video.
Aimed at small business and home office users, the new 33 megahertz (MHz) 80486SX-based "green PC" also provides a 212 megabyte (MB) hard drive, a built-in SoundBlaster audio card, and bundled software estimated at more than $380 in value.
The computer's compliance with the Energy Star program will save users money on their electric bill, and the local bus video feature reduces the time needed to draw and process sophisticated graphics officials stated.
According to Tandy, the SoundBlaster card allows easy upgradeability to a "multimedia PC" with the addition of speakers, a CD-ROM (compact disc - read only memory) drive, and multimedia software the company maintained.
Applications software that comes pre-installed includes Microsoft Works for Windows, the America Online communications package, and productivity tools for managing family schedules, personal finances, and household inventories.
The new PC also sports Windows 3.1, Super VGA graphics, 4 MB of memory (expandable to 64 MB), three expansion slots, a 3.5-inch floppy drive, an open device bay, a parallel port, two serial ports, a 101-key enhanced keyboard, and a two-button mouse.
Priced at $1,299, the new PC is available at nearly 6,600 participating Radio Shack stores and dealers nationwide, according to the company. A one-year warranty is included in the purchase price.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930908/Reader contact: Radio Shack, tel 817 390-3011; Press contact: Ron Trumbla, Radio Shack, tel 817-878 4969)
contact: Ron Trumbla, Radio Shack, tel 817-878 4969)
9/8/93
Radio Shack Intros Green PC With Local Bus Video
NCR To Sell PCs Direct
DAYTON, OHIO, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- NCR has jumped on the direct-sales bandwagon, announcing it will sell 486-based personal computers and related products through a new "Direct Connect" toll free line.
Customers will be able to order 486 personal computers ranging from desktop and floor-standing workstations to color notebooks, a full line of peripherals, and networking and communication products. They will be able to pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express certified checks, or purchase orders. Business leasing options are also available through AT&T Capital Corporation.
According to the company, the order line, 800-637-2600, will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. NCR claims it will deliver orders in five to eight business days.
Steve Crisman, manager of direct marketing for NCR's Co-operative Marketing Division, said the toll-free number is meant to complement NCR's resellers and direct-sales force.
Prices offered through the order number will be high enough to allow resellers "to make a certain amount of margin," he said and on larger sales resellers will likely be able to offer customers a better price.
Crisman acknowledged that vendors selling direct often causes resellers some anxiety. "Any time you do things like this," he said, "people always wonder, `is this going to hurt me or help me?'"
However, he said NCR expects advertising for the new direct-sales operation will help spur demand for its products and both resellers and the company's own sales force will reap some of the benefits.
While NCR will initially sell only 486-based PCs and related products through Direct Connect, Crisman said it might be extended to other products in future.
To complement the direct-sales effort, NCR is offering "Techline," a 24-hour, toll-free technical information line staffed by experts and a three-year, on-site service warranty for parts and labor including the monitor.
(Grant Buckler/19930908/Press Contact: Christine Imwalle, NCR 513-445-5278; Public Contact: NCR Direct Connect, 800-637-2600)
t Connect, 800-637-2600)
9/8/93
NCR To Sell PCs Direct
GENERAL
Lotus To Offer SmartSuite For OS
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Lotus Development has announced it expects to ship its application suite for IBM's OS/2 operating system by the end of September.
SmartSuite for OS/2, which includes all the same applications offered in the Windows version of SmartSuite except the Lotus Organizer personal information manager, will be shipping by Sept. 30, a spokesman for the company said.
The applications included in the package are the 1-2-3 spreadsheet, Freelance Graphics, the Ami Pro 3.0 word processor and the cc:Mail for OS/2 Workplace Shell electronic mail client software. Ami Pro 3.0 is due to ship at the same time as SmartSuite for OS/2, the spokesman said; the other components are already available separately.
The list price is $795, with an upgrade available for $595. For a limited time, Lotus will include a free copy of OS/2 2.1 for the same price.
SmartSuite for OS/2 requires 386SX or higher processor, at least eight megabytes (MB) of memory, and 23 to 35 MB of free disk space. 1-2-3, Freelance, and Ami Pro require OS/2 2.0 with Service Pack or OS/2 2.1, while cc:Mail requires OS/2 2.1. Other requirements include a high-density diskette drive and an OS/2-compatible mouse, the company said.
To use cc:Mail, users need a cc:Mail Platform Pack for OS/2 Workplace Shell; users who buy 10 SmartSuite licenses can get one of these free.
(Grant Buckler/19930908/Press Contact: Pete Bartolik, McGlinchey & Paul for Lotus, 617-862-4514; Peter A. Cohen, Lotus 617-693-1283)
Peter A. Cohen, Lotus 617-693-1283)
9/8/93
Lotus To Offer SmartSuite For OS/2
Creative Labs MPC 2 Kits Priced
MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Creative Labs has introduced what it claims is the lowest priced Multimedia Personal Computer (MPC) Level 2 standard kits for IBM and compatible personal computers (PCs). The kits are new versions of its new versions of its Sound Blaster Edutainment Compact Disc (CD) and Sound Blaster Discovery CD products.
The company asserts that the new kits are available to consumers at a street price below $650. Both offer 16-bit audio sound and multi session double speed compact disc - read only memory (CD-ROM) drives. Creative's QuickCD utility for Microsoft Windows is also included in both kits so users may optimize the performance of audio CDs.
The differences in the two kits is in the CD titles offered. The Sound Blaster Discovery CD kit offers Aldus' Photostyler SE Photo CD software, the Software Toolworks Multimedia Encyclopedia The San Diego Zoo Presents... The Animals, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego Deluxe Edition, and Just Grandma and Me. Retail price of the kit is $649 with street prices expected to be significantly lower, according to Creative Labs.
Sound Blaster Edutainment CD 16 includes the Software Toolworks Multimedia Encyclopedia; Aldus Photostyler SE; Secret Weapons of Luftwaffe; The Secret of Monkey Island; Loom; Lemmings; Indianapolis 500, The Simulation; and Sherlock Holmes, The Simulation. The kit is retail priced at $749.95, but street prices are expected to be at $650 or below, company representatives said.
Creative Labs is also still offering the Sound Blaster Discovery CD 8, which is not MPC Level 2 compatible, but does include the 8-bit Sound Blaster Pro Deluxe, Creative's CD-ROM drive, and four multimedia software titles. Again, the price consumers will pay in stores is expected to be lower than the retail price of $549.95.
In addition, the company has cut the prices on its sound cards offering the 8-bit Sound Blaster Deluxe for $115.95 and the 16-bit Sound Blaster Pro Deluxe for $179.95.
Creative Labs appears to be responding to Apple Computer's recently announced move into the DOS-compatible MPC market. Apple's Compact Disc (CD) Multimedia Kit for PCs will retail in the $600 to $700 price range and will also offer a double-speed CD-ROM drive, a 16 bit sound card from Media Vision, and a choice of 3 software titles from a list of 31 titles at no additional charge.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930908/Press Contact: Benita Kenn, Creative Labs, tel 408-428-6600, fax ; Michele Janin, Cunningham Communication for Creative Labs, tel 408-982-0400)
ication for Creative Labs, tel 408-982-0400)
9/8/93
Creative Labs MPC 2 Kits Priced Below $650
New For Mac: PassPort Producer P
HALF MOON BAY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Passport Designs is now shipping Passport Producer Pro, an application aimed at saving time for animation and multimedia professionals who use the Apple Mac.
The new software will replace the company's previously released Passport Producer, a spokesperson told Newsbytes. Although the earlier product carried a similar name, Passport Producer was a presentation package only, did not include animation or video, and was not geared to the professional market-place, she explained.
Passport Producer Pro features an entirely drag-and-drop interface that greatly reduces the number of steps the professional needs to perform in creating or changing an animation, she added.
The new product takes a "path-based object" approach to animation. In addition, users can capture video in QuickTime format, and save productions as QuickTime files. Live video-in-a-window can be taken from a camera, videotape, or any other video source incorporated into presentations, and played back full-screen.
Users can also incorporate full-motion video from a tape source or optical disk without digitizing the video into QuickTime. Producer Pro productions can be output in a variety of video formats including NTSC and PAL.
Under the path-based object approach to animation, a QuickTime movie, an animation file, graphics, text or any other object can be moved on the screen, either along default paths or user-defined custom paths, the spokesperson said. Users can control the acceleration and rate of object movement.
Passport Producer Pro's approach is also time-based, rather than frame-based, a characteristic that helps productions to remain in sync, she added. A visual "Cue Sheet" included in the package provides a timeline for integrating media elements.
"Cues" used in the timeline are media elements from any software that saves files in QuickTime, TIFF, PICS animation, PICT, or TEXT files. Each "cue" occupies a single location in a track, and is matched to a specific time slot.
Multiple cues can be aligned in the same time slot for simultaneous playback. The Cue Sheet can be printed out in hard copy as an aid in story boarding, or for reviewing productions with clients.
Visual cues can be synced to a digital soundtrack or Standard MIDI file, type 0 or type 1. Audio cues can be 8- or 16-bit AIFF or Sound Designer files.
Passport Producer Pro is able to generate and read SMPTE time code and uses the time code to accurately align the various multimedia elements, the spokesperson told Newsbytes.
The application also provides user-definable buttons for creating interactive links, "go to" commands, and loops. Further, the program's use of AppleScript allows developers to link directly to any of a variety of subroutines.
Users can create a range of different gradient backgrounds and over 40 transitions, as well as special effects that include transparency and image manipulation for image compositing. The special effects can be applied to QuickTime, PICS, and PICT files.
Through a feature called Text Cue, the special effects can also be applied to text. This feature also allows text overlay on to graphics. In addition, text can be antialiased in real time. Different characters can be given different fonts, styles and colors.
Passport Producer Pro also provides internal editors, plus direct links to popular graphics and QuickTime editors and MIDI sequencing and audio editing software.
The product provides device control for Sony VISCA, Pioneer Laser Disc, Videomedia's VLAN, Advanced Remote Technologies (ARTI) devices, and MIDI machines.
Passport Producer Pro is available now for $1,495. The package is bundled with two CD-ROM disks: QuikMedia. a package containing QuickTime Clips, background textures, and Photo CD images, and QuikTunes, which supplies digital audio and MIDI files. Passport Designs also offers Producer Pro Player, a runtime program that is sold separately.
(Jacqueline Emigh/Reader contact: Passport Designs, tel 415-726 0280; Press contact: Eileen Ebner, McLean Public Relations for Passport, tel 415-513-8800)
McLean Public Relations for Passport, tel 415-513-8800)
9/8/93
New For Mac: PassPort Producer Pro Multimedia Package
APPLE
Chipsoft Intros Turbotax Busines
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- Chipsoft, the developers of the Turbotax software product, says it has introduced the Turbotax Business Series for DOS-based personal computers (PCs). The company is aiming at the bursting home-office and small business markets.
New York market research firm LINK Resources estimates the number of small businesses and work-at-home households in 1991 totaled 14.9 million. IRS data from its Statistics of Income publication show that for the tax year 1991, approximately 4.4 million businesses filed returns for a Corporation (1120 or 1120S), 1.7 million filed Partnership returns (1065), 14.6 million filed Schedule C (business income/loss) and 2 million filed Schedule F (farm income/loss).
Industry analysts at BIS Strategic Decisions projects more than 39 million Americans will work from home in 1993 due to layoffs forced by the sluggish economy.
Chipsoft claims its new TurboTax Business Series offers businesses the ability to complete just one of three tax returns, the Partnership (1065), Corporate (1120) or S- Corporation (1120S) tax returns. A Fixed Asset Manager is also available, which can be used to calculate asset tax depreciation and transfer the depreciation figures automatically to the 1065, 1120 or 1120S business tax returns. The TurboTax Personal/1040 edition, sold separately from TurboTax Business Series, can be used to prepare a complete Federal 1040 return, including Schedules C and F, the company added.
Those that are interested in preparing an unlimited number of business tax returns have the option of using one of the Turbotax Pro Series. For people who need to prepare more than one, but less than 20 tax returns it is more cost-effective to use the pay-per return option route, which is $99 for the first return and $24 for each additional return.
The Turbotax software can pick up financial data directly from popular small business financial programs such as Quicken from Intuit. In addition, help for tax questions is available in the program and the software checks for omissions or discrepancies and automatically calculates the return.
Users simply enter the needed information once import the data from another program and the software moves the information to all the required areas of the return. The IRS will accept returns printed ready for the users signature by Turbotax, Chipsoft added.
The Turbotax Business Series package requires an IBM or compatible PC with one high-density floppy drive, a one hard- disk drive, 640 kilobytes (K) of random access memory (RAM), 520 (K) of user available memory, DOS 3.1 or higher, and a Hewlett-Packard (or compatible) laser printer or Xerox 4045 laser printer with tax fonts.
Retail pricing on the package is about $100 and Chipsoft says the product will be available in retail software outlets. Versions for the Macintosh and Windows operating environments will be available directly from ChipSoft at a later date. Current users of any Turbotax or Macintax product will be eligible for special pricing on TurboTax Business Series, the company added.
Menlo Park, California-based Intuit recently announced it will purchase Chipsoft at a cost of approximately $225 million. The merger, which is expected to be complete by mid December, will be accounted for as a pooling of interests with Chipsoft shareholders receiving .446 shares of Intuit stock for each share of Chipsoft stock.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930908/Press Contact: Debra Kelley Chipsoft, tel 619-453-4446 ext 482, fax 619-535-0737; Information, 800-695-7778 or write Chipsoft, Order Department 6330 Nancy Ridge Drive, Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92121)
dge Drive, Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92121)
9/8/93
Chipsoft Intros Turbotax Business Series
Brussels Branch Of BNP Hit By Co
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- The Belgian office of Banque Nationale du Paris (BNP) has admitted it was the victim of a major computer fraud in June of this year, according to Belgian press sources.
The AFP news agency reports that a total of BFr 245 million was taken in the computer fraud, although bank officials have now recovered the money and Police are holding two suspects.
The two fraudsters used their direct computer access facilities to request debits from BNP accounts and switch the proceeds into their own bank accounts with other banks. According to BNP sources auditors picked up the fraud when they carried out a routine series of checks on inter-bank transactions in June.
As soon as the fraud was discovered, the third party banks were contacted and the money recovered. As a result of the fraud, BNP is carrying out an internal inquiry into how the frauds occurred and whether its security systems can be beefed up to prevent a recurrence.
(Steve Gold/19930908)
revent a recurrence.
(Steve Gold/19930908)
9/8/93
Brussels Branch Of BNP Hit By Computer Fraud
BUSINESS
Japan - IBM Japan Creates Softwa
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- IBM Japan has set up a software service center at its headquarters in Tokyo. The center will provide direct service to its personal computer customers. The firm has also released a DOS/V software catalog, and has linked with several hardware companies for the purpose of selling peripheral equipment.
IBM Japan's PC Software Service Center will provide service to IBM Japan customers mainly through telephone support and by mail. Information on, and purchase of upgrades, operating system software, documentation, and applications are available.
IBM Japan's DOS/V Software Catalog disk contains 2,500 entries on DOS/V programs. The data comes in database form for easy searching. This catalog data can also be searched on personal computer networks such as Nifty-serve and Nikkei MIX.
Meanwhile, IBM Japan has linked with several hardware firms concerning sales of peripheral equipment: hard disk packs SCSI adaptors, multiple disk drive, printer sharing units, and the memory boards. The hard disk packs are supplied by Tokyo Musen Kizai, the SCSI adaptors are supplied by Future Domain in the US the disk drive and the printer sharing units are provided by KSD and the memory boards are supplied by Century Micro. IBM Japan has also linked with TDC Software Engineering for sales of TDC's easy-to-use database.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930906/Press Contact: IBM Japan, +81 3-5563-4297, Fax, +81-3-3589-4645)
: IBM Japan, +81 3-5563-4297, Fax, +81-3-3589-4645)
9/9/93
Japan - IBM Japan Creates Software Service Center
Latvia - Bank Cards Introduced
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- The "smart card," a plastic card with a special chip inside, is being introduced as a major payment tool in the small city of Ventspils, Latvia. The project promises to cover the entire nation of Latvia.
The project has been launched jointly by the Software House Riga (SWH Riga), a large software development company in the country, and the Union Baltic Bank.
Some five thousand cards are expected to be issued for residents of Ventspils, the resort city on the Baltics, by the end of the year. The card is offered free of charge. The card processing equipment has been purchased in France, according to an SWH Riga spokesman.
Cards are to be accepted in shops, restaurants, cafes, and by housing administrations.
According to Valdis Lokenbahs, SWH Riga vice-president, companies are willing to expand the service area to cover the capital city Riga early next year.
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930909)
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930909)
9/9/93
Latvia - Bank Cards Introduced
TRENDS
India's Own Cryogenic Engine Pos
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- India's indigenous cryogenic rocket engine program has made significant progress and the first full-scale engine could be ready within two years according to a British journal on the aerospace industry.
The report quotes Prof R. Narasimha of the National Aerospace Laboratories as saying that a full scale engine could be ready within two years. Prime Minister Narasimha Rao had declared in his Independence Day address that India would not let its space program be stalled by Russia's suspension of the cryogenic rocket motor capability, prompted by US sanctions.
Waiting for its own cryogenic engine would, however, push the blast-off of the country's first GSLV (geostationary satellite launch vehicle) ahead three years to 1998, says the journal. As a result, India, for the first time, had to float tenders for the launch of the INSAT 2C and 2D communication satellites which were originally to have been launched by the GSLV had it been ready in time, says the weekly.
Development of the GSLV will put India in a select group of countries capable of putting satellites into the geostationary orbit and it is for this reason that India wants to develop the technology to become self-reliant in GSLV development.
India's second indigenously developed satellite INSAT 2B was successfully launched aboard an Ariane flight on July 23 of this year. The launch cost India Rs 990 million (around $33 million) Rs 220 million (around $7.33 million) more than it cost to build the satellite, which is one of the reasons India wants to develop its own launch capability.
India has also entered the commercial launcher market, estimating that the polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV) being prepared for its first flight in October, could capture nine launch contracts for small satellites between 1996 and the year 2000, generating $100 million in business, according to Flight International.
In fact, it is the capability of developing countries to launch satellites that has prompted the United States to misuse the missile control trade regime (MTCR) due to commercial motivation, some suggest.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930909)
uggest.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930909)
9/9/93
India's Own Cryogenic Engine Possible
Bombay Linked By Underground Cab
BOMBAY, INDIA, 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Bombay will soon have a digital link with the rest of the world. Work has already started to lay a fiber optic cable that will form a link for the Southeast Asia-Middle East-Western Europe (SAE-ME-WE) project, undertaken to provide a digital link around the globe.
The Bombay link will join the main cable in the Indian Ocean between Colombo and Djibouti, Africa. The British company, STC Submarine Systems, is providing the cable that will link the city to Djibouti. The link between India and the West and the East will be formed when the laying of the SAE-ME-WE 2 cable is complete.
VSNL, the Indian signatory to the SAE-ME-WE project, is already operating two submarine cables, one from Madras to Penang in Malaysia (480 channels) and another from Bombay to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (1,380 channels). For the project under discussion, VSNL is investing Rs 250 crore (around $83.3 million).
The terminal stations and the landing points of this project are: Singapore, Indonesia (Jakarta), Sri Lanka (Colombo), India (Bombay) Djibouti, Saudi Arabia (Jeddah), Egypt (Suez and Alexandria), Italy (Palermo), Tunisia (Bizette), Algeria (Algiers), France (Marseilles), Cyprus (Pentaskhines) and Turkey (Marmaris).
The total cost of the project is approximately US$800 million and is being shared by 52 signatories, each of whom becomes an owner in part of the system's transmission capacity. Seven segments of the SAE-ME-WE project are: Singapore-Jakarta (Segment 1), Jakarta Colombo-Bombay-Djibouti (Segment 2), Djibouti-Jeddah-Suez (Segment 3), Suez-Cairo-Alexandria (Segment 4), Alexandria-Palermo-Bizerte Algiers-Marseille (Segment 5), Alexandria-Pentaskhinos (Segment 6) and Alexandria-Marmarris (Segment 7).
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930909)
t 7).
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930909)
9/9/93
Bombay Linked By Underground Cable
TELECOM
Globalink's Power Translator Hon
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Saying that international marketing and communication are of ever-increasing importance Discover Magazine has announced that Power Translator, Globalink's Spanish-English, French-English, and German-English bi-directional translation software is the winner of the science and technology magazine's 1993 Discover Award for Technological Innovation in the Computer Software category.
Power Translator operates on a sentence-by-sentence basis rather than attempting to translate documents word-by-word, so it can take better account of idiomatic complexities of the languages.
Fairfax, Virginia-based Globalink is a small privately owned language-manipulation software company founded in 1988.
Products, priced from $300 to about $2,000, include the MS-DOS translation software cited by Discover, as well as a Russian-to English translation program and a Chinese ideogram-English dictionary.
The more expensive Power Translator Professional is available in MS-DOS, Macintosh, OS/2, and Unix versions.
(John McCormick/19930908/Press Contact: David Dubin, Globalink 703-273-5600)
: David Dubin, Globalink 703-273-5600)
9/9/93
Globalink's Power Translator Honored
GENERAL
Law Group Calls For Computer Use
Interop - Keynoter Sees Life Aft
UK - Legent To Acquire Networx
FedMicro Show Closes Today
Microsoft Faces New Legal Proble
Japanese Ministry Supports Devel
New Alpha Chips Aimed At Volume
Olivetti Targets Compaq With M4
Qualcomm Fighting Latest InterDi
Two Big Telecom Deals Go Down
Toronto Ad Agency, Northern Tele
Intuit To Open Support Center, H
MCI Speeds Credit Card Transacti
Toronto Teacher Offers Mac Educa
Northern Telecom Offers LAN Link
Dariana Ships WinSleuth Gold Plu
CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Dariana Software has released WinSleuth Gold Plus, the latest offering in its series of WinSleuth software for troubleshooting and configuring hardware and software in the Windows desktop environment.
The original WinSleuth package, introduced in 1990, featured analysis and reporting capabilities, along with a TuneUp module that suggested how to optimize Windows, officials said.
A later update, WinSleuth Professional, brought the abilities to actively test hardware, analyze DOS-level information, and detect unused and used ports, memory addresses and interrupts. WinSleuth Gold, rolled out in 1992, added animation and graphics for explaining technical information, along with SmartEditors for tuning the autoexec.bat, config.sys, system.ini, and win.ini files.
The new WinSleuth Gold Plus ships with a library of data files that provide DMA, IRQ and port requirements for such devices as multimedia boards, CD-ROM drives, internal fax modems, and scanners. The files allow for rapid, point-and-click device installation, according to the company.
A new, customizable user interface includes help balloons and a variety of other visual aids. Customizable motherboard graphics pinpoint the location of bad memory chips. System operations are demonstrated to the user through a set of new animations.
The package also includes text and chart displays of statistical information, for quick evaluation and assessment, and a special visual display that shows the user where the platter of a hard disk is beginning to fail, complete with LED-style readouts of the track and number of failures.
Another new feature helps the user to prepare a "safety disk," consisting of copies of the config.sys, *.ini and cmos files that can help to restore a system when the hard disk crashes or system files are corrupted.
WinSleuth Gold Plus also brings support for DoubleSpace and MS/PC DOS 6.x, the company said. Other new capabilities include external loopback testing for serial and parallel ports, new "TuneUp tips" aimed at wringing the best performance out of autoexec.bat and config.sys files, and new performance benchmarks for disks, memory video and processors.
WinSleuth Gold Plus requires Windows 3.1, MS/PC-DOS 3.3 or higher at least 4 MB of RAM, 4 MB of hard disk space, a VGA or higher display, and a mouse supported by Windows.
The suggested retail price is $189, but the package will be available through January 1 at a special introductory price of $99.95. Also through January 1, users of Norton Utilities, PC Tools, and Dariana's System Sleuth Professional and WinSleuth Gold will be able to upgrade for $59.95 direct from Dariana.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930906/Reader contact: Dariana Software, tel 800-892-9950; Press contact: Steven J. Leon, Technopolis Communications for Dariana, tel 310-670-5606)
ions for Dariana, tel 310-670-5606)
9/9/93
Dariana Ships WinSleuth Gold Plus
Planix Software Permits Office R
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- If you need to redesign your office at home or work, but you don't know where to start, Foresight Resources has a new, Windows-based package that can help.
According to Carol Walton, marketing manager for Foresight, 85% of all business office remodeling is currently done inhouse, without the help of professional designers, meaning that managers of accounting, sales and engineering departments are carrying out a task for which they are typically unprepared.
Planix: Visual Office Management Software for Windows aims to simplify that task by supplying office space drawing and planning tools as well as spreadsheet-style management reports.
The tools allow accurate production of a scaled drawing of the office -- complete with such objects as office furniture, systems equipment, and people -- even if the user is "all thumbs" when it comes to drawing, Walton said.
As objects are placed into the drawing, management reports can be simultaneously produced. Report topics include furniture and equipment inventories, parts lists, personnel directories, software programs registered to each user, space allocation by department or lessor, and itineraries of network, phone and electrical systems. Custom reports can also be created.
To start generating the scaled drawing, the user first enters the room measurements, and then uses draw-and-drop icons to add doors and windows, Walton said. Office copiers, computers, and other furniture and equipment are then selected from an extensive set of symbol libraries.
If a desired object does not exist in the libraries, the user can employ a built-in drawing program to modify an existing symbol or create a new one.
As objects are inserted into the floor plan, they are added to a built-in database that is used to generate the reports. The report data can be displayed on screen, printed out, modified, or cut and pasted to Windows-based spreadsheets or word processing programs.
The symbol libraries are organized by category, selected by clicking on icons, and placed through drag-and-drop. The libraries include system furniture configurations and groups of furniture for private offices and meeting rooms as well as individual objects.
Users who can obtain floor plans from their architects or landlords can import that data, and start planning the office without inputting building and room dimensions, Walton added. The program is directly compatible with AutoCAD DWG and DXF files, and also reads other PC CAD formats, including Drafix Windows.
Walton said that Planix can also be used to plan the arrangement of office cubicles, generate instructions for the installation of new phone or computer networks, and print out office "maps" for new employees, embellished with co-workers' names, phone extensions and e-mail addresses.
Planix carries a suggested retail price of $249, but is currently available in retail outlets for an introductory price of $99.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930906/Reader contact: Foresight, tel 800-231 8574; Press contact: Carol Walton, Foresight, tel 816-891-7272)
contact: Carol Walton, Foresight, tel 816-891-7272)
9/9/93
Planix Software Permits Office Redesign In Windows
Hong Kong University Gets Digita
CLEARWATER BAY, HONG KONG, 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is upgrading its campus network with new networking technology from Digital Equipment.
Digital's GIGAswitch is an intelligent crossbar switch that provides multiple parallel connections. Adaptable to customer needs, it provides a seamless growth path to third-generation data networks supporting transmission rates at a gigabit-per-second level.
HKUST will purchase two GIGAswitch systems to add to its fibre distributed data interface (FDDI) backbone network, providing an immediate increase in network bandwidth and paving the way for a possible "workstation farm" project in the future. A workstation farm is a cluster of workstations connected together to share information and resources in what appears to be a single system.
"There is nothing quite like Digital's GIGAswitch on the market today," said Dr Max Ivey, director of HKUST's Centre of Computing Services and Telecommunications. "It has very fast switching capability and integrates very smoothly into our existing network."
According to Ivey, a key benefit of the new switching device is that it will enable HKUST to preserve the performance of its backbone network despite a growing user base and increasing demand for network resources as workstation technology develops. "The GIGAswitch will play an important role in allowing us to extend our network into the future," he said.
HKUST plans to use the GIGAswitch to support research projects involving intensive computation in such disciplines as physics chemistry, biology, mechanical engineering, civil and structural engineering, and electrical engineering.
"GIGAswitch networking technology provides for high bandwidth, high performance computing requirements characteristic of advanced research-oriented institutions such as HKUST," said Bruce Dahl general manager of Digital Equipment Hong Kong Ltd.
"The GIGAswitch units that HKUST is purchasing provide a cost-effective way to support intensive computational tasks, as distributed high performance workstations can be used to do the number-crunching instead of more expensive central systems."
Field testing of the GIGAswitch units has been in progress since July, making HKUST the only site in Asia that has externally field-tested this new technology.
The university will connect the switches to its production network to change the configuration from a single FDDI ring to multiple FDDI rings, all linked by high-speed crossbar switches. The two GIGAswitch devices will be used to isolate different groups of users into FDDI sub-nets, to speed up data traffic and avoid overloading the backbone.
Network management for the GIGAswitch is provided via the industry standard Simple Network Management Protocol.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is one of the largest and earliest FDDI users in Asia. When the university received its first batch of students in October 1992, a campus network based on Digital's FDDI technology was already in place. The first phase of the network linked the university's main data processing and storage systems with some 1,500 PCs and workstations located in lecture halls and accommodation for both staff and students.
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- While Vice President Al Gore was doing the talk-show circuit, emphasizing the silliness of government purchasing regulations by breaking an ashtray on the David Letterman Show, many people missed the bottom line for the computer industry if, as many doubt, the Gore recommendations on streamlining the federal bureaucracy are actually implemented.
Federal Acquisition Requirements, or FARs, are so gigantic that companies publish them on CD-ROM discs, and many suppliers find that they are inadvertently violating those complex regulations despite their best efforts to comply.
This, and the highly complex negotiations with the General Services Administration needed to get computer hardware and software listed on the GSA Microcomputer Schedule, or the years of effort and millions of dollars needed to win a major contract such as Desktop IV, means that it is very difficult for federal employees to obtain state-of-the-art computers which ordinary citizens and/or businesses can buy either at their local computer store or through mail-order houses.
One of the most important places where Vice President Gore's simplification initiative is expected to have some impact is in reducing the red tape and paperwork required for a government agency or manager to make a simple purchase from a computer company.
Unfortunately, virtually every President for the past four decades has tried to simplify and reduce government and has found himself blocked by the gigantic bureaucracy or by Congress, or by both together.
While implementation of the Administration's new plan would certainly increase sales of hot new computers and software to government agencies, at the same time improving the level of service available from agencies such as the IRS and Social Security Administration, few Washington insiders see much hope that any real changes will take place.
(John McCormick/19930909/)
changes will take place.
(John McCormick/19930909/)
9/9/93
Government Reorganization Plan May Spur Computer Sales
J h
AEA Supports NAFTA
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- The battle for and against NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, which would eventually create a single gigantic trading block reaching from Alaska to Mexico with few import/export restrictions or tariffs, surged into high gear as the end of summer was signaled by the Labor Day holiday.
The Clinton Administration and Republican lawmakers on one side are arrayed against trade unions, some powerful Democratic Congressmen, and Ross Perot on the opposition side.
This week the 3,000-member American Electronics Association (AEA) chimed in on the side of the Administration, saying that the cut in tariffs on US high-technology products such as computers will mean that companies wanting to sell into the emerging Mexican market will no longer need to locate factories south of the border just to avoid duties currently imposed by Mexico on US imports.
According to AEA Chairman Arnold N. Silverman, "the demand for US products in Mexico has grown 167 percent since 1986." He also said, "Mexico is our [the US's] third largest trading partner. We must not let this opportunity slip through our fingers."
The most visible and vocal opponent of NAFTA is former Presidential candidate Ross Perot, who is the co-author of a recently published book that claims the trade agreement will cost the jobs of a large number of US workers.
Reporters and analysts have pointed out that some of the numbers in Mr. Perot's book appear to be what they call "cooked," and several have pointed out that when he quotes Congressional Budget Office reports saying that a certain number of jobs will be lost he ignores other parts of the same report which point to an overall gain in jobs.
Meanwhile, a Wall Street Journal report today says that Mr. Perot's son apparently expects to profit from trade with Mexico through a foreign free-trade zone permit issued to his company by the federal government. Under such free-trade zone agreements companies can avoid many import/export fees.
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Following closely on its purchase of Tandy's manufacturing operation, Irvine California-based AST Research has set its eyes on the world's largest potential computer market by forming a joint venture with the Tianjin Economic-Technological Area Business Development Co. a Chinese government agency established by the Tianjin Electronic and Instrumental Industry Authority and governed by China's Ministry of Electronic Industry.
Under the terms of the joint venture, AST Research, which was the first major company to sell personal computers in China, will invest up to $16 million in a plant to produce PCs for sale to private businesses and individuals. According to CNBC's business report today, 90 percent of existing PCs in China are owned by the government.
Although the Chinese Communist government will retain a presence in the operation, AST says that it will retain 90 percent ownership in the venture.
Existing AST facilities are located in the US, Hong Kong Taiwan, and Scotland.
Because of the recent acquisition of Tandy's Grid notebook division, it is expected that AST will quickly develop a significant presence in the pen-based computer market which is especially important in Far East countries like China which do not use an alphabet and thus are not comfortable with keyboard based computers.
With fiscal-year 1993 revenues of $1.4 billion, AST now manufactures computers sold under the AST, Tandy, Grid, and Victor brand names. The product line ranges from network file servers to notebook and pen-based computers.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Microsoft (Tokyo) plans to release Japanese Windows NT in December. Microsoft will beta test the operating system with 3,500 PC users this month.
10 Japanese personal computer firms, including NEC and Fujitsu have announced plans to simultaneously release Japanese Windows NT on their personal computers in December. The firms are also participating in the Microsoft test -- NEC plans to offer the software to 2,000 PC-9801 users. Fujitsu will test the software with 4,000 users of the FMR family.
Microsoft's Windows NT's menu and icon are expected to be the same as those in Japanese Windows 3.1. However, Japanese Windows NT supports advanced features for client/server-type corporate information systems. It also supports a large scale server system.
Japanese Windows NT will offer 32-bit multitasking for both Intel and RISC-based chip. Network features are also included in this operating system.
BILLERICA, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Taking another step toward supporting IBM's Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking (APPN) architecture, Wellfleet Communications, Inc. has licensed APPN technology from Data Connection Ltd. of London.
Wellfleet obtained the right to use Data Connection's SNAP APPN Network Node software to provide APPN support on its multiprotocol routers.
Wellfleet products based on the technology are under development and are likely to reach the market in the second half of next year, said company spokeswoman Martha Schaefer.
Earlier, Wellfleet signed an agreement with IBM giving it rights to IBM's APPN patents, trademarks, and copyrights. This allows Wellfleet to sell routers that include Network Node software and to label its products as APPN-compliant.
Wellfleet said it plans to support existing 3270 applications and new client/server applications over APPN networks, continue supporting current networks and devices, make its products work with those of other vendors, and maintain compatibility with IBM network architectures as they evolve.
The company said it chose Data Connection's technology because it is well-suited to a high-performance multiprocessor architecture and because Data Connection has more than 10 years' experience in adapting its technology to third-party products.
SOMERS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Hoping to repeat the success of earlier ThinkPad models, IBM has launched the ThinkPad 750 series, which brings to the notebook line new multimedia capabilities still rare in portable computers.
The new notebooks have built-in stereo audio subsystems, with jacks for microphones, headphones, or speakers. Options promised by early next year include an add-on device that will let users display a television or video signal on the ThinkPad 750's screen, and a mobile communications module for wireless telephone, facsimile, and electronic mail.
Another option, IBM VoiceType Control speech recognition software, will let users control the machines with spoken commands.
The new ThinkPad 750 line includes four models. The basic 750 is a monochrome notebook, though it can be upgraded to an active matrix color screen or one that accepts pen input. The 750P accepts pen as well as keyboard input. The 750Cs has a 9.5-inch, dual-scan, passive matrix color display. Finally, the 750C has a 10.4-inch, active matrix color display.
All four models use a 33-megahertz (MHz) 486SL processor, and come with a Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association (PCMCIA) Type III slot, as much as 20 megabytes (MB) of memory and a choice of 170-MB or 340-MB hard disk drive.
All four also use the TrackPoint pointing device, a small lever mounted in the middle of the keyboard to take the place of a mouse or trackball.
In spite of their special multimedia capabilities, the machines are expected to appeal to a broad market, an IBM spokesperson said.
The ThinkPad Dock I docking station provides a full-size Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) expansion slot, and support for as many as five Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) internal or external devices, with one SCSI drive bay that can hold an optional compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive. The Dock I also includes built-in stereo speakers and a battery charger.
There are also two port replicators meant to allow easy connection to a network when in the office. The Port Replicator I has a PCMCIA Type III slot, while the Port Replicator II does not.
In the first quarter of 1994, IBM plans to provide the ThinkPad TV Tuner module, a device that will let users plug TV or video feeds into the notebook and see them displayed on the screen. To use this option, ThinkPad 750 owners will need to take out the notebook's removable diskette drive. The TV Tuner module will fit in the space vacated by the drive.
Users can also remove the diskette drive to lighten the machine when travelling, IBM said. Without the diskette drive, the basic 750 weighs five pounds, while the other models weigh up to 6.1 pounds. The diskette drive adds half a pound to the weight, the company said.
Removing the disk drive will also make room for another option, a cellular digital packet data module called the ThinkPad CDPD. This will allow for wireless phone, fax, or electronic mail communication, and is due to be available in the first quarter of next year.
IBM claimed the 750 offers impressive battery life. The company said the 750 and 750P will run for about 12 hours in typical use and the color models will run about eight hours.
IBM PC Direct catalog prices are: $3,199 for the ThinkPad 750 with 170-MB hard disk; $3,749 for the 750 with 340-MB hard disk; $3,749 for the 750P with 170-MB hard disk; $4,299 for the 750P with 340-MB hard disk; $3,899 for the 750Cs with 170-MB hard disk; $4,449 for the 750Cs with 340-MB hard disk; $4,699 for the 750C with 170-MB hard disk; and $5,249 for the 750C with 340-MB hard disk.
All models are available now, IBM said, except the 750Cs, which is due to be available by the end of November.
The ThinkPad Dock I is also available now at $899, while the Port Replicator I and II are available now at $299 and $109 respectively.
The machines have a three-year warranty.
(Grant Buckler/19930909/Press Contact: Jonathan Gandal, IBM 914-766-1425; Michael Reiter, 914-766-1898)
-766-1425; Michael Reiter, 914-766-1898)
9/9/93
IBM Launches Feature-Packed Notebooks
Unisys Creates Client/Server Bus
BLUE BELL, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- If the activities of large computer vendors are anything to go by, the client/server market is hot. Close on the heels of a major IBM announcement aimed at making the midrange AS/400 system more appealing to client/server customers, Unisys has created a business unit devoted to client/server computing.
The Unisys Client/Server Systems business unit essentially takes the company's existing client/server group out from under the umbrella of its Computer Systems Group and turns it into an independent business unit, company spokesman Brian Daly said. The move gives the client/server group more responsibility for marketing as well as developing client/server products.
The unit now has full responsibility for development and marketing of Unix servers, client/server workstation systems personal computers, and related network products, company officials said.
Unisys named Donald E. Coleman to the post of president of Unisys Client/Server Systems. Before joining Unisys in March, Coleman was president and managing director of the Tucson, Arizona software firm Ventana Corp., and before that he was a vice-president at NCR Corp.
Based in San Jose, California, the new unit is a fully integrated profit center, operating within Unisys as though it were an independent company, but drawing on Unisys corporate services and technology resources.
It has more than 2,500 employees worldwide, with more than 1,000 of these in the United States, Daly said. Over all, Unisys has about 52,000 employees.
In 1992, client/server hardware accounted for about $1.1 billion or 13 percent of Unisys' $8.4 billion in worldwide sales. That figure does not include related software and services, Daly noted.
Within the business unit are three groups: the Unix Systems Division, responsible for Unisys U 6000 line of Unix desktop and server systems; the PC Systems Division, responsible for the Unisys PW2 Advantage and Advantage Plus personal computers; and the Distributed Systems Division, responsible for Unisys CTOS systems and products using the Microsoft Windows NT operating system.
(Grant Buckler/19930909/Press Contact: Brian Daly, Unisys 215-986-2214, fax 215-986-2312)
Daly, Unisys 215-986-2214, fax 215-986-2312)
9/9/93
Unisys Creates Client/Server Business Unit
BUSINESS
IBM Offers OS/2 Publications On
AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- IBM has announced that the OS/2 Online Book Collection, the first compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) compilation of OS/2-related documents, is now available worldwide.
The disk contains the text and graphics of more than 100 product manuals, publications, and white papers, all published by IBM, a spokeswoman for the company said. According to the company the contents would cost about $1,000 if purchased separately, but the list price for the CD-ROM is $49.
The CD-ROM also contains the IBM Library Reader, which lets users view books under OS/2 or DOS and provides search and retrieval functions. Tools included on the CD-ROM let users upload books to a workstation hard disk or a mainframe, the company said.
"Now, instead of paging through books, users and developers can find the answers they need through a quick CD-ROM search," said Wally Casey, director of marketing for IBM's Personal Software Products business unit, in a prepared statement.
Books are grouped into "bookshelves" such as OS/2 Product Documentation, OS/2 Technical Library, Communications Manager LAN Server, and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) for OS/2. Users can also create customized bookshelves that contain only the books they refer to most often, IBM said.
(Grant Buckler/19930909/Press Contact: Rob Crawley, IBM 512-823-1779; MeeLin Sit, Brodeur & Partners for IBM 914-251-5996; Public Contact: IBM, 800-3-IBM-OS2)
5996; Public Contact: IBM, 800-3-IBM-OS2)
9/9/93
IBM Offers OS/2 Publications On CD-ROM
PacTel Split Hits Roadblock
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- A judge threw a roadblock in front of Pacific Telesis' plan to split its unregulated and regulated business units, saying more study is needed. After Administrative Law Judge Greg Wheatland's decision was announced, the price of PacTel stock on US exchanges fell.
PacTel had said last December it wanted to split itself in two with its wireless businesses getting most top executives including Chairman Sam Ginn, and its regulated phone networks in California and Nevada getting most of the assets. Since then, the company says it has submitted 10,000 documents, taken part in two days of public workshops, and held over a week of hearings on the subject.
Its reaction to Judge Wheatland, in a press statement was fairly angry, but the company remains confident it will win in the end, since the Judge's recommendation is not binding.
The final decision will be made by the California Public Utilities Commission, but Wheatland raised a new possibility in his opinion. He suggested that the wireless unit fork over up to $500 million in cash to the wireline unit as "compensation" to ratepayers for work done in developing wireless communications. Pacific Telesis flatly rejects this, saying the investment was by shareholders. Wheatland also suggested that loss of the wireless unit might mean rate increases for regulated consumers.
Wheatland's decision now goes to the commission, which cannot reject the split outright, but might attach conditions like payments to the wireline company or as the judge suggests request more information. One commissioner, Norman Shumway, is already on record favoring a quick decision to allow the split.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930909)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930909)
9/9/93
PacTel Split Hits Roadblock
TELECOM
America Online SW To Be Installe
VIENNA, VIRGINIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- The America Online service said it signed an alliance with Sharp Electronics to pre-install its software on Sharp's new PT-9000 personal digital assistant (PDA) starting this fall. The PT-9000 is Sharp's version of the Apple Newton.
AOL has been very aggressive in the PDA market. In January it announced its software would be bundled with Tandy and Casio's Zoomer. Apple has also reached an agreement to use America Online's software in its own future online services linked to the Apple Newton.
While some consider the PT-9000 a "clone" of the Newton, Sharp insists the products are quite different. The PT-9000 has more standard equipment, and a slightly different physical look. Sharp is also trying to add software to the bundle, and recently signed a deal with Palm Computing to bundle its Palm Organizer product with the PT-9000. Palm had previously announced a bundling deal with Casio and Tandy for their Zoomer product. The Palm Organizer runs under the Geos operating system, not the Newton system, so that system too is being added to the Sharp product.
AOL is currently the fourth-largest consumer online service according to market analysts, with over 325,000 members. It trails Prodigy, CompuServe and GEnie. AOL is the only one of the four which is publicly held -- the others are divisions of larger companies which don't report their financial results separately.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930909/Press Contact: Jean Villanueva America Online, 703-883-1675; Palm Computing, Ed Colligan 415/949-9742)
703-883-1675; Palm Computing, Ed Colligan 415/949-9742)
9/9/93
America Online SW To Be Installed On Sharp's Newton
TELECOM
Mac Software For Learning Disabl
Parsons Intros MoneyCounts For W
NEC Supplies NCR With OEM Color
America Online Picks Up Bundling
Emulator Runs Mac Software On PC
New Sharp Digital Signal Process
$77M Expansion For NatSemi In Ma
Samsung Non-Impact Printers To B
Japan - Sega Links With Motion P
Review of - MasterWord
UK - Ram Mobile, Psion Offer Mob
Gateway 2000 Intros Pentium-Powe
Govt NII Council To Include Look
Correction - CardGrabber Busines
Electronic Imaging '93 - Smalles
Micrografx Picks New President,
Wang Expected To Emerge From Cha
Unemployment Surge Shows US Econ
Lotus To Manufacture For Powerso
Cellular Test Of Personal Phone
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Two cellular operators -- Sprint and Comcast -- said they will test a new personal phone number service using BellSouth software. The software links cellular calls, fax calls, pager calls, and regular phone calls onto a single phone number which follows its owner. Sprint's long distance network will also be used as part of the test.
Some 160 customers will participate in the two trials, and results will be shared to refine the service before a commercial roll-out. The services enable users to program where they wish to receive calls in priority order and by the time and day. They also offer a variety of other productivity features, including alerting on important calls, offering the option of accepting or storing incoming faxes, and integrating with services such as voice mail. The service can also bypass an expensive cellular line if it detects the customer is using a less-expensive business phone line.
The plan is for calls made by the 160 to be linked using Sprint's long distance network to BellSouth Enterprises in Atlanta, where the software is maintained. Under a contract with Comcast Cellular, Sprint also will begin providing long distance service to the company's cellular customers.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930909/Press Contact: Melissa Nichols Comcast Cellular, 215-975-5123; Norman Black, Sprint, 404-859-6096; Tim Kline, BellSouth, 404-249-4135)
6096; Tim Kline, BellSouth, 404-249-4135)
9/9/93
Cellular Test Of Personal Phone Numbers
TELECOM
New TransAtlantic Fiber Optic Ca
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- AT&T announced that service will start September 10 on its TAT-11 trans-Atlantic fiber cable.
The new system runs from Manahawkin, NJ in the United States to Swansea in the United Kingdom and Saint Hilaire in France. It has a capacity to handle the equivalent of 80,000 simultaneous phone conversations.
TAT-11 joins TAT-10, a cable AT&T placed in service last year and the two systems are linked. That means that if either one fails, service is restorable immediately, AT&T said. The two cables have identical capacity.
AT&T's Submarine Systems unit installed more than 2,000 miles of the TAT-11 cable system under contract to the owners, a consortium of international phone companies. There are three fiber pairs in the cable, each of which transmit at 560 million bits/second. AT&T supplied over half the repeaters used in the system, which are designed to last 25 years.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930909/Press Contact: AT&T, James Barnes 201/644-7041)
act: AT&T, James Barnes 201/644-7041)
9/9/93
New TransAtlantic Fiber Optic Cable
TELECOM
Frame Relay Service Launched In
` . TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Bell Canada has launched HyperStream, a frame relay service aimed at customers who want high-speed data transmission but do not have private networks.
Frame relay is meant to connect local-area networks (LANs) at different locations. The technology is a kind of variation on the packet-switching model widely used in long-haul data communications networks. It is faster than the widely used X.25 packet switching standard, mainly because it does no error-checking. This is possible because local and wide-area networking protocols do their own error checking today.
According to Bell, HyperStream is good for linking local-area networks (LANs) to other LANs at different sites and to host computers, and for creating wide-area networks (WANs). The service can carry data at 56 kilobytes per second (Kbps) or at 1.5 megabytes per second (Mbps).
Financial institutions, multi-campus universities, and government offices are among the likely customers for the service, Bell officials said.
As an example of the service's speed, Bell said a spreadsheet file that would have taken 29 seconds to transmit using the fastest services available up to now would be sent in about five seconds using HyperStream.
Bell is not the first with frame relay service in Canada. Edmonton Telephones, an independent company service the city of Edmonton, Alberta, claimed that distinction when it launched its own frame relay service on a limited basis in July.
Customers will pay a monthly charge of C$300 for Bell's 56-Kbps service or $375 for the 1.5-Mbps service. In addition, they will be charges 12 cents per megabyte of data transmitted within Bell's operating territory (the provinces of Ontario and Quebec) and 18 cents per megabyte for national transmissions, a company spokeswoman said.
The service is available now. An international service is planned by year-end, provided telecommunications regulators give their approval, the company said.
HyperStream is the first communications service to result from an alliance formed a year ago by Stentor, the alliance of Canadian regional telephone companies that includes Bell Canada, and MCI Communications, the US-based long-distance carrier.
(Grant Buckler/19930909/Press Contact: Lissa Ellsmere, Bell Canada, 416-581-4253)
ssa Ellsmere, Bell Canada, 416-581-4253)
9/9/93
Frame Relay Service Launched In Canada
TELECOM
Sharkware PIM Based On Mackay's
Yeoman Consortium Wins UK Milita
Software Dev't '93 - IBM Chief O
Hong Kong - Medical Records Onli
NCR Distributes PrintSoft Produc
Greek Alleged Wiretapper Formall
Wordperfect Enters Microsoft Eur
EC Gives Thumbs Up To BT-MCI, Al
Adobe Class Action Suit Dismisse
Combo Wrist Rest/Mouse Pad
Claris Intros 1st Windows Produc
Compaq Donation To Aid Endangere
Motorola To Enter PDA Race
Cuts Printer Prices
European HDTV Funding Resolved;
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- The European Commission (EC) has announced that it wants TV broadcasters to submit their plans for high definition television (HDTV) programming by the end of September, in order to qualify for a special grant.
The surprise decision to allow TV channels, as well as producers (who have until October 15 to submit their plans), to receive a grant for their programming comes in the wake of an EC plan to offer grants totalling 228 million European Currency Units (ECUs) over the next four years to anyone involved in HDTV program production and broadcasts.
To assist anyone interested in the grants, the EC has called a special "open day" for September 13 at the Albert Borschette Center in Brussels for officials to offer themselves for questioning.
Newsbytes notes that the grants for HDTV programming and technology development are a mere shadow of previously set EC plans, which were blocked by several EC member countries, including the British Government.
(Steve Gold/19930909)
luding the British Government.
(Steve Gold/19930909)
9/9/93
European HDTV Funding Resolved; Large Grants Available
Rupert Murdoch Firms Up Digital
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Rupert Murdoch, the millionaire magnate behind the British Sky Broadcasting (BSB) satellite TV network in the UK, has revealed he has signed a deal to develop a common international satellite TV system.
"We have been for some time developing the means with which people will access the almost infinite wealth of programming and services (which) digital compression will bring the consumer," Murdoch said adding that he has now signed a contract with National Transcommunications Limited (NTL), the UK telecom research company as well as Comstream, the US high technology firm.
The contract was signed last between News International, Murdoch's media company, and NTL plus Comstream.
Although Murdoch has given no further details of the agreement industry sources suggest that the digital TV system will be tested on the Astra 1D satellite which is scheduled to begin transmissions some time next year. The Astra 1A, 1B and 1C satellites, which between them, carry 48 satellite stations across Europe, work to analog standards.
Using digital transmission standards could, in theory, increase the number of channels per transponder from one to eight, meaning that a 16-transponder satellite such as Astra 1D could carry as many as 128 different channels.
In the short term, there are unlikely to be many broadcast channels available, Newsbytes notes. Instead, what is likely to happen is that the same movie will be transmitted on eight different channels, each channel staggered by 15 minutes from the others. So no matter what time a viewer tunes in to a movie, s/he would wait no longer than 15 minutes for it to start.
(Steve Gold/19930909)
inutes for it to start.
(Steve Gold/19930909)
9/9/93
Rupert Murdoch Firms Up Digital Satellite Plans
TRENDS
Hayes To Bundle BVRP Software
FLEET, HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Dennis Hayes cofounder and president of Hayes Microcomputer Corporation, the communications company, was in London earlier this week to discuss his upcoming plans with members of the press. During the discussions, Newsbytes learned that the company has signed an agreement with BVRP Software, a French company, to bundle BVRP software with Hayes modems in the future.
Newsbytes understands that plans also call for Hayes to market BVRP's communications package as a stand-alone package through its international network of distributors. The deal effectively gives BVRP access to the global communications software marketplace.
BVRP is a French PME company. PME stands for "petite et moyenne entreprise," or in English -- a small to medium-sized company. The company specializes in communications software for the PC.
According to Dennis Hayes, the agreement with BVRP provides a lot more than the simple bundling or sale of the French company's software. In the longer term, plans call for the customization of the BVRP software for different markets and the defining of future Hayes and BVRP products.
Newsbytes notes that BVRP has been quietly establishing a name for itself outside of its native France for the past three years. The company's software is sold in parts of Spain and in Germany.
The French Ministry of Enterprises has congratulated BVRP Software and says it is a talented PME which did not hesitate in a difficult environment, to invest and take risks in order to succeed in exporting its technology.
Alain Madelin, the French Minister of Enterprises, is said to have given his backing to the agreement, which was concluded last week between Dennis Hayes and Bruno Vanryb, BVRP's managing director.
BVRP Software was founded in 1984 by Bruno Vanryb and Roger Politis. The company's turnover in 1992 was FFr 20 million. Today, the French company has a staff of 20 people.
(Steve Gold/19930909/Press & Public Contact: Hayes - Tel: 0252 775500; email on the Internet: Hayes@cix.compulink.co.uk)
net: Hayes@cix.compulink.co.uk)
9/9/93
Hayes To Bundle BVRP Software
TELECOM
UK - Mercury's One-2-One Tariffs
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Just 48 hours after Mercury officially announced its One-2-One digital mobile phone network in London, industry analysts have been buzzing over the company's decision to allow personal subscribers to make local phone calls to subscribers on the BT network free of charge.
There are two tariffs on the network -- "personalcall" at UKP 12-50 a month and "businesscall" at UKP 20-00 a month. Sign-up to the network costs UKP 20. Usage charges vary for national calls between 10 and 25 pence a minute for personalcall subscribers and 8 and 16 pence a minute for businesscall subscribers.
Only personalcall subscribers get the free local calls -- as defined by the BT area groupings -- between 7pm and 7am Monday through Saturday and all day Sunday.
According to some sources in the telecom trade, the decision to offer free calls during off-peak hours may be construed as a cross subsidy by Oftel, the Government-sponsored telecom watchdog assuming another company (competitor) or user makes a complaint.
When British Telecom first introduced digital phone exchanges in the 1970s, this Newsbytes bureau was allowed to hear about informal discussions between BT and Government agencies over different ways of marketing BT's services. At the time, the prospect of flat-rate local call charges -- as exist in the US -- was discussed and the decision was that it could be construed as a cross-subsidy.
British Telecom, meanwhile, apparently in a fit of pique, has started a counter-campaign in the media against One-to-One. Some industry experts have pointed out that, despite the relatively high cost of getting a One-2-One phone (UKP 250 hardware cost plus UKP 20 sign-up and UKP 12-50 a month subscription), the free local calls during off-peak times are a major plus point in One-2-One's favor.
In certain heavy usage situations, for example, a One-2-One line can be cheaper than a conventional landline, although Newsbytes notes that national calls cost between 10 and 25 pence a minute on the personalcall tariff.
(Steve Gold/19930909/Press & Public Contact: One-2-One, US West Tel: 071-495-8484)
Contact: One-2-One, US West Tel: 071-495-8484)
9/9/93
UK - Mercury's One-2-One Tariffs Cause A Stir
TELECOM
IBM Japan Launches VAN Service I
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- IBM Japan will begin an international VAN (value-added network) service in Thailand in cooperation with Thailand's national telecom firm CAT.
IBM Japan and CAT will spend 10 billion yen ($100 million) to create VAN system starting in October. Through this VAN, network users in Thailand will be connected to other networks in the world.
The actual business will be run by IBM Japan's subsidiary IBM Japan Service (SBC) at CAT's office in Bangkok. To start, SBC and CAT will connect with IBM Singapore's international VAN which connects the network in over 90 countries.
Most foreign firms in Thailand are currently using public phone lines for computer and fax communication. However, through this network, communication is expected to be simplified and costs will be reduced.
It will cost $100 million to create the VAN system. SBC expects to make $30 to $40 million in sales for the first year. Some 50 corporate users are expected to subscribe during the first year.
Thailand's telecommunication network systems are behind most of the developed world due to various regulations. Those concerning Japan were finally eliminated following an agreement between the Thai government and Japan in 1992. IBM Japan is the first to cash in on the lucrative telecom market in Thailand. The firm is planning to gain access to the telecom markets in other Asian countries such as China and Indonesia.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930908/Press Contact: IBM Japan, +81 3-3586-1111, Fax, +81-3-589-4645)
Japan, +81 3-3586-1111, Fax, +81-3-589-4645)
9/9/93
IBM Japan Launches VAN Service In Thailand
UK - Apricot Extends Xen-PC Fami
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Apricot has announced an addition to its Xen-PC range of machines, the 486DX2-66, a 66 megahertz (MHz) 80486DX2 processor-driven system. The machine is available immediately from all of the company's resellers in the UK at prices starting from UKP 1,599.
For this money, users get a machine equipped with 4 megabytes (MB) of memory and a 160MB hard disk. A 240MB hard disk system will cost UKP 1,699. Newsbytes understands that these prices include a color monitor, MS-DOS 6.0 and Windows 3.1 with a mouse.
Announcing the machines, Chris Buckham, Apricot's group marketing director, said that they will continue to fuel the success of the Xen-PC range "which, in only two months, has outstripped our best expectations and won many thousands of new users over to Apricot."
Buckham claims that, at these prices, the machines are so price competitive that they undercut pricing from the company's main competitors by as much as UKP 400.
"Also, as we continue to support our resellers with healthy margins there is plenty of scope for our channel to match the best prices the direct operations can throw at them," he said.
The Xen-PC range of machines is based on 486SX-25, 486DX-33 and 486DX2-66 processors. All systems come with 4MB of RAM as standard upgradable to 64MB, a CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory) interface on the motherboard, accelerated EVGA graphics, and a choice of 80, 160 and 240MB hard drives. Prices include a 14-inch low emission SVGA monitor with 14, and 17-inch color Triniton monitors available as optional extras.
PORTLAND, MAINE, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- To help meet the needs of the expanding wireless communications marketplace, National Semiconductor Corporation is adding a $77 million BiCMOS (bipolar complementary metal oxide semiconductor) Center for Excellence to its facility in Portland, Maine.
National Semiconductor is using BiCMOS technology to manufacture advanced SiRF (silicon radio frequency) mixed-signal chips, company officials explained.
These products include the DECT (Digital European Cordless Telecommunications) transceiver chip set and the PLLatinum PLL (Phased Locked Loop) frequency synthesizer line implemented in cellular phones and other wireless communications systems in the US and Europe. BiCMOS technology is also used to drive portable PCs and computer networks.
National Semiconductor's manufacturing thrust is to develop key manufacturing centers to mirror the company's market areas. The Portland site will be the third Center for Excellence to be established. Arlington, Texas is the home of National Semiconductor's CMOS Center for Excellence. The Center for Excellence for Analog-Intensive Markets is located in Greenock Scotland.
South Portland was chosen for the BiCMOS expansion due to the quality record of the plant and the technical expertise of the workforce, officials maintained.
Physical expansion of the facility will add an additional 12,000 square feet to the 440,000 square feet of manufacturing space already in existence. The existing space is already set for conversion of 5-inch wafer manufacturing lines to 6-inch wafer manufacturing lines, a move designed to allow production of circuits containing elements as small as 0.8 micron in a Class 1 cleanroom setting.
The 30 new jobs created by the expansion will include professional and production slots for technicians, maintenance specialists production operators, and engineering support. Most positions will be filled from within the South Portland facility and the surrounding community, according to the company.
Design activities and other preparations for the Center for Excellence have already begun. Full production is expected to start in the summer of next year.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930909/Press contact: Roberta Silverstein National Semiconductor, tel 207-775-8662)
onal Semiconductor, tel 207-775-8662)
9/9/93
$77M Expansion For NatSemi In Maine
BUSINESS
Quicken 3 For Windows Cuts Data
MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Intuit claims the best new feature in Quicken 3 for Windows is its new calendar that looks like a paper calendar and can be used to schedule automated payments, record past activity, or just mark an upcoming event. Intuit claims the calendar metaphor is not only easier to use, but eliminates much of the repetitive data entry involved in using a financial program.
Intuit says its research decidedly showed a universal dislike for data entry. The new Quicken 3 product is aimed at eliminating as much data entry as possible. Some transactions must be entered, but Quicken says once they are, users can simply pick those transactions off a memorized list and drop them onto the calendar.
Users who like the checkbook metaphor will be glad to know that it remains in the product.
The calendar can also be used to track birthdays and special events, just like a paper calendar, the company added. Recurring transactions can be set up for automatic entry as well, with or without the requirement for the approval of the user before the transaction is posted.
The program can also track investments via built-in spreadsheets so users no longer have to export the information to a spreadsheet product in order to view investment performance, the company said. Different views of the spreadsheets offer the ability to look at investments from varying viewpoints, such as estimated income, return on investment, percentage yield, market value, market value change, and percent market value. Views may be customized as well.
In addition, the Quickzoom feature, originally introduced to show the numbers behind graphs and reports, has been expanded to the register so users may create summary reports from their register transactions. A Quickreport feature offers standard report layouts, and a new Comparison Reports feature has also been added.
Visual representation in the forms of graphs is available via the Financial Planning Graph feature so users can see projected net worth, cash flow, and future account balances. Trends in the current financial situation can be viewed as well, and different what-if scenarios can be created and saved, Intuit said. The program can even earmark funds for future financial goals and let you know if current spending will impede those goals.
Intuit says it offers better loan tracking in Quicken 3, so users can review and manipulate all the information on their loans in one place. For those with variable rate loans anticipated interest rate changes can be forecasted and stored and projected loan payments may then be calculated.
Quicken also exports financial data to tax programs such as Turbotax from San Diego, California-based Chipsoft. As a matter of fact, Intuit recently announced it is purchasing Chipsoft for an estimated $225 million and the companies are boasting this merger will have the long term effect of making financial integration and tax reporting even easier for users.
Quicken 3 for Windows requires Windows 3.1 and 2 megabytes of random access memory (RAM). The product is shipped on 3.5-inch disks, but users have the option of receiving 5.25-inch disks by mail.
The new version is retail priced at $69.95. Those upgrading from previous versions of Quicken who purchase the product through retail channels get a $10 rebate, and new users get a $5 rebate. However, current users will find they receive a substantial savings by ordering the product directly from Intuit for $29.95 plus $5 shipping and handling.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930909/Press Contact: Sheryl Ross, Intuit tel 415-322-0573, fax 415-329-2785; Jane Gideon, Wilson McHenry for Intuit, 415-592-7600; Public Information, Intuit, 800-624 8742)
592-7600; Public Information, Intuit, 800-624 8742)
9/9/93
Quicken 3 For Windows Cuts Data Entry W/ Calendar
Toshiba/Microsoft Pact Includes
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 9 (NB) -- Toshiba is the second company to actually license the Microsoft at Work (MAW) operating system, according to an announcement made by the two companies.
Both Microsoft and Toshiba said they plan to work closely together in order to make the Windows operating system and its graphical user interface (GUI) off-shoots, such as MAW work smoothly in consumer and computer hardware from Toshiba.
While the companies say they will work together on notebook and handheld devices, specifically handheld devices that use MAW Microsoft representatives said today's announcement should not be viewed as a product announcement by Toshiba. International Data Corporation (IDC) says Toshiba is the leading vendor in the US portable computer market with 16.2 percent of the volume for 1992 and leads the notebook market with 20.7 percent of the sales 1992 volume.
Microsoft announced MAW, internally known at the software giant as "Winpad," in June of this year in New York. Over 65 companies announced support for MAW and Compaq has licensed it for use in a planned handheld device.
MAW is an operating system for smart office machines. The idea here is to make products where all the features of the product are available via a graphical user interface (GUI), instead of users having to learn to use the device standing at the machine with the manual in one hand. Microsoft describes MAW as a real time, pre-emptive multitasking operating system designed to specifically address the requirements of the office automation and communication industries. MAW will hopefully offer digital connections between the various types of office devices, such as fax machines and photo copiers, as well as with personal computers running Windows.
Specifics of the agreement are sketchy, but are outlined by Toshiba and Microsoft as cooperation on: the next generation of Microsoft's operating system software, currently planned to contain mobile services for notebook computer users; handheld computing devices incorporating MAW software "Plug and Play," which allows hardware and software to automatically configure the system with minimal user involvement; and product support and marketing programs that include technical support and marketing communications.
This announcement is on the heels of an announcement by Sharp that it plans to incorporate the GUI DOS-compatible Geos operating system in its next handheld device, the PT-9000. Expected for fourth quarter introduction this year, Sharp is calling the PT-9000 a Personal Information Assistant (PIA) and says the steno-pad sized pen-based unit will have a detachable keyboard. Casio and Tandy have already announced adoption of the Geos operating system for the Zoomer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) expected for introduction later this month.
Microsoft representatives said there have been no plans announced to incorporate Windows into the hardware of Toshiba notebook computers. Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft introduced a palmtop computer, the Omnibook, in which Windows is incorporated into the hardware of the notebook in much the same way Apple Computer has incorporated its operating system into the read-only memory (ROM) hardware of its computers.
Toshiba Computer Systems (TAIS) is headquartered in Irvine California and boasts $1 billion annually in sales. It is owned by Toshiba America, a subsidiary of the $39.9 billion Toshiba Corporation of Japan. Microsoft is the world's largest software company, headquartered in Redmond, Washington.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930909/Press Contact: Karen Andring Waggener Edstrom for Microsoft, tel 206-637-9097, fax 206-637 9963; Bob Maples, Maples & Associates for Toshiba, 714-253 8737; Public Contact, Toshiba, 800-334-3445)
14-253 8737; Public Contact, Toshiba, 800-334-3445)
9/9/93
Toshiba/Microsoft Pact Includes Microsoft At Work
Sharkware PIM Based On Mackay's
Yeoman Consortium Wins UK Milita
Software Dev't '93 - IBM Chief O
Hong Kong - Medical Records Onli
NCR Distributes PrintSoft Produc
Greek Alleged Wiretapper Formall
Wordperfect Enters Microsoft Eur
EC Gives Thumbs Up To BT-MCI, Al
Adobe Class Action Suit Dismisse
Combo Wrist Rest/Mouse Pad
Claris Intros 1st Windows Produc
Motorola To Enter PDA Race
Moscow - Intel's Regional Develo
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- "Intel considers Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union the [most important] market for the coming years," said Intel VP Steve Poole announcing plans to open subsidiaries in Minsk, Byelorussia and Kiev, Ukraine.
Trade with Eastern Europe is growing fast. According to Intel's estimates, 616,000 Intel-equipped PCs will be sold in the former Soviet Union in 1993, and 816,000 during 1994, a 32 percent increase. The company is willing to expand and invest additional monies to create sales outlets and supporting distributors.
Intel's own computers, chips, and new communications and networking equipment will be offered for sale through the distribution network Poole said. Intel plans to open sales offices in Minsk and Kiev later this fall, according to Poole.
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930910)
ng to Poole.
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930910)
9/10/93
Moscow - Intel's Regional Development Plans
BUSINESS
Law Group Calls For Computer Use
Interop - Keynoter Sees Life Aft
UK - Legent To Acquire Networx
FedMicro Show Closes Today
Microsoft Faces New Legal Proble
Japanese Ministry Supports Devel
New Alpha Chips Aimed At Volume
Olivetti Targets Compaq With M4
Qualcomm Fighting Latest InterDi
Two Big Telecom Deals Go Down
Toronto Ad Agency, Northern Tele
Intuit To Open Support Center, H
MCI Speeds Credit Card Transacti
Toronto Teacher Offers Mac Educa
Isocor Picks India Distributor
BOMBAY, INDIA, 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Bombay-based Datapro Electronics Pvt. Ltd. has been appointed exclusive reseller for the entire range of Isocor (International Standards Open Communications Resources) products in India and other SAARC countries. (The South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation is a trade bloc of which India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives and Bangladesh are members.)
Products to be launched include the Isoplex family of back-end processors, Isotrade, and Isomail software modules which provide access units and user agents for Electronic Data Interchange and Isomail, a range of X.400 local and remote user agents. Other products include Isotrade, a set of EDI access units based on industry standard programming interfaces, Isogate modules for supply of gateway facilities to proprietary environments like e-mail packages, Isodoc modules for interchange of documents between different platforms or applications, and Isoman which offers services like monitoring, control of connectivity status, transaction statistics, document tracking, and audit trails.
Datapro Information Technology Ltd., a sister company of Datapro Electronics Pvt. Ltd., is setting up a public e-mail system called Xee-Mail. Rajeev Arora, chairman and managing director of the Datapro group claims, "We are the first company in India to receive a license from the Department of Telecom for this."
The system uses Isoplex as the message transmission agent (MTA). The MTA comes for Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh (around $3300 to $11,600). Within six months, the e-mail will be linked to eight major cities of the country. The system will also be conjoined via VSNL (Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd., government-owned telecom body responsible for International Subscriber Trunk dialling) to other networks of the world with which the highway is interlinked. Through this, a subscriber can contact any user of e-mail, telex, or by fax.
Datapro has set up internal e-mail networks for the Border Security Force (a quasi-military organisation responsible as the name suggests, for border security) and inter-state police wireless operations.
The training division of the group, Datapro Information Technology is now a Novell Authorized Education Center. The courses range from basic network operations to one which makes a candidate a certified netware engineer (CNE). The CNE course, the first batch of which has commenced in Bombay, costs Rs 15,000 (around $500) and is of six-month duration with four to four-and-a-half hour classes five days a week.
In the first phase, besides Bombay, the Pune and Baroda centers will also offer the Novell courses. The network will be extended to Delhi, Bangalore, Madras and Calcutta. "Tata Unisys is the only other certified center for conducting Novell classes," informs N. Muthuram, business promotion manager, Datapro.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930910)
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930910)
9/10/93
Isocor Picks India Distributor
BUSINESS
First Computer Training Firm Get
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- NIIT, a leader in the computer training field, has become the world's first computer education company to receive the International Standard Organisation's 9000 series quality certification for its instructional software.
NIIT's chief executive officer, Vijay K. Thadani, told reporters in India this week that the ISO 9001 certification had been issued by the Bureau Veritas Quality International (BVQI) of the United Kingdom. BVQI is one of the four international organizations authorized to certify the quality of software development.
Thadani said the BVQI certification covered the development of computer-based training, interactive video, multimedia, and performance support systems for worldwide customers, and includes off-the-shelf packages, customer training systems, and on-site development services.
Instructional software allows learners in any field to acquire highly complex skills with relative ease, the company states. NIIT is currently exporting instructional software packages to over 26 countries. The company hopes to treble its instructional software exports from the present level of Rs two crore (around $660,000) this year. "We have bagged a $7 million contract to develop instructional software from IBM," said a spokesman of the company. Among its other clients are the World Bank, the United States Agency for International Development, Lexmark Scientific Atlanta and Baharain Petroleum.
The certification has also given the firm the needed impetus to set up a joint venture in Europe to manufacture and market software for the continental market. NIIT's decision to go for a joint venture rather than a marketing office has been prompted by the conditions prevalent in the European market. Though the firm has not yet firmed up any agreement, it is considering several major companies like Siemens, Bull SA and Dassault for an alliance.
The company recorded a turnover of Rs 48.6 crore (around $16.2 million) for the year 1992-93. Apart from instructional software, it is a big player in the training industry and software exports markets.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930910)
ware exports markets.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930910)
9/10/93
First Computer Training Firm Gets ISO Certification
GENERAL
CompuServe Adds 14,400 bit/secon
COLUMBUS, OHIO, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- CompuServe has begun rolling out support for 14,400 bit/second modems, starting in 10 US cities. In addition to running the CompuServe Information Service, CompuServe also runs its own packet network.
Initially, the faster speed is available in Cambridge Massachusetts; Chicago; Columbus, Ohio; Los Angeles; New York; Newport Beach, California; Orlando, Florida; Philadelphia; Rochelle Park, New Jersey, and Santa Clara, California. All those cities are very major centers of online user activity. Columbus is CompuServe's headquarters. More US cities will be added to the list during the next year, CompuServe said.
CompuServe said this makes it the first US online service to support 14,400 bit/second modems under the V.32bis modulation standard, and the V.42 error-correction standard. Such modems have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to falling prices. More important, the company said, it will offer service to 14,400 bit/second modem owners at the same price, $16 per hour by day, that it offers 9,600 bit/second modem users. That is, however, higher than the rate charged for 2,400 bit/second access. The company introduced its 9,600 bit/second service three years ago.
CompuServe said it also plans to offer 14,400 bit/second in Europe, where it is making a major bid for market leadership, but has not currently set a date. CompuServe has about 1.3 million members, according to market analysts Jupiter Communications of New York.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Japan's former telecom monopoly NTT will cut long distance telephone rates this October, and other private long distance companies are expected to follow suit.
Two and a half years ago was when the company last changed its rates, and that was a hike in long distance fees at the time.
NTT will lower long distance phone fees by an average of 21.4 percent. This will be a fairly large cut in order to bring down rates closer to those of competitors. Currently, phone rates for ] other long distance carriers such as DDI and Japan Telecom are less expensive than NTT's.
NTT was privatized in 1985 in the wake of deregulation of the Japanese telecom law. Since then, the Japanese government has directed NTT to keep its rates higher than newcomers in the field As a result, rivals such as DDI and Japan Telecom have won an increasingly large customer base.
The Japanese government, which is still a major shareholder of NTT stock, has finally allowed NTT to lower its prices to match the competitors.
DDI listed its stocks on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Market last week. They traded at a whopping 5 million yen ($50,000) per share, or three times the value of NTT stock.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- NEC will produce color notebook-type personal computers in the US next month, in a restructuring designed to fight surging Japanese currency and a general industry slump. The move makes sense since NEC is also receiving more orders for all its PCs from the US.
NEC plans to make 5,000 color notebooks per month at NEC Technologies in Massachusetts. These are the TFT (thin film transistor), powerful IBM-compatible personal computers.
NEC is currently producing the color notebook-type PCs at its Yonezawa plant in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. 50,000 units were shipped to the US during the first half of this year. NEC reports that purchase orders are doubling, and it cannot meet the orders. In fact, NEC is also supplying the PCs to NCR on an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) basis, adding to the demand.
NEC will export major PC parts, such as the LCD panels and motherboards, to the US, and gradually will shift production to the US. Recently, the US government lifted a tariff it had imposed against "dumping" of Japanese LCDs (liquid crystal displays), so it is now easier to ship the parts to the US.
Meanwhile, NEC may also produce the color notebook type PCs and other computers in Hong Kong. These are the PC-9801 family and NEC would import them back into Japan.
BONN, GERMANY, 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Who says state-controlled monopolies only raise prices? In Germany, Wolfgang Boetsch, the country's federal posts and telecoms minister, has revealed he is planning a reduction in phone usage charges.
In an interview with Focus, the German weekly news magazine, Boetsch said that he is planning a series of reductions that will reduce phone charges by as much as 20 percent over the next five years. The reason for the cuts is that Telekom wants to compete as the telecom market opens up in the next few years.
Boetsch's comments have been interpreted as a tacit agreement that the former state monopoly has been making excessive profits from its non-liberalized customers.
Focus timed its interview with Boetsch well, as Telekom is expected to announced a raft of charge reductions within a matter of days. News services in Germany quote Telekom as refusing to comment on details of the impending price reductions.
Focus asserts that, in the first stage of the reductions, line installation and rental charges, as well as local loop calls, will be reduced in April of 1995. Trunk and international call reductions would be less, but phased over a number of years, the magazine said.
(Steve Gold/19930910)
he magazine said.
(Steve Gold/19930910)
9/10/93
Germany's Telekom To Reduce Phone Charges
TELECOM
British Telecom Cuts Connection
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- After slashing its connection charge for "first line" residential subscribers at the beginning of September, BT has announced a similar price reduction for business customers.
According to BT, the reductions will allow businesses to expand their number of phone lines, and will allow residential customers to get a second line for a fax machine.
The business line installation charge falls by around 35 percent to UKP 99 plus tax. BT is also offering business customers the facility to spread the installation costs over four quarters, just as it has done with residential customers.
Industry experts have hailed the reductions as an acknowledgement of the "creaming off" of new business from BT by new telecom services such as cable TV operations and Mercury Communications. In a recent edition of the Sunday Times, BT officials were quoted as privately worried about losing 20 percent of their high rolling residential customers, many of whom have fax lines, to Mercury Communications.
Alf Bocket, BT's managing director of business communications, said that the reductions will come as welcome news, especially to any companies looking to expand their telecom services as the country starts to come out of the recession. "These new prices demonstrate once again our determination to offer customers the very best value for money," he said.
Newsbytes notes that the new UKP 99 installation charge applies to integrated service digital network (ISDN)-30 lines as well as voice circuits. ISDN-30 is BT's business ISDN service that supports Basic Rate Access facilities.
(Steve Gold/19930910)
asic Rate Access facilities.
(Steve Gold/19930910)
9/10/93
British Telecom Cuts Connection Costs For Businesses
TELECOM
UK - Hayes Slashes Pricing On Mo
FLEET, HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Hayes Microcomputer Products has cut the cost of its Smartmodem Optima and V-series Ultra high speed modems in the UK market by up to 25 percent.
According to the company, the reductions are due to economies of scale now passed along to customers, as well as to the going market price of high speed modems.
Example pricing on the Optima 144 is UKP 539 (down from UKP 650). On the Ultra 96, the price falls from UKP 799 to UKP 599. The Ultra 24 with Express 96 (2,400 bits per second with a high-speed 9,600 bps proprietary transmission system) falls from UKP 499 to UKP 399.
Newsbytes notes that the price reductions bring retail prices more into line with "street prices" on the company's modems. For example the new retail price of UKP 679 (down from UKP 899) on Hayes' flagship Ultra 144 matches the street price of UKP more closely.
The new pricing takes effect immediately. The company's modem resellers are being offered price protection, Newsbytes understands.
(Steve Gold/19930910/Press & Public Contact: Hayes - Tel: 0252 775500; Fax: 0252-775511; Email on the Internet: Hayes@cix.compulink.co.uk)
e Internet: Hayes@cix.compulink.co.uk)
9/10/93
UK - Hayes Slashes Pricing On Modems
TELECOM
IBM Australia Taking Trade-Ins O
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Small business and home computer users in Australia can now get their IBM PC a little cheaper by trading-in their pre-loved PCs and typewriters. The scheme is for computers bought from IBM's direct sales arm IBM Direct.
"We'll take IBM PCs, ancient Apples, old clones and even pre-loved typewriters," said Ralph Marshall, manager of IBM Direct. "We know that around one third of PC purchasers are replacing old machinery. With the rapid evolution of software, there are thousands of inexpensive software packages for small businesses and home users yet many don't have the equipment to take advantage of it. We want to encourage these people to cost effectively acquire one of our new, powerful PS/ValuePoint computers."
Trade-in values range from around US$70 to US$500 depending on the machine being traded in and the machine being bought. A toll-free hotline has been set-up to give the exact amount for each potential upgrader. IBM will deliver the new equipment and "dispose" of the old machines for no extra charge.
For a service fee the new machine will be set-up and software installed.
The trade-in offer is only available from IBM Direct and is not combinable with any other discounts, including government pricing.
IBM Australia has just released nine new entry-level models in the PS/ValuePoint range and has cut prices on existing models in an effort to stay competitive with clones. The new machines all have VESA local bus graphics, processor upgradability, and start at less than US$1000 including tax. They all have 4MB of RAM IBM DOS 6.1 and Microsoft Windows 3.1 (both pre-loaded).
(Paul Zucker/19930910/Press Contact: Kate Dennis on phone 61-2-354 4864)
0910/Press Contact: Kate Dennis on phone 61-2-354 4864)
9/10/93
IBM Australia Taking Trade-Ins On PCs And Typewriters
CA-Visual Objects To Begin Beta
UK - RAM Mobile Data Wins Retail
New Far Side Planner/Calendar Fo
Review of - KidPix, For Mac
Australia - Crack My Code!
MCI & Canada Offer 800-Number Fl
Sega Orders FRAM Chips For Games
Review of - Boatowner's Guide To
Browsing the Internet
Western Digital's Rocketchip In
Sharp Develops Hand-Held Multime
UK - Hewlett-Packard's 1st Softw
Emerald Sys Backup Software To S
Mirus Intros Under-$5000 Film Re
Poland - Private Phone Exchange
Big Australian Laser Printer Con
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA, 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Printer manufacturer Lexmark has won a large Australian government contract by offering an unique payment method on the printers. The Department of Social Security is to receive 1800 of the IBM 4029 laser printers.
Neil Tilley, general manager of Lexmark Australia, said he believes this is the largest laser contract in Australia this year. A special aspect of the deal is the way the printers will be purchased. The only charge is a per-print charge to cover hardware, consumables, service, and training. The system used is "Click-Charge," which uses the printer's intelligence to differentiate between successful and unsuccessful prints (for which there is no charge).
Tilley said, "This innovative payment method enables users to receive the total laser printing package with no hidden costs. In addition there is no major capital acquisition cost for the department. And the 4029 printer is modular in design so the department will be able to keep pace with upgrades and technology advances. Even the power costs of running these machines will be minimized through Lexmark's Powersaver feature which reduces power consumed when the printer is idle. Conservatively, we estimate this feature will save the department $1M over the five-year contract. The printers occupy very little desk space and are very quiet. They require little operator intervention."
Over 1200 of the printers will be attached to Wang VS computers using an Australian-designed and manufactured device, the Wang CSS ST-959 Protocol Converter. The printers will also connect to a new local area network (LAN) to be installed by the department.
(Paul Zucker/19930910/Press contact: Annabelle Warren on phone 61-63-32-1230)
s contact: Annabelle Warren on phone 61-63-32-1230)
9/10/93
Big Australian Laser Printer Contract For Lexmark
Moscow - Sprint Express Service
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Sprint has launched the Sprint Express phone service in Moscow. Sprint becomes the third service provider in the city.
Calls to a Moscow phone number, 155-6133, will result in a connection to the Sprint operator in US, who will complete the call. In addition to providing calling to US, they also can connect a call to 72 other countries.
Sprint rates are quite competitive compared to AT&T USAdirect service (phone in Moscow 155-5042). Sprint charges $3.23 for the first minute, and $2.50 for each other minute of calling to Washington, DC, while AT&T rates are $6.75 for the first minute and $2.50 for each consecutive minute. The surcharge for collect calls with Sprint is $1.50, while AT&T asks for $3.25. Unlike AT&T, Sprint says it accepts Visa/MasterCard, which AT&T doesn't.
The phone direct service is quietly gaining popularity in Moscow. Another provider is TRT PhoneUSA (phone 155-5036), which has been operating since 1992.
The service is offered only in Moscow, although one can easily reach those numbers from other cities with an inexpensive long distance call. There is no such service in other parts of the former Soviet Union, except Lithuania, where AT&T operates the USA Direct service.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- China made a lot of international headlines in telecommunications this week, despite reports the government is trying to slow economic growth and raging inflation.
MTC Electronics of Canada said its joint paging system in Dongguan, China has been fully subscribed, with 50,000 people putting deposits on pagers before service even begins. The first phase of its system in Hubei is also subscribed, with deposits from 15,000 customers. Reuters of the UK, meanwhile, launched a financial paging service in the booming province of Guangdong. The service includes quotes on 10 currencies including the Deutchmark, yen, and British pound.
On the telephone side, Ericsson won orders for its AXE switches worth $17 million, from Liaoning province. This gives Ericsson 2 million lines in the country. The company also won its first orders in India. Finally, in Hong Kong, which reverts to China in 1997, Bell Atlantic of the US teamed with Champion Technology Holdings to bid for a telephone license. The Hong Kong Telecom monopoly expires in 1995. Bell Atlantic hopes the Hong Kong service can be its springboard into China.
In Greece, the Socialist Party of former premier Andreas Papandreou sent letters to six companies bidding to buy 35 percent of OTE. The letters stated that the sale will be cancelled if he's re-elected. The present conservative government plans to sell the stake to either NTT, France Telecom, Korea Telecom, STET of Italy, Spain's Telefonica or GTE of the US, and narrowly won a vote in parliament to proceed. Elections must be held by next April, but could come this fall.
In Eastern Europe, Israel's Bezeq telecommunications company signed a deal with Elbit Ltd., of Poland to build a telecommunications network in the Warsaw suburbs. That network like others planned by foreign companies, would be extended to other areas of the country. Poland has moved faster than other Eastern European republics to allow competition in the phone network. Elsewhere, nations are moving to privatize their networks and, under the urging of foreign bankers, are maintaining monopolies for an interim period to pay for network improvements. One of those countries, the Czech Republic, also won an $80 million loan from the World Bank to improve its state run Czech Telecom network, part of a 15-year, $900 million modernization.
Finally, in South America, three groups formed by Bell Canada Telefonica de Espana and Portugal's Marconi, with Brazil's Constram, filed for a new competitive cellular license in Uruguay. That license would vie with a group headed by BellSouth and Motorola of the US, along with Argentine interests. Uruguayan voters recently rejected plans to sell that nation's Antel phone unit, and the government will take most of the profits from the private cellular services.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930910/Press Contact: Ericsson, Kathy Egan 212/685-4030; Elron Technologies, Yung Jin Kim, 212/935-3110)
Jin Kim, 212/935-3110)
9/10/93
International Update
TELECOM
TDMA Lawsuits Filed
KING OF PRUSSIA, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) InterDigital's Time Division Multiple Access, or TDMA, patents are going to be defended in court, following the filing of lawsuits in two US courts.
TDMA divides a single cellular calling channel into pieces usually three in US implementations, and sends digitized voices through each channel. General Motors' Hughes division has created an enhancement, called E-TDMA, which puts 15 callers on a single cellular calling channel, and has cross-licensed patents with InterDigital. TDMA was endorsed by the US cellular industry in 1991 and McCaw Cellular, which is in the process of being bought by AT&T, has begun installing dual standard analog TDMA equipment in its systems. Southwestern Bell has also announced support for TDMA. Other cellular companies are supporting a different cellular standard, Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA, and plan to begin installing that equipment next year.
InterDigital got the lawsuit ball rolling, according to spokesman David Smith, by suing Ericsson of Sweden's US cellular equipment unit for patent infringement, in the Northern District of Virginia. Ericsson replied with a suit in the Northern District of Texas, seeking to have the patents invalidated. Ericsson claimed in a press release its suit came after "a lengthy and thorough investigation of the validity and scope" of InterDigital's TDMA patents -- InterDigital says only it came after lengthy negotiations.
Smith of InterDigital said there's not much difference in the two courts, but he'd rather have the suit litigated closer to his Philadelphia-area offices.
VIENNA, VIRGINIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- While Prodigy and Compuserve still have the lead in subscribers, America Online is now competing with GEnie for third place. America Online says it now has 350,000 subscribers. That would put it even with GEnie, based on recent market analyses by Jupiter Communications of New York.
The company said the figure represents a gain of 100,000 subscribers in the last six months, and an 80 percent increase in the last year. Over that time the company has turned on local versions of its service in Chicago and elsewhere, created alliances with a number of publishers for special forums, and begun bundling its software with popular computers. The last move is thought to have been the greatest spur to growth, according to company officials.
America Online has achieved success in part because it offers a graphical user interface. Apple Computer recently signed a deal to switch to America Online's GUI (graphical user interface) for its future online offerings. America Online originally created its interfaces, for both Macintosh and PC-compatible computers, when it was developing specialty services for computer manufacturers. The company also went public in March 1992, the only online service to do that.
America Online's chief financial officer, Lennert Leader, recently told analysts he's comfortable with earnings estimates of 75-85 cents per share for the fiscal year ending next June. He estimated the number of subscribers could grow to 500,000 by the end of the year, which would probably put it well ahead of GEnie now in third place behind Prodigy and CompuServe, among US consumer online services. GEnie, which is a unit of General Electric, is highly profitable, according to Jupiter's Josh Harris.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930910/Press Contact: Jean Villanueva America Online, 703-883-1675)
Villanueva America Online, 703-883-1675)
9/10/93
America Online Subscriber Base Expands
TELECOM
Intel, MCI To Integrate Phones,
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- MCI announced it has signed a development deal with Intel to explore opportunities in integrating telephones and PCs. Applications include advanced PC-based data, audio, and videoconferencing.
The idea is to marry Intel's expertise in computer hardware video, and PCs with MCI's expertise as a provider of intelligent network services.
Earlier this year, Intel made a number of related announcements including support for the Microsoft Telephony Application Program Interface. It has also signed separate alliance agreements with regional Bell companies Ameritech, Bell Atlantic and Pacific Bell, and with European equipment makers Ericsson and Siemens. Until now, it has been best-known in the telecommunication business for its fax-data modems.
Analysts speculate the new deal could put MCI's videophone technology, which comes from GEC and Marconi of the UK, onto Intel boards for insertion in Windows-based PCs. That could prove important to MCI, since videophone sales have been slow because the MCI and AT&T offerings are incompatible. Intel could also work with MCI on digital services used by videoconferencing equipment makers like PictureTel. No money changed hands in the deal.
Separately, MCI signed CompuLink Ltd., as a value-added dealer meaning its WorldLink gateway products could be cross-marketed with MCI services like MCI Mail and MCI Fax. The company's products are designed to integrate data and text-based services which could provide powerful links between MCI Mail and MCI Fax.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930910/Press Contact: CompLink, Mark Spinner 516/829-1888; MCI National Accounts, Yvonne Gagne, 914-933-6035)
Accounts, Yvonne Gagne, 914-933-6035)
9/10/93
Intel, MCI To Integrate Phones, PCs
TELECOM
New Commodore Amiga Due Today
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Commodore Business Machines will announce its new 32-bit game console the Amiga Compact Disc 32 (CD32) at the Amiga World Show today in Pasadena, California. The Amiga CD32 offers a double-speed compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive, Commodore's Advanced Graphics Architecture chip set, and can display and animate graphics in 256,000 colors, according to reports from the company.
The unit is designed for connection to a television set and offers a hand-held 11-button controller as well as connectors for standard Amiga peripherals such as mouse, joystick, and keyboard. Commodore claims titles from its previous game system, CDTV, can be played on the CD32 as well as new titles some of which are expected as early as October.
Acclaim's Mortal Kombat, Ocean Software's Jurassic Park Gremlin Graphics' Zool 2, and Psygnosis' Microcosm games are a few of the many titles Commodore listed as already in development for CD32. The company says it encourages development for its hardware without the requirement of official licenses, unlike cartridge-based systems. The company claims 50 to 100 titles are expected for the system by the holiday season this year.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930910/Press Contact: Lauren Keffer Commodore Business Machines, tel 215-431-9478, fax 215-431 9465)
215-431-9478, fax 215-431 9465)
9/10/93
New Commodore Amiga Due Today
Low-Cost Green Laser Printer Off
V SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Alps has introduced the LSX1000 "green" laser printer it claims is Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Postscript-compatible, produces 600 dot-per-inch (dpi) resolution, and offers a low cost. The company claims the retail price of $1,675 is low enough to attract small businesses or individuals, but the ten page-per minute (ppm) print speed is fast enough for network use.
Since the printer only uses 21 watts in its stand-by Power Saver mode, the company claims it qualifies for the EPA's newly announced Energy Star Program.
The printer offers a high resolution control (HRC) for smoothing out the jagged edges of printed text and graphics. Advanced Photoscale Technology (APT) allows graphics to be printed in up to 256 shades of gray, the company added. The 83 resident fonts in the LSX1000 include Truetype compatible fonts and a special software driver for Windows users, and 10 barcode fonts. An HP Laserjet compatible font cartridge may be used in the printer via a built-in slot. There is also Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) credit card-sized slot for storing forms and fonts via flash memory cards.
The printer comes with 2 megabytes (MB) of random access memory (RAM) that can be expanded to 34 MB using standard single in-line memory modules (SIMMs).
Bi-directional parallel and RS-232 serial interfaces are included on the printer, plus an MI/O slot for network connection to Appletalk, Token Ring, Ethernet, coax/twinax or 10Base-T interfaces. Alps says the printer is smart enough to know what port is being used and can automatically switch between emulations. Available emulations include: PCL5e/Laserjet 4, PostScript, FX-850, Proprinter XL, Diablo 630, and HPGL.
The company says the LSX1000 uses standard EP-S toner cartridges, producing 4,000 pages per cartridge, and it is built to print 10,000 pages per month. Alps estimates engine life of the printer at 600,000 pages, and also provides a three-year warranty on the unit. A 250-sheet adjustable paper drawer and stacker, a manual feed slot, and built-in envelope adapter are all included.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930910/Press Contact: Alps Electric, Dennis Steele, tel 408-432-6000; Jennifer De Anda, Franson, Hagerty & Associates for Alps, tel 408-453-5220, fax 408-453-8723; Public Contact, Alps, 800-825-2577)
fax 408-453-8723; Public Contact, Alps, 800-825-2577)
9/10/93
Low-Cost Green Laser Printer Offers HP, Postscript
GENERAL
Business Software Solutions - Th
IDC On PC Market Shares - The Ri
UK - Staples Opens 2nd PC Supers
Bell Canada Denied Local Rate In
Delrina Ships FormFlow
Toshiba & NTT To Cut 10,000 Empl
Zoo Keeper Teaches Kids About En
Sharp To Intro DOS-Compatible PD
Latvia - Bank Cards Introduced
Moscow - Sprint Express Service
Iridium Director Campaigns In In
Tandem In Development & Marketin
Compaq PCs Used In Cambodian Tel
India's Biggest Computer Show
HCL HP Spruces Up Micro Range, L
Cyrix Intros 486 Processor Chips
Editorial - The Urge To Be Left
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- By John McCormick. Newspaper reports regarding how interactive television has flopped big time in California didn't particularly surprise me if people wanted to interact, they wouldn't be sitting around watching TV -- they would either be talking with family members out visiting friends, or using computers to link up with others with similar interests on electronic bulletin boards. TV is basically a passive activity and nobody is used to it being otherwise.
But the interactive-TV flap did remind me that I had yet to share my feelings about another really hot topic these days, cellular telephone technology.
Everyone, from investors to computer companies, wants to get in on what he or she sees as the ground floor of the marriage of portable communications systems and pocket computers. Even AT&T announced last month that it was very interested in becoming a big cellular player, and a friend of mine swears by the telephone stocks of which he owns a lot.
But is AT&T right about this hot new technology? I seem to remember that their last big move was into computers when they bought NCR at its peak, showing that even Ma Bell can make big mistakes.
What strikes me so vividly about both interactive TV and the now popular communications concept of "any time, any place" is that the industry may not be keeping an eye on the end user.
Consider two-way television, where you can order movies any time you want. Parents who leave their kids alone in hotel rooms already know that they can quickly run up unexpected bills requesting pay-for-view movies in the same way children sometimes generate budget-busting 900 phone bills.
What will happen when a child or teenager left "home alone" for a few hours can order a dozen $10 movies, dropping one and switching to another when he or she gets bored?
I am a relatively affluent and sophisticated consumer but despite the fact that my satellite system comes ready to hook up to the telephone so I can order current movies at a moment's notice, I don't use the service and just can't see most cable TV users really going for pay-per-view or home shopping in a big way beyond what they already use.
Even more interesting to me is the concept of being able to make or, much worse, receive a telephone call at any time, any place.
Some business people, especially those in sales, need powerful communications systems, as I do during office hours, but with telephone calls coming in to my office at all hours from time zones as far away as Australia (I am on the East Coast of the US), I really don't want to have to answer the telephone when I am outside playing with my dogs.
Even worse, despite the fact that I live in a very rural area where the problem is relatively small, even here I get upwards of a dozen phone calls each week from telemarketing computers and an average of five live telemarketers each day.
I don't want to talk to these people or machines. I certainly don't pay for two telephone lines so they can invade my privacy and would be even less happy if I had to pay cellular phone rates to get these junk calls, so my home office is the only place in the house where telephones ring.
That's right, I have answering machines, fax, and even a BBS, but no where in or around my house can I be disturbed by those dozens of calls except in a business setting. I have two normally disconnected portable phones and I will very occasionally take one outside with me when I am expecting an important call, but that doesn't happen once a month and the rest of the time I refuse to be a slave to the ringing telephone.
I am not certain why most people (outside a business setting) drop everything to answer the phone and even arrange to have call waiting so they can interrupt one call to take another, but my life is already complicated enough and I don't need any further annoyances.
As life becomes even more complex for everyone, I see a growing backlash against the proposed interference in our lives from unlimited telecommunications.
Personally, I see the answering machine as second only to the RJ 11 phone jack, which makes it easy to disconnect a telephone, as the most civilizing device in our modern technological society.
I am not a Luddite; in fact, I have sophisticated electronic gadgets in my home which respond to spoken commands and lights which sense my presence to turn themselves on, but I use technology which makes my life easier, not more complex.
With the move away from Yuppie-style living, and busy suburban parents beginning to realize that it makes little sense to spend all day shuttling semiliterate kids from ballet class to Little League to piano lessons to tennis school, I see the desire to move away from complexity toward a more simple life.
No high-level executive would waste his or her time answering every call that comes into his or her company and, as individuals become ever more harried in their daily lives, I just can't see a big non-business market in devices which will make everyday existence even more hectic.
"Any time, any place?" Just say "leave me alone."
(John McCormick/19930903/)
alone."
(John McCormick/19930903/)
9/10/93
Editorial - The Urge To Be Left Alone
EDITORIAL
TELECOM
Review of - Boatowner's Guide To
From: International Marine/McGraw-Hill (TAB Books), Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850.
Price: $19.95
PUMA Rating: 4.0 (on a scale of 1=lowest to 4=highest)
Reviewed for Newsbytes by: Ian Stokell 09/10/93
Summary: Excellent book explaining a variety of communications and electronics technologies.
======
REVIEW
======
Why review a book on marine electronics? Well, the significance of the computer and electronics industries lies not just in applications suited to running on desktop PCs. The real test of many new information technologies lies in applications.
For example, look at the trend away from desktop PCs, first with portable computers, then laptops, then notebooks, then sub-notebooks and now personal digital assistants. Look too at the enormous variety of communications channels open to those who want to keep in touch with the office or the rest of the world, ranging from cellular radio to satellites.
And that brings us neatly to "Boatowner's Guide to Marine Electronics," by Gordon West and Freeman Pittman.
There are hundreds of thousands of boatowners and weekend sailors in the United States, each of whom use electronic gear on their vessels maybe a depth sounder or a global positioning system (GPS) or even a cellular phone (increasingly common). Also, much of the technology covered in the book is of interest to non-mariners.
So let's start with what is included in the book. Plenty actually. There are chapters on depthsounders, VHF radio, cellular telephones, satellite communications, marine single sideband radio, amateur radio for mariners, weather facsimile reception, radio direction finders, Loran noise suppression, GPS, electronic chart plotters, radar, autopilots performance instruments, and security systems. The book covers a lot of ground and does so exceedingly well.
I found this an extremely informative book, and just as importantly, a good read. The author goes to considerable lengths to describe the mechanics of each technology without getting bogged down. Much of the technology is of interest to anyone who reads the trade papers and ever wondered how GPS works, for example. And just how does radar work anyway?
The book is also a good buyer's guide for anyone venturing into the world of marine electronics (which includes devices called "fish finders" by the way, for any budding Hemingways who, upon using one might be able to shout, "Hey, is that a giant Marlin down there?") Actually, the depthsounder chapter is one of the most comprehensive with plenty of buying advice for those wanting both a straight-forward depthsounder or a fish finder.
The book gives a good indication of what to look for in the equipment and goes a long way toward dispelling misleading sales talk and misinformation.
This is an excellent book on a great variety of marine and communications technologies. In my humble opinion, a "must-have" book for anyone thinking of buying marine equipment, and a "good read" for anyone simply interested in any of the technologies mentioned. Well worth the money.
(Ian Stokell/19930812)
ned. Well worth the money.
(Ian Stokell/19930812)
9/10/93
Review of - Boatowner's Guide To Marine Electronics
GENERAL
Review of - MetroGnomes Music,
Runs on: MS-DOS machines
From: The Learning Company, 6493 Kaiser Dr. Fremont, CA 94555 800-852-2255
Price: $49.95
PUMA rating: 3.75 (on a scale of 1 = lowest to 4 = highest)
Reviewed for NEWSBYTES by: Naor Wallach
Summary: A program that will teach the younger set (4-7 year old) some of the fundamental concepts of music while involving them in fun and rewarding activities.
=======
REVIEW
=======
MetroGnomes Music is designed to help children between the ages of 4 and 7 learn the basics of music through the use of whimsical tools and fun activities.
The story line is that deep in the enchanted forest there is a town called GnomeTown. Within and around that town, there are MetroGnomes involved in various activities in which you can participate.
When you start the program, you are first treated to a little musical revue. Then, you are in a meadow with a bunch of MetroGnomes engaged in various activities. Clicking with the mouse or keyboard on any of the Gnomes makes something happen. In the majority of cases, what happens is a brief sequence on the screen accompanied by some musical tune. One of my favorites is the beaver who splashes water on the sleeping dog.
Five of the activities are flying a flag with a numeral on it. Clicking on those activities will transport you to a totally different section of the program where you can more actively participate in the activities. Of course, each of the five also happens to have a particular musical education focus.
Number 1 is Hi-Lo rescue. Seems that the Mushroom house has some animals that are stuck within its eight floors and the fire department has been called out. When you arrive, you are to help the fire department. First a pair of tones are played for you. If the second tone is higher than the first, then you are to click on a lighted window that is above the firefighter on the ladder. If the tone is lower, then click on the lower illuminated window. If you clicked correctly an animal will jump out of the window and into the firefighters net down below. Should you click on the wrong window, the firefighter on the stairs shakes his head and the tones are replayed. Each animal that is saved gets to go to the adjoining playground and swing on the swingset. When you have saved four animals, the two firefighters on the ground sing a little song for you which changes every time. Then, it's time to save some more animals.
Number 2 is Match a Tune. In this activity you are in the flower patch and you see 8 different insects on each flower. Each insect that you click on will play a single musical phrase. Your task is to pair up those insects who play the same musical phrase. When the two insects match, a picture is formed from them and that picture travels to one of the clouds above the scene. When all the insects have metamorphosed into pictures in the cloud, the song that is comprised of the phrases is played to you.
Number 3 is Melody Maker. Melody Maker takes place in the bandstand. The MetroGnomes band and conductor are ready to do your bidding. The band is so good that it can play in various scales and use different instruments. You can create the tune that they play by moving the notes on the piece of music notation above the bandstand. By clicking on each band member that band member will play the song that you composed. If you click on the bandleader, the rhythms change. Finally you can click on the xylophone and that will change the range of notes that are allowed.
Number 4 is Time a Trip. This is where you learn about keeping rhythm. The story line is that you are driving the log car that is collecting the members of the GnomeTown marching band. At first you are stopped by a traffic light. When the light turns yellow, it actually pulsates at a specific (and settable) tempo. Once the light turns green you need to push the space bar in the same tempo as the light pulsates. A gauge shows how close you were and each time you press the space bar, the log car moves forward. If you go too far off the mark, a tow truck will appear and drag the log car back behind the traffic light. If you are successful, then a band member leaves his or her house and gets into the car. At the fourth stop, you actually get to let the band members out of the car and watch them line up to get ready for the parade.
Number 5 is Pick and Play and this simply lets you listen to 27 of the Gnomes' favorite songs. Each of the songs is displayed as an icon on a quilt sheet and by clicking on it you can have it played to you. Each of the songs is accompanied by the text so that one can sing along if he or she is a reader. A 28th icon is full of musical notes and this acts as a random picker. Each time you click on it, a different one of the 27 is sung to you.
Each of the first four activities teaches a lesson. Each time a player succeeds with an activity, the next level is a bit more difficult. In this way, a player can maintain interest. Should the program recognize that you are having difficulty with that particular level, it will switch back to the easier level for the next round.
The program comes with both 3.5 and 5.25-inch floppies. It is probably best to install the program on a hard disk and there are simplified instructions and installation programs available to do this for you. If you have a sound card installed, then the program will take advantage of it. In addition to the diskettes, there is a 50-page User's Guide. The Guide tells you everything that you need to know about running the program and includes sections on the educational focus of the different activities troubleshooting, special installation instructions for computers like the Tandy DeskMate series, and instructions on how to get the best customer service.
I found that installation and use of this program was very straightforward and posed no real problems. My 4-year-old was immediately captivated by the colorful scene in the meadow and wanted to play the game. However, most of the musical concepts were beyond him.
In discussing this program with several music teachers, I was led to believe that the best use of this kind of program would be with 6-year-olds. Then again, 6-year-olds may find the activities a little below them and might rebel about that. So I guess you can tell that I'm a little confused as to the potential audience here.
Aside from that, everything works very well and does provide for loads of entertainment. My 4-year-old and the other testers all loved being able to select the different activities and participate in them. It took no time at all for them to figure out how to do each one without needing to refer to the User's Guide or to ask for my assistance.
I want to note, though, that the appeal of the different activities tends to wear off rather quickly. This lead to the constant shuffling from one activity to the other. Maybe it's the age group, or maybe it's the program's single mindedness.
=============
PUMA RATINGS
=============
PERFORMANCE: 4 It runs well. There were no inordinate delays in operation and it took advantage of sound card if such were installed.
USEFULNESS: 3 I have a bit of a disquieted feeling about the program. Somehow the focus seems off and the activities are only good for a short time before the kids get bored.
MANUAL: 4 It has everything you need to know with no typos or mistakes. The only odd thing was mention of a magic railroad that takes you to other parts of the forest which in reality, did not exist.
AVAILABILITY: 4 Available from mail order and software stores. The Learning Company has a toll-free number available for both sales and customer service.
(Naor Wallach/19930815)
ice.
(Naor Wallach/19930815)
9/10/93
Review of - MetroGnomes Music,
REVIEW
Law Group Calls For Computer Use
Interop - Keynoter Sees Life Aft
UK - Legent To Acquire Networx
FedMicro Show Closes Today
Microsoft Faces New Legal Proble
Japanese Ministry Supports Devel
New Alpha Chips Aimed At Volume
Olivetti Targets Compaq With M4
Qualcomm Fighting Latest InterDi
Two Big Telecom Deals Go Down
Toronto Ad Agency, Northern Tele
Intuit To Open Support Center, H
MCI Speeds Credit Card Transacti
Toronto Teacher Offers Mac Educa
Correction - PenExpo - Eo Is Tar
Northern Telecom Offers LAN Link
Roundup - Stories Carried By Oth
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Roundup is a brief look at some computer stories carried in other publications received here this past week.
On the day when a study showed that having doubled per-student spending in the US has actually resulted in lower test scores Jack Rickard's provocative Boardwatch BBS magazine for September contains a letter to the editor praising teachers. Jack isn't one to let such a challenge go unanswered and pointed out that educators from the NEA on down are always blaming TV, funding parents, or students, but never themselves and that, "Eventually if no one IN education does take responsibility, someone outside it will."
August's Computer and Office Electronics Retailer says that customers want portables with the power to run Windows fast, and in color, but they will quickly trade off extra power for lighter weight.
September's Data Based Advisor takes a preliminary look at Windows NT with an eye to how database developers will be able to take maximum advantage of this new 32-bit operating system. Another article says that while there were no NT servers at the time the issue was written, several are in the wings.
(John McCormick/19930910/)
ral are in the wings.
(John McCormick/19930910/)
9/10/93
Roundup - Stories Carried By Other Media This Week
GENERAL
Flat-Panel Diamond Displays
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- SI Diamond Technology and Alexandria, Virginia-based Commonwealth Scientific last month licensed a new diamond technology from the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Livermore Laboratories. Now Microelectronics and Computer Technology (MCC) has formed a partnership with SI Diamond Technology to develop flat-panel FED (field emission displays) based on the new diamond technology.
The difference between LCDs and FED's according to MCC spokesman Bill Stotesbery, is that LCDs require a backlight source, and FEDs are "more like a micro miniature version of the standard cathode ray tube." He said the FED's advantage is a bright, high resolution image. He adds that the diamond coating has other advantages in terms of the amount of power and energy required to operate a display, and its ability to operate cooler than conventional display technology.
Stotesbery says the $1.9 million, three-year cooperative research and development agreement is aimed at making the Livermore-developed diamond deposition system into a commercial product. "The focus is on engineering and manufacturing to support the technology," Stotesbery told Newsbytes.
Houston-based SI Diamond will lease laboratory space in the Austin, Texas facility owned by The Microelectronics and Computer Technology research consortium as part of a $9 million agreement with the aim of producing a limited number of 6-inch screens in 1994.
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory says that estimates place the potential yearly market for flat panel displays at $50 billion by the end of the decade. Most such panels are now manufactured in Asia.
Thin-film diamond layers are an important new material with many potential uses in the semiconductor industry because of diamond's unique thermal and electrical properties.
Creating a diamond film is not terribly difficult from a technical standpoint, but forming a precision layer needed for use in semiconductors is a major challenge and Lawrence Livermore is transferring its expertise in this area to SI Diamond.
Thin-film diamond coatings also have applications in medicine and manufacturing because of the extreme hardness of the surfaces.
(John McCormick/19930910/)
(John McCormick/19930910/)
9/10/93
Flat-Panel Diamond Displays
TRENDS
Lotus Spins Off CD-ROM Enterpris
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Lotus Development Corp., has spun off its One Source division, which develops compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) products, into a separate company.
Lotus will retain a minority interest in OneSource Information Services, Inc., the balance of which will be owned by OneSource's employees and management and two venture capital firms.
Information Partners of Boston and William Blair Venture Partners of Chicago will have interests in the new company. Officials would not disclose the share Lotus will retain other than to say it is a minority stake.
All employees of the old One Source division will keep their jobs with OneSource Information Services, said OneSource spokesman Michael Bailey.
A division of Lotus since 1986, One Source has worked with a number of providers of business and financial data to develop and market CD-ROM information products. These include CD/Investment CD/Corporate, CD/Banking, CD/Insurance, and CD/Notes. OneSource products are delivered on a subscription basis with weekly monthly, or quarterly updates as well as more frequent electronic updates.
Bailey said there were several reasons for the split. It is meant to let Lotus focus management attention on its core business, he said, while freeing OneSource from the need to compete for senior management time and attention. It will also give OneSource more latitude to pursue new markets and product strategies that might not have fit with those of Lotus. As an example, the company recently announced compatibility between some of its products and Excel the Microsoft Corp. spreadsheet package that is a key competitor to Lotus' 1-2-3.
OneSource will also be able to pursue new sources of capital Bailey said. Giving management and employees part ownership of the company also creates a new sense of commitment, he added. "We're all owners and I think it brings a lot of enthusiasm and enhanced motivation."
Dan Schimmel, who was general manager of the division, has been named president and chief executive officer of OneSource Information Services, Inc. Martin Kahn, whose experience in the CD-ROM field includes current posts as chairman of CD Plus Technologies, a provider of medical, scientific, and technical CD-ROMs, and of Vista Environmental Information Inc., has been named chairman.
(Grant Buckler/19930910/Press Contact: Michael Bailey, OneSource Information Services, 617-693-7239; Bryan Simmons, Lotus 617-693-1697)
Bryan Simmons, Lotus 617-693-1697)
9/10/93
Lotus Spins Off CD-ROM Enterprise
BUSINESS
Delrina Sales Soar, Acquisitions
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Delrina Corp., has reported record revenues for its fiscal 1993 and, although acquisition of another company and assorted technology led to a net loss for the year, officials say the firm is ready for a profitable 1994.
Delrina had revenues of C$48.58 million in the year ended June 30, 1993, up from C$19.21 million in the previous fiscal year. The company had net income of C$7.2 million before purchased research and development and taxes, compared with a loss of C$1.93 million in fiscal 1992.
In 1993, though, Delrina took an added charge of C$13.85 million to account for the October, 1992, purchase of Kirkland Lake Washington-based Amaze, Inc., for C$9.7 million and the fourth-quarter acquisition of strategic technologies totalling about C$4.1 million. After these charges, Delrina recorded a net loss of C$9.71 million, compared to a net loss of C$2 million in 1992.
However, company spokesman Harrison Cheung said, Delrina deliberately made the acquisitions before the end of 1993 in order to "start the books fresh for 1994." The company plans no new acquisitions in the near future, he said, and "we definitely see our bottom line improving."
In April, Amaze became the core of a new consumer software division, whose products include the Delrina Daily Planner. The Daily Planner is now available in versions using the Far Side and Cathy cartoons and in a Trivial Pursuit version. A new version is planned for this year's Christmas season, Cheung said, and it will also integrate the phone book from Delrina's WinFax facsimile software.
Delrina Sales Soar, Acquisitions Leave Firm With Loss
BUSINESS
Law Group Calls For Computer Use
Interop - Keynoter Sees Life Aft
UK - Legent To Acquire Networx
FedMicro Show Closes Today
Microsoft Faces New Legal Proble
Japanese Ministry Supports Devel
New Alpha Chips Aimed At Volume
Olivetti Targets Compaq With M4
Qualcomm Fighting Latest InterDi
Two Big Telecom Deals Go Down
Toronto Ad Agency, Northern Tele
Intuit To Open Support Center, H
MCI Speeds Credit Card Transacti
Toronto Teacher Offers Mac Educa
Correction - PenExpo - Eo Is Tar
Northern Telecom Offers LAN Link
Hearing Set On Cable Reregulatio
IBM Cutting Facilities
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- For Sale. For Lease. The signs are going up on former IBM facilities across the United States and around the world.
The company plans to cut its office holdings in the US from 44 million to 26 million square feet by the end of this year spokesman Jon Iwata confirmed for Newsbytes. That is part of a worldwide plan to reduce real-estate holdings by 15 percent from the present 172 million square feet over the next few years.
IBM expects to save $500 million per year worldwide by making the cuts.
While IBM will not leave any city where it currently has facilities, Iwata said, it will move out of some of its space in a number of locations. This will mean breaking leases in some cases and selling company-owned facilities in others.
Among the sites IBM is leaving is a 425,000-square-foot facility in Purchase, New York, that formerly was home base for the company's North American sales force. The sales force has moved "down the street" to a company-owned facility in neighboring White Plains, Iwata said.
A 600,000-square-foot facility in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, is also being sold, and the company plans to lease out several more floors of its midtown Manhattan office building at 590 Madison Ave. Some space at the IBM Plaza in Chicago will also be leased out, Iwata confirmed.
IBM announced a special $8.9-billion charge against earnings in the second quarter of this year to cover the cost of job cuts and capacity reductions. At that time IBM said it would cut an additional 35,000 jobs beyond the cuts already announced. The company's total staff has shrunk from more than 400,000 in the late 1980s to just under 300,000 now.
In 1992, IBM lost $4.96 billion. Its second-quarter loss this year, after the special charge, was $8 billion.
(Grant Buckler/19930910/Press Contact: Rob Wilson, IBM 914-765-6565)
ilson, IBM 914-765-6565)
9/10/93
IBM Cutting Facilities
AMD Shareholder Suits Spurred By
SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Three shareholder class-action lawsuits have been filed against Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), as well as company executives and members of the board of directors. The suits allege violations of federal securities laws in connection with statements made by AMD on September 2, 1993 concerning its Am486 family of Intel-compatible microprocessor products.
What AMD said Friday, September 2 is that the California Supreme Court agreed to hear its case against Intel concerning its claim that it has the right to use Intel microcode in its microprocessor products. Microcode controls the inner workings of the microprocessor and AMD says it has the right to the code per a 1976 agreement with Intel that was renewed in 1982. Intel says AMD does not have the right to use the microcode.
The case first went to an arbitrator, who sided with AMD, then to an appeals court, which sided with Intel. After Intel won the appeal, it filed suit concerning AMD's 486 microprocessors before the chips were even released, claiming the AMD 486 microcode was not "clean" -- meaning AMD did not start from scratch.
In a July announcement, AMD said that its new Intel-486 compatible microprocessors contained only microcode developed internally. However, Richard Lovgren, AMD associate general counsel said on Friday concerning the engineers that worked on the Am486 products: "The development team was exposed to certain 386 intellectual property that had been awarded to us by the arbitrator in our breach-of-contract dispute against Intel. The June 4 decision by the court of appeal reversing the arbitrator's award potentially compromised our right to use the 386 microcode. Today's decision by the California Supreme Court to hear our appeal reinforces our confidence that the arbitrator acted correctly and justly in awarding AMD license rights to the 386 microprocessor for Intel's breach of the 1982 technology exchange agreement."
Infocorp Analyst Scott Miller said: "The issue is clearly AMD's insistence on spotless, squeaky clean microcode. It's now obvious that wasn't the case."
AMD officials told Newsbytes it is common for an announcement that makes the stock price tumble to generate stockholder lawsuits. AMD's stock, that was trading at 31 1/2 to 32 before Friday's announcement dropped as low as 27 1/4, but is now back up to about 28, company officials added. Intel's stock is up from 63 on Friday to well over 65 in current trading.
AMD added it intends to vigorously defend itself against the suits.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930910/Press Contact: Scott Allen, AMD, tel 408-749-3311, fax 408-749-3375)
Scott Allen, AMD, tel 408-749-3311, fax 408-749-3375)
9/10/93
AMD Shareholder Suits Spurred By Friday Announcement
New Alpha Chips Aimed At Volume
MAYNARD, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Digital Equipment Corp. hopes to push into the volume personal computer and embedded microprocessor markets with two additions to its Alpha chip line.
The new DECchip 21066, which adds a number of integrated functions to the existing 21064 chip, is aimed at volume production of personal computers, said Tim Miller, product marketing manager. It will let PC makers build their machines faster and with less design effort thanks to built-in memory controller, graphics accelerator, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) local-bus circuitry, he said.
DEC said the new chips are the industry's first to put the PCI standard directly on the chip.
While the 21064 continues to offer the highest performance available from the Alpha family, Miller said, the 21066 will appeal to vendors who want to complement their Intel-based PCs with a line of Alpha-based systems running Microsoft's Windows NT operating system.
The 21066 is the first in a family of low cost, highly integrated chips for the Windows NT desktop market, DEC said, claiming that more than 500 Windows NT applications running natively on Alpha AXP systems will ship by the end of the year.
Priced at $385 per chip in quantities of 5,000, the 21066 runs at 166 megahertz (MHz) and DEC rated its performance of 70 SPECint92 and 105 SPECfp92. Samples are available now, with volume quantities due to ship in the first quarter of 1994.
The DECchip 21068 is a version of the 21066 designed for lower power consumption. Miller said it is meant for embedded-microprocessor applications such as single-board computers for industrial process control. The eight-watt 21068 is DEC's first step into this market, he said, to be followed with lower-power and lower-priced chips.
Priced at $221 per unit in quantities of 5,000, the chip runs at 66 MHz, and DEC claimed performance of 30 SPECint92, 50 SPECfp92 and 70 Dhrystone MIPS. Samples are available now, with volume quantities available in the first quarter of 1994.
DEC also cut the price of the currently shipping 150-MHz DECchip 21064 to $455 per unit in quantities of 5,000, and introduced a 166-MHz version at $499 in quantities of 5,000, with estimated performance of 90 SPECint92 and 140 SPECfp92. The new 166-MHz 21064 is available now in volume, the company said.
DEC also announced the EB66/68 Evaluation Board, a tool that it said will help hardware engineers design boards with either the DECchip 21066 or 21068 microprocessors more quickly and easily. The EB66/68 includes sample designs of an Alpha AXP architecture motherboard and supports sample files, source code, and simulation databases. It is to be available for $5,000 in the first quarter of 1994.
(Grant Buckler/19930910/Press Contact: Linda Sanders, DEC 508-568-6501; Pat McGloin, DEC, 508-568-5102)
ers, DEC 508-568-6501; Pat McGloin, DEC, 508-568-5102)
9/10/93
New Alpha Chips Aimed At Volume PC, Embedded Markets
GENERAL
Samsung Non-Impact Printers To B
RIDGEFIELD PARK, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Samsung has introduced five new non-impact printers, and intends to display all of them, along with the previously announced Samsung Finale 8000 laser printer, at Fall Comdex in Las Vegas.
Joining the Finale 8000 in Samsung's non-impact printer line-up are the Protege 5600, Finale HighRes, and 10 Page-Per-Minute laser printers, and the Protege 5000 and Protege 5050 LED page printers.
The Protege 5050 is aimed at power Windows users, said Bob Rinklin a company spokesperson. Operating with a PC equipped with the 4 MB of system memory required to run Windows, the five page-per-minute (PPM) unit generates an animated display on the host monitor that lets the user communicate with the printer. The Protege 5050 outputs text and graphics with 300 dot-per-inch (dpi) resolution.
The RISC-based Protege 5000 printer offers six resident emulations serial, parallel, and AppleTalk with auto-interface switching. The printer comes with a 16 MHz 32-bit Intel processor, plus 2 MB of memory expandable to 6 MB. Output for the Protege 5000 is also 5 PPM.
Among Samsung's newly announced laser printers, the Protege 5600 outputs at five PPM, the Finale HighRes at eight PPM, and the 10 Page-Per-Minute Laser Printer, as the name indicates, at 10 PPM. The Protege 5600 produces 600 dpi output and features PCL 5E emulation. Serial, parallel and AppleTalk are resident with auto interface switching.
The RISC-based Finale HighRes printer produces text and graphics at up to 1200 dpi resolution. The machine also offers Samsung's High Resolution Halftone Technology.
The 10 Page-Per-Minute Laser Printer is a RISC-based CPU printer with memory expandable to 18 MB. Resolution is also 1200 dpi. Six resident emulations are provided, including PostScript and PCL5.
The previously announced Finale 8000 is a RISC-based 8 PPM printer that outputs at 300 dpi resolution. Also provided are six built-in emulations, including PostScript and PCL5, and 35 PostScript compatible typefaces, with TrueType rasterizer, 14 bit-mapped fonts and eight scalable typefaces.
All of Samsung's non-impact printers, including the Samsung Finale 8000, meet or exceed the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star guidelines for power usage, said Jay Allan Shears, senior product manager, Printer Systems.
Rinklin told Newsbytes that the Finale 8000, Protege 5000, and Finale HighRes are shipping, and the Protege 5050 will ship by Comdex. The Protege 5600 will be released in December of this year, and the Ten-Page-Per-Minute Laser Printer in February, he added.
The Finale 8000 is priced at $1,995, the Protege 5000 at $1,295 and the Finale HighRes at $2,086. Pricing is not yet available for the other three new models.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930910/Reader contact: Samsung Electronics America, tel 201-229-4000; Press contacts: Rob Rinklin or Lydia Trettis, HWH Public Relations for Samsung, tel 212-355-5049)
HWH Public Relations for Samsung, tel 212-355-5049)
9/10/93
Samsung Non-Impact Printers To Be Shown At Comdex
GENERAL
Magnum Multimedia PCs Feature In
NAMPA, IDAHO, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Micron Computer has introduced a series of three 486-based multimedia PCs, all featuring integrated CD-ROM.
Each computer in the new 486VL Magnum MPC (Multimedia PC) line-up is equipped with an MPC-compliant dual-speed 280 ms CD-ROM drive, a 16-bit CD-quality sound card, 8 MB of memory (expandable to 64 MB) VESA local bus 32-bit architecture, and a Diamond Viper VLB graphics accelerator.
MS DOS 6.0, Windows 3.1 or Windows NT on CD, and a choice of application software from WordPerfect or Borland are also included.
Systems are available with any of three processors: 486SX 33 MHz ($2,399); 486DX 33 MHz ($2,499); and 486 66 MHz ($2,699).
"We strongly feel CD-ROM drives should no longer be considered optional equipment. CD-ROM titles are flooding he market and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future," explained Pete Scamardo, director of marketing and strategic planning.
The 486VL Magnum PC line is a direct derivative of the 466VL Magnum, which received top awards from both PC Magazine and PC World, according to Scamardo.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930910/Reader contact: Micron Computer, tel 208-465-3434; Press contact: Pete Scamardo, Micron Computer, tel 208-465-3434)
Pete Scamardo, Micron Computer, tel 208-465-3434)
9/10/93
Magnum Multimedia PCs Feature Integrated CD-ROM
Correction - US Programmer Blows
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 8 (NB) -- In this Newsbytes report dated September 8, several comments were attributed to Phillip Zimmerman a US programmer. Newsbytes wishes to correct and clarify that story.
In the story, we claimed that Zimmerman believed that the owners of the RSA patent, Public Key Partners (PKP), were conspiring with the US Government to prevent non US parties from gaining access to the RSA Technology. We now acknowledge that this statement was incorrect and that PKP, RSA, and its licensees are internationally recognized and acclaimed companies in the field of cryptography. We also acknowledge that PKP promotes its patents to all comers worldwide in a fair and equitable manner.
Jim Bidzos, the president of RSA, has asked us to point out that Zimmerman's package, PGP, is not freeware, despite descriptions of the package as such in certain quarters. "The package is unlicensed and we consider it to be a patent infringement," he said.
We also asserted that Mr Zimmerman intimated that PKP had a stranglehold on the encryption industry. We now accept that this statement was factually incorrect.
Newsbytes and this reporter wish to offer our sincere apologies for any embarrassment caused by our story.
(Steve Gold/19930810)
rrassment caused by our story.
(Steve Gold/19930810)
9/10/93
Correction - US Programmer Blows A Hole In RSA Patents
CORRECTION
TRENDS
Indian IT Professionals Overseas
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- While Indians are one of the most widely travelled people in the world, a recent survey of the country's computer students and professionals located abroad has come up with the conclusion that 75 percent of them want to return home.
The survey, conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur one of the leading engineering colleges in the country, has blasted quite a few myths about Indians in the US, the most important being that the majority of computer-literate Indians want to return to India to obtain employment.
Interesting, two facts have emerged from the survey, the first being that, despite the disparity between Indian and US salaries, the US based Indians' salary expectations are not that far off what is actually available in their homeland.
Secondly, most US-based computer-literate students and professionals are unwilling to return to their native India without a firm job offer in their pockets.
Other important conditions mentioned as important for returning to India include assistance with housing, travel opportunities (which most companies offer), and career opportunities (which are good).
The survey clearly shows that there is a substantial pool of highly trained professionals in the US which can be tapped by the Indian computer industry to alleviate the current manpower shortage. But in order to tap this resource, the Indian computer industry will have to actively recruit in the US.
One of the main complaints of most respondents to the survey was that, when they enquire with Indian companies about possible positions, they either do not get a reply or are asked to "contact us after you have returned."
Many of the survey respondents said that they are looking for what they call "interesting work" and are worried that any jobs they eventually get will unexciting and low-tech. This implies that these professionals are looking for -- and will not move without -- a commitment to employment in keeping with their levels of expertise.
Newsbytes notes that these requirements are not, in themselves insurmountable, but the foreign-held image of the Indian computer industry being "body shops" and "assemblers" needs to be dispelled.
Other interesting findings of the survey showed that: Most respondents are in the 20-35 age group; about 75 percent were under 30. Only about 25 percent of the respondents had no work experience with the rest had under 10 years' experience.
About 70 percent of the survey respondents had M.S. degrees, and about 15 per cent had Ph.D. degrees. Most of the respondents said that they would only return to India if the offer is made to them in the US, and not on their return.
(C T Mahabharat/19930913)
and not on their return.
(C T Mahabharat/19930913)
9/13/93
Indian IT Professionals Overseas Want To Come Home
GENERAL
Locally-Produced Wordstar 7.0 To
BOMBAY, INDIA, 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Sujata Data Products of Bombay has been granted a licence to begin producing copies of Wordstar 7.0 for DOS and Wordstar 1.5 for Windows for local Indian consumption. The company has been the local distributor for Wordstar products for the past two years although, according to Alok Gupta, the company's director, these earlier versions have only been imported on a shrink-wrapped basis.
Gupta has appointed Datapro's Indian operation as the national distributor for the new word processing software. Plans call for the company to offer free and advanced (chargeable) training at a number of sites throughout India.
Sujata also plans to sell the two new versions of Wordstar directly to its chain of 35 to 40 dealers. According to Randall Rendenius Wordstar International's director, the new packages are being progressively rolled out internationally. "We launched these versions in the US at the end of last December and have since introduced them in 60 to 70 countries."
The local production of the two packages bodes well for Indian pricing on Wordstar. Until local production commences, Gupta said that the US source price of 6,500 Rupees ($210) was bumped up to an Indian price of R13,000 ($420) owing to the imposition of local taxes. Gupta claims that, once local production has started, Indian pricing should be more in line with US pricing.
Sujata has high hopes for the packages. It wants to sell around 10,000 copies in its first 12 months.
Newsbytes notes that Wordstar has been in the news recently also because of its collaboration with Softkey of Canada and Spinnaker from the US. Plans call for products of these two companies to be introduced at a later date by Sujata.
(C T Mahabharat/19930913)
er date by Sujata.
(C T Mahabharat/19930913)
9/13/93
Locally-Produced Wordstar 7.0 To Ship In India
Browsing the Internet
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Newsbytes thought that it might interest non-Internet readers to see just what sort of message traffic is running around on the Internet network. The Internet is the world's largest electronic mail and file-sharing network (it also has a number of other features), and is the model for what the Clinton-Gore Administration sees as a national/international information highway.
The following threads were found on the GEnie Internet Forum in just one day's summary of astronomical discussions as digested in the ASTR1083.ZIP ASCII text file from Internet's sci.astro newsgroup:
Someone at University of North Texas Observatory helped a science fiction role playing game author by answering a question about how fast the earth's region of the Milky Way Galaxy is rotating.
There was a weeks old summary mission report from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the still non-functioning Mars Observer.
A translated German-language scientific report on meteor showers was included.
Other discussion threads looked at low cost CCD (charged coupled device) cameras, which are used in measuring astronomical events) and how spacecraft are used to take stereo pictures.
Another report came from Galileo Project Manager Bill O'Neil, who pointed out that not all space missions are spectacular failures and that Galileo is operating normally, transmitting coded telemetry information at 40 bps. That is a shockingly low rate to modem users but is reasonable enough for a spacecraft sending telemetry rather than images, and is actually four times the rate of a slower 10 bps speed which is also used.
Those topics were covered in just one day's download from a single Internet topic area and they included both highly technical reports from scientists, and comments from amateur astronomers.
Typical daily Internet discussion ZIP files range in size from 4 kilobytes (K) to over 140 K and topics include: astronomy, medicine computer security, Unix, computer languages, culture, short wave radio, music, and metaphysical philosophy.
Although these files were viewed on GEnie, many other commercial and local Internet links exist and anyone seeking the latest information on nearly any topic will probably find experts ready to help on the Internet.
Newsbytes is also carried on Internet through Clarinet, toll-free 800-USE-NETS, or 408-296-0366.
(John McCormick/19930913)
ohn McCormick/19930913)
9/13/93
Browsing the Internet
TRENDS
ACM Announces Fifth Hypertext Co
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- The Association for Computing Machinery has released its conference schedule for Hypertext '93, which is to be held this November 14-18 in Seattle Washington. Subjects to be covered in technical papers and seminars will range from commercial publishing topics to computer science oriented presentations.
Hypertext and hypermedia, the publishing systems which allow developers to link related ideas and users to quickly jump to other parts of compound documents to follow information threads, is seen by many as the major new publishing venue for the next century.
Saturday will see workshops covering hypertext in engineering and hyperbase systems design.
Sunday will feature courses in classroom use of hypermedia; the HyTime (ISO 10744) SGML-based multimedia standard; publishing a CD-ROM; SGML for writers; and hypermedia in museums.
Monday's symposium will feature multimedia authoring and viewing tools; hypertext writing and publishing; and related topics.
Scientific papers are presented starting on Tuesday, along with panel discussions on hypertext fiction writing.
The ACM program appears to provide a wide range of beginning through advanced information on hypertext theory and production
(John McCormick/19930913/Press Contact: 206-292-9198 or fax 206-292 0559)
13/Press Contact: 206-292-9198 or fax 206-292 0559)
9/13/93
ACM Announces Fifth Hypertext Conference Schedule
GENERAL
NEC To Unveil Power Saving Monit
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- While exact details are under embargo until October 5, Newsbytes has learned that Japanese electronics giant NEC has a new range of power saving monitors streaming off its production lines for an October 5 launch in the US and Australia, as well as October 15 in Europe.
With the US government taking the lead in demanding drastic power cuts from new PCs -- especially those to be purchased for government use -- many manufacturers are readying their 'green' product lines. In the case of PCs, most will have progressive shut-down procedures that sense when the machine is not being used. They will have to consume less than 30 watts at rest, or around a quarter of the normal consumption.
Many users already have a screen-saver program running on their computer, but rather than save power, this simply prevents an image from being burned into the screen. New monitors such as the NEC range are expected to reduce power at rest by turning off all drive to the picture tube, by shutting down some sections of the electronics, as well as reducing power to the picture tube heater. This means that the system will not re-start instantly, but will take a couple of seconds to come back to full intensity.
As the monitor itself will not be able to detect when a machine is idle (an unchanging screen alone is not a guide as the user may simply be reading the screen) most will rely on a signal from the PC. And this really means a video driver card that is capable of indicating a power-down signal such as by suppressing one of the drive circuits going to the monitor.
(Paul Zucker/19930913)
going to the monitor.
(Paul Zucker/19930913)
9/13/93
NEC To Unveil Power Saving Monitors In October
ridge, XJ
CardGrabber Business Card Scanni
NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- How do you keep track of all those business cards that accumulate from trade shows, business meetings, and the like? Pacific Crest Technologies has introduced a Windows-based scanning system aimed at displaying the cards in an easy-to-read manner, as well as storing organizing, and retrieving them for you.
The company's new CardGrabber consists of a Walkman-sized scanner along with address book and personal information manager (PIM) software for business card data and images. According to Richard Sondheimer, company president, the user inserts a business card into the scanner and, within eight minutes, the card's image is clearly displayed on the screen.
Through optical character recognition (OCR), the card's image is then converted into text and stored for future use. The user can search the data for such information as company name, address telephone and fax number, and then place the information in the corresponding database field.
Another feature, an address book for business card files, makes it possible to search for and retrieve information on the business cards by logo or card style, or by alphabetical order, database field, or key word. Users can print out business card images retrieved from the address book as well as information from the text-based database, Sondheimer said.
Unlike competing business cards scanners, CardGrabber does not require the user to install a special board into the host PC, the company president maintained.
"CardGrabber also has a unique `auto-contrast adjustment' feature that improves image quality," noted Avram Grossman, inventor of CardGrabber and co-founder of Pacific Crest. This feature eliminates the need to repeatedly scan a business card in order to obtain a readable business card image, he added.
CardGrabber is scheduled to be available this fall in computer and office superstores, by mail order, and through computer dealers. The product will list for $395, but the expected street price is about $325, company officials said.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930913/Reader contact: Pacific Crest Technologies, tel 714-261-6444; Press contact: Les Goldberg Public Relations for Pacific Crest, tel 714-545-3117)
Goldberg Public Relations for Pacific Crest, tel 714-545-3117)
9/13/93
CardGrabber Business Card Scanning System For Windows Debuts
ATI Ships 14,400-bps Modems
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- ATI Technologies has announced shipment of two new 14,400-bit-per-second (bps) data and facsimile modems -- the 14400 ETC-I and ETC-E units.
The 14400 ETC-I is an internal model and the 14400 ETC-E is external. Both support 14,400-bps data transfers using the V.32bis standard, and can also send and receive fax messages at speeds up to 14,400 bps, ATI officials said.
The modems also support commonly used data compression and error control standards, including V.42bis, which ATI said can increase transmission speeds by as much as a factor of four. The fax component of the modems is EIA Class 1 compliant and is claimed to be compatible with Group 3 fax machines and fax cards.
Both modems come with the full retail versions of the FaxWorks facsimile software and COMit communications software from SofNet both of which are designed for use with Microsoft Windows.
The internal modem comes with Multiple Interrupt Select (MIS) to allow serial ports to be assigned to alternate interrupts for compatibility with multiple expansion cards. The external version has an Easy-Set front panel meant to make it easy to set frequently used functions such as auto-answer and redial without using software.
The 14400 ETC-I has a suggested retail price of US$249 or C$299. The 14400 ETC-E's list price is US$299 or C$369. Both are shipping now, company officials said.
(Grant Buckler/19930913/Press Contact: Andrew Clarke, ATI Technologies, 416-882-2600 ext. 8491, fax 416-882-2620)
ext. 8491, fax 416-882-2620)
9/13/93
ATI Ships 14,400-bps Modems
TELECOM
Sony Unveils Portable CD-I Playe
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Sony has unveiled a powerful compact disc interactive (CD-I) player that comes in a portable format. Known as the IVON7, the 120,000 yen ($1,200) unit is actually an upgraded version of the company's existing desktop CD-I player, but without the integral four inch liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.
Instead, Sony is selling the LCD screen as an extra clip-on device. The unit can also be hooked up to a TV set for display purposes.
Because the machine does not have an integral display, the IVON7 tips the scales at 900 grams -- 300 grams lighter than the desktop unit. In use, it supports 260,000 colors and, using the built-in battery pack, can be continuously used for 160 minutes, Sony officials claim.
The player is unusual in that it supports the Kodak Photo CD system as well as the expected CD-I format. This means that the unit can display photo CD images as well as allowing CD-I sessions. Newsbytes notes that the player also supports multi-session type photo CDs.
Other features of the player include a world time clock and a calendar. The on-screen command system works in both Japanese and English.
Since this is a portable version of an existing unit, there is a wide selection of software available for the player. Software packages vary from a series of travel guides to multi-lingual dictionaries. Several more packages have been scheduled for release later this year, Newsbytes understands.
Sony has been working hard on gaining support for its fledgeling CD-I technology from a number of other Japanese electronics companies. Sony has already licensed the technology to two other Japanese companies, Matsushita and Sanyo. Both of these third-party companies have released their own versions of the Sony unit.
OREM, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Wordperfect Corporation has released interim version 2.3 of its Dataperfect software that it claims will allow users to take advantage of referential integrity without programming.
Referential integrity refers to the automatic update of a linked record when the master record is changed or deleted. Dataperfect is a menu driven database package that allows the user to create relational database applications without knowing a programming language.
The interim version of Dataperfect is shipping with a test drive version of PaperClip for DOS, a personal file management tool from PaperClip Imaging Software that allows Dataperfect users to store and view text, spreadsheet and scanned image files that are associated with a record in Dataperfect.
Wordperfect claims to have added security to its Dataperfect applications by creating a User ID database panel that prompts users for their User ID and password. A full screen view feature allows the user to see the database record in a full screen panel, and a Wordperfect Shell 4.0 is shipping with Dataperfect.
Wordperfect Corporation says that the interim release supports 99 panels in every database application, and 125 fields per panel. Text field capacity has been doubled to 64,000 bytes, or about 25 pages of text. Wordperfect 6.0 merge files are now supported, and when a user imports a record specified fields in matching records can be replaced instead of replacing the entire existing record.
Dataperfect now ships with 20 pre-defined application, double the previous number. The applications include a telephone directory personnel records, business contacts, budgets, work project tracking, and pilot flight hours Others are for tracking library information, hours worked by employees, loan value calculation, and amortization schedules.
Wordperfect Corporation says that the test drive version of PaperClip being bundled with Dataperfect will give users the opportunity to see how the two products work together. PaperClip allows users to switch between it and a Dataperfect application with a hot key in order to view other files associated with the Dataperfect application.
"From any record in Dataperfect, users can hotkey into a PaperClip folder and access scanned images, word processing documents, forms faxes, e-mail and other software files," explained Helaine Fischer PaperClip's vice president of marketing.
Dataperfect 2.3 has a suggested retail price of $495. If you're a user of Dataperfect 2.3 presently, you can get the interim release for $15 plus shipping and handling. Other Dataperfect users can upgrade for $89, and Wordperfect users can purchase the full retail package for $129. Users of competing packages can also purchase Dataperfect for $129.
A coupon from PaperClip Imaging Software is included with the PaperClip test drive version included with Dataperfect. If you like PaperClip and want to buy it, the coupon gets it for $99. Paperclip's regular price is $595.
e 201-487-3503 or 800-929- 3503, fax 201-487-0613)
9/13/93
Wordperfect Ships Interim Version Of Dataperfect
Canadian Product Launch Update
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- This regular feature appearing every Monday or Tuesday, provides further details for the Canadian market on announcements by international companies that Newsbytes has already covered. This week: IBM's new ThinkPad 750 models and AS/400 client/server features, and Lotus Development's SmartSuite for OS/2.
IBM Canada, in tandem with its US parent, announced the ThinkPad 750 notebook computer (Newsbytes, Sept. 9). Both English and Canadian French models were announced.
Prices in Canada are: C$4,242 for the monochrome 750 with 170 megabyte (MB) hard disk; C$4,848 for the same model with 340-MB hard disk; C$5,353 for the passive-matrix color 750Cs with 170-MB hard drive; C$5,959 for the 750Cs with 340-MB hard drive; C$6,262 for the active-matrix color 750C with 170-MB hard drive; C$6,868 for the 750C with 340-MB hard drive; C$4,646 for the 750P with 170MB hard drive; and C$5,252 for the 750P with 340-MB hard drive.
The 750P, which allows for input from a pen as well as a keyboard is not available in a Canadian-French model.
IBM Canada also joined its parent company in launching three new models in the AS/400 mid-range computer line and an assortment of peripherals and software aimed at client/server computing (Newsbytes, Sept. 7 & 8). Canadian prices for the new AS/400 models start at C$22,300, IBM said.
Lotus Development Canada has announced SmartSuite for OS/2 (Newsbytes, Sept. 9). In Canada, the package will sell for C$959, or C$719 for the upgrade. SmartSuite for OS/2 is to be generally available here by mid-October, the company said.
(Grant Buckler/19930913/Press Contact: Janet Carnegie, IBM Canada, 416-485-1582 [ThinkPad 750]; Anne Hay, IBM Canada 416-474-3900 [AS/400]; Marsha Connor, Lotus Canada, 416-364-8000)
nor, Lotus Canada, 416-364-8000)
9/13/93
Canadian Product Launch Update
GENERAL
Correction: Frame Relay Service
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- A story with the above title, which appeared in Newsbytes' daily edition Sept. 9, contained some errors because of incorrect and incomplete information provided by Bell Canada.
The MegaStream frame relay service is available from all Canadian regional telephone companies that are members of the Stentor consortium.
In urban areas, monthly rates are C$300 for 56-kilobit-per-second (Kbps) service and C$1,750 for 1.5-megabyte-per-second (Mbps). In other areas, rates are C$375 for 56-Kbps and C$2,000 for 1.5-Mbps.
There are three rate levels for data transmission, not two as stated earlier. Customers will pay five cents per megabyte (MB) for local transmission, which is defined as within 40 miles. The rate for regional transmission is 12 cents per MB, as stated, but regional transmission is defined as covering a distance of 40 to 1,000 miles rather than within a given telephone company's serving area as Newsbytes was told earlier. As stated, national transmissions (1,000 miles and up) cost 18 cents per MB.
There will also be an initial connection charge of C$500 for connection of 56-Kbps service and C$750 for connection of 1.5-Mbps service, but Bell is waiving this charge until Nov. 27.
(Grant Buckler/19930913/Press Contact: Lissa Ellsmere, Bell Canada, 416-581-4253)
Contact: Lissa Ellsmere, Bell Canada, 416-581-4253)
9/13/93
Correction: Frame Relay Service Launched In Canada
CORRECTION
TELECOM
Traveling Software Ships Windows
BOTHELL, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Traveling Software the company that brings you Laplink, is now shipping CommWorks for Windows, a collection of tools that includes Laplink V.
Carrying a $199.95 suggested retail price, CommWorks includes TS Online, a windows-based communications program that performs the usual tasks associated with communicating with other computers, and uploading or downloading files as well as other features. "CommWorks moves Traveling Software beyond file transfer," said Traveling Software's chairman and CEO, Mark Eppley.
What makes CommWorks unique are the other features, all accessed from the Control Center. In addition to TS Online and Laplink V (a tool for transferring data between computers, including laptops) CommWorks includes Laplink Remote Access, TS Fax, and Laplink Alert.
Remote Access allows the user to control another computer, sharing files or transferring them over a modem, serial or parallel cable or infrared link. For example a computer user on the road could dial into the computer at the desk back home, update information in a file or add an appointment to a scheduling program without downloading the file, making the changes, and uploading the file.
Remote access also provides access to network printers or workstations on a network. Remote Access works in the background allowing a user at the remote computer to also use the system. TS Fax lets the user send, receive, mark up, store, and manage faxes. It can schedule faxes to be sent at a specified date and time in the future, or send a fax to a group of addressees using the fax numbers listed in the TS Fax phone directory.
If a fax fails to send for some reason, the program will continue to try at a user-specified interval until the task is accomplished. The program also receives faxes in the background while you work on other task. The software package does not include a fax modem.
Features of TS Online include pre-defined scripts to log on to several of the popular bulletin boards and services such as MCI Mail, Compuserve, GEnie, Dow Jones, and AT&T Mail. You can define your own post-logon scripts to perform tasks such as downloading mail or files, checking stock quotes, and other frequently performed tasks.
The post-logon scripts can be linked to the logon script to execute automatically once you are online. TS Online automatically keeps track of your time online, and if you enter the hourly connect charge will keep track of each online session cost. It will also let you mark several services for dialing sequentially.
Combining that feature with the post-logon script feature allows the user to let TS Online dial into each of the services used, perform pre-defined tasks, then go on to the next online service.
Laplink V is Traveling Software's flagship product, allowing the user to transfer data over a serial or parallel cable, modem, or Novell network. It is a DOS-based program that provides Windows background operation and SmartXchange for automated file transfers. File transfer can be set up for automatic execution on a user defined schedule.
Laplink Alert notified a user when a file, message or fax arrives. It monitors the directories specified by the user, and when there is a change to the directory, a dialog box pops up to let you know the action has occurred. the message in the dialog box is defined by the user, and you can also attach a sound file to the process. Suppose a fax arrives.
Your computer will pop up the dialog box and catch your attention with the sounds of Big Ben, bugs Bunny, or whatever sound you choose. For sounds other than the usual PC chime, you need a sound card. Laplink Alert also lets users send messages to other users running the program on a Novell network.
CommWorks for Windows has a suggested retail price of $199.95, but is available directly from Traveling Software through the end of the year for $149.95. If you already use a Traveling Software product you can get CommWorks for $69.95 until the end of October. Purchased separately, TS Fax sells for $119, TS Online for $139, Laplink Alert for $15, Laplink Remote Access for $100, and Laplink V (without cables) for $119. Cables are $39.95.
(Jim Mallory/19930913/Press contact: Marci Maule, Traveling Software, 206- 483-8088; Reader contact: Traveling Software 206-483-8088, fax 206-487- 1284. To order: 800-343-8080. To upgrade: 800-364-1927)
7- 1284. To order: 800-343-8080. To upgrade: 800-364-1927)
9/13/93
Traveling Software Ships Windows Communications Software
Microsoft Ships BallPoint Mouse
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Now shipping Microsoft's latest version of the BallPoint mouseball/trackball device, which the company invented in 1991, comes with new software and a better ball surface which Microsoft says will improve the feel of the device.
Intended primarily for use with laptop computers, the BallPoint mouse is actually a miniature trackball device designed to provide easy Windows cursor control to users who don't have room to operate a conventional mouse.
Along with changing the surface texture of the ball itself to improve user comfort and control, Microsoft's latest version of the pointer device provides five different tilt angles on the BallPoint mount, adds a rubber backing to the base, and features an increase in the size of the three control buttons.
Attached to the side of a notebook computer, the BallPoint is essentially an inverted mouse where the user moves the sensor ball directly rather than moving the entire mouse which causes a flat surface to move the sensor.
Users should find the latest version of this opto-mechanical mouse easier to mount and more convenient to use because it comes in a two part form designed for quick removal and remounting.
After attaching a mounting clip to the side of the keyboard where it does not need to be removed in order to close the computer's lid, the user can quickly attach or remove the BallPoint mechanism using the clip.
Part of the improvement which users can expect to see with this the second major version of the Microsoft BallPoint device, will come from version 9.01 of the mouse driver.
Probably the two biggest innovations are the magnify tool which enlarges a small portion of the screen in the vicinity of the cursor, and screen wrap which eliminates the need to traverse the entire screen when trying to get from one extreme edge to the other.
Upgrades from BallPoint 1 are available through Microsoft for $50, and new purchasers can buy the BallPoint 2.0 at a suggested list price of $125. Driver software upgrades only are $20.
(John McCormick/19930913/Press Contact: Deborah Caldwell Waggener Edstrom, 408-986-1140 Public Contact: Microsoft sales, 800-426 9400)
ntact: Microsoft sales, 800-426 9400)
9/13/93
Microsoft Ships BallPoint Mouse 2.0
GENERAL
WordPerfect Hopes To Strengthen
OREM, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- WordPerfect is looking at ways to increase its presence in Canada, though the company does not plan a separate Canadian subsidiary in the foreseeable future.
Stanley Weiss, director of Canadian business development for WordPerfect, said that WordPerfect's status as a privately held company stands in the way of setting up a formal Canadian subsidiary.
He said that the company is looking at other possibilities including the opening of a Canadian office or offices, or the creation of an operation to serve Canada from corporate headquarters in Utah. "We certainly feel that we can do even better in Canada than we have in the past," he said.
According to Weiss, Canada is already WordPerfect's third-largest market world-wide. The company hopes to decide on a course of action by the end of this year, he said.
WordPerfect's products are currently distributed in Canada by two major distribution companies, Merisel and Ingram Micro, both of which have Canadian subsidiaries based in the Toronto area. WordPerfect's original Canadian distributor, J.B. Marketing of Cornwall, Ontario, went out of business earlier this year.
(Grant Buckler/19930913/Press Contact: Stanley Weiss WordPerfect, 801-225-5000)
s Contact: Stanley Weiss WordPerfect, 801-225-5000)
9/13/93
WordPerfect Hopes To Strengthen Canadian Presence
BUSINESS
Canada: TelRoute Gets Thumbs Up
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- TelRoute, a reseller of long-distance telephone service, has gained approval from Canadian regulators to build its own network using microwave technology.
While continuing to lease lines from the established telephone companies, TelRoute will shortly start installing microwave links between major centers, starting in the next two to three months with a connection from Toronto to Buffalo, just across the US border. Links eastward to Ottawa and Montreal are planned for later this year, said Douglas Lloyd, president of the company.
Lloyd said that the microwave links will evolve to provide service to the "Golden Horseshoe," as the densely populated area around the western end of Lake Ontario is known.
TelRoute has been paying Bell Canada C$15,000 per month per 24 lines between Toronto and Montreal, Lloyd said. The microwave installation will save the company money and let it offer customers better rates he said.
TelRoute's rates are already 30 to 35 percent below those Bell Canada offers, Lloyd claimed. He added that TelRoute customers do not have to dial extra digits to use TelRoute's service, as they currently do with Unitel Communications, the national long-distance competitor to the regional phone companies.
TelRoute plans to concentrate on Ontario and Quebec for the next year to 18 months, Lloyd said, noting that these two provinces together account for the lion's share of the Canadian long-distance market.
From there the company plans to expand to other provinces, focusing on the most populous areas, though Lloyd said service to the four Atlantic provinces, though they are not densely populated, would make sense once connections are in place to neighboring Quebec anyway.
TelRoute plans to spend C$50 million to C$55 million building the network, Lloyd said.
(Grant Buckler/19930913/Press Contact: Douglas Lloyd, TelRoute 416-733-3311, fax 416-733-7770)
Canada: TelRoute Gets Thumbs Up To Build Own Network
TELECOM
H ,
Central Point Releases Beta Of O
UXBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Central Point Software has announced that its anti-virus software (CPAV) for OS/2 has begun beta testing. The package is billed as the computer industry's only true 32-bit application for virus protection that supports key OS/2 functions such as the High Performance File System (HPFS) and the Presentation Manager user interface.
According to Central Point, the new package emphasizes the company's commitment to provide an enterprise-wide solution for virus protection. Central Point's anti-virus software currently includes a server-based Netware product, as well as desktop packages for Windows, DOS and Apple Mac platforms.
According to Eli Shapira, Central Point's research and development manager, CPAV for OS/2 brings the most advanced anti-virus technology to the OS/2 2.x operating system. The package's virus analyser is the only virus tool, he claims, that can detect unknown viruses without ant information about a file's pre-infected state.
Shapira added that Smartchecks, another CPAV for OS/2 facility enables both detection and cleaning of unknown viruses without virus signatures.
"We used the same virus detection and cleaning engines that were instrumental in our DOS anti-virus product receiving a top rating in an independent test," Shapira explained. The DOS version of CPAV Newsbytes notes, recently received the highest overall rating of a leading anti-viral package at a series of tests undertaken by the National Software Testing Laboratory.
Plans call for the shipping version of CPAV for OS/2 to be launched later this year. Pricing, including site licensing arrangements and volume purchase agreements, will be announced closer to shipment date, officials with the company said. The package runs on an 80386SX-based or better PC with 4 megabytes (MB) of memory and 2MB of hard disk space.
(Steve Gold/19930913/Press & Public Contact: Central Point Software Tel: 081-848-1414)
ublic Contact: Central Point Software Tel: 081-848-1414)
9/13/93
Central Point Releases Beta Of OS/2 Anti-Virus Package
Olivetti Targets Compaq With M4
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Olivetti has unveiled its new flagship PCs, the M4 Modulo series. The new range of 80486-based PCs are targeted at what the company describes as professional users who are looking for a wide range of features at a very competitive price. The M4 series is also billed as highly upgradeable and provide users with better value for money and investment protection.
"In recent months, we have re-vamped our entire product line to compete with the new dynamics of the market-place," explained Paul Evans, Olivetti UK's PC product manager, who added that the M4 series has been introduced to bring high specification machines to market at very competitive prices.
According to Evans, the new machines are pitched head to head with Compaq. He argues that the M4-40 Modulo has 30 percent more hard disk space than a Compaq Prolinea 4/25s configured to the same specification. He added that the Olivetti machine outperforms the Compaq under Windows and still costs UKP 150 less.
The M4 Modulo series consists of two micro desktop series -- the M4 40 and the M4-46. Both machine families can be stood vertically or horizontally. There are also three desktop ranges -- the M4-62, the M4-64 and M4-66. Each model range spans the 486SX, the 486SX and the 486DX2 chip technologies.
Olivetti claims that the M4 series bridge the existing and future technology gap. Graphics have been optimized for Windows performance and every machine comes with compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) interface. All models come bundled with a mouse, and pre-loaded with MS-DOS 6, Windows 3.1 and online documentation.
Pricing on the complete range of M4 Modulo machines kicks off at UKP 99, which gets users the M4-40, a 4MB RAM, 85MB hard disk-equipped system. This price point, Newsbytes notes, includes an 14 inch SVGA color screen, MS-DOS 6.0 and Windows 3.1 as standard.
(Steve Gold/19930913/Press & Public Contact: Olivetti UK - Tel: 081 785-6666)
ic Contact: Olivetti UK - Tel: 081 785-6666)
9/13/93
Olivetti Targets Compaq With M4 Modulo PCs
> \
Pentafour Setting Up Joint Ventu
MADRAS, INDIA, 1993 SEP 10 (NB) -- Madras-based Pentafour Software and Exports has announced it is setting up a joint venture in Tashkent for the manufacture and assembly of computers. Its partners in the venture include the Tashkent authorities and a Hong Kong based company, Grandlight Trading.
The venture involves a cash investment of $125,000. Of this the two overseas partners will contribute $25,000 each, with the Tashkent authorities putting in the remaining $75,000. Pentafour's contribution will be in the form of training, personnel and services.
According to V. Chandrasekaran, Pentafour's managing director, his company will organize things on the component and training side of the business. The initial production target has been set at 5,000 PCs and printers a year, although Newsbytes notes that the production will also eventually include TVs, VCRs, two-in-one audio players and washing machines.
According to Chandrasekaran, the new company will start production of PCs in january of next year. After a year he plans to expand production to a variety of other white and brown electrical goods.
Chandrasekaran said that, as part of his company's agreement with the Tashkent authorities, Pentafour will procure cotton, urea, paper and chemicals from the Tashkent and export them to a number of other countries, including Hong Kong.
In addition to the Tashkent venture, Pentafour claims to have identified three other possible joint venture partners in specific areas such as multimedia, image processing and CAD/CAM applications for offshore projects, products and training. Newsbytes understands that the partners include Falcon Technologies, Graphic Communications and Intersource Enterprises, all of which are US based companies.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930913)
e US based companies.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930913)
9/13/93
Pentafour Setting Up Joint Venture Firm In Tashkent
BUSINESS
Psion Launches $500 PDA With Dig
e BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Psion has launched the Series 3a, a new personal digital assistant (PDA) priced at under $500 and billed as the first in the category to offer on-board digital voice processing.
Designed to fit comfortably into a jeans or jacket pocket, the 6.5 by-3.3-by-0.9-inch unit features a microphone, loudspeaker, and a record-and-playback application for making quick voice messages and for recording sounds to be used as personal alarms.
The new PDA also incorporates a large, 480-by-160 pixel LCD screen a windowed GUI, a page preview option, built-in database time/agenda management, word processing, and spreadsheet applications, the ability to share documents with desktop PCs, and drivers for 16 popular printers.
"The Series 3a heralds the beginning of real voice interface development. In the future, we expect to see combined computer and telephony products, and also a degree of voice recognition," said David Potter, chairman of Psion PLC, announcing this latest pocket computer in his company's long line of machines.
Barry Balcourt, vice president of Psion Inc., told Newsbytes that the Series 3a uses a proprietary multitasking operating system running on an 8088 microprocessor.
The 80 character-by-17-line screen is equivalent to that of a standard computer monitors, he added, in an interview with Newsbytes. A variety of fonts and font sizes are available. The PDA never switches off, and can run for months on two AA batteries without battery replacement, according to Balcourt. In the near future, Psion plans to support the Series 3a with gateways to specific e-mail systems, he told Newsbytes.
The Series 3a will be sold in 5000 European retail outlets, as well as all in major chains and many independent stores in North America Balcourt noted.
The product is on the cover of this week's Sharper Image catalog and will be available in all 75 stores operated by that North American chain. Other large North American outlets include Sears CompUSA, Silo, Circuit Cities Impulse Stores, The Wiz, Lechmere, J&R Computer World, Best Buy, and Good Guys.
The new PDA is priced at $495 for a 256K model and $595 for a 512K model, according to Balcourt. Shipment starts today.
(Jacqueline Emigh/1930913/Reader contact: Psion Inc., tel 508-371 0310; Press contact: Barry Balcourt, Psion, tel 508-371-0310)
Press contact: Barry Balcourt, Psion, tel 508-371-0310)
9/13/93
Psion Launches $500 PDA With Digital Voice Processing
Amiga World: US CD32 Intro, 4000
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Commodore has announced its new answer to home entertainment with the CD32, a television-based game system for under $400 that includes a double speed compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive, and will also play audio and Kodak Photo CDs.
The unit, which looks more like a CD player than a computer, is built with the capability to add a special video compression decompression (CODEC) board and Commodore says it will be able to play the video CDs planned by Philips and Paramount.
The CD32 has already been announced in Europe and Commodore says it has put all its resources into the development of the units for retail distribution both in the US and abroad. Company officials hope the CD32 will make consumers take another look at its computer systems as well, since the CD32 is based on the same Advanced Graphics Architecture (AGA) chipset as is in the Amiga 4000 desktop computer.
Based on the 68EC020 microprocessor chip, company officials said that the unit boasts built-in cache and performance in the four million instructions per second (MIPS) range. The CD32 offers the Amiga Disk Operating System (ADOS) but officials said Commodore has gone to great pains to be sure the operating system is available when needed, but stays out of the way of programmers.
While the same high hopes had been expressed at the introduction of Commodore's CDTV company officials said they now realize CDTV was too expensive and there weren't enough software titles available for it to spur consumer demand. Company president Jim Dione said he hopes CD32 will become the next Commodore 64, the home entertainment system that literally sold millions of units back in the 1980's.
Commodore officials boast that the CD32 can display 256,000 colors which is one color for each pixel dot on the average television screen. Two controller ports are available and controllers may be "daisy chained" off those ports. An 11-button controller is provided with the unit. The CD32 does not have an infrared controller or infrared controller interface although company officials said they left themselves the option of adding it in the design of the unit.
However, distribution quantities of the CD32 are limited at best. Commodore officials said they're shooting for the Winter Consumer Electronics Show (CES) where they plan to make a big push for the CD32. Over 50 titles are in development for the CD32 which are expected to be available for the holiday season.
Other CD formats that will work with the CD32 include: audio CDs CD+G, Karaoke (Video CD) using the planned MPEG addition, and CDTV titles if they are written to the correct specifications. Not all CDTV titles will work in the CD32, company officials added.
Representatives from C-Cube Microsystems, developers of the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) 1 single chip decoder, were on hand as Commodore is using the C-Cube decoder chip in its MPEG addition for the CD32. To add the MPEG capability, CD32 users will need to use a screwdriver to take off the back plate of the unit, insert the MPEG card, and put on a new backplate supplied with the MPEG card. The MPEG addition is expected to cost consumers about $250.
Commodore also announced the Amiga 4000 Tower unit, which was on display at the show. The 4000 Tower should be in production in the next two months, with availability at the end of the third quarter Commodore representatives said. Most of the production capability is being eaten up by the CD32, which company officials claim is being produced at the rate of 20,000 a week in Commodore's Philippines facility.
Jim Sachs, known for his expertise in game development for the Amiga platform, came up with a demo that offered a look at the graphics capabilities of the CD32. While the demo was impressive, the actual games shown for the unit look very much like games for Nintendo systems. However, video was played on the unit and Commodore said that the CD32 could play back video without the MPEG decoder, just with not as much video.
Other tidbits of interest from company officials are: there could be no extended graphics array (EGA) upgrade for the Amiga 3000 computer, and an upgrade path for Amiga 2000 and 3000 users may be available once the 4000 Tower moves into production quantities.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930913/Press Contact: Lauren Keffer Commodore Business Machines, tel 215-431-9478, fax 215-431 9465)
usiness Machines, tel 215-431-9478, fax 215-431 9465)
9/13/93
Amiga World: US CD32 Intro, 4000 Tower Demonstrated
GENERAL
Apple Debuts Applesearch Softwar
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Apple Computer has announced it is offering a new search tool for use on computer networks. In addition, the company has begun offering new retail outlets for a rejigged bundle of its Powerbook notebook computer.
Applesearch is designed to search central computers on small-to medium-sized computer networks for information "needles in a haystack." The company says the technology is similar to other full text indexing and retrieval software, but allows prioritizing of the information searched for and brings back a report in the form of a newspaper-like update.
Apple claims that the product can also be used in on-line and compact disc (CD) searches as well as searches conducted on the main or "server" computer.
Applesearch is $1,799 for the Server/Client 5-Pack and $499 for a Client 10-Pack. An Applesearch Client Developer's Kit is also available for $299 through Apple's developer tools division, APDA.
Apple also said that it will begin offering a special bundle of its notebook computer, the PowerBook 145B Plus Pack, through mass merchants including Circuit City, Montgomery Ward, Best Buy Staples, and Officemax.
The Powerbook 145B Plus Pack offers a Motorola 25 megahertz (MHz) 68030-based Powerbook notebook computer with 4 megabytes (MB) of random access memory (RAM), an 80 MB hard disk, and an internal Global Village Powerport/Bronze fax modem with send and receive capability.
The Powerbook is equipped with the System 7.1 operating system and will offer a software bundle including Touchbase Pro, Datebook Pro Macintosh PC Exchange software for moving files to and from IBM compatible personal computers (PCs), Applelink Online Services, and Zterm terminal emulation software.
Consumers are expected to see prices between $1,549 and $1,699 for the new Powerbook bundle, Apple Computer said.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930913/Press Contact: Emilio Robles, Apple Computer, tel 408-862-5671, fax 408-974-5470; Apple Catalog 800-795-1000; APDA Information Line, 408-862-3385.)
talog 800-795-1000; APDA Information Line, 408-862-3385.)
9/13/93
Apple Debuts Applesearch Software, New Powerbook Bundle
APPLE
14,400 BPS Modem For Less Than $
LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- A 14,400 bit/second data-fax modem, with software, for under $200? Yes, and that's just the retail price, according to Cardinal Technologies which expects a $139 "street price" for its new MVP144DSP, part of its Cardinal Modem Value Pack series sold at computer "superstores" like Computer City and Comp USA.
The new modem costs about $80 less than the current retail prices on Hayes Accura and US Robotics Sportster models. It's based on an Analog Devices digital signal processing chip, which means it can be upgraded through software to even faster speeds, or new protocols and other features. The new modem also bundles both Windows and DOS fax and data software, and features a limited lifetime warrantee. The new modem will ship this month, along with a companion 9,600 bps model at $169 retail.
At the same time, Cardinal has cut prices across its line by up to 38 percent. The company makes 15 different modems now at its factory, and will increase that to 23 this fall. In a prepared statement, president Harold Krall chided US Robotics and Hayes as "recent converts" to the notion of affordable modems. He also said that, this fall, Cardinal will roll out new pocket modems, and 19,200 bps Vterbo modems developed with AT&T.
One of Cardinal's biggest successes has been its MVP Series, co marketed with Prodigy. The company said that the 2,400 bps MVP product now ranks Number four on Ingram Micro's Best Sellers List and has been in the Top 10 for over 40 weeks.
While fighting the modem price wars aggressively, Cardinal is also trying to branch out into other areas, spokesman Stacey Pierson told Newsbytes. "We also released a multimedia upgrade kit two weeks ago," she said, which will be going into the same channels. "We want to be known as more than just a modem company. You can go to Cardinal for many different products and upgrades."
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Cirrus Logic has announced that its Pacific Communication Sciences division will supply the modules used in IBM ThinkPad 750 portable computers which will access cellular packet networks under the Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) protocol.
CDPD was first announced a year ago by IBM and a coalition of cellular service providers, including regional Bell companies and McCaw. It turns unused calling channels into digital data streams at speeds up to 9,600 bits/second.
Cirrus claims that the ThinkPad 750s are the first computers designed to accept internal CDPD modules, and that it worked closely with IBM's IBM PC Company to design the module. In addition to handling packet data functions under CDPD, the module can also handle regular cellular data calls, called "circuit switched" data calls.
Donald Burtis, PCSI's vice president, explained that with the module, "the mobile worker can use the ThinkPad 750 as a cellular telephone, send packets of data using CDPD protocols, or use the wireless modem for cellular data or fax transmission." This makes it a long-term data solution, according to IBM PC Co. executive James D. Bartlett. The product will be available by the end of the year.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930913/Press Contact: Pacific Communication Sciences Inc., Donald Burtis 619/535-9500)
es Inc., Donald Burtis 619/535-9500)
9/13/93
Cirrus Unit Wins IBM CDPD Contract
TELECOM
Identity Intros 800DPI Scanner
RICHARDSON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Identity Systems Technology has introduced an 800 dots per inch hand held hardware based gray scale scanner and will include Micrografx Inc's Picture Publisher Limited Edition software.
Scanners can be used to capture graphics images and text without having to re-enter the keystrokes. Scanned text is converted to a computer readable form that can then be read by your favorite word processor.
Identity's new IDSCAN-GS8P has a suggested retail price of $199, and comes with an interface card that goes into an expansion slot inside your PC, the Micrografx software, and scanning, paint, and OCR (optical character recognition) software. The software stitches the four inch scans into a full page image. IDSCAN-GS8P comes with a video that shows the user how to install the device.
Identity's John Truetken, manager of engineering and product development, said that hardware-based gray-scale scanning improves scanned images by limiting the number of conversion generations, or steps, the image has to undergo in order to be useful in applications.
It also avoids potential conflicts between scanner conversion software that creates the gray-scale and the software that is used to interface the image file with the final application.
"With the Identity scanner, you scan directly into the final application software, not an intermediate program," he said.
The limited edition of Picture Publisher included with the scanner allows users to enhance their graphics applications. Windows users can import or scan color and black-and-white photos, line art, and other graphic material. Picture Publisher was named "Image Manipulation Solution of the Year" in 1992 by Business Publishing magazine and "Best of Its Class" by Infoworld the same year.
Identity Systems first bundled Picture Publisher LE with its handheld scanners in January of this year. The software is a 24-bit photo image scanning and editing program that supports TWAIN, OLE and Kodak's Photo CD system. The limited edition does not include the "thumbnail image" feature during file open and save, some of the masking tools of Picture Publisher are not available, and the number of retouching tools and filters have been reduced, according to product manager Grant Wickes.
TWAIN is an imaging applications program interface and protocol for integration of software programs that use images, with peripherals such as scanners, video boards, and cameras. OLE, or object linking and embedding, is a program interface that allows images, sound video or text to be embedded into other files. The full version of Picture Publisher has a suggested retail price of $495.
(Jim Mallory/19930913/Press contact: Troy Cooper, Identity Systems Technology, 214-235-3330; Reader contact: Identity Systems Technology, 214-235-3330)
ystems Technology, 214-235-3330)
9/13/93
Identity Intros 800DPI Scanner
Microsoft Intros New Pay-For-Sup
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Breaking a long standing tradition, Microsoft says it will now charge customers who need help with Windows, MS-DOS 6, Windows for Workgroup and development tools. The new policy, which goes into effect October 1 1993, establishes a multi- tiered support plan that will charge customers for support after an initial free support period of 90 days, beginning with the first time you call for help.
Microsoft spokesperson Lynann Marcelius explained the new policy for Newsbytes. Marcelius said that support has been segmented into four categories: desktop applications, personal operating systems development tools, and advanced systems. They have also developed a tiered support structure that starts at the bottom with electronic services.
That level gives each Microsoft product user free access through a toll-free number to Fast Tips, recorded information about the 10 most commonly asked questions about Microsoft products. Fast Tips can also be faxed to the user. The Microsoft knowledge base, a collection of 20,000 articles Microsoft engineers use to answer user questions, is also available on Compuserve at no cost except connect time.
Marcelius said that Microsoft set the 90 day period because its support information shows that only about one-third of users ever call for help, and about two-thirds of those that do call within the first 60 to 90 days. "Most problems occur during set-up and installation." Starting the 90 day period when the first call comes in is advantage to the user who buys a product but doesn't install it immediately.
The second tier is standard support for users with questions about desktop applications such as DOS 6, Windows, Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word. Standard support is available 12 hours each work day, on a toll-free number. Each desktop product has its own special number, meaning you would call one number for Excel support and a different number for Word help. Standard support is free for the first 90 days, with the clock starting on the day you make your first call for assistance.
The third tier is designated Priority support, and is available around the clock. Callers will be connected with a support technician. For applications and operating systems, Priority support costs $2 per minute up to $25 per incident. Users can call a 900 number and the cost of the call will appear on the phone bill, or you can call on a toll-free number and use a credit card to pay for the support. You can also subscribe to Priority service for $195 annually.
Developers using Microsoft development tools and applications can pay for support at the rate of $2 per minute after the 90 day clock has expired, with a maximum of $95 per call. They can also purchase an annual subscription that provides unlimited support for all Microsoft products for $1,495. Support for advanced systems such as Windows NT, Mail, and LAN Manager is available for $150 per incident or an annual subscription of $7,500.
The top support level, called Premier, is designed primarily for large corporations. The annual subscription for Premier starts at $20,000, provides unlimited support and assigns a support engineer to the account.
To expedite support, Microsoft has set up its Customer Incident Tracking System (CITS), a database that will contain configuration information and a record of support calls for all of its customers regardless of service level.
"The one-size-fits-all model of technical support doesn't work any more," says Bob Johnson, associate director for the Microsoft Support Network. "This type of tiered support gives customers the opportunity to choose the level of service that best meets their needs."
(Jim Mallory/19930913/Press contact: Lynann Marcelius, Waggoner Edstrom for Microsoft 206-994-8080)
s, Waggoner Edstrom for Microsoft 206-994-8080)
9/13/93
Microsoft Intros New Pay-For-Support Programs
Novell Ships NetWare 3.12
PROVO, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Novell's NetWare network operating system (NOS) commands nearly 70 percent of the NOS market. Version 3.11 has been the de facto industry standard, albeit proprietary, for some time, and the product that most other networking applications try to support. Now the company has finally announced shipment of NetWare 3.12.
NetWare 3.12 includes Basic MHS (Message Handling Service) and NetWare for Macintosh at no additional cost. According to the company, it also offers "seamless migration" from previous versions of NetWare, provides increased performance, updates LAN (local area network) and disk drivers as well as print and management utilities and ensures compatibility with NetWare 3.11 NetWare Loadable Modules (NLMs) that use Novell's standard APIs (application programming interfaces).
Newsbytes notes that NetWare 3.12 is a NOS used with a dedicated server. This is different from popular peer-to-peer NOS products such as NetWare Lite, Artisoft's LANtastic, and Microsoft's Windows for Workgroups, which do not require a dedicated server. Peer-to peer NOS products allow all computers on the network to act as either a client or a server or both, thus allowing easy access to all available resources, such as hard drives and printers. However they do not include many advanced network features and make a number of network functions more difficult, such as the backing up of vital data which is dispersed on different hard drives.
Announcing the product, Bob Young, vice president of marketing for Novell's NetWare Systems Group, said: "The NetWare 3.x product line is a key member of Novell's family of network operating systems. With the release of NetWare 3.12, Novell is reinforcing its commitment to NetWare 3.x customers by significantly updating the product and increasing functionality without increasing the price."
The company says that version 3.12 also gives NetWare 2.x users who have been waiting to upgrade to NetWare 3.x, incentive to do so now by offering new features and advanced network services not currently available in the NetWare 2.x environment.
Newsbytes notes that the new high-end NetWare 4.01 is designed more for enterprise wide networks, and is likely to compete more effectively with Banyan Systems' Vines NOS, which has generally been regarded as the better product for linking geographically dispersed networks. NetWare 3.12 is designed more for medium- to large-sized networking environments.
The company says that key features of version 3.12 include: all previously available performance enhancements, updates and new utilities for version 3.11, such as support for packet burst and large internet packets; compatibility with existing NLMs from Novell and from third parties; and a five-user version of NetWare for Macintosh, designed to support Macintosh workgroups within NetWare 3.12 environments, along with a new set of Macintosh based utilities that allow system administrators to perform most network administration functions from the Macintosh.
The company says that basic MHS (message handling service) facilities are also included at no extra cost. Basic MHS is an NLM based NetWare MHS engine that provides local delivery of MHS messages for such applications as electronic mail, fax services forms processing and workflow automation among the users on a single NetWare 3.12 server. Additionally, Basic MHS includes a starter electronic-mail application called FirstMail that gives DOS and Macintosh users immediate access to the messaging services. Additionally, Basic MHS supports Novell's NetWare SMF API.
The version also includes updated Novell and third-party LAN and disk drivers; a CD-ROM installation option (version 3.12 also provides support for CD-ROMs as NetWare volumes); new Universal NetWare client, with a choice of Virtual Loadable Module (VLM) or NETX client architectures. A new version of NetWare Btrieve key indexed record manager -- version 6.1 -- is also included.
Novell says that NetWare 3.12 began shipping to distribution on September 3, 1993. A five-user version costs $1,095, a 10-user version costs $2,495, a 25-user version costs $3,695, a 50-user version costs $4,995, a 100-user version costs $6,995, and a 250-user version costs $12,495.
(Ian Stokell/19930913/Press Contact: Michael Adams 801-429-5809, Novell Inc.)
801-429-5809, Novell Inc.)
9/13/93
Novell Ships NetWare 3.12
GENERAL
Adobe Premiere/Windows Available
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1933 SEP 13 (NB) -- Adobe Systems has announced the immediate availability of its Adobe Premiere software product for Microsoft's Windows graphical user environment.
Adobe has also announced an exclusive product marketing deal with CompuServe, whereby Adobe Acrobat Reader will be available via the on-line service at a special price.
According to Adobe, Premiere 1.0 for Windows allows users to combine video footage, video, audio, animation, still images and graphics to create digital movies in either the MS-Video for Windows AVI (Audio Video Interleaved) or Apple's QuickTime format.
The program carries a suggested retail price of $295 and is available immediately from Adobe authorized resellers.
Announcing the availability of the package, Bryan Lamkin, senior product marketing manager for Adobe's Application Products Division said: "Adobe Premiere for Windows brings a robust video editing solution to Windows graphics users for a very affordable price. We expect to see a broad usage of Adobe Premiere for producing high quality digital video among corporate desktop training and presentations professionals, as well as graphics professionals and multimedia content developers."
Adobe claims that Adobe Premiere 1.0 for Windows offers several features similar to those of the Macintosh version, including an "intuitive" user interface, easy clips management through a single project file, automatic clips preview, and a broad range of file support.
The program also offers over 30 transition effects and a library of 35 image processing and audio filters, including support for additional Adobe Photoshop-compatible filters. Users can also perform advanced keying functions with chroma, luminance and alpha channels for isolating portions of a clip and super-imposing it on another clip.
Said Lamkin: "Over the next six months, we should see a whole new generation of hardware introduced to support a broad range of customers producing video in the Windows environment. We expect to see products catering to the full range of video enthusiasts, from the hobbyist to the video professional."
Adobe Premiere 1.0 for Windows is designed to work with other Adobe graphics and digital type products, according to the company. Adobe Illustrator for Windows graphics can be imported into Premiere for Windows and combined with video and sound. The program also supports Adobe Photoshop plug-in filters, and, according to the company, its film strip file format allows video clips to be exported to Adobe Photoshop for retouching and painting on individual frames.
The minimum system requirements for Adobe Premiere 1.0 for Windows are an Intel 386-, 486- or Pentium processor-based PC with 8 megabytes (MB) of RAM and 100MB hard drive, running Windows 3.1 and MS-DOS 5.0 or greater, and either QuickTime/Windows or MS-Video software.
Newsbytes reported on the official introduction of the Windows version of Premiere in August, just a couple of weeks after the newest Macintosh version was introduced.
At the time, a company spokesperson told Newsbytes that, because the hardware available for the Mac is of a more advanced level, the Windows version is designed "for more of an internal audience," such as "integrating interactive multimedia presentations and employee training," whereas Premier for the Macintosh is "targeted at an external audience - post-production houses, for broadcast quality. (The Windows version) is also going to be for the home hobbyist at this point."
The available hardware is the problem. "The fact that there are not really any JPEG boards out there right now. So that doesn't really give you the high quality that you need for outside marketing of video with Windows," said the spokesperson at the time.
The Adobe/CompuServe Acrobat offer, which expires on December 31, 1993, is only available to current CompuServe members.
According to Adobe, Acrobat Reader is a software application that enables users to view, navigate and print documents in the Acrobat program's Portable Document Format (PDF). PDF files are claimed to preserve the essential look and feel of a document regardless of the hardware platform, operating system or application software used to create the original.
Acrobat Reader viewing software for the Macintosh or Windows platform is available to CompuServe subscribers for $24.95.
(Ian Stokell/19930913/Press Contact: LaVon Peck, 415-962-2730 Adobe Systems Inc.)
Contact: LaVon Peck, 415-962-2730 Adobe Systems Inc.)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- The company once lampooned as "Engulf & Devour" by moviemaker Mel Brooks is itself being devoured.
Paramount Communications, formerly called Gulf + Western, said it will acquired by Viacom in a cash and stock deal estimated to be worth about $8.2 billion. The new company has a value of about $18.2 billion. Viacom will be the surviving entity under the name Paramount Viacom International, but Paramount head Marvin Davis will be chief executive. Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone will own a majority of the new company's stock.
The deal caps the career of Redstone, 70, who started his company as National Amusements Inc. with a drive-in movie theater in Valley Stream, New York, and later bought Viacom when it was the television syndication business of CBS, which had been spun off under the 1970 "fin-syn" decision dividing the networks' production and distribution. He parlayed that into cable television, where Viacom owns such channels as MTV, Nickelodeon and Showtime.
Redstone has won high praise for getting young executives attuned to their markets, who have dominated their niches on surprisingly small budgets.
Paramount, which takes its name from the old-line Hollywood movie studio, producers of "Star Trek" and "Cheers," is a conglomerate which also owns the Simon & Schuster book publishing company and its computer book arm, Prentice Hall, which recently moved into expanded offices in Indianapolis. The company also owns the New York Knicks and Rangers, their Madison Square Garden home, as well as an amusement park, King's Dominion.
Analysts said that changing technology makes the merger attractive as major media, computer, and telecommunications concerns vie for control of new digital "electronic highways." Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. now controls 20th Century Fox, cable pioneer Turner Broadcasting now owns two Hollywood studios, and all the broadcast networks have used the cable re-regulation deal's "retransmission consent" provisions to create new cable networks for themselves.
There remains a question of whether Washington will approve the merger, of course. Paramount was created by a government-ordered split between content and delivery in the 1940s. Viacom was created through a similar split in the 1970s. The Clinton Administration's policy remains unclear, but the anti-trust division of his Justice Department, under Anne Bingaman, is taking a close look at Microsoft's market domination, and the incoming head of the Federal Communications Commission, Reed Hundt, is an anti-trust lawyer by training.
The final terms are that Paramount stockholders will receive a total of about $69.14 per share in cash and stock. Viacom will acquire Paramount by exchanging each outstanding share of Paramount stock for 0.1 of a share of Class A Viacom common stock, 0.9 of a share of Class B Viacom common stock, and $9.10 in cash.
Paramount has also granted Viacom an option to acquire approximately 20% of Paramount's common stock at an exercise price of $69.14 per share exercisable under certain circumstances. In addition, should the agreement be terminated under similar circumstances before completion of the merger, Paramount will pay Viacom $100 million.
After the merger, Redstone, through National Amusements, will hold about 69.8 percent of the combined company's Class A voting stock and about 38.5 percent of the combined company's common stock on a combined basis.
In a press conference Redstone seemed fully in control of the situation, as he'll be in control of the company. He was ebullient painting it as a "win-win" deal, and a true merger. He seemed to think his was the major news of the day, although the conference began just as PLO chairman Yassir Arafat was speaking on the White House lawn.
"I was not motivated by the dollar," he said. "This was an act of destiny." He also emphasized the two companies' opportunities in multimedia. "Before this acquisition we were prepared for a new age. It is like the Industrial Revolution, a sweeping change in technology. turning the computer and television into a single appliance providing programmers with a superhighway to the home. This will form the single, I guarantee you, most powerful entertainment and communications company in the world. There is no combination that anyone could envisage which could provide more for its stockholders -- more challenges, excitement and economic rewards than inherent in these companies," he said.
"It is indeed possible to effect, perhaps to a miniscule way, human events for the better. Our responsibility is awesome, and we hope to make you proud of the way we respond to that responsibility," he added.
Redstone also took a few shots at Time Warner, created by a 1989 merger which created no synergies. "This is Time Warner without the debt. This is Time Warner with one company and not two." Some have called this a marriage made in heaven. But unlike other marriages, this marriage will never be torn asunder. Martin and I guarantee that. So many you have heard me say this company would never do a deal unless 2 and 2 make 5. Our commitment is it will equal 6, 8, 10, 1,000 if possible. Nothing is impossible for those with a commitment to excellence and an insatiable will to win. We have enormous power, and will use that power responsibly not motivated only by the financial rewards," he said.
At the end of the news conference, questions were asked about possible tie-ups with regional Bell companies, like US West's buy into Time Warner Cable. Redstone and Davis confirmed that talks have been held with the regional Bells, but said no decisions have been made.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930913/Press Contact: Viacom, Raymond A. Boyce, 212/258-6530 ; Paramount, Carl Folta, 212/373-8530)
Carl Folta, 212/373-8530)
9/13/93
Viacom Buying Paramount
TELECOM
Tandem In Development & Marketin
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Electronic mail is one of the more popular office applications that can add to productivity and improve communications. File servers are designed specifically for networking, typically in corporate and departmental environments. Now Tandem Computers and the Boston Software Works (BSW) have signed an agreement under which Tandem will offer BSW's messaging integration products on the Tandem NonStop Himalaya range of servers.
Tandem says that the new product combination forms its Message Integrator family -- "a fault-tolerant, standards-based electronic mail integration solution."
It combines the Boston Software Works' InterOFFICE Message Exchange with Tandem's NonStop Himalaya range of parallel-processing servers to provide "messaging interoperation and directory synchronization between multiple commonly used electronic mail systems."
Announcing the deal, Ross Gale, president of the Boston Software Works, said: "This agreement adds important new standards-based high-availability messaging solutions to the InterOFFICE Message Exchange product family and brings us the benefits of Tandem's market position and global reach."
The company says that by taking advantage of Tandem's powerful Himalaya range of parallel servers, the Message Integrator reduces electronic-mail operation costs while "simultaneously assuring performance, linear scalability, data integrity, and availability."
According to the companies, the Message Integrator lets users with different electronic-mail products "transparently send and receive messages and transparently convert electronic-mail formats synchronize user directories, and perform multinational character set translation."
The Message Integrator supports the interoperation of such electronic-mail products as IBM OfficeVision/VM (PROFS), IBM OfficeVision/400, DEC All-in-1, HP DeskManager, Microsoft Mail Lotus cc:Mail, Novell MHS, and Unix mail.
Tandem says that its partnership with BSW allows for a "continuing release of InterOFFICE software to incorporate new upgrades of LAN (local area network) electronic-mail systems and integration of additional LAN messaging technologies."
Tandem has been having a tough time of it lately. In July, Newsbytes reported that Tandem reported losses of $44 million in its third fiscal quarter. The Fortune 500 company also said it will probably report a loss in its next quarter and will lay off 15 percent of its workforce, or about 1,600 to 1,800 people, in the next 12 months.
That would represent its second restructuring in as many years. The company started 1992 reporting that it expected to lose money and laid off nine percent of its workforce during the year.
Also in July, Newsbytes reported that Calcutta-based BFL Software Ltd., had entered into a strategic alliance with Tandem, under which BFL would develop software both on-site and offshore for Tandem customers world-wide.
(Ian Stokell/19930913/Press Contact: Sally R. Smith, 408-285-7515 Tandem Computers; or Jeanne Gorman, 617-482-9898, The Boston Software Works)
Gorman, 617-482-9898, The Boston Software Works)
9/13/93
Tandem In Development & Marketing Deal With BSW
BUSINESS
Aspec Licenses Portfolio Design
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Aspec Technology is licensing its Portfolio electronic design tools to the commercial application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) market.
The company also says that it has concluded "strategic manufacturing agreements" for its technology with semiconductor manufacturers Samsung Semiconductor Corp., of Seoul, Korea, and Sanyo Semiconductor Division, of Osaka, Japan.
Mike Peak, a spokesperson for the company, told Newsbytes that the deal allows Samsung to manufacture ASICs for their customers and also allows their users to license the technology. A separate deal allows Sanyo to "create ASICs for their customers."
Aspec says it is marketing its Portfolio design library under licensing agreements to systems, peripheral and telecommunications original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). According to the company the turnkey product line enables OEMs to design ASICs, which can then be multiple-sourced by high-quality, low-cost silicon suppliers Samsung or Sanyo.
Aspec claims that its proprietary HDA (high-density array) ASIC design technology allows system and semiconductor companies to "rapidly and predictably design high-density, high-performance ASIC circuits for rapid design turnaround and market penetration, all at lower costs."
Once a design is complete, customers then deal directly with silicon producers for prototypes and production. The technology also enables semiconductor manufacturers to rapidly and predictably service the ASIC silicon market.
Announcing the strategy, Conrad Dell'Oca, co-founder, president and CEO, said: "Our Portfolio design family enables our customers to control their ASIC destiny. Our HDA technology - expected to be the industry standard ASIC architecture -- along with traditional design automation products and services, are a revolutionary breakthrough for the ASIC market. Such ASIC user design and manufacturing independence guards costs and provides rapid design turnaround market entry and competitive advantages for electronics companies."
Aspec says that all its Portfolio products are available for license, including the full design library, circuit blocks compilers, and documentation. This also includes access to silicon manufacturing operations fully qualified for Aspec's design technology.
The basic set contains all the libraries for design, from high-level syntheses through mask database and masterslices of various sizes. The cost of the basic set is under $250,000. The company says that the libraries run on most third-party CAE (computer-aided engineering) tools.
(Ian Stokell/19930913/Press Contact: Conrad Dell'Oca, 408-988-4411 Aspec Technology Inc.; or Mike Peak, 408-446-0407, Peak Public Relations)
c.; or Mike Peak, 408-446-0407, Peak Public Relations)
9/13/93
Aspec Licenses Portfolio Design Tool To ASIC Vendors
BUSINESS
Discreet Logic Announces New Eur
MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA, 1993 SEP 13 (NB) -- Discreet Logic has created a European subsidiary and entered into a partnership in the UK for distribution of its digital editing and visual effects software. The moves fill a gap left when a bitter legal dispute broke out between the company and its European distributor Montreal-based Softimage Inc., during the summer.
In parallel with the European deal, Discreet Logic has also named new distributors in Hong Kong, Japan and Korea.
A new Paris-based subsidiary, Discreet Logic Europe, will take over distribution of the company's products in France and Italy according to Pat Hunter, a spokeswoman for Discreet Logic. These were two of the countries where Softimage formerly sold Discreet Logic's Inferno, Flame, and Flint software packages.
The third was the UK, where another company, Discreet Logic UK, will take over distribution. This firm is a partnership between Discreet Logic and its two UK principals, Simon Shaw and Andy Wray, who Hunter said also run a prominent broadcast post-production company called Boxer.
The company's existing distributors in Germany and Spain will continue in their present roles, Hunter said.
Softimage, also a maker of digital video software, had an agreement to distribute Discreet Logic's software in Europe, but in July a dispute broke out between the companies over ownership of the software.
Softimage claimed an Australian company for which one of Discreet Logic's principals had formerly worked still held rights to the Flame software, and that it had acquired rights from that firm. Discreet Logic maintains it owns the software, and terminated the distribution agreement because of Softimage's actions.
That dispute is still before the courts, Hunter said.
Discreet Logic also named Asia Computer Consultants in Hong Kong Holovision in Korea, and Photron in Japan as distributors. The company's only other distributor in the Far East is Image 4D in Singapore, Hunter said.
(Grant Buckler/19930913/Press Contact: Pat Hunter, Artemis Hunter PR for Discreet Logic, 613-247-0588)
s Hunter PR for Discreet Logic, 613-247-0588)
9/13/93
Discreet Logic Announces New European Plans
BUSINESS
IBM Shuffles Executive Responsib
ARMONK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- IBM has given additional responsibility to two of its senior executives reduced Vice-Chairman Paul Rizzo's role in day-to-day operations and replaced two management groups. The moves are aimed at improving cooperation among the company's business units, a spokesman said.
Rizzo, a former senior executive who was recalled from retirement late last year to assist then-Chairman John Akers, will no longer oversee the company's software operation. He will remain as deputy to Chairman and Chief Executive Louis Gerstner and will deal with company-wide issues.
The software operation, now called the Software Solutions Division, will now report to Ellen Hancock. Hancock, formerly general manager of networking systems, will continue to oversee that operation as well.
Also gaining new responsibilities is John Thompson, who will take charge of the Large Scale Processors Division -- formerly Enterprise Systems -- while retaining responsibility for the AS/400 Division, company spokesman Jon Iwata said.
James Cannavino remains in charge of personal computer hardware and software, while Patrick Toole continues at the head of the data storage, printer, and microelectronics businesses.
IBM is also replacing its Management Committee with a larger Corporate Executive Committee. With 11 members versus the six the old committee had at its dissolution, the new Corporate Executive Committee will have a more specific focus on coordinating IBM's various business units, Iwata said.
Meanwhile, an enlarged Worldwide Management Council, with 34 members meeting about five times a year, will replace the old Corporate Management Board, which had 24 members, Iwata said. More division heads will be part of the new group, he said.
"It's easy to overplay the significance of today's actions," Iwata warned. "The overall objective is to make our divisions more coordinated in what they do."
(Grant Buckler/19930913/Press Contact: Jon Iwata, IBM 914-765-6630; Rob Wilson, IBM, 914-765-6565)
-765-6630; Rob Wilson, IBM, 914-765-6565)
9/14/93
IBM Shuffles Executive Responsibilities
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Complete Newsbytes Archives Now
Unisys Expands CMOS Use In Mainf
BLUE BELL, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- With the launch of its Open 2200/500 computer, Unisys Corp. claims to have taken the lead in putting complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip technology into a mainframe computer.
Using CMOS technology, company spokesman Martin Krempasky said Unisys has put the basic design of its top-of-the-line 2200/900 mainframe -- admittedly in a less powerful version -- into a much smaller, cheaper system. The 2200/500 implements in 18 CMOS chips what took 197 separate integrated circuits in the 2200/900 Krempasky said.
"What it clearly signals is the end of the bipolar ECL (emitted-coupled logic) era," Krempasky said.
The 2200/500 offers about one quarter of the 2200/900's performance, or roughly 10 million instructions per second (MIPS) in a box about six feet high by two feet square and with prices starting at $350,000, according to Unisys.
It relies on semi-custom CMOS chips built by Motorola to Unisys' specifications, Krempasky said.
The new machine is meant to fill a gap between departmental servers and mainframe-class systems, Unisys said. It can be coupled with other 2200-series systems using Unisys Extended Processing Complex (XPC) to let the user grow from the smallest system in the line to one 600 times more powerful without changing software or networks.
Unisys also launched the Open System 2200 (OS 2200) operating system, which it said is the first mainframe operating system compliant with the Portable Operating System Interface X (POSIX) standard -- a widely accepted open systems specification -- and offers open networking and data management, plus client/server interfaces to let the system work with software products from other vendors.
The company said it has also improved transaction processing integrated database management and recovery, availability, and security in the new system.
Unisys said it has already booked more than $50 million worth of orders for the 2200/500, which is due to be available in November.
(Grant Buckler/19930913/Press Contact: Martin Krempasky, Unisys 215-986-4788)
Martin Krempasky, Unisys 215-986-4788)
9/14/93
Unisys Expands CMOS Use In Mainframe
GENERAL
Stratus To Buy Shared Financial
MARLBORO, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- As part of a plan to strengthen its hand in vertical market areas it considers important, Stratus Computer, Inc., has announced the purchase of Shared Financial Systems, Inc., a Dallas-based software and services firm that specializes in the financial sector.
Stratus, a maker of fault-tolerant computers, is paying about $15 million in cash for Shared Financial, which will become a wholly owned Stratus subsidiary and keep its present name. All present management and staff will remain with the Dallas company, said Stratus spokeswoman Susan Cashen. "They've been doing a great job running the company," she said. "Now they'll just be running it for Stratus."
Shared Financial's products include the ON/2 line of applications for Stratus' VOS operating system and Unix software called ON/X for Stratus' FTX variant of Unix and other Unix systems.
The Texas company also provides professional services, including custom software development, consulting, and systems integration to the financial sector.
The acquisition is one step in a Stratus plan to expand beyond hardware, operating systems, and maintenance services, officials said. It follows the company's announcement in June that it would license telecommunications software from Phone Base Systems Inc., of Vienna, Virginia, so it could create online applications for the telecommunications industry.
Stratus plans to pursue its expansion program through further acquisitions, Cashen said, with particularly likely targets being the financial services, retail, and travel markets, where Stratus believes it has existing strength on which to build.
Shared Financial had revenues of about $20 million in its fiscal year 1993, which ended March 31, Cashen said. Stratus' 1992 annual revenues were $486.3 million.
(Grant Buckler/19930913/Press Contact: David Hayward, Stratus 508-460-2796; Susan Cashen, Stratus, 508-490-6264)
796; Susan Cashen, Stratus, 508-490-6264)
9/14/93
Stratus To Buy Shared Financial Systems
BUSINESS
Japanese Govt Plans Multimedia N
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- The Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Education Ministry are planning to create a 200 million yen ($2 million) multimedia educational network next year.
The Japanese Ministries are planning to set up a top-of-the-line personal computer multimedia network to serve schools. The host system will be accessible from various parts of Japan through a proprietary computer network, from which students will be able to access educational program that offer motion picture voice, and stereo sound data.
The Ministries will spend a whopping $2 million yen to set up this system, which will actually be developed by the Information Processing Association (IPA) and the Computer Education Center (CEC). Both of these organizations are affiliated with the government.
Japan has already allocated the money for this project which is slated to begin in April, 1994.
IPA and CEC will develop the software, the hardware, and the network and the system is expected to be ready for testing in two years.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930913)
two years.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930913)
9/14/93
Japanese Govt Plans Multimedia Net Education System
Sharp Produce More CCDs Due To V
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Responding to the growing popularity of its latest camcorder, the Viewcam, Sharp is producing more CCDs (charged coupled devices), which serve as the "eye" of the camera.
Sharp has continued to do well with its Viewcam. The unit is no ordinary camcorder, but is equipped with a small LCD (liquid crystal display) upon which users can watch and check the video pictures being recorded. The Viewcam has a quarter-inch-size CCD, which functions as its "eye." The CCD quickly focuses on an object to display the clearest view.
Sharp has been producing about 100,000 CCDs per month and will soon increase production to 150,000 units per month, and 200,000 units by the end of this year. These CCDs are currently equipped only on Sharp products but will be sold to other firms next year.
Currently, Sony and Matsushita Electronics are shipping 650,000 CCDs per month respectively. Annual demand for CCDs is about 13 million units worldwide and increasing.
Sharp Produce More CCDs Due To Viewcam's Popularity
GENERAL
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NTT PC Links With Microsoft On T
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- NTT PC Communications NTT's 100 percent-owned subsidiary, and Microsoft (Tokyo) have inked an agreement concerning the development of network-related software.
Called a system integration dealer agreement, it calls for NTT PC Communications and Microsoft to jointly develop telecommunication network systems based on Windows NT and the international standard Message Handling System (MHS). Both firms will also create local area network systems based on Windows and NTT Communications' telecommunication programs.
The two firms will also develop applications for local area networks (LAN). Both aim to sell 3,000 LANs the first year.
This is good news for Microsoft. NTT PC Communications has about 5,000 corporate customers and 32,000 individual customers. The firm has been selling network systems based on various personal computers including Compaq and NEC.
Another advantage of the agreement is that NTT PC Communications has been operating a nationwide network in Japan, through which it has been selling hardware and software.
Meanwhile, NTT PC Communications has hiked the transmission speed of this network. It was providing a maximum data transmission speed of 4,800 bps, but now supports 9,600 bps. The cost remains the same -- 10 yen (10 cents) per minute.
NTT PC Communications expects to gain CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) customers who need the higher speed.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930914/Press Contact: NTT PC Communications, +81-3-3432-1881)
/Press Contact: NTT PC Communications, +81-3-3432-1881)
9/14/93
NTT PC Links With Microsoft On Telecom Software Dev't
TELECOM
Japanese OS/2 2.1 Debuts
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- IBM Japan has announced a Japanese language version of the OS/2 operating system. Called OS/2 J2.1, it will be released September 28. The CD-ROM version costs 32,400 yen ($324) and the floppy disk version costs 41,800 yen ($418).
OS/2 J2.1 is extremely powerful compared with its predecessor OS/2 2.0. OS/2 J2.1 has 60 additional features and supports applications for Microsoft Windows 3.1 as well as MS-DOS. The processing speed is faster the software supports motion pictures at 30 screens per second.
IBM Japan has also released a 32-bit integrated office application program called Take-5 1.0 for 35,000 yen ($350). The program provides a word processor, a spreadsheet, a graphics tool, a database and a report program under a graphical user interface called Workplace Shell.
In order to support development of OS/2 applications IBM Japan has released a package called "C Set++" for both OS/2 2.0 and OS/2 J2.1. The package includes SOM Object Tool an object-oriented development tool, and compilers.
IBM Japan is also planning to release this new operating system for other compatible machine makers on an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) basis.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930914/Press Contact: IBM Japan, +81 3-3586-1111, Fax, +81-3-3589-4645)
111, Fax, +81-3-3589-4645)
9/14/93
Japanese OS/2 2.1 Debuts
Correction - Database Vendors An
Iomega Extends Product Warrantie
Conner To Cut Workforce
NEC Debuts Low-Cost Ink-Jet Prin
Video Diagnostic Products From T
Taxi Payphone Technology Moves A
TI To Make UltraSPARC-I, Early A
Canadian University Offers On-Li
New Fiber Circuit Opens
IBM Technology Products Renamed
Radio Shack Intros Green PC With
U of Washington Police Catch All
Pentafour Setting Up Joint Ventu
Japanese Windows NT Due In Decem
UK - Intelligent Parallel Port T
Identity Intros 800DPI Scanner
AST To Intro Handheld Pen Comput
Virtual Wearality T-Shirts Avail
Sega Pushes Video Game Machine I
More Speech Recog Apps On The Wa
Pen Computers Make It Into Colle
Aldus To Bundle PhotoStyler In M
MacWorld Canada - Global Network
Bell Atlantic Name Change
IBM Intros Multitude Of New Syst
Dorio Brand, O
India Develops 40,000-Line Autom
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), an autonomous organization set up by the Indian government to develop India's own digital switching systems has announced its main automatic exchange (MAX) of 40,000 lines.
The development has come after six years of wait and controversy over its ability to develop the key technology. The US-returned telecom expert, Sam Pitroda, on whose initiation the CDOT came up as a technology "mission" in 1984, went out of limelight due to controversies raked up by successive governments.
Earlier, CDOT delivered its own designs for a Rural Automatic Exchange for tropical conditions that has been taken up for production by several vendors. RAX also attracted attention from international telecom giants like AT&T.
The success of CDOT's MAX, however, has come only after the government has opened the door to multinationals. Nonetheless, the development is significant as it removes India's reliance on multinationals for large exchanges.
Though having achieved the breakthrough in MAX technology, there are many areas in which the system falls short of requirement. C-DoT's MAX, in fact, falls short on a key specification. It can take only 300,000 call attempts in a hour against 800,000 call attempts specified by the Department of Telecom.
A C-DoT spokesperson, while admitting this shortfall, claims the organization will continue to work towards meeting the specification. He, emphasized that this one shortcoming should not undermine the achievement. He says the exchange meets the international norm on busy hour call attempt indicator.
The Bangalore-based public sector company Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) has been appointed lead manufacturers for the MAX.
(C T Mahabharat/19930914)
rers for the MAX.
(C T Mahabharat/19930914)
9/14/93
India Develops 40,000-Line Automatic Exchange
TELECOM
Survival Guide For Novell Networ
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Drawing inspiration from the 1960s classic book, "How To Keep Your Volkswagon Alive," network experts James Nadler and Don Guarnieri have written a book touted as the ultimate survival tool for Novell network administrators. "How To Keep Your Novell Network Alive" (679-79109-4), published by Random House, is a $26.95, large format paperback full of illustrations, easy to read text, and comprehensive coverage of its subject.
Subtitled Survival and Success in a Multi-Vendor Environment, the book covers such topics as cabling, internetworking, backup, troubleshooting printing, storage and disk subsystems, and preventive maintenance. "We knew that networks don't have to be intimidating -- and neither do networking books," says co-author Nadler. "The issues are just easier to swallow when they're explained by people who have really been putting this stuff together and have a sense of humor about man and machine."
The book is available through major bookstore and software chains as well as directly 800-733-3000.
(Computer Currents/19930914)
ectly 800-733-3000.
(Computer Currents/19930914)
9/14/93
Survival Guide For Novell Network Administrators
GENERAL
Computer Manual For PC Compatibl
FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- "There's no reason for any PC clone company not to have a really great computer manual," says David Rottenberg, president of David Rottenberg Associates of Framingham, Mass. And he's here to supply one.
Your Computer Manual is a 205-page soft-cover book, written by Rottenberg, that explains setting up, operating, expanding, and troubleshooting any Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) or Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) computer.
The manual includes maintenance tips, questions and answers explanations of DOS and Windows, a glossary, and an index. Although Rottenberg is aiming his product at clone manufacturers, the manual would be suitable for user departments that already have manufacturers' manuals but find them confusing, ponderously heavy, or poorly written. Your Computer Manual can be used in conjunction with those existing manuals.
"What I did was write a manual that would go with any computer," Rottenberg says. "It doesn't replace technical reference manuals that detail jumper settings and things like that, but it tells someone what serial ports are for, how to connect devices to serial ports, and what problems to watch out for, like IRQ conflicts. If users ever need to refer to their technical reference manual, they know what to do and are not completely lost."
Rottenberg says he has received a lot of interest from computer schools that do computer training, and "they have been giving this manual to their students. We are also thinking of coming out with a retail version," of the product, he says.
Your Computer Manual costs from $1 to $3 per copy (plus shipping) depending on quantity. The minimum quantity that can be ordered is ten. Customized covers are available with your company name and logo, and manuals themselves can be customized, for a fee. Telephone 508-875-1021 for more info.
(Computer Currents/19930914)
(Computer Currents/19930914)
9/14/93
Computer Manual For PC Compatibles
GENERAL
Tube Topper Cuts Down On Paper C
MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Many computer users frame their monitor screens with Post-It reminders, phone numbers, instructions and other scraps of information. The Tube Topper from SSC is designed to organize the clutter by providing a permeable fabric (tackable) or dry-erase fascia within view of the screen.
"The Tube Topper is an all-new product designed to enhance productivity and protect expensive computer equipment," says John Mason, president of the Muskegon, Michigan-based company. "In addition to streamlining desktop references, it discourages workers from placing Post-It notes, adhesive labels and tape directly onto sensitive components."
Ergonomically designed to keep references at eye level, the Tube Topper is mounted to the housing of the monitor and is adjustable to fit many different sizes of screens. It is non-magnetic and safe for use around computer media. The suggested retail price is $29.95 and it is available directly from the company by calling 800/825 SSC1 or 616/733-2191 or 800-622-4497.
(Computer Currents/19930915)
2-4497.
(Computer Currents/19930915)
9/15/93
Tube Topper Cuts Down On Paper Clutter
GENERAL
New GamePad and Joystick Options
BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Advanced Gravis has released Mac GamePad and new software for its MouseStick II Joystick, both designed to give game players more options and fun. Mac GamePad will look and feel very familiar to anyone who has played Nintendo, as it has the same control pad and multi-button activation design. It can also be easily reconfigured for left-handed users. An "application aware" feature automatically sets up control and button functions whenever a game is played.
"We expect the Mac GamePad to enjoy the same great success as our MouseStick," said Ron Haidenger, Macintosh product manager at Advanced Gravis. "The GamePad's easy installation into all current desktop and notebook Macs and [its] smooth control will allow it to set the standard for arcade game controllers on the Mac, just as the MouseStick II has for Mac joysticks."
Advanced Gravis also released a software upgrade for its MouseStick II. The software is designed to increase the MouseStick's performance and compatibility across all Macintosh systems and entertainment software. The version 3.2 software features an easier-to-use interface that works with any Macintosh monitor, according to the company. The software, included with all new MouseStick II units, also makes it easier for users to customize control settings for either mouse- or keyboard-controlled games. It also is available from the company as an upgrade to existing registered MouseStick users for $15 or can be downloaded from the firm's support forum on CompuServe.
The retail price of Mac Gamepad is US$49.95 and MouseStick is US$99.95.
Both products are available now through computer and other computer game outlets. Advanced Gravis is based in Burnaby, British Columbia US distributors are Ingram Micro and Merisel.
For more information, telephone 604-431-5020 or, for sales 800-663-8558.
(Computer Currents/19930914)
-663-8558.
(Computer Currents/19930914)
9/14/93
New GamePad and Joystick Options For Macs
GENERAL
New Addressing Software -- Mikey
REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Software developer We (that's not a typo) may be setting a new standard for evaluating the ease-of-use of software products, which could be called the "can-a-baby-use-it?" rating.
"We" employed a group of six-year-olds to rate the usability of its addressing/contact database product, Human Envelopes. Child labor laws notwithstanding, the company claims its toddling test group was printing envelopes and labels within five minutes without using that pesky manual.
To achieve such usability, the data-entry interface in Human Envelopes 1.5 is designed to emulate a typewriter, eliminating the need for the fields found in a typical flat-file database. All features of the program can be accessed from one main screen, the company says, and any number of envelopes can be printed at once.
The one-screen approach is aimed at making the software as simple and tool-oriented as possible. "Consumers and small businesses want computers to work like simple tools to achieve specific results," says Steven Hoffman, director of sales and marketing. "We believe the best software offers invisible assistance and is written for humans not machines."
Available at 350 computer stores or direct from We, the company says Human Envelopes retails for $49.95. The Redwood City-based company can be reached at 415/368-0828.
(Chris Oakes/19930914)
ed at 415/368-0828.
(Chris Oakes/19930914)
9/14/93
New Addressing Software -- Mikey Likes It!
GENERAL
Program Teaches Children To Draw
TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Draw To Learn 1.3 is a new kind of computer drawing package. Unlike Kid Pix and other software that enables children to draw and paint using computer tools, Draw To Learn teaches how to draw with a pencil and paper using the personal computer as a kind of interactive art instructor.
Based on real-life drawing instruction techniques, Draw To Learn is designed to tutor children on the basics of drawing shapes and forms that are the basics of an elementary art education.
Each drawing lesson is led by a whimsical, computer-generated drawing character called Rembrandt Worm, who outlines each move so that children can pencil basic geometric forms in a step-by-step process. Eventually, these initial construction lines evolve into finished, detailed drawings of animals and other objects.
The program was jointly developed by Tom Howell, a syndicated cartoonist, and software engineering specialist Craig A. Chandler. "The ultimate creative tool is still the pencil," says Chandler. "It's the most portable computer and printing device available. People like me drew stick figures as kids. With Draw To Learn children end up with a three-dimensional rendering of a dinosaur."
The $39.95 PC program is available directly from Draw To Learn Associates in Tustin, Calif. A Macintosh version is due in the next week or 10 days. To order or for more information, call 714-263-0910.
(Computer Currents/19930914)
(Computer Currents/19930914)
9/14/93
Program Teaches Children To Draw
Eastman Exchange Helps Movies Fi
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Kodak announced a new set of services aimed at moviemakers designed for the transmission, storage, and retrieval of high-quality images based on the company's Photo compact disc (CD) format. Transmission of the images will be via a new online service called the Eastman Exchange.
In the movie industry, part of the preproduction process is finding a suitable location in which to film portions or all of the movie's action. Traditionally, film commissions or location scouts are assigned the task of finding the location, taking photographs, and selling the spot to producers who pay for the information. Location scouts typically have entire offices full of file drawers of photos and descriptions of various locations.
The Eastman Exchange, located at Kodak's headquarters in Rochester, New York, is an online version of a location scout. In practice, it is a series of 5 IBM RS/6000 workstations linked together to handle the demands of the imaging database Kodak representatives said. A software package developed by Kodak for the Macintosh computer was demonstrated using a 14,400 baud modem over standard phone lines, which brought thumbnail sketches of images across the phone lines in 4 to 5 seconds per image. The software seamlessly handled the modem access and image database for the user.
Kodak plans to set up ISDN lines for access as well which will allow for image retrieval in as little as a single second company officials added. To find specific images, users may search the image database by any one of over forty-five different categories including whether or not the photo of the location is in color, the light source for the image, the point of view the season, descriptive land marks such as bridges, and so on. Once the thumbnail sketches are on the screen, the user can then decide which image they'd like larger and the computer will then download that entire image from the Eastman Exchange at an estimated cost of $10 to $20 per image.
The larger images are available in 512-pixel resolution and were printed for the demonstration on an XL 7700 thermal color printer. While the printed images were not suitable for reproduction in a publication, they were suitable for offering a producer a good idea of what a particular location is like. Various angles of the same location can be compared with each other on the Exchange as well, if multiple photographs are available.
During Kodak's pilot program, the New York and Arkansas film commissions will provide images for the Eastman Exchange and four studios, Disney, Universal, Warner Brothers, and Twentieth Century Fox have agreed to participate.
Dan Di Paola, manager of desktop graphics for Disney Studios was on hand to present the pros and cons of the Eastman Exchange from his point of view. While Disney plans to purchase the Kodak equipment for in-house use as well as use the Eastman Exchange, Di Paola says Disney's two greatest problems are the large number of file formats used in-house at the company and the fact that most software packages that offer the control wanted are too difficult for anyone but computer experts to use. However, Di Paola said the studio is eager to begin reaping the rewards in terms of time and money saved by having a unified, electronic access network for its images available.
Kodak's introduction of the Eastman Exchange is significant as Disney has been nervous about losing its image of master craftsmen at animation production by being too high profile in its acceptance of computerization. The company also recently announced that Eastman Kodak's Cinesite center completed the restoration of the fifty-year-old classic animation film Snow White.
Kodak also announced the Eastman Exchange is a portion of a larger image service, the Kodak Picture Exchange. Di Paola emphasized that Disney's interest in quality storage and retrieval of images goes beyond just preproduction film work extending into every part of the studio's production and even post-production process.
Kodak representative Holly Hillberg, director of business planning, said there could be an opportunity for location scouts who have traditionally worked with photographs. Hillberg estimated the cost of converting photos to Photo CD as about 60 cents per image and there is the possibility these Photo CD images could be incorporated into the Eastman Exchange. Location scouts would receive a commission each time the image is accessed. A service bureau with a Photofinishing Imaging Workstation (PIW) machine from Kodak can scan the images and place them on CDs in the Photo CD format, which can then be read by computer or used by the Exchange.
Kodak officials were sketchy about when the Eastman Exchange would be available for any moviemaker to access. Costs to users of the system were estimated at $1.50 a minute and company officials declined to comment on how much those who place photos on the online service could receive. Officials said they'd prefer to get through the pilot program first.
rg Eastman Kodak, tel 716-253-6275, fax 716-726-7619)
9/14/93
Eastman Exchange Helps Movies Find Locations Online
APPLE
IBM Ships Production Volumes Of
SOMERS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- IBM has started to ship production volumes of the PowerPC 601, the first of four microprocessors the company is producing out of the PowerPC alliance between IBM, Motorola, and Apple Computer.
The PowerPC 601 is designed for use in low-end to midrange desktops, a company spokesperson told Newsbytes. IBM began sampling the microprocessor among OEMs in May, he added.
Motorola is also developing PowerPC chips, but IBM's PowerPC 601 is being billed as the first edition of the part to be available to the "merchant market."
Other microprocessors that will support the RISC-based crossplatform PowerPC environment include the PowerPC 603, for laptop, handheld and other portable systems; the PowerPC 604, for servers and high-end desktop systems; and the PowerPC 620, an ultra-high-performance 64-bit chip for workstations and servers.
The PowerPC chips conform to a specification created by IBM Motorola, Apple, Bull, Thomson-CSF, Harris, TadPole Technology and other members of the PowerOpen Association for a hardware and software interface that will allow binary-compatible Unix and Apple Computer Macintosh System 7 applications to run across compliant systems from multiple vendors.
In related news, IBM plans to unveil its first PowerPC computer systems next week. The PowerPC systems will be part of a new series of RISC System/6000s models to be announced on Tuesday at Unix Expo in New York City.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930914/Press contact: Jim Smith, IBM, tel 914 766-4066)
914/Press contact: Jim Smith, IBM, tel 914 766-4066)
9/14/93
IBM Ships Production Volumes Of First PowerPC Chip
Business Software Solutions - Q&
US Remains Option For Internatio
Russia's Electronics Industry In
Nextel Keeps Expanding SMR-Cellu
Borland Sets Aussie Prices
Intel Loses ULSI Appeal, AMD New
Sharp 32 Mb MROM
Media 100 Online Video Productio
Linkon Intros Low Cost Unix Voic
Planix Software Permits Office R
US Programmer Blows A Hole In RS
Canada: TelRoute Gets Thumbs Up
Magnum Multimedia PCs Feature In
Shiva Lures Ingari From Lotus
Electronic Imaging Conference Op
Claircom Signs Air France
Canada's Unitel Prepares To Offe
Exabyte Intros Exatape Mini Data
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Electronic Imaging Conference Op
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Electronic Imaging International, a three-day expo celebrating its 10th birthday this year, opens today at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.
To meet the interests of a broad range of imaging professionals this year's show is comprised of three separate conferences: Image Input, Image Processing, and Image Output. Each of the three conferences is further divided into three tracks: Industrial/Commercial, Electronic Prepress & Publishing, and Medical/Biomedical.
Activities began this morning with a conference-wide keynote called "Coke Captures Our Imagination." In the breakfast presentation the Diet Coke commercials "Nightclub" and "Dance" were discussed by their two creators, Losang Gyatso and Peter Kellogg of Lintas Advertising Agency. In "Nightclub," Elton John performs alongside Louis Armstrong, and in "Dance," Paula Abdul dances with Gene Kelly.
This evening from 5:30 to 7:30, the show plays host to "The Imaginary Reception," a networking opportunity for exhibitors full conference attendees, and conference faculty.
The Image Input Conference is being held today, the Image Processing Conference on Wednesday, and the Image Output Conference on Thursday. Image Input will cover subjects ranging from digital cameras to laser scanners, and from Photo CD to "telemedicine."
Sample topics at the Image Processing Conference include "A New Image Registration Paradigm," "Page Assembly," "Compression," "Neural Nets for Image Processing," and "Imaging Is Obsolete!"
Those who attend the Image Processing Conference will learn about such areas as desktop color correction, digital printers, film writers, and image transmission requirements of local and wide areas networks.
The event also features a large show floor packed with dozens of exhibitors, including Sony, Texas Instruments, NEC, Thomson-CSF and Hitachi. Show floor hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Electronic Imaging International is owned and produced by Miller Freeman Inc., and sponsored by Advanced Imaging Magazine and the Automated Imaging Association.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930914/Press and reader contact: Electronic Imaging International Registrar, tel 800-223-7126)
ic Imaging International Registrar, tel 800-223-7126)
9/14/93
Electronic Imaging Conference Opens Today In Boston
GENERAL
US School Technology Spending Up
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Schools spent $2.1 billion on computer hardware and software last year, and that could grow to nearly $2.24 billion this year, according to the Software Publishers' Association.
The SPA based its figure on a study of 332 school districts nationwide. Technology coordinators were interviewed and the SPA then projected the results. The figure was up 19 percent from spending a year earlier.
Most of the money went for hardware and peripherals, according to the study's results. One interesting point was that 27 percent or $570 million, of the money went to non-integrated learning systems. Integrated learning systems, like those offered by Jostens' Learning, have long dominated the education software market, since they follow district curriculums closely and offer all materials as part of a bundle. Schools and school districts had about 4.4 million PCs installed by last summer, but 10 percent of those were in administrators' offices.
For the future, the study indicated, local area networks are coming. The coordinators, perhaps reflecting lessons from shows like the National Educational Computer Conference and the Clinton Administration's priorities, say they're decentralizing their systems, going away from labs filled with computers toward classrooms with four or five computers each. Many coordinators also expressed interest in linking these classroom local area networks with each other, and with the wider world. This would let them access the global Internet from student desks, for instance.
Another coming trend was CD-ROM. About 112,000 CD-ROM drives were installed at the time of the survey. Based on intents to purchase, the study concluded, the number of drives could rise by 72 percent in the next year. Purchase intent was also strong for videodisc players and modems.
Integrating technology into the classroom through networking, the use of CD-ROM databases and multimedia databases stood out as the primary trends. "Technology has the potential to play a major role as we reinvent our education system," concluded SPA executive director, Ken Wasch, in a press statement.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- While most analysts reacted favorably to Viacom's announcement it will acquire Paramount, which is twice its size in terms of revenues there remains the chance the deal could be scuttled. If it goes through, this would be the seventh-largest US merger since 1981.
In his press conference with Paramount head Martin Davis, Viacom head Sumner Redstone was asked repeatedly about reports in the Wall Street Journal that another bidder might emerge. He denied the Journal report, but added that even if another bidder offered more money for Paramount, they couldn't combine it with Viacom so his bid would be better in the long run.
Specifically, he denied that QVC head Barry Diller and Tele-Communications Inc., head John Malone, acting through an affiliated cable programming company called Liberty Media, would get into a bidding war with him for Paramount. The Journal claimed in its story the two would offer about the same price, $70, for the company, but would offer more in cash and less in stock.
Even if another bidder emerged, Paramount has in place what's called a "poison pill" which could fend off an unwanted takeover and its deal with Viacom gives it an immediate option on 20 percent of the company at $69.14.
If a bidding war develops, however, Redstone will go into it with experience. He based his multibillion dollar fortune on National Amusements Inc., a theater chain, and won Viacom itself in 1987 only after raising his price for the company three times to compete with a management-led leveraged buy-out attempt. It turned out to be a shrewd move, because he got into cable programming just as sales of advertising for MTV and Viacom's other networks took-off --- they're now growing at more than 25 percent per year. That growth, and the confidence it will continue, pushed Viacom's stock price above that of Paramount earlier in 1993, and made it possible for Redstone to make a deal for the company he said he'd been working toward for nearly four years.
Separately, Viacom issued a statement denying the gist of a second Journal article, published September 14, which indicated that parent National Amusements' stock purchase program may not be complying with all laws and regulations. The rise in Viacom's stock price this year helped keep down the price of Paramount.
"Any suggestion, hint or innuendo that these stock purchases were at any time inappropriate, much less improper, is baseless and false," wrote spokesmen. Added Redstone and Paramount Communications Chairman Martin Davis, "Clearly, any malicious innuendo which may be intended to serve others' agendas will have no effect whatsoever as we proceed with our planned merger."
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930914/Press Contact: Viacom, Raymond A. Boyce, 212/258-6530)
ct: Viacom, Raymond A. Boyce, 212/258-6530)
9/14/93
Reaction Swift To Viacom Buy Of Paramount
TELECOM
InterDigital Adds Third Patent t
KING OF PRUSSIA, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) InterDigital Technology filed a motion to add a third patent to the Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA, claims it's making in a patent infringement suit against Qualcomm Inc., Oki Electric Industry Company, Ltd., and Oki America.
InterDigital, best known for its Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, patents, had sued Qualcomm back in June, after it acquired the patent portfolio of SCS Mobilecom. While TDMA has lately been losing popularity among cellular service providers CDMA has been gaining popularity. Companies like Bell Atlantic and US West have committed to the technology as they move from analog to digital networks. Higher-frequency networks called Personal Communication Networks or PCNs, which will be licensed next year, will also use CDMA, and so will 800 megahertz networks being developed using Specialized Mobile Radio, or SMR frequencies.
Qualcomm, in which both Pacific Telesis and NYNEX hold interests has been pushing hard for years to get CDMA approved, and its version, which InterDigital calls "narrowband CDMA," was recently approved as a standard by the Telecommunications Industry Association. InterDigital cites its patent 5,119,375, issued last year, entitled Subscriber RF Telephone System for Providing Multiple Speech and/or Data Signals Simultaneously over Either a Single or a Plurality of RF Channels, in its latest challenge to this move. InterDigital claims the invention covered by this patent pre-dates Qualcomm's CDMA work and, is in fact, basic to digital wireless telephony. The patent is accepted by two of the defendants, Oki Electric and Oki America, in their licensing of InterDigital's TDMA.
Ironically, the move by InterDigital to attack Qualcomm's CDMA patents again comes shortly after Ericsson of Sweden's US arm sued InterDigital, claiming its TDMA patents may be invalid. Analysts agree that the moves, taken together, move digital cellular telephony out of standards-making body offices and into courtrooms.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930914/Press Contact: Dave Buckingham InterDigital Technology, 215-278-7910)
ingham InterDigital Technology, 215-278-7910)
9/14/93
InterDigital Adds Third Patent to CDMA Suit
TELECOM
CompuServe Offers Software To Ge
COLUMBUS, OHIO, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- CompuServe has offered its Host Micro Interface, the "guts" of its service, to Geoworks for use in its Geos operating system.
The deal means Geos will be the first operating system for mobile devices to include CompuServe. Support for the service usually comes through separate communications application software.
As a result, "Developers will create software allowing people to access CompuServe in another way," CompuServe spokesman Debra Young told Newsbytes. "HMI is the inner workings of CompuServe and it is service-marked. Some developers have been licensed to use it. This is the first operating vendor to use it. There will be more to come." While Geos is the first, and is setting a precedent, "we are talking to other people as well."
In addition, CompuServe will support Geos through a forum on its service, where developers can discuss technical points and get questions answered directly from Geos. The forum will also serve Geos software vendors, who can upload and download files through it. The forum goes online September 15.
Geos was originally created as a low-overhead answer to Microsoft Windows, but it is now pitched as an operating system for personal digital assistants and other mobile devices. Recently Casio and Tandy said they'd standardize their Zoomer on Geos, and Sharp said it would offer the system on its PDA.
Separately, Adobe said it is offering CompuServe's 1.4 million members a special deal on its Adobe Acrobat Reader software. The offer runs through the end of the year, and enables CS members to get the reader for $24.95, in versions for either Macintosh or Windows-based computers. Have your CompuServe ID handy if you call 800/352-3354 to get this price. Adobe Acrobat Reader enables users to view, navigate and print documents in the Acrobat program's Portable Document Format, or PDF, which preserves the essential look of a document regardless of the hardware platform, operating system or application software used to create the original.
HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Compaq Computer Corporation has announced a new notebook computer that uses a pen to perform some functions or can be used with the detachable keyboard as a conventional system.
Compaq's new family of pen-based notebook PCs is named Concerto, a system with an adjustable built-in handle that doubles as a stand. Compaq says the detachable keyboard will allow Concerto users to position the display and the keyboard independently for the most comfortable typing position. The Concerto can be used as a conventional clamshell-design PC or the user can detach the keyboard and use the system as a tablet, writing on the screen with the pen.
Concerto starts at $2,499, is available powered by a 25 or 33 megahertz (MHz) 486SL microprocessor, has a 9.5-inch monochrome display (measured diagonally), two Type II PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International) slots for use with various peripheral devices such as modems or network interface cards, and pre-installed software.
Each Concerto ships with DOS 6.0, Microsoft Windows for Pen Computing, InkWare Notetaker, and Slate PenPower for Microsoft installed. Notetaker is a pen-based application for writing, organizing and accessing handwritten or keyed notes and memos. PenPower is a application that supports pen edits and annotations in Microsoft's Excel spreadsheet software.
The pen that comes with Concerto is a pointing and input device. You can use it to initiate commands by tapping on the screen. It can also be used for editing spreadsheets or documents by selecting pre-defined symbols for actions such as inserting and deleting. You can write handwritten notes which are saved in the form they are written, or you can print in block letters. The printing is translated into data. The system has an instant-on feature that Compaq says allows Concerto to be left in the standby mode for up to seven days. Screen brightness and contrast and the power management controls are activated by a tap of the pen.
The system connects to a docking station Compaq calls FlexConnect Convenience in order to use other desktop devices. An Enhanced FlexConnect Convenience base allows the Concerto to connect to an Ethernet or Token Ring network. Concerto is scheduled to ship by the end of the third quarter.
(Jim Mallory/19930914/Press contact: John Sweney, Compaq 713-374-1564; Reader contact: Compaq Computer Corp, 713-374 0404 or 800-345-1518)
r Corp, 713-374 0404 or 800-345-1518)
9/14/93
Compaq Announces Pen-based Notebook
Compaq Intros New Server PCs
HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Compaq has introduced a new Proliant family of file servers that are available in one, two or four processor models and come with a set of CD-ROM-based utilities called SmartStart for intelligent hardware configuration.
Compaq says the four-processor Proliant can deliver up to 360 transactions per second under the Unix operating system. Internal or external drives can be plugged in or unplugged while the system is running, and the system comes with a CD ROM drive.
At the low end of the new Proliant family is the Model 1000 a single processor server that Compaq expects will have a street price of about $6,000. That includes a 486DX2 processor running at 66 megahertz (MHz) or a Pentium 60 MHz chip.
The Model 2000 supports two processors and has the same features as the 1000 plus a memory integrity feature called Advanced Error Correction Code. Compaq recommends the 2000 for an off-line backup unit or for symmetric multiprocessing. The 2000 is expected to sell for just under $9,000.
The Proliant 4000 can have up to four processors that use Unix or Windows NT, and is priced at about $14,000. The hard drives are contained in an external housing. Both the 2000 and 4000 are available with a 486 microprocessor running at 50 MHz or a Pentium chip running at 66 MHz.
Compaq says the new servers include Full Spectrum Fault Management, a feature that monitors the performance of the server and predicts potential problems before they become a real problem. Fault management is supposed to automatically restore the system to manual operation without operator intervention in case of software failure. Fault Management also includes the Windows-based Insight Manager, a SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)-based application supporting SCO Unix, Windows NT, and Netware that is designed to alert the system administrator to potential problems of changes in server status.
The SmartStart feature configures the server hardware then installs and optimizes the operating system software. Compaq says SmartStart can reduce the involvement of the system administrator in setting up the server to as little as half an hour. That doesn't include time SmartStart spends configuring and loading the operating system.
All the Proliant systems come with current version of Novell Netware, SCO Unix and Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server software, Insight Manager, and a selection of drivers on four CD-ROM disks. To use one of the operating systems the user purchases an activation key code from any Compaq software reseller. The systems carry a three-year on-site warranty. Compaq also pledges to replace various components including disk drives and memory modules when they fall below a specified performance threshold before they fail.
There is an available four-hour warranty response upgrade that guarantees a Compaq-certified technician will be on site within four hours. That service is available in 95 major metropolitan areas and can cover normal business hours only or optionally is available around the clock.
Optional features include disk drives with capacities up to 147 gigabytes of compressed data storage, 2.1 gigabyte SCSI 2 hard drives, Ethernet controllers, a 4/16-gigabyte double capacity digital audio tape (DAT) drive, a four or 12 cartridge DAT cartridge autoloader that can provide backup of up to 96 gigabytes, and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
Compaq says the 4000 is expected to ship by the end of the year. The other Proliant models are scheduled to ship within 30 days.
(Jim Mallory/19930914/Press contact: John Sweney, Compaq 713-374-1564; Reader contact: Compaq Computer Corp, 713-374 0404 or 800-345-1518)
713-374 0404 or 800-345-1518)
9/14/93
Compaq Intros New Server PCs
Market Reaction Surprises Compaq
HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Compaq Computer Corporation said this morning that it was surprised to market reaction to its predictions about the personal computer market made at its Innovate '93 conference yesterday.
"There was nothing communicated at the Innovate '93 conference that would indicate a change in the outlook for the industry or the company," said a Compaq spokesperson.
Compaq executives told reporters attending Innovate '93 at the company's headquarters yesterday they see PC market growth slowing in the second half of 1993 in North America and Europe. Compaq Senior Vice President Ross Cooley said he expects unit shipments in the market to grow 15 percent in 1993. A growth rate of about six percent was also predicted for the Japanese PC market, and Latin America is expected to grow by 23 percent, according to the executives.
With PC shipments growing by 40 percent in the first half of 1993, the predictions were apparently viewed with alarm by the stock market, and Compaq stock dropped $4.25 by the time the market closed yesterday. Compaq said it was surprised by the reaction to what it called "generally available independent research data." Compaq stock rebounded this morning, selling at $54.375 at Newsbytes press time after reaching a high of $55 earlier in the morning.
Other high-tech stocks also did poorly yesterday. Apple Computer was down 2-1/8 to 23-1/8 in after-hours trading and microprocessor maker Intel Corporation was down $2 to $62.75. At Newsbytes press time today Apple had recovered to $24.50, but Intel had dipped to $62.25.
(Jim Mallory/19930914)
$62.25.
(Jim Mallory/19930914)
9/14/93
Market Reaction Surprises Compaq
BUSINESS
Wordperfect Enters Microsoft Eur
OREM, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Wordperfect Corporation says it has complained to the European Commission panel regarding a complaint about Microsoft Corporation's business practices in Europe.
A Wordperfect spokesperson told Newsbytes the company has had what she called "informal discussions" with the EC panel, but because the talks were informal, declined to be more specific about the nature of the complaints. "An official complaint has not been filed," the spokesperson told Newsbytes.
Wordperfect is at least the second company to come forward with a complaint to the panel. Last week the EC Directorate General for Competition announced it had received another complaint from a then unidentified competitor and was studying the complaint. Microsoft later identified the original complainant as Novell Inc., accusing the network software maker of trying to broaden its effort to instigate government probes into Microsoft's business practices.
As reported earlier by Newsbytes, Microsoft's business practices in the US are currently under scrutiny by the US Department of Justice. Action by the Federal Trade Commission was avoided after that organization's commissioner's deadlocked on two separate occasions on whether to take administrative action against Microsoft. That three-year investigation was undertaken based on complaints by Microsoft competitors, allegedly including Novell.
The Wordperfect spokesperson said Wordperfect is not the only company talking to the EC panel, but declined to name the other companies. "Rest assured there are many other companies involved," the spokesperson told Newsbytes. Wordperfect realizes about 43 percent of its annual revenues from international sales.
Novell Senior Vice President and General Counsel David Bradford told Newsbytes Novell filed its complaint with the EC in early 1993. Bradford said the company refiled the complaint in late June in response to a request for more information from the EC.
Bradford declined to discuss specific details of the Novell complaint but said alleged violations include Microsoft's exclusive licensing practices and product incompatibilities intentionally incorporated into Microsoft products. Microsoft has been widely criticized, mostly by its competitors, for requiring a license fee from PC manufacturers for MS-DOS operating system software, whether or not the PC maker ships MS-DOS with each unit. Microsoft has also been accused of including undocumented features in some software which gives it an edge over competitors.
"We're seeking to protect the integrity of competition in the entire software industry. This is not necessarily a Novell-specific complaint." While Bradford would not name other companies, it's rumored that Lotus Development Corporation and Borland International have either filed complaints or had informal discussions with the EC Commission.
Bradford says Novell's goal is to achieve a level playing field in the software industry. "Competition is essential to the future of this industry. It's not good that any one company should be allowed to dominate. It's not good for Microsoft, it's not good for the industry, and it's not good the nation."
Novell publishes and markets its own version of a disk operating system, DR-DOS, which it acquired from Digital Research. Asked by Newsbytes if the consumer shouldn't be the ultimate arbiter of which operating system they prefer, Bradford said consumers don't have a choice at present. "You can pay incrementally to buy Novell DOS, but your PC will usually come loaded with MS-DOS."
Bradford denies that government intervention will stifle creativity calling that concept a Microsoft theory. "It hasn't resulted in that. The opposite is true." He says until DR-DOS came to market there was little in any competition. Once subsequent versions of DR-DOS became available Microsoft introduced MS-DOS 4.0, then 5.0 then 6.0 in response to comparable versions of DR-DOS. "That innovation brought about competition in the market." He says a ruling favorable to Novell would force Microsoft to compete on the basis of product and price, rather than their ability to garner an exclusive contract with PC makers.
The investigation into possible violation of European rules on competitiveness puts a new element into the case, since Microsoft could be found blameless in one jurisdiction and guilty in the other since different rules apply in each jurisdiction. However, Bradford said generally the rules are similar in both jurisdictions.
(Jim Mallory/19930914/Press contact: Beth Graviet, Wordperfect Corporation, 801-228-5008, Microsoft Public Relations, 206-994-8080)
8, Microsoft Public Relations, 206-994-8080)
9/14/93
Wordperfect Enters Microsoft European Fray
BUSINESS
EC Gives Thumbs Up To BT-MCI, Al
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- In an apparent burst of bureaucratic generosity, the European Commission (EC) has given the thumbs up to merger deals involving BT/MCI and Alcatel/Northern Telecom.
Of the two planned mergers, the BT/MCI deal is the most interesting since it involves BT taking a 20 percent stake in MCI. The deal could have fallen foul of the EC's anti-trust legislation if, for any reason, the EC had decided that a full-scale investigation was required. This is because full-scale investigations can take several months to complete -- time during which any inter-company arrangements would have to be put on ice.
BT is now allowed to create a joint venture company with MCI to be known as Newco. Plans call for Newco to provide enhanced international telecom services on a global basis. In return for the 20 percent stake in MCI, BT will release its North American operation to MCI in the US.
Almost over-shadowed by the BT/MCI deal announcement, the EC has also given the go-ahead for Alcatel of France to acquire the satellite antenna operations of Northern Telecom Europe. Approval of this deal, Newsbytes notes, was almost a formality, since there is no apparent conflict of interests between the two companies.
(Steve Gold/19930914)
een the two companies.
(Steve Gold/19930914)
9/14/93
EC Gives Thumbs Up To BT-MCI, Alcatel-NT Deals
TELECOM
Adobe Class Action Suit Dismisse
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Adobe Systems has had the class action suit against it finally dismissed.
In a prepared statement, the company said that the "Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed an earlier decision of the US District Court, Northern District of California, dismissing in its entirety the Consolidated Federal Securities Class Action Litigation against Adobe Systems."
The plaintiffs had appealed a March 17, 1992, decision by the Federal District Court granting Adobe's motion for summary judgement, saying that "the plaintiffs had presented no evidence from which a reasonable jury could find that any alleged projection made by Adobe was false or misleading."
The initial class action lawsuit, which involved Adobe's 1990 fiscal second quarter results, accused Adobe Systems of "artificially inflating the price of the company's stock by issuing false or misleading projections."
Dr. John Warnock, chairman and CEO of Adobe, said: "We are pleased that the federal appellate court has denied this appeal and has upheld the trial court's decision. The decision confirms our view that the litigation was without merit, that Adobe did not mislead the market."
The original March, 1992, decision, was reported by Newsbytes. At the time, the court ruled that the challenges against Adobe were based in part on a "host of muddled and hypothetical speculations."
Many companies settle class action suits out of court, something that Adobe made a conscious decision not to do. At the time of the original ruling in March, 1992, Newsbytes reported that Warnock said, "The case demonstrates that companies do not have to automatically settle when they are the target of class action securities litigation. A company can vigorously defend these cases on their merits and win."
(Ian Stokell/19930914/Press Contact: LaVon Peck 415-962-2730, Adobe Systems Inc.)
k 415-962-2730, Adobe Systems Inc.)
9/14/93
Adobe Class Action Suit Dismissed
Ask Me Intros Multimedia Present
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Ask Me Multimedia Center has introduced Super Show & Tell (SST) its first Windows-based multimedia presentation software.
The company says SST is the only multimedia presentation software that allows the user to create interactive multimedia presentations in a free-form environment.
SST supports most popular graphics, animation, sound and digital video formats. Presentations use a slide carousel metaphor and can include sound and motion without having to use an authoring language, sometimes difficult and time consuming to learn for busy PC users.
SST uses one quarter of the screen for preview windows. The remainder of the screen is occupied by thumbnail images that represent the image on which you are currently working two previous images, and the two following images. There is also a set of VCR-type control buttons, a set of positioning controls for alignment and centering, a control for slide sorting, a status bar at the bottom of the screen, and an editing section to determine which elements of each image you will incorporate into your slide. The program has context-sensitive on-screen help.
When you start SST, clicking on a media button displays buttons for text, image, sound, draw, or movie. By selecting one of those switches, you are placed into editing mode and a select picture button appears. Clicking on the button presents the user with a menu of available images for selection. Clicking on the desired image causes it to appear in the preview window.
To add text, the user clicks on the medium, then the text button, and types the text which can be placed in the desired location on the image. After the various images movies, text, sound clips, and drawings have been selected a rewind button takes you back to the beginning of the presentation. Clicking on the play button runs the interactive presentation. The carousel metaphor makes it easy to rearrange the slides in the desired order.
Text can scroll on or off or move to any screen location during the presentation. Images can grow or shrink, and fonts and colors can be changed on the fly. Supported formats include .BMP, .DIB, .PCX, .GIF, .TIFF, and .TGA graphics files; .WAV and MIDI sound files; Autodesk .FLI and FLC and Video for Windows .AVI files. The company says it plans to add additional formats in version 1.1.
SST has a suggested retail price of $149, which includes the software on 3.5-inch floppy disks, a user's guide, a handbook called Making Great Presentations On Your PC, clip media, a tutorial, and sample carousels.
(Jim Mallory/19930914/Press contact: Jennifer Weichert, Ask Me Multimedia Center, 612-686-9751; Reader contact: Ask Me Multimedia Center, 612-531-0603, fax 612-531-0645)
ltimedia Center, 612-531-0603, fax 612-531-0645)
9/14/93
Ask Me Intros Multimedia Presentation Software
UK - Intelligent Parallel Port T
STONEHOUSE, GLOS, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Cristie, the data security specialist, has unveiled the Personal, a new parallel port interfaced DC2000 data tape cartridge drive. The company claims that the drive is unusual in that it manages most of the drive control and error handling plus correction itself, rather than rely on the host PC to control its functions.
This feature, Cristie claims, makes the drive intelligent in operation. Robin Burton, the company's marketing director, also claims that this makes the drive a lot more reliable, for two reasons -- it reduces the overhead on the PC's processor and removes the need to transmit error-correction data over the parallel port interface.
"This innovation gives the Personal real advantages over some of the other DC2000-based parallel port tape units currently on the market. They are not advantages in terms of some top theoretical performance, but they are advantages in terms of the typical performance likely to be seen by the average PC user," he said.
Burton reckons that these features are very important for users. "We see this as very important as many users who have tried DC2000 drives and have been very disappointed by the results achieved with such units. This is especially true when compared with the promises made in the advertisements," he said.
The Persona drive uses 3M Ximat data cartridges to avoid the time normally needed for formatting. These cartridges deliver a native data capacity of 120 megabytes (MB), although Newsbytes notes that the software in the drive uses data compression to achieve data capacities of up to 200MB and data transfers of up to 6MB/minute.
As supplied, the drive comes with three separate packages: SDB Script Manager, and BUSS. SDB is a file-selectable menu-driven program. Script Manager is a backup session preparation utility while BUSS is Cristie's backup supervisor software, a package that the company claims can manage complete backup cycles for the user.
The Personal drive will ship at the end of this month with a retail price of UKP 699. For a limited time after shipment Cristie is offering the unit with a UKP 100 discount.
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Elonex, the direct sales PC company, has announced it is going back to a strategy of cutting PC prices as it achieves economies of scale in production and a general reduction in component costs.
Effective immediately, Elonex has cut PC prices across the board by up to 16 percent. Models affected by the price cuts include the PC400 upgradable desktop PC series, the PC400/VL VESA local bus family, and the WS400 Energy Star-compliant local area network (LAN) workstation machines.
Elonex claims that, because of the price reductions, the WS400 Energy Star series of machines now represent the most cost-effective PCs available on the market.
In parallel with the price reductions, Elonex has increased the size of the hard disks available on its machines. PCs which previously came with 170-megabyte (MB) drive now comes with a 240MB unit. Similarly, 240MB-equipped machines will come with a 340MB drive and 400MB-equipped machines will now come with a 525MB drive.
Elonex spent most of 1992 cutting PC prices, Newsbytes notes but has held off from cutting prices so far this year because of increases in component prices, particularly DRAM (dynamic random access memory) chips.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 14 (NB) -- Kodak representatives confirmed to Newsbytes that John Sculley former chief executive officer (CEO) at Apple Computer, is being considered for the post of CEO of Eastman Kodak. But the most interesting push is from Kodak's retail outlets, which, with a vested interest in Kodak's success, are pushing the company to hire Sculley.
Officials from Kodak were on hand at the company's Hollywood California announcement of its new Eastman Exchange online location scouting network for movie producers, and confirmed that Sculley is one of several being considered for the CEO post. Current CEO, Kay Whitmore, was asked last month by the company's board of directors to step down. The reasons given by the board included the feeling that Kodak needs to make changes and those changes are not happening under Whitmore. However Whitmore will remain as CEO until a replacement is found, Kodak officials said.
One of the strongest supporters in the Sculley-for-CEO movement is Mich Goldstone, owner of privately held 30-Minute Photos in Irvine, California. Goldstone claims this is the first time a company's customers have gotten involved in choosing the company's leadership, but claims he has a voice because his company is one of Kodak's largest independent retail customers.
"John Sculley is the only one who has the vision to move Apple forward. I understand he is a wonderful listener and motivator," Goldstone told Newsbytes. While he agrees with the board of directors that there has to be change, Goldstone said "They have to do something other than just firing people."
The Kodak board of directors was expected to make an announcement concerning a new CEO last week, but postponed the decision, saying they expect to fill the post by the end of the year. Sculley, who stepped down as CEO at Apple, was to be Apple's roving technology searchlight, with offices on both the East and West Coasts. However, Sculley appears to have been looking for a new job since early this year. He was interviewed by IBM's CEO search committee, although IBM officials say Sculley was never offered the position.
Reports are Sculley has made it to the "short list" of candidates for the CEO slot, which Goldstone claims is a sign the petitioning is working. Attempts are being made by 30 Minute Photos to contact the estimated 15,000 photo centers in the US to encourage them to call Gerald Roche, chairman of Heidrick & Struggles, the executive search firm working for Kodak, in order to petition Kodak for Sculley's appointment. Apple Computer representatives were unavailable for comment by press time.
Kodak is one of the largest corporate users of Apple computers in the world. Kodak employees estimated the company could rank as high as number four in ownership of Apple hardware. The $19.5 billion-a-year Rochester, New York-based company is moving strongly into the electronic imaging market with its introduction of the Photo CD format, which has been widely adopted by the computer industry as a whole, and now its introduction of online, electronic imaging services. Kodak's stock closed up a point yesterday at 61 1/2.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930914/Press Contact: David Harney Eastman Kodak, tel 716-724-3169, fax 716-724-9829; Mich Goldstone, 30 Minute Photos, tel 714-474-3942; Kate Paisley Apple Computer, 408-974-5453; Gerald Roche, Heidrick & Struggles, tel 212-867-9876, fax 212-370-9035)
& Struggles, tel 212-867-9876, fax 212-370-9035)
9/14/93
Kodak Retailers Petition Kodak To Hire Sculley
APPLE
EIS Conference Underway This Wee
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- How can EIS (Executive Information Systems) be used to improve organizational effectiveness, and what are the pitfalls? These and related questions are being explored this week at "Enterprise-Wide Information Delivery," a conference and expo going on in Boston.
Sponsored by the EIS Institute Inc. (EISI), the three-day event is aimed at illustrating the myriad possibilities that EIS presents and at arming participants with the specific strategies and products they need to solve issues and problems within their own organizations.
In the first of three keynote sessions, for example, speakers showed how EIS is being used to enhance Pratt & Whitney's customer responsiveness, distribute facts and figures on the petroleum market to Conoco executives, and give officials of the Texas Employment Commission instant access to up-to-date unemployment statistics.
This week's conference is the latest in a series that extends back to 1988, said Peggy Kilburn, executive director of EISI, in an interview with Newsbytes. The initial conferences took place in Washington, DC, and focused on government applications.
Since then, the emphasis has expanded into many other areas, she told Newsbytes. The current conference, for instance, incorporates sessions on how to integrate mobile computing, multimedia, and client/server technologies into EIS.
This week's event also provides an exhibition area, an aspect that Kilburn said proved highly successful at EISI's first conference in Boston, held last year, and at a similar show staged in San Francisco last April.
This week's exhibitors include Cognos, SAS Institute, Comshare Information Resources, Holistic Systems, Xenos, Planning Sciences MicroStrategy, Pilot Software, the Boston Computer Society, and the Intelligent Office Company.
Attendees encompass everyone from CIOs and EIS directors to MIS specialists, financial executives, decision support managers, and more. AT&T, Aetna Life & Casualty, Bank of Boston, Con Edison Hewlett-Packard, Federal Reserve System, Hallmark Cards, Unisys and Xerox are just a handful of the thousands of organizations that have sent representatives to this and other EISI events, according to Kilburn.
Activities started out this week with a get-acquainted session, in which participants flocked to special tables set up for EIS Beginners, EIS Veterans, EIS in Government, EIS in Insurance, EIS in Financial Institutions, EIS in Health Care, and Planners Who Have Built Their Own EISes.
Then began a series of keynotes and conference sessions organized around the following tracks: Essentials of EIS, EIS How-Tos Disaster Recoveries/Success Stories, Client/Server in EIS/ID (information delivery), What Multimedia Can Do, Long-Distance Connectivity, and Information Delivery Tutorials.
EISI, an information clearinghouse for EIS, also produces a newsletter. Kilburn told Newsbytes that the newsletter, "EIS World," recently started to accept paid ads.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930915/Press and reader contact: Elizabeth Simpson, EISI, tel 617-964-4555)
t: Elizabeth Simpson, EISI, tel 617-964-4555)
9/15/93
EIS Conference Underway This Week In Boston
GENERAL
Japan - Aiwa Releases Low-cost F
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Tokyo-based electronics firm Aiwa has developed low-cost fax modems which can send data at up to 14,400 bps and support G3 fax transmissions. The two models will be sold for 44,800 yen ($448) each this month.
Aiwa's latest fax modems come in a "pocket" type, the PV-PF144, and a card modem type, the PV-CAF144. The pocket fax is offered with a battery that can continuously be used for 6 hours, the company says. The card type modem is for the IBM PC/AT and the PS/V. It is a half-size extension board type device which can be inserted into the ISA extension socket.
Both fax modems support CCITT V.32bis. Data errors can be corrected with the CCITT V.42 (LAP/M, MNP Class4), and MNP Class 10 protocols. The data transmission speed of these fax modems is 14,400 bps, 12,000 bps 9,600 bps, 7,200 bps, 4,800 bps, 2,400 bps, 1,200 bps and 300 bps. Faxes can be sent at the 9,600 bps speed with commands based on EIA-578 Class 1 standards.
Fax modems have gradually gained popularity in the Japanese market. Other modem firms such as Omron are also planning to release low-cost fax modems in the near future.
HAYES, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Hitachi New Media has announced a new high performance 21-inch color monitor with a software control system, plus color temperature adjustment and power saving facilities.
Hitachi claims that the CM2188 is ideal for the most demanding graphics applications, including computer-aided design (CAD) desktop publishing, and image pre-processing.
The key feature of the monitor is its software control system that links to the PC by a serial port. Using special Windows software on the PC, one can select and adjust the size, position and color temperature of the image on screen.
As if all this wasn't enough, the CM2188 incorporates a new power saving function which reduces power consumption when the monitor is in standby mode. Hitachi claims that, under ideal conditions, its new monitor can save up to 80 percent of normal power consumption.
In use, the CM2188 automatically scans between 30 and 85 kilohertz horizontally with refresh rates of between 50 and 150 cycles per second. It supports a wide range of graphics standards, including VGA, super VGA, XGA and 8514/A, with resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200 pixels in non-interlaced, flicker-free mode.
Announcing the UKP 2,199 monitor, Mark Wilkin, Hitachi New Media's sales manager, said: "With its excellent performance, new software control, color temperature and RGB adjustment capability, as well as power saving functions, we believe that the CM2188 will provide users with a far more versatile monitor with significant environmental and cost benefits."
(Steve Gold/19930914/Press & Public Contact: HItachi New Media Tel: 081-849-2092)
ss & Public Contact: HItachi New Media Tel: 081-849-2092)
9/15/93
UK - Hitachi Unveils Software-Controlled Color Monitors
GENERAL
UK - Totally Secure PC Security
LEEDS, YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Real Time Systems (RTS), the PC security specialist, has unveiled PC Lock, a secure "dongle" system to restrict access to DOS and Windows-based PCs.
According to Neil Richardson RTS' sales and marketing director, the UKP 99 PC security system is the first of its type on the market for Windows-based PCs. As well as using a dongle, which plugs into the PC's printer port, the system has a security token based on the Dallas Semiconductor "button" technology, which provides a higher degree of security, the company asserts.
A dongle is a security device that plugs into a computer's serial or parallel port and prevents software from running until it is present. Dongle technology used to be used as a software protection device, but recently has gained favor among PC security companies.
The PC Lock system consists of DOS/Windows software, a parallel port dongle and a cable-linked token system. The idea is that, when the user is in the office, s/he plugs the dongle into the PC's parallel port and, only when access is required, is the token plugged into the holder linked to the dongle.
When the user is away from his/her PC, the dongle is removed. This means that a potential hacker would have to produce a dongle with the same characteristics and codes as the PC Lock system (which allows the dongle codes to be modified), as well simulate the token.
"To the best of my knowledge, the Dallas Semiconductor system is virtually uncrackable," Richardson told Newsbytes, adding that anyone who decided to try to crack PC Lock would have to have the resources of government agencies.
In use, PC Lock actually encrypts files on the PC's hard disk as and when required. The company claims that the algorithms used by the package are very fast and that, on a typical 25 megahertz (MHz) 80386SX-based PC with a 17 millisecond access hard disk, a one megabyte file can be encrypted or decrypted in seconds.
TUCSON, ARIZONA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Artisoft Inc., has developed a new software product that provides bridging and routing capabilities for LANtastic local area network version 5.0 users.
According to the company, the LANtastic Interchange software will link LANtastic networks that are running over dissimilar hardware cabling and topologies, including Ethernet, Arcnet and Token Ring. The new software is scheduled to be shipped this fall and will be priced at $199 per segment.
Newsbytes notes that LANtastic is one of the leading peer-to-peer network operating systems (NOS). Peer-to-peer NOS do not require a dedicated server to operate. Fully fledged NOS such as the market leading NetWare, do. Peer-to-peers, such as LANtastic, are becoming increasingly popular because of their ease of use and management. However, they lack some of the more advanced features such as extensive security.
Another area of concern is in backing up vital data. With a dedicated server set up, all the data would be on the server, and therefore easy to back up. However, backing up is more complicated with a peer-to-peer NOS because user hard drives can be accessed by other users. With peer-to-peer NOS users can be either a client a server, or both. As a result, important data can be spread out over a number of hard drives on the network. However, more advanced features and support are being added to the leading peer-to-peers.
In announcing the new product, Dave Hallmen, vice president of sales and marketing for Artisoft, said: "This new software will offer an extended level of connectivity for our LANtastic network users. Not only can they segment their existing networks to reduce traffic and improve performance, but they can also link two separate networks into a single network to share information peripherals and resources."
The company says that LANtastic Interchange will enable network interconnectivity between dissimilar hardware and cable types as well as all supported LANtastic network topologies including 2Mbps, Ethernet, Arcnet, Token Ring and the LANtastic Z network.
As an example, the company says that this connectivity can provide a growth path for users of Artisoft's original 2Mbps LANtastic network by allowing them to expand their existing network with Ethernet nodes. To achieve this bridging capability, users simply install the LANtastic Interchange software, a 2Mbps network adapter and an Ethernet network adapter on a designated network PC, which can be either a workstation or a server. This will enable the two dissimilar topologies to communicate on a single network claims the company.
The LANtastic Interchange software also reportedly extends the LANtastic Z network from a two-user network to a fully functional node on the network - either locally or remotely. Once connected this node will have full access to all resources on the network. The LANtastic Interchange software also lets LANtastic Z network users to achieve simple wide area networking between remote sites.
Using source and destination addresses to differentiate between networks, the LANtastic Interchange software reportedly routes data packets between networks, sending each packet to the appropriate network segment along the fastest and most efficient path, thereby reducing network traffic and improving performance.
A Learning mode lets addresses be grouped into different tables that can be edited. Administrators can add or remove node addresses from a table, save the table after edits, or remove all addresses in order to build a new table, says the company.
Administrators can also assign a password to the table to provide a level of security and isolate nodes on the network to prevent them from forwarding packets. A Statistics feature allows administrators to monitor network traffic by showing the number of packets sent received and discharged.
(Ian Stokell/19930914/Press Contact: Joe Stunkard 602-670-7145, Artisoft Inc.)
Joe Stunkard 602-670-7145, Artisoft Inc.)
9/15/93
Artisoft LANtastic Interchange Software
GENERAL
McAfee Intros NETShield 1.5 NetW
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Client-server computing may have improved efficiency and the management of corporate data, but it has highlighted the need for comprehensive security and anti-virus measures. Now McAfee Associates Inc., has introduced version 1.5 of its NETShield anti-virus software for NetWare file servers.
Network servers act as central data resource centers for a number of client users. This may make such operations as backing up vital information easier, but if a virus obtains access to the server the network could go down completely, unless adequate fault-tolerant precautions were taken. The server could even expedite the virus infection by making the program available to all users quicker.
However, according to the company, version 1.5 incorporates over 20 new performance, virus detection technology, and system management features. NETShield 1.5 is claimed to detect 2,017 known file server viruses. The company says that that is more than any other leading anti-virus NetWare Loadable Module (NLM) on the market.
NETShield is 100 percent server-based, and incorporates McAfee Associate's ViruScan virus detection technology.
The company says that NETShield can detect all virus types including encrypted, memory resident, multipartite, overwriting parasitic, polymorphic, and stealth viruses. The program uses checksumming, scanning, string scanning, filtering, and fingerprinting techniques.
NETShield is also claimed to compliment the security offered by typical workstation anti-virus software products by providing "complete" monitoring of all network services that access or execute server-based files, including files that are moved or copied to the server.
NETShield also monitors all NetWare commands in order to protect file server data resources. In addition, NETShield cannot be overridden or aborted by end-users, even if they have disabled their workstation-based anti-virus protection.
In announcing the new version, Bill Larson, McAfee's president and chief executive officer, said: "Network security is the top concern of LAN managers today. The increasing reliance on servers as the keeper of mission-critical data has raised awareness of the risk posed by viruses being distributed across networks. Given this environment, it is critical that file servers be protected against all viruses, known and unknown. NETShield 1.5 meets this challenge by implementing several first-of-their-kind proprietary virus detection technologies that allow us to detect more viruses than any other vendor."
NETShield 1.5 uses proprietary algorithms and protection mechanisms to protect against new, undiscovered viruses. The company says that NETShield assigns a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) value to all executable files and monitors that value for changes that would indicate virus infection.
The new version is claimed to offer broader and faster scanning capabilities. It also allows administrators to increase scanning speed by specifying the CPU (central processing unit) usage priority and by specifying the scanning mode, such as on-demand on-file-access, periodic scans.
An automatic anti-virus NLM synchronization feature automatically installs the most recent NETShield version, which saves the system manager having to update manually each server.
The company also says that system administration capabilities have also been improved with a "redesigned C-Worthy interface" to make the product easier to install and use. New pick lists have also been added to speed up the selection of installation setup options. All current settings are viewed from a system management console screen.
NETShield runs on any NetWare 3.11 file server and requires 600 kilobytes (KB) of server RAM. It is priced at $495 for the first file server and includes two years of free updates. Site and volume discount licenses are available and site license holders of competing anti-virus NLMs can receive a 50 percent discount by upgrading to NETShield under McAfee's Competitive Upgrade Program.
Readers can download a fully functional version of NETShield for a five day free trial through the McAfee BBS at 408-988-4004 (8-N-1), Compuserve (Go McAfee), America Online (McAfee) or Internet (McAfee.com).
(Ian Stokell/19930914/Press Contact: Phil Talsky 408-980-3629, McAfee Associates)
Contact: Phil Talsky 408-980-3629, McAfee Associates)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Though the Apple Computer Mac is usually billed as the "easier-to-use" computer, its increasing complexity and the growing number of novice buyers have created a ready market for basic information. With that in mind, veteran computer book author Danny Goodman and Brady Books have introduced Fear Macs No More.
This debut title is the first in a series of Fear... No More books that Goodman is writing, which includes Fear Windows No More, and similar titles on Excel for Mac and Excel for Windows. The Fear... No More series addresses the needs of reluctant beginning computer users, the publisher says.
"Being a smart computer user involves knowing basic skills and knowing where to turn when you don't know what to do," says Goodman. "Fear Macs No More replaces the sub-novice user's mystery of computing with hard and fast practical skills."
Retail price is $15.95. All Brady Publishing titles can be ordered directly by calling 800/428-5331 or through major book store chains and independent book dealers.
(Computer Currents/19930915)
t book dealers.
(Computer Currents/19930915)
9/15/93
Mac Book Targets The Reluctant Computer User
APPLE
Ipswitch Unveils TCP/IP Software
READING, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Ipswitch Inc., has announced Piper/IP, a TCP/IP product for DOS and Windows, said to use less than one percent of conventional memory.
Piper/IP reportedly can run in DOS protected mode, above 1MB. The software is said to use less than 6K of lower DOS memory, leaving all of upper memory and more than 634K of lower DOS memory for DOS Windows and applications.
Typically, on 386 PCs, Piper/IP exceeds 100K per second on file transfers. The software comes with a full suite of TCP/IP utilities for file transfer, terminal emulation, mail and backup.
Piper/IP is compatible with all popular networks, including NetWare, VINES, LAN Manager, LAN Server and Windows for Workgroups. The installation program is network-aware, automatically configuring Piper/IP to share the installed network driver and to run concurrently with the LAN.
Piper/IP's Telnet server -- said to be an invaluable tool for network administrators -- lets any TCP/IP host Telnet into a Piper/IP PC. Once connected, users can run programs, execute commands and look at files. Priced at $375 per copy, Piper/IP is also available in a five-pack for $1,195, a ten-pack for $1,995, a 20-user site license for $170/user, a 50 user site license for $150/user, and a 100-user site license for $125 per user.
Existing applications can be ported to Piper/IP with the Ipswitch Developer's Kit priced at $475.
Ipswitch is at 580 Main Street, Reading, MA 01867. Telephone 617/942-0621.
(Computer Currents/19930915)
hone 617/942-0621.
(Computer Currents/19930915)
9/15/93
Ipswitch Unveils TCP/IP Software For DOS, Windows
Western Digital's Rocketchip In
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Western Digital has announced its Rocketchip video graphics liquid crystal display (LCD) controller has been designed into IBM's new Thinkpad 750 notebook computer. The company also said it is shipping a one-inch high, 540-megabyte (MB), 3.5-inch form factor hard disk drive and has passed the one million mark on shipments of its 340 MB Caviar AC2340 hard disk drive introduced a year ago.
Western Digital boasts the Rocketchip WD24 is the first video accelerator for portable computers. The Rocketchip is designed to operate in the low power 3.3 volts necessary for portable computers. The company claims the video accelerator speeds up Windows from 5 to 6 times over competing products by offering hardware-integrated, commonly used functions such as bit block transfer, line drawing, area fill, color expansion, and hardware cursor. Western Digital pointed out its Rocketchip products have been previously selected by IBM for integration into the Thinkpad 500, 700, and 720 product lines.
In the hard disk drive arena, Western Digital says its 540 MB (formatted capacity) Caviar AC2540 is aimed at the Pentium Power PC, and 486-based personal computer market. Features of the drive include an average seek time of less than 11 milliseconds (ms) as well as an adaptive multisegmented read cache and write cache. In addition, the drive supports enhanced integrated drive electronics (IDE) features including support for high host transfer rates via input/output Channel Ready (IORDY) operation and Type B and Type F direct memory access (DMA).
Western Digital says these enhanced IDE features make the drive very competitive with features available on the higher-cost small computer systems interface (SCSI) drives. Gateway 2000 is reportedly the first adopter of the new 540 MB drive.
The company also said it has shipped nearly 3 million of its Caviar Architecture I-based drives in a year's time. Of the drives shipped, one third were the 340 MB Caviar AC2340, the first 340 MB two-platter, 3.5-inch hard disk drive. Western Digital is making nothing in a 3.5-inch form factor smaller than 170 MB and no 5.25-inch hard disk drives at all, company officials said. Consumers can expect to pay about a dollar a megabyte for hard disk storage. Smaller sizes with larger capacities will continue to be the trend, officials added.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930915/Press Contact: Letty Ledbetter Western Digital, tel 714-932-6250, fax 714-932-6498)
Western Digital, tel 714-932-6250, fax 714-932-6498)
9/15/93
Western Digital's Rocketchip In Thinkpad, 540 MB HD
More on Microsoft Ballpoint Mous
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Microsoft announced that it put two years of research into the new version 2.0 of its Ballpoint Mouse aimed at portable computers.
The Ballpoint Mouse 2.0 comes in two versions, both designed to work in Microsoft Windows, although they will work in DOS as well. One version has a cord and the other has a Quickport connector for direct connection to Quickport equipped keyboards. The Quickport is both the electrical and mechanical interface for the mouse so a cord is not needed and the mouse can be easily removed. Both Toshiba America Information Systems (TAIS) and Texas Instruments (TI) have adopted both the Quickport and the Ballpoint Mouse 2.0 for their portable computer systems.
Although the corded version of the mouse is designed for portable computers, it can be attached to the keyboard of a desktop computer as well. Two metal clips that may be adjusted in length allow the corded version to connect to the side of the keyboard, and downward pressure detaches the mouse from the connector. The corded mouse may be attached to either side of the keyboard, a thoughtful design left-handed users will appreciate.
Two buttons, one on each side of the mouse, allow the user to move the mouse to one of five angles and position it there. The idea is to minimize small, repetitive movements by allowing the user to position the mouse so the wrist is straight and the index finger curves comfortably around the end of the mouse.
The trackball is still the large 28-millimeter size, but the overall shape of the mouse is more compact and the buttons are larger. Three buttons are on the mouse that can be configured to user preferences. Two of the buttons are around the upper outside edge for use with the index finger, and one is below the track ball for use by the thumb. The mouse may also be turned over and moved against a flat surface and a padded surface is available for the users' fingers to rest on in the ball-side down position.
The new mouse software, version 9.01, is designed to address the problems associated with laptop or notebook computer mouse use and also works with any Microsoft-compatible mouse. The option of controlling the size of the pointer is included as well as an option to automatically enlarge the mouse when it is being moved quickly. The color of the pointer can be chosen as well. A trail or comet-effect for the mouse as it moves may also be selected.
Another new feature, called magnify, only comes into action once enabled. A key press accompanied by a mouse click creates a rectangular frame around the pointer and enlarges the area inside that frame. Microsoft says this feature is useful for precise cursor positioning during detailed tasks, such as placing the I-beam between two letters.
Should you lose the cursor, the locate function returns it to the center of the screen. The orientation function allows the user to tell the mouse software which direction of rolling the trackball is the most natural "up" or "north" direction. And a "snap to" function automatically puts the mouse at the default button in active dialog boxes.
The mouse software works with either MS-DOS or Windows or both. For DOS only it requires 415 kilobytes (K) of disk space, for Windows only it needs 1467 K, and for use in DOS and Windows the total is 1558 K. The MOUSE.EXE is 93 K in size, but can be loaded into high memory, Microsoft officials said. A tutorial is available to show users how to select and use the new features of version 9.01 of the mouse software and the Ballpoint Mouse 2.0 itself.
The new Ballpoint Mouse 2.0 with its software, manual, and zippered carrying case, is retail priced at $129. Registered Ballpoint Mouse 1.0 users may upgrade for $50.00 and registered Microsoft Mouse users may upgrade to the 9.01 software for $19.95.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930915/Press Contact: Julie Basnaw Microsoft, tel 206-882-8080, fax 206-936-7329; Deborah Caldwell, Waggener Edstrom, tel 408-986-1140, fax 408-986-1390; Public Contact, Microsoft, 800-426-9400)
390; Public Contact, Microsoft, 800-426-9400)
9/15/93
More on Microsoft Ballpoint Mouse, Software
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International Telecom Update
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Telephone privatization has brought down its first government. The Greek government of Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis fell September 10 over the issue of selling 35 percent of the state owned phone company, OTE, plus operating control to foreign interests. Elections are scheduled for October, and the opposition Socialists have already announced plans to cancel the sale if they win the day.
Elsewhere in Europe, the Deutsche Bundespost Telekom continued moving toward a privatization which has been agreed to, in principle, by all major parties. It set plans to drop 60,000 jobs by 1998, mainly through attrition, cut transfers of profit to the post office, and set a joint-venture with Russian phone units which plan to build data transmission networks in 20 cities there.
Also, Nokia of Finland won another big contract from Romania, Amstrad of the UK took over a bankrupt Danish wireless phone maker with plans to rehire some workers, British Telecom set up a joint venture in Spain with Banco Santandar, and Spain's Telefonica de Espana, facing this new competition, was downgraded by US brokers.
European modem makers will also get new competition from Megahertz of the US, which won government approvals to sell its PCMCIA "PC Card" and portable modems in the United Kingdom and Sweden.
In the "capital" of Europe, Brussels, Belgium, the European Commission cleared the purchase of the French Alcatel Cable submarine systems business by a unit of Canada's Northern Telecom, and heard another lecture from British Telecom on faster market liberalization. The latest lecture came in the form of a survey taken of 500 executives in 8 countries. The EC also agreed to seek a digital standard for HDTV, which could be in place by 1995. Analog HDTV standards were blown out of the water by US competition.
In Brazil, which is under increasing criticism from US economists over the slow pace of its privatization and market liberalization, Ericsson of Sweden won another big cellular contract, this time from Telpe in Pernambuco. Ericsson claims it has nearly half of the rapidly growing Latin cellular equipment market. The strength of the market is seen in results from Telebras unit Telesp, which runs phone and cellular networks in that nation's largest city, Sao Paolo. It claimed net profits of $1.7 billion will be achieved for this year.
Finally, in Chile, Banctec of the US took one-third of Servibanca, a local check processing company considered a leader in the market. Digital Equipment Corp. of the US also holds a stake, through a distributor. Banctec sells Servibanca much of its equipment.
Even without such new contracts and contacts, communications to and from the US should continue to approve thanks to US government action. The Federal Communications Commission gave Satellite Technology Management Inc., of Costa Mesa California, approval to link its earth stations to both Intelsat and competing PanAmSat satellites for voice, data, and television services.
Two important events occurred in Africa, relating to telecommunications. Sweden dropped its trade sanctions against South Africa, opening Ericsson's way into that market. For now investment sanctions remain in place, but they will drop once a Transitional Executive Council, with non-white participation comes into being. Non-racial elections, expected to be won by the African National Congress under Nelson Mandela, are scheduled for next April. Also, TRI of Malaysia entered a joint-venture to improve Tanzania's telecommunications network, which could improve the outlook for business there. Asian-based telecommunications companies have been willing to take risks in Africa which European, American, and even Japanese firms have been unwilling to take.
Speaking of Asia, Korea signed two important contracts. Its Taihan Electric Wire established a strategic alliance to re-sell fiber-based digital telephone equipment from Broadband Technology of the US, which can also offer video services to homes. Taihan is a major supplier of Korea Telephone.
And four major Korean manufacturers -- Goldstar, Hyundai Maxon, and Samsung -- signed to make digital wireless equipment under Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA standards from Qualcomm of the US. The deal gives Qualcomm an inexpensive supply of phones as it fights for market share at home, while giving Korea access to new technology it can use to open other cellular markets.
Finally in China, which should learn in about a week whether it will host the 2000 Olympics, the Chinese Research Institute for Space Technology set plans to launch five satellites in the next year, and the government began tightening controls on mobile phones and other wireless devices.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930915/Press Contact: Ericsson, Kathy Egan 212-685-4030; Gary Robinson, BancTec, Inc., 214-450-7753; Satellite Technology Management, Emil Youssefzadeh, 714/557-2400; Beverlee Hanley, BroadBand Technologies, Inc. 919-544-0015; Qualcomm, Thomas Crawford, 619-597-5715)
Thomas Crawford, 619-597-5715)
9/15/93
International Telecom Update
TELECOM
GEnie Sets Multimedia, Virtual R
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- GEnie, which has been quietly growing rapidly in the US online services business and has added some technical "news groups" from the Internet made another move for the technically literate by creating a roundtable for multimedia, desktop video and virtual reality.
Peggy Herrington, who edits a disk-based multimedia publication from New Mexico, and Denny Atkin, interactive entertainment editor for Compute Magazine, will comanage the new roundtable. A roundtable is similar to what CompuServe calls a forum, and features message bases, a collection of files which can be downloaded, and live, interactive "chat" sessions which users can dial into through their keyboards. To reach the new roundtable GEnie users need only type Cyberspace or Move 2000 from any major prompt.
As part of a "Grand Opening" celebration in October, the service will host live conferences with Noah Falstein of the 3DO Company Lou Wallace of DeskTop Video World magazine, and Howard Rheingold, author of books called "Virtual Reality" and "The Virtual Community," as well as "Babylon 5" computer graphics producer J. Michael Straczynski. Product support from leading hardware and software developers, weekly industry newscasts, and an extensive software library available for downloading will also be featured. Finally, there will be a contest with products and free time online as prizes. The new roundtable will cover all major platforms, including PCs, Macintoshes, and the Commodore Amiga.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930915/Press Contact: Peggy Herrington 505/344-9074, FAX 505/344-9180, e-mail, P.HERRINGTON on GEnie p.herrington@genie.geis.com on Internet)
N on GEnie p.herrington@genie.geis.com on Internet)
9/15/93
GEnie Sets Multimedia, Virtual Reality RoundTable
TELECOM
PCS Showdown Nears Before FCC
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- In about one week on September 23, the Federal Communications Commission is due to set rules for auctioning spectrum space for microwave-based wireless phone networks called personal communication networks. Advice is pouring in.
The National Telecommunications and Information Agency, an arm of the Administration, weighed in with a paper urging that the FCC create 30 MHz frequency bands and give out three local licenses in each of 183 markets, based on Commerce Department definitions of "market areas." It also wants to keep cellular operators limited in getting PCN licenses where they already provide cellular services, and wants new entrants into wireless communications to be given priority in licensing. The goal is to assure that people have at least five choices for wireless service in each major urban market.
MCI, which wants a national license for a consortium of 255 companies it's created, ran an ad in the Washington Post on its proposal. Newsbytes discussed the proposal with Steve Zecola MCI's vice president for the technology. "Originally we proposed three national licenses. We've since backed off to two national and two local," and the 255 companies in the consortium signed its ad.
The most important name in that list is a new one, Viacom Cable. Viacom announced earlier this week it will buy Paramount Communications, making it a premier player in both creating and distributing entertainment. "We've talked to Viacom for a while, and have been organizing the consortium for several months," said Zecola, downplaying the move.
Zecola also addressed the NTIA paper. "I think it's inconsistent with what we've been talking about. It recommends 30 MHz per licensee, while we believe 40 MHz is needed. It also doesn't support a nationwide approach, but splinters the market into smaller geographic areas. It's clear here, based on what AT&T and the regional Bells have done with Mobilink, that this is a national market. We're concerned that if the FCC splintered the spectrum, competition couldn't develop."
He added, "It took 10 years to get national cellular licenses. The cellular industry, and the seven regional Bells can't even agree on a digital cellular standard. If you can imagine 183 people sitting around trying to decide on a standard it would be like AM stereo -- the FCC decided not to adopt standards, and last year they asked for one, because nothing happened. Without a national license on how this will work," national PCS networks "will never happen."
Why? "To build out just one band across the US would cost about $8-9 billion. For the NTIA to suggest five bands of licenses you're talking about $40-45 billion to build the networks, which is absurd in our opinion. Two national licenses can get funded. If you look at what happened in the UK they awarded 2 PCS licenses and they're getting built. We're saying two national and two local, so if entities want to have smaller niche services they can build them out. We're not high on the prospect of local licenses getting funding -- Bank of America has shown that's difficult."
The NTIA paper, while it may reflect the opinions of President Clinton, is far from the final word. The current FCC consists of three commissioners, Nixon appointee and Chairman James Quello Reagan appointee Andrew Barrett and Bush appointee Ervin Duggan. Hearings have just been set on Clinton nominee Reed Hundt, due to become the new chairman, but he's unlikely to be in place before the final decisions are made. The FCC is, by definition, an independent agency -- any Administration's influence on it is limited.
Zecola told Newsbytes the FCC has been urged to also consider how much it will get in spectrum fees for the licenses, and the Office of Technology Assessment, an arm of the Congress, has said the national licensees would bring more money into the treasury. Still, "There's three commissioners, and two will decide what happens here. You can guarantee there will be an unbelievable number of lawsuits no matter what happens."
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Newsbytes wishes to correct a typographical error which appeared in this story which ran on our wire September 1. In the story's first line we reported "'Eo Incorporated is aiming the Eo at "frequent travellers," a group of executives and other white color professionals who are on the road extensively, but who are not intensively computer literate.'"
In fact, the word "color" should be "collar." Newsbytes apologizes for the error.
(Wendy Woods/19930903)
" Newsbytes apologizes for the error.
(Wendy Woods/19930903)
9/3/93
Correction - PenExpo - Eo Is Targeted At Frequent Travellers
CORRECTION
Sprint To Serve Kinko's Videocon
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- The Kinko's copying chain, which started with Paul Orfalea serving college campuses in 1970 and now bills itself as every company's "branch office," announced it will build a videoconferencing network for all its 600 stores using Sprint digital services.
The new network will be the largest public retail video system ever constructed, according to Sprint, and will use equipment from PictureTel Corp., of Danvers, Massachusetts. Once on-line, a Kinko's customer will be able to open a video link with another store or with another public or private room by dialing a toll free 800 phone number and pushing a few buttons, using Sprint's Meeting Manager dial-up videoconference system.
During the initial rollout period, Kinko's will feature an introductory price of $20 per half hour. This is common in Kinko's pricing. When it began using plastic cards in its copiers, it set a price of 5 cents per copy. It now charges 6 cents, and adds charges for re-charging the plastic card with cash. In addition to copying, Kinko's offers desktop publishing photo-finishing and computer rental services, and some offices offer passport photos.
Newsbytes discussed the contract with Sprint's Norman Black. "The first phase, which is already contracted, is activation of the first 100 sites by April 1. Beyond that, the plan is to complete the build out in two years' time," he said.
While PictureTel is best-known for slow-speed digital videoconferencing, as slow as 112,000 bits/second, the new Kinko's network will be high-end, Black added. "Every store is going to begin with a minimum T-1 installation," a 1.544 million bit/second trunk line. "All the video will begin at 384 kbps. Kinko's has said that they can envision different video equipment functioning at different speeds. If they believe, for example that you can get a PC desktop unit with a 112, they'll do that. But we're starting with T-1 and 384." Sprint's video network will allow a Kinko's customer to connect with 3,000 public and private rooms in 38 countries.
PictureTel equipment to be installed includes the PictureTel System 1000, a standards-based room video system designed to accommodate a multi-person videoconference, and a new unit called the PictureTel Live, which will allow customers to see correspondents on another Kinko's PC and at the same time to work on shared files. Kinko's Copy Centers is privately held and based in Ventura, California.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930915/Press Contact: Tammy Gentry, Kinko's 805-652-4129; Norman Black, Sprint, 404-859-6096, Ron Taylor PictureTel, 508-762-5178)
04-859-6096, Ron Taylor PictureTel, 508-762-5178)
9/15/93
Sprint To Serve Kinko's Videoconferencing Chain
TELECOM
Qualcomm Fighting Latest InterDi
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Qualcomm said it will oppose InterDigital's move to add a patent to its legal fight over the Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA, digital cellular standard.
The company said it examined Patent No. 5,119,375, which InterDigital asked the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to add to its infringement claims against Qualcomm and Oki, but concluded it has no application to the equipment at issue, namely Qualcomm-designed gear built in compliance with the Telecommunications Industry Association's CDMA standard IS-95. Qualcomm will also continue to defend itself against InterDigital's other infringement claims.
All this started a year ago when InterDigital, best-known for its work in Time Division Multiple Access, or TDMA, a competing digital cellular standard, bought SCS MobilCom, which had patent rights on what InterDigital called "Broadband CDMA" technology.
TDMA, embraced by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association as a way to increase capacity on members' networks in 1991, has since been challenged heavily by CDMA, which offers more capacity. While McCaw and Southwestern Bell plan to install TDMA, regional Bells like US West and Bell Atlantic have endorsed CDMA. While InterDigital is fighting for control of CDMA in its lawsuit against Qualcomm, it recently began defending itself against Ericsson in a suit regarding its rights to TDMA.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930915/Press Contact: Richard F. Grannis Qualcomm, 619-597-5146)
ntact: Richard F. Grannis Qualcomm, 619-597-5146)
9/15/93
Qualcomm Fighting Latest InterDigital CDMA Move
TELECOM
Correction - America Online SW I
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- In a recent story on Sharp personal digital assistants, Newsbytes called the Sharp PT-9000 "Sharp's version of the Apple Newton." Later in the same story, we noted that Sharp considers them totally different products.
A day earlier, in fact, Los Angeles editor Linda Rohrbough had done a detailed story on the PT-9000, which is in fact a quite different animal from the ExpertPad, Sharp's version of the Newton. The ExpertPad has some differences with the Newton, like a cover for the screen, but the PT-9000 uses a separate design what a Sharp spokesman called a "cross between a PDA and a sub notebook," with an optional keyboard. Also, the PT-9000 will run Geos' operating system, not the Newton system, and it will include software to access the America Online service.
Newsbytes regrets its errors in this regard, and wishes to thank Alexander Brian Abacus, a reader, for bringing it to our attention.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930915/Press Contact: Dorf & Stanton, for Sharp, 212-420-8100)
930915/Press Contact: Dorf & Stanton, for Sharp, 212-420-8100)
9/15/93
Correction - America Online SW Installed On Sharp's Newton
CORRECTION
TELECOM
Virtual Wearality T-Shirts Avail
NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) Ever wonder what happened to the guys who came up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? You'd think they would have taken their millions and retired to a South Sea island while they're still young enough to enjoy it.
But, no. One of them, Peter Laird, has started a new company in Northampton, Mass., to manufacture what he calls "Cybertunics" (a.k.a. T-shirts). Virtual Wearality is the name of the company and the name of a line of clothing based on the concept of virtual reality.
All four models of the "Brain Samba Cybertunics" sport original computer graphic designs created using state-of-the-art equipment and software. Designs were transferred onto the shirts in a completely paperless process.
The company's promotional literature is one of the best things about the whole project. "At last sportswear with the fit, function and philosophical edge to stand up to your computer adventures," it reads.
"These 100 percent cotton shirts are made tough to handle the stresses of prolonged mouse jousting.
"Guaranteed to resist the fading commonly associated with extended exposure to VDTs [video display terminals]. Most importantly, they have that cool Virtual Wearality look. The look that says, 'Fire up the computer, dude, I'm ready to jam!'"
The colorful Cybertunics cost $16.95 each, plus shipping and handling from Virtual Wearality. Telephone 800/Go-Cyber (800/462-9237), 413 586-4000.
The Boston Trade Center is featuring an exhibit called "The Other Side" this month where the T-shirts are on sale in the gift shop a company spokeswoman tells Newsbytes. The T-shirts are also in national distribution in T-shirt emporiums.
(Computer Currents/19930914)
iums.
(Computer Currents/19930914)
9/15/93
Virtual Wearality T-Shirts Available
GENERAL
Novell's Direct Mail Support For
Hong Kong - FoxPro Tempting Loca
Olivetti Unveils New Range Of Hi
PenExpo: Eo Is Targeted At Frequ
PenExpo - Dauphin Announces VAR
New nVIEW LCD
Wellfleet Licenses APPN From Dat
America Online Subscriber Base E
Viacom Buying Paramount
Cirrus Unit Wins IBM CDPD Contra
UK - Hitachi Unveils Software-Co
Program Teaches Children To Draw
They're Back! 1993 Tax Programs
Sybase To Resell/Support Microso
Dataquest LIsts Compaq In #2 Eur
AST Grid Palmpad W/Radio For Ver
UK - Cellnet Shuffles London Cal
Home Automation With A Mac Via E
Octel, Tandem In Systems Integra
MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Hoping to take advantage of the increasing number of telecommunications users worldwide seeking enhanced service applications, Octel Communications Corp., and Tandem Computers Inc., have signed a systems integrator deal.
An Octel source told Newsbytes that the company will combine its voice information processing systems and Tandem NonStop servers in a "cooperative processing environment."
According to the companies, the deal is designed to "respond to the needs of telecommunications companies for reliable hardware platforms on which to introduce applications that involve large database manipulation and processing."
One application identified by the company to Newsbytes is to be voice information services. Others will include call and message delivery services, fax processing, and audiotex.
In announcing the deal, Dan Patyk, vice president, general manager of the Voice Information Services Division at Octel Communications said: "As a leading system supplier to providers of voice information services, and consistent with Octel's goal of providing Total Service Solutions, it was essential that Octel join forces with a partner who delivers the same product integrity and reliability. This new relationship with Tandem allows us to expand existing markets and provide customers with a flexible, fault-tolerant environment for the introduction of exciting new revenue-generating services and customized applications."
The deal also allows Octel to purchase and resell Tandem equipment to its customers and act as a systems integrator.
Don Fowler, senior vice president and general manager of Tandem's solutions products group, said: "As the rate of transactions increase from technology developments in areas such as cellular communications, imaging and personal digital assistants, the importance of reliable enhanced services solutions increases. Our relationship with Octel extends our commitment to the telecommunications market."
The two companies maintain they will work together to provide high quality systems integration services, business planning and software development support services to the telecommunications industry. The companies will also collaborate on future product development.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Octel and Tandem will target customers in North and South America, Europe and the Pacific Rim.
The company source told Newsbytes that targeted companies will include telephone companies, cellular service providers and service bureaus.
This is the second deal involving Tandem's NonStop server range this week. Newsbytes also reported that Tandem had signed a deal with the Boston Software Works under which Tandem will offer BSW's messaging integration products on the Tandem NonStop Himalaya range of servers.
Tandem said that the new product combination - its Message Integrator family - combines the Boston Software Works' InterOFFICE Message Exchange with Tandem's NonStop Himalaya range of parallel-processing servers to provide "messaging interoperation and directory synchronization between multiple commonly used electronic mail systems."
PROVO, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Novell has made NetWare Btrieve 6.1b available on NetWire. NetWare Btrieve is Novell's record management system which runs on NetWare 3.11 and later network operating systems.
According to the company, version 6.1 of NetWare Btrieve has several new features and performance enhancements over the previous 5.15 version 5.15, which is included with the NetWare 3.11 operating system.
NetWare Btrieve 6.1 was shipped with the company's new high-end NetWare 4.0. NetWare Btrieve 6.1a is shipped with NetWare 4.01.
The company says that performance enhancements have been obtained by implementing a new file format, improving the caching algorithms and introducing index balancing and shadow paging.
The company also says that Online Backups allow backups to be accomplished while files are in use. Concurrent Transactions allow one or more applications to run multiple transactions at the same time for the same file.
Also, the number of key segments allowed per file has been increased from 24 to 119, and it is also possible to add and drop any index no matter when it was created.
Additionally, large record support has been enhanced by removing the 64-kilobyte (KB) limitation on record size. This allows operations to act on portions of a record instead of on the entire record, which increases the efficiency of accessing very long records.
NetWare Btrieve 6.1b is available on NetWire at no charge to US and international customers.
The company says that the relevant files located in Library 7 have been compressed using PKZIP, and that, at 9600 baud, it should take approximately 30 minutes to download the files. BTR61.EXE (707 KB) contains the software files; and BTR61M.EXE (128 KB) contains the Installation and operation manual in ASCII format.
The files are also available on diskettes - both 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch - and with a printed manual, by calling 800-UPDATE1 for US users or 317-364-7276 for international users. The product costs $49.95 US plus shipping and handling. Users can also place orders by fax by calling 317-364-0787.
Just this week, Newsbytes reported that Novell had introduced its newest 3.12 version of the market leading NetWare network operating system. NetWare commands nearly 70 percent of the NOS market. Version 3.11 has been the de facto industry standard albeit proprietary, for some time, and the product that most other networking applications try to support. NetWare 3.12 includes Basic MHS (Message Handling Service) and NetWare for Macintosh at no additional cost. It also includes version 6.1 of Btrieve.
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Microsoft Corporation has expanded its Certified Professional Program introducing three separate levels of certification for designating qualified product support personnel.
The software company says the three levels, System Engineer Product Specialist, and Trainer, validate the specific level of expertise of individuals supporting its various products. The new Certified Systems Engineer certification designates an individual who implements, maintains and supports systems incorporating the Microsoft Windows NT operating system Windows NT Advanced Server, and other Microsoft systems and workgroup products.
Microsoft says the program enhancement is in response to customer requests for assurance of the level of expertise of the people who provide system and product support and application training. Certification as a Microsoft Certified Professional at one of the levels is a yardstick both customers can use when seeking support and companies providing system integration, support and training can use to hire qualified personnel. To qualify as a Microsoft Solution Providers, companies providing integration development, training and support for Microsoft products are required to have a Microsoft Certified Professional on their staff. Attaining certification requires passing a series of examinations.
A Microsoft Certified Product Specialist designation qualified the individual to support, tune, and customize a specific Microsoft product. Individuals have to pass an operating system exam on either Microsoft Windows 3.1 or Window NT. They can also elect to demonstrate additional skills through one of more elective desktop application exams. Microsoft says existing Microsoft Certified Professionals will be shifted into the expanded program as Product Specialists.
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers are qualified to implement, maintain and support information systems with Windows NT, Windows NT Advanced Server, and other advanced systems and workgroup products. Certified Trainers can teach specific Microsoft Education Services courses, and requires demonstration of both technical knowledge and teaching skills. All Microsoft Solution Provider Authorized Training Centers are required to have a certified trainer on staff.
Microsoft publishes and distributes a Certified Professional Program information kit that contains an outline of the exam topics and lists of training resources as well as sample exams. The company also offers instructor-led and self-paced courses to help candidates prepare for certification. Exams are administered by Drake Training and Technologies, a worldwide independent testing organization.
(Jim Mallory/19930915/Press contact: Bev Auld, Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080)
ct: Bev Auld, Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080)
9/15/93
Microsoft Expands Certified Professional Program
Big Iron Software Companies Will
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Microsoft Corporation said this week that more than 20 companies that produce software for minicomputers and mainframe systems will port their tools and applications to Microsoft Windows NT within the next 12 months.
Included in the list of companies porting to Windows NT are Cincom Systems Inc., Computer Associates International, Synon Inc., system Software Associates Inc., The ASK Group Inc. Trilogy Enterprises, VMark Software Inc., Computron Technologies Corporation, Dun & Bradstreet Software Services Inc., Information Builders Inc., Informix Software Inc., J.D. Edwards & Co, Lawson Software, Legent Corporation, Oracle Corporation, PeopleSoft Inc., Ross Systems Inc., Software 2000 Inc., and SAP America Inc.
Microsoft says products for enterprise computing will be available for vertical line-of-business, systems management CASE, client-server, development tools, databases, human resources, general ledger, accounting, and manufacturing resources planning. "The companies offering products for Windows NT as part of their product lines read like the Who's Who of the enterprise software market," says Doug Henrich, director of developer relations at Microsoft.
Microsoft has formed what it calls the ISV Enterprise for Windows Advisory Board to obtain feedback on technology and other issues from the ISV community. The board met for the first time in mid-August and will meet again in late October. "Advice from these leading developers is exactly what we need to insure that Windows NT is on target for both them and our customers," according to Microsoft Executive VP Mike Maples. He is also the Microsoft representative on the board.
(Jim Mallory/19930915/Press contact: Beverley Flower Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080; Reader contact: Microsoft, 800-426-9400 or 206-882-8080)
der contact: Microsoft, 800-426-9400 or 206-882-8080)
9/15/93
Big Iron Software Companies Will Port To Windows NT
Integrated Circuit Systems Forms
CA Announces Certification Progr
Russian Cellular Tender Extended
DEC To Close Massachusetts Plant
New Cricket 3D Mouse Offers Tact
Fax Access To BBSs Gains Momentu
NEC Supplies Color LCDs To Apple
Microsoft Offers MS-Workgroup Te
Locally-Produced Wordstar 7.0 To
ACM Announces Fifth Hypertext Co
LCI Announces Integrity Business
Survival Guide For Novell Networ
Radio Shack Ships New Video Game
Complete Newsbytes Archives Now
Wordperfect Corp, SCO Strengthen
Paramount Takeover Drama Escalat
Companies Team Up To Develop Han
HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Saying its no longer possible for a single vendor to offer the whole solution, Compaq Computer Corporation President Eckhard Pfeiffer announced this week Compaq will team up with two other companies to develop a class of hand-held mobile computers that will allow the user to tap into their personal computers and networks anytime, anywhere.
Pfeiffer said the number-three PC maker has joined with software company Microsoft Corporation, chipmakers Intel Corporation and VLSI Technology to develop what Compaq calls "a hand-held mobile companion device."
Compaq said the devices, which could be available as early as next year, will be powered by VLSI's Polar chip set which is based on designs by Intel. Microsoft will support the chip sets with its Microsoft At Work operating system. Compaq will integrate the chip set and the software into a machine.
Pfeiffer said he sees the venture as a survival strategy in which computer firms and component suppliers must work together. "We must integrate. No vendor can offer the whole solution any more. Alliances, powerful alliances, are the answer." Pfieffer declined to provide details about the new device's content.
(Jim Mallory/19930915/Press contact: John Sweney, Compaq Computer Corporation, 713-374-1564; Reader contact: Compaq 713-374-1459 or 800-348-1518)
eader contact: Compaq 713-374-1459 or 800-348-1518)
9/15/93
Companies Team Up To Develop Hand-Held Mobile PCs
Integrated Circuit Systems Forms
CA Announces Certification Progr
Russian Cellular Tender Extended
DEC To Close Massachusetts Plant
New Cricket 3D Mouse Offers Tact
Fax Access To BBSs Gains Momentu
NEC Supplies Color LCDs To Apple
Microsoft Offers MS-Workgroup Te
Locally-Produced Wordstar 7.0 To
ACM Announces Fifth Hypertext Co
LCI Announces Integrity Business
Survival Guide For Novell Networ
Radio Shack Ships New Video Game
Complete Newsbytes Archives Now
Wordperfect Corp, SCO Strengthen
Paramount Takeover Drama Escalat
Latest On Viacom-QVC-Paramount
FCC Nominee Sails Through
EIS Conference - Planning Scienc
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- At the Enterprise-Wide Information Delivery Conference in Boston, Planning Sciences has announced an object-oriented, multiplatform "analytical applications development environment."
Gentium 1.0 lets end users and developers create EIS (Executive Information System) applications, and port these applications among six different platforms, all by following easy drag-and-drop steps said William S. Hopkins, vice president of marketing for Planning Sciences Inc.
To further simplify development, the new environment is organized around a "book and page" metaphor, Hopkins added, in an interview with Newsbytes.
Upon release in November, Gentium will run on Windows 3.1, Windows NT, OS/2, Macintosh, NextStep 486, and most major Unix platforms he told Newsbytes.
Gentium is also "workgroup aware," meaning that applications created with the software will allow the same information to be shared among members of a workgroup who are using any of these operating environments, he noted.
In a demo on the show floor, Ian Rawlings, product manager at Planning Sciences PLC, explained that Gentium is the result of a decision by the London-based EIS specialist to redesign its long time product from top to bottom.
Over the past couple of years, the company has established Planning Sciences Inc., to expand distribution and other activities into North America, Rawlings added.
The Gentium architecture consists of GUIs (graphical user interfaces) for the various operating systems, resting on top of an ORB (object request broker) that sits above information retrieval and database layers, he said.
The ORB allows client and server components of an application to reside anywhere on a network, according to Rawlings. In one application that might be created, for example, the server component would analyze a sales database, and send out alarms to client components when sales performance falls outside of user specified thresholds, he illustrated.
The ORB conforms to CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture), so it is interchangeable with CORBA-compliant ORBs from other software vendors.
The information retrieval layer in Gentium allows read-and-write access to Gentium's own database, as well as to databases in Q&E software and SQL (Standard Query Language) interfaces to DB2 Oracle, Ingres and Sybase, Rawlings said.
Any user who has worked with spreadsheets can create applications with Gentium, he replied, in answer to a question from Newsbytes. The kinds of EIS applications that can be produced include multidimensional databases, data modeling, "drill down," "slice and dice," matrix reporting, charts and graphs, hot spots, and exception reporting, as well as applications with intelligent hypertext links.
In addition, unlike other application development environments for EIS, Gentium permits creation of "what if" and forecasting applications, the product manager maintained.
Gentium's book-and-page interface revolves around a "contents list," with shared books, sections, chapters, pages, and portions of pages.
The application "author" can set up and disband workgroups, and move users from workgroup to workgroup, by dragging and dropping names of users and groups over icons on the screen. The author can also choose to restrict application access to specified users.
Gentium will be priced in the range of $1,000 per user, depending on configuration, according to Planning Sciences.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930915/Reader contact: Planning Sciences Inc. tel 303-794-8701; Press contact: Alexandra Ballantine, Information Counselors for Planning Sciences, tel 203-797-0307)
ion Counselors for Planning Sciences, tel 203-797-0307)
9/15/93
EIS Conference - Planning Sciences Intros Gentium 1.0
GENERAL
Logitech Intros SoundMan Audio P
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Targeting new users of PC games, Logitech Inc., has announced the SoundMan Games 8-bit stereo sound card. The company has also announced the SoundMan 16 Superpack, as well as a newly upgraded version of SoundMan 16.
Logitech says SoundMan Games is specifically developed for newcomers to the game market, and carries a suggested retail price of $139. The board is compatible with both Sound Blaster Pro and AdLib.
According to the company, SoundMan Games card has a CD-quality sampling frequency of 44.1 (kilohertz) KHz and is equipped with a six-watt stereo amplifier and an OPL-3 Yamaha synthesizer chip. The chip offers four-operator sound and 20-voice stereo support.
The board also includes a built-in Sony CD-ROM interface allowing the user to install both single and multi-session CD-ROM drives. It is MPC and MPU-401 compatible.
The company also says that the board is designed for PC game players. A "smart" installation program identifies the user's system setup and helps configure the board. It comes with DOS software, a new game, and MCS MusicRack from Animotion, featuring sound recording and editing software for Windows.
The board also offers an interface for one or two joysticks, a microphone or CD-audio line-in for recording, an output jack for stereo speakers or headphones, and Windows and DOS software for sound recording and playback sound. It also comes with a two-year guarantee and unlimited product support.
SoundMan Games is set to begin shipping in Europe in late October and will be available in North America in November.
Logitech is also shipping an upgraded version of its SoundMan 16 16-bit stereo sound card for the IBM PC. SoundMan 16 incorporates a Yamaha OPL-3 synthesizer chip with 20-voice stereo support, up to 44.1 KHz sampling and playback, a four-watt stereo amplifier, a joystick port and MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) interface, and Sound Blaster, AdLib, MPC (1 and 2), and MPU-401 compatibility. SoundMan 16 is priced at $199.
The user installation of SoundMan 16 has been improved by the addition of sound and graphics. The company says that SoundMan 16 has no jumpers so users can install the product without having to set on-board options first and the installation software automatically selects the correct settings for the system.
The SoundMan 16 Superpack includes a SoundMan 16 sound board Labtec speakers and microphone, and several software packages. The same software titles included in the SoundMan 16 upgrade is included in the SoundMan 16 Superpack, plus Soft Karaoke for Windows from Tune 1000. The Superpack is available in mid October priced at $229.
As reported in Newsbytes previously, Soundman 16 was originally introduced in February. At the time, Dave Pelton, Soundman 16 product manager, claimed that the automated installation process was a key advantage. "We leveraged our vast experience from scanner and mouse bus board installation and design to produce a board virtually anyone can install," he said.
Logitech offers seven day-a-week support for all of the SoundMan products. SoundMan 16 and SoundMan 16 Superpack come with a three-year warranty.
EMERYVILLE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Sybase Inc. says it will resell and support the Microsoft SQL Server for Windows NT.
The Microsoft SQL Server is the Sybase SQL Server, version 4.2, for Microsoft operating systems. It is a relational database management system that enables customers to build departmental and workgroup client/server applications on Windows NT.
Sybase says it supplements this offering by providing Sybase SQL Server to enterprise customers who have heterogeneous computing environments.
Sybase says that its Open Client/Server Interfaces allow customers to "seamlessly connect from clients and the Microsoft SQL Server running on Windows NT to Sybase SQL Server running on Unix, VMS OS/2, or Novell NetWare."
The company claims that Sybase enterprise customers also benefit from the ability to access Sybase System 10 components such as Replication Server, Navigation Server, and OmnisSQL Gateway.
According to Stewart Schuster, Sybase vice president of marketing "Customers have a need for different kind of products, prices, and levels of support depending upon whether they are workgroup departmental or enterprise users. Sybase will continue to directly service the enterprise Client/Server market by providing products and services for on-line distributed and mission critical applications."
Newsbytes has been reporting on the SQL Server for Windows NT product since its beta testing at the end of 1992. At the time Microsoft said that it was an essential member of the 32-bit Microsoft Windows NT networking family, and as such leveraged the features of Windows NT for advanced client-server applications.
Microsoft has maintained previously that SQL Server for Windows NT is designed for large scale, mission-critical database applications and utilizes many of the features and services of Windows NT, including pre-emptive multitasking, high performance multithreading, symmetric multiprocessing, high level security and integrated administration.
Sybase To Resell/Support Microsoft SQL Server For NT
UK - Ideal Windows Monitor
THAME, OXON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- SPEA, the graphics cards specialist, has launches the CM1764MS, a 17-inch color monitor aimed at the professional Windows user.
The monitor is capable of a very high resolution (1,024 x 1,024 pixels) and screen refresh rates of 100 cycles per second. These features, the company claims, make it ideal for use as Windows monitor.
The UKP 995 monitor was, in fact, designed for use with SPEA's Video Seven Windows accelerator cards, so as to create what the company describes as the most effective display solution for Windows users.
Hugh Bishop, SPEA'a managing director, said that, traditionally monitors have been either 14 inches for the business user or 21 inches for the professional graphics user.
"However, the graphical interface of Windows, with its use of color and icons, has created the need for a medium-sized screen which can fully display graphics intensive Windows applications without taking over the users desk at the same time," he said.
Bishop argues that a 17-inch monitor is the perfect solution and that his company has responded to this with the CM1764MS monitor.
"The new monitor is capable of displaying even the most graphics intensive Windows applications, such as presentation, software or desktop publishing, at the advanced resolutions they require," he said.
The new monitor is based around a Trinitron tube and has a horizontal frequency range of 30 to 64,000 cycles per second, as well as a vertical frequency range of 50 to 100 cycles per second with an auto-adjustment facility for signals from most computers.
(Steve Gold/19930915/Press & Public Contact: SPEA - Tel: 0844 261886)
tact: SPEA - Tel: 0844 261886)
9/15/93
UK - Ideal Windows Monitor
GENERAL
UK - Hewlett-Packard's 1st Softw
BRACKNELL, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Hewlett-Packard has announced the immediate availability of its first software-only product, Postscript Software. The Apple Computer Macintosh package has been designed for use with HP Deskwriter series of printers and sells for UKP 165.
For the money, Deskwriter printer users get what HP claims is true Adobe Postscript Level 2 printing capabilities on the Deskwriter 550C budget color printer.
According to Andrew Gunyon, HP's Inkjet printer program manager this is the company's first foray into the computer software market place. "It's the first HP product to use Adobe's configurable Postscript interpreter software and the first color Postscript solution that is truly affordable for most small office/home office (SOHO) users," he said.
Gunyon claims that users whose business environments have standardized on Postscript will be especially attracted to the package which gives them Postscript compatibility at home. "The package also enables graphic artists and desktop publishers to have inexpensive prepress proofing capabilities," he said.
On a technical level, Newsbytes notes that the Postscript software is a raster image processor that, when coupled with the Deskwriter 550C printer, is the lowest cost Adobe Postscript Level 2 color printer system currently on the market.
The software supports 35 standard Postscript printer and screen fonts, as well as Adobe Type 1 and Truetype fronts. In use, it calibrates colors and various media types to provide what HP claims is consistent color matching among output devices.
The package is quite heavy in terms of required computer resources requiring a 68030-based Mac or better, equipped with at least 8 megabytes (MB) of memory, 5MB of free hard disk space and System 7.0 or later on the Mac.
(Steve Gold/19930915/Press & Public Contact: Hewlett-Packard - Tel: 0344-369222)
SCOTTS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Borland International is getting into the workgroup game. The company announced products and strategies for introducing its own workgroup computing products into the market.
Borland says its approach is built around a "middleware" software technology product called the Object Exchange (OBEX) engine, that interacts with the operating system to provide workgroup and communication services among applications, and across multiple messaging services and local area networks. The user interface for this technology is the company's newly announced Workgroup Desktop.
At the heart of the Workgroup Desktop capability is a process Borland calls "publish and subscribe," terms coined on Apple Computer Macintosh machines with System 7, which are a way to establish ongoing data-sharing relationships among workgroup local and remote users. Borland describes publishing as a means of making a data object -- e.g., a file, a document, a piece of information -- available to other workgroup members.
Subscribing is defined as a means of using the published data object remotely, in another application or in another file of the same application.
The concept revolves around the ownership of the data. Someone who has information to share can publish the information sending it to those who subscribe, and the movement and eligibility of subscribers is determined by the publisher. Borland claims this will allow users to retain control over their own information.
Users access the OBEX technology through the Workgroup Desktop which can be accessed through a main menu or the Speedbar available in an application. The Speedbar looks and feels different for each application, depending on the features available in the application.
OBEX installs locally on the computer of each workgroup member and makes objects available to applications globally, so that multiple applications can share data components, or objects globally. Because OBEX stores shared objects on each workgroup member's computer, Borland claims OBEX provides continuous access to the objects it contains without requiring users to be continuously connected to a communications network so members of the workgroup can use shared data even when the connection to other workgroup member is not available.
The Workgroup Desktop ships with individual products. Borland announced the first of those products as Paradox 4.5 For Windows Workgroup Edition and Quattro Pro 5.0 Workgroup Edition. For programmers, Borland announced the Workgroup Enabling Kit, to allow users of off-the-shelf Windows applications such as Microsoft Word, Wordperfect and Lotus 1-2 3 to use Borland's workgroup capabilities.
The Workgroup Enabling Kit is scheduled to be available in a beta test version by the end of the year as part of Borland's Developer Relations Early Experience Program. Quattro Pro 5.0 is available now for $495 although a competitive upgrade is $99.95 and with a $20 rebate coupon the price is $79.95. Paradox for Windows Workgroup Edition is expected in 30 days for $495, but the competitive upgrade price is $149.95, and a $20 coupon is available there as well.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930915/Press Contact: Steve Grady, Borland tel 408-439-1621, fax 408-439-9273)
-439-1621, fax 408-439-9273)
9/15/93
Borland Workgroup Products
SPC Cuts UK Pricing On Harvard G
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- Software Publishing Corp. (SPC) has announced a price cut on Harvard Graphics for Windows 2.0 from UKP415 to UKP295. At the same time, the company is offering what it calls a UKP95 competitive price upgrade path for users of competing software, as well as earlier editions.
Steve Paul, SPC's international graphics marketing manager announcing the changed arrangements, said that he expects a large increase in sales, both to new users and those upgrading.
On the upgrade offer, Paul said that users have a real choice. "Price is no longer a barrier to using the best of breed product," he said, adding: "If you have a suite on your PC, you can justify upgrading to the best presentation graphics product to use with the rest of your applications."
SPC says it is expecting a UKP199 street price point for the package. The upgrade offer runs until the beginning of December. To assist customers interested in Harvard Graphics for Windows 2.0, SPC has set up a toll-free helpline on 0800-616606.
(Steve Gold/19930917/Press & Public Contact: SPC 0344-867100)
old/19930917/Press & Public Contact: SPC 0344-867100)
9/17/93
SPC Cuts UK Pricing On Harvard Graphics For Windows
tion Volumes Of
Apple Taps Fast-Growing Chinese
BEIJING, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 15 (NB) -- Apple Computer's chief executive officer (CEO), Michael Spindler, was in the People's Republic of China at today's opening of Apple's Beijing office. Spindler said Apple is planning a strong move into the fast-growing Chinese computer market.
Apple has signed a distribution agreement with the Legend Computer Group, one of the largest distributors of computer hardware in China. The Legend Group offers its own line of IBM compatible personal computers (PCs) and PC add-on cards and also distributes hardware from AST, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Sun Microsystems, and Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). The company boasts 1992 sales revenues in excess of RMD 2.8 billion and claims it holds over 20 percent of the market in China.
The Chinese personal computer market is estimated to grow at an annual rate of more than 20 percent between now and the year 2000, according to The International Data Corporation (IDC) of China/Hong Kong. China will also regain control of Hong Kong in 1997.
While the Chinese market is strongly PC oriented, Apple hopes to gain a foot-hold with the Legend distribution agreement and by sponsoring a Macintosh-based computing center at Beijing's Tsinghua University. Apple has traditionally worked through the higher education channels as a way to reach the more affluent members of society who have more resources to buy its higher priced computing products.
As part of the Apple/Legend agreement, Legend will market and service Apple desktop and notebook computers, as well as printers and other peripherals, through its nationwide network of 18 sales offices, more than 200 dealers and 50 service centers. Apple is offering the its Chinese System 7.1S operating system, Truetype Chinese fonts, and four input methods.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930915/Press Contact: Nancy Keith Kelly Apple Computer, tel 408-974-2133, fax 408-974-5470; Renee Austin, Regis McKenna for Apple, 408-862-6689)
, Regis McKenna for Apple, 408-862-6689)
9/15/93
Apple Taps Fast-Growing Chinese Market
APPLE
: X
UK - London's Financial Times Of
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- The Financial Times (FT) Profile online system has unveiled an enhanced version of its Freeway offline reader (OLR) package for PCs for its online service.
According to the company, the development of the enhanced version which has taken more than 18 months, highlights the company's commitment to the advancement of graphic interfaces for online databases and its leading position in the field.
The Freeway package, Newsbytes notes, was originally launched in December, 1991, and was designed to offer a fully automated service for users of the FT Profile full text and selected bibliographic online services. According to Jerry Roest, FT Profile's commercial director, this new version builds on the features list of the original edition, allowing the construction and running of searches to be more flexible and to offer a more comprehensible service.
"We've introduced a number of improvements to Freeway. Critical word rationalization has improved easy word searches, and we have also refined save searching. Searches can now either be saved as private to the user, in which case no one else can use them, or made public," he explained, adding that only the appointed administrator will be aware of all the saved searches on the system.
The scheduler feature of Freeway has been enhanced, Newsbytes notes so that regular searches can be carried out at dates and times suitable to the user.
This new version of Freeway can be configured for use on a local area network. This feature, the company claims, allows users on the network to gain access to the Profile service.
Other features of this new edition include a user option to display the connection and other charges to be included. This "meter" can be reset to new values as a single call progresses, so that billing can be carried out on demand.
Freeway is available on request to all subscribers of the FT Profile online service.
(Steve Gold/19930915/Press & Public Contact: FT Profile - Tel: 0932-0761444)
Press & Public Contact: FT Profile - Tel: 0932-0761444)
9/16/93
UK - London's Financial Times Offers Software Upgrade
TELECOM
UK - Network Monitoring Tool
CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Unipalm, which claims to be the UK's leading supplier of network integration software, has begun shipping a new version of its popular Lanwatch network monitoring software. The company claims that Lanwatch v3.1 provides network managers with the facility to continuously monitor and analyze all the traffic running over a network.
Unipalm claims that, using its package, managers can ensure that the network is finely tuned to minimize downtime and achieve the best possible performance. The new version is available immediately with a special price tag of UKP 995 until the end of the month, after which time the company claims, the price will rise.
The package is available in a serial line version which allows Unipalm claims, users to monitor serial line input protocol (SLIP) or point to point (PPP) traffic on a serial link. Using Lanwatch's fault-finding facilities, the company claims, network managers can also find out why data is not received properly by users and whether packets on the network are damaged.
The package supports more than 60 protocols, a level of functionality that the company claims is currently not available with any other software-based monitoring product.
"This new version has basically been developed to make a network manager's job easier and quicker and to provide a more efficient network support drive. By making the job of motoring easier, it allows network traffic to run more smoothly and there's less chance of a network going down at a really busy time, which is a big headache for corporates with high volumes of network traffic," explained Steve Barnett, Unipalm's product manager.
Lanwatch will be available at a special price of UKP 995 until the end of October, after which time it will sell for UKP 1,250, the normal price for the package.
(Steve Gold/19930915/Press & Public Contact: Unipalm - Tel: 0223 250100)
t: Unipalm - Tel: 0223 250100)
9/16/93
UK - Network Monitoring Tool
UK - Fontware's Replix Fax Manag
FAREHAM, HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Fontware Limited has unveiled Replix, a powerful fax management system for Unix networks from Softlinx in the US, into the UK marketplace.
According to the company, Replix provides Unix network users with the ability to easily and cost effectively send, receive, view route, and manage fax activity without leaving their workstations.
Paul Smith, the chief executive of the European Business Group, the parent company of Fontware, claims that Replix was designed for ease of use with a minimum of operator training. The idea behind the package is to allow X-Windows users to send a fax at the click of a button.
"For companies operating a Unix network, the benefits of shared computer-based fax management solutions are considerable. In addition to Email integration, Replix offers Unix network users significant time, cost and paper savings compared to conventional faxing methods," he said.
Smith added that the company had conducted extensive research before importing Replix over to this side of the Atlantic. "We found it to be the best fax solution available for Unix networks," he said.
Faxes can be sent using Replix via Unix electronic mail, which Fontware claims expands the user e-mail network to anyone with access to a fax machine. The package can be used across a variety of Unix platforms, including Sin 3, Sun Sparc 4, HP 700 Series and IBM RS/6000 workstations. It can support multiple users and multiple fax modems with a price tag starting at UKP 595.
(Steve Gold/19930915/Press & Public Contact: Fontware - Tel: 0329 822857)
c Contact: Fontware - Tel: 0329 822857)
9/16/93
UK - Fontware's Replix Fax Management
Alps Wireless Network Adaptor
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Alps Electric USA, Inc., has introduced the RadioPort/Parallel Wireless LAN Adapter designed for peer-to-peer and client/server networking.
The adapter supports LANtastic, NetWare Light and, with the use of a compatible wireless network interface card, versions 2.x/3.x of Novell NetWare. The product is designed for such network tasks as e-mail, file transfer, and printer-sharing, while eliminating the need for cabling. Users can quickly set up, add, remove, or relocate workstations in minutes, without disrupting the rest of the network the company says. An AC power adaptor, menu-driven software, and a keyboard power cable for laptop portability are all included.
The RadioPort/Parallel Wireless ($599 suggested retail price) is available now through system integrator Vitek. For more information contact Vitek at 800/366-6655, 619-431-2500.
(Computer Currents/19930915)
(Computer Currents/19930915)
9/16/93
Alps Wireless Network Adaptor
GENERAL
Athlete's Diary For DOS, Windows
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Version 2 of The Athlete's Diary, a computerized training log, has been released by Stevens Creek Software in Apple Computer Macintosh, DOS, and Windows versions. The program can be set up to log one sport or up to eight sports or activities.
The Athlete's Diary can be used to plan future training by entering workouts in advance. The athlete can then select by date, print out the schedule, and follow it, modifying the entries as reality replaces the plan. Totals and graphs for all entries or selected entries are accessible by a simple keystroke or mouse click. From the totals or graph window the user can quickly switch from weekly to monthly or from one sport to another, or from a pace, time or distance graph to another kind.
Special features include tracking of equipment use, a target heart rate calculator, race time predictor, and personal records. Also, the PC and Mac versions of the program are compatible; data can be transferred back and forth.
The Athlete's Diary 2.0 is available direct from Stevens Creek Software for $49.95 plus $3 shipping. Call 408/725-0424.
(Computer Currents/19930915)
/725-0424.
(Computer Currents/19930915)
9/16/93
Athlete's Diary For DOS, Windows, And Mac
APPLE
MS Advanced Server Workstation S
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Microsoft Corporation announced this week that it will distribute at no cost the software that runs the workstations on a Microsoft Advanced Server, Microsoft LAN Manager, or Microsoft Windows NT network. The free packages run on the individual workstations not the server. The price of the server software is still the same.
The software giant says it decided to make the change based on customer requests. "Customers told us that the process of acquiring client software for our networking servers is complex," according to Steve Ballmer, Microsoft executive VP of sales and support. A Microsoft spokesperson told Newsbytes the software will be available within 30 days on Compuserve or can be obtained directly from Microsoft by calling a toll-free number. The spokesperson said a final decision on which Compuserve forum will have the software is still pending, but it will probably be the Microsoft Support Forum. Licensed resellers are expected to have the product on shelves within 60 days.
The announcement should be a welcome one to network users running Microsoft software. Previously they had to pay for the file server as well as the workstation software. For example, Windows NT Advanced Server carries a $1,495 price tag -- that price hasn't changed but the five-workstation client package, once $179, is now free. This may represent a savings of thousands of dollars for large network operators.
(Jim Mallory/19930915/Press contact: Collins Hemingway, Microsoft 206-882-8080; Reader contact to obtain software: 800-426-9400)
; Reader contact to obtain software: 800-426-9400)
9/16/93
MS Advanced Server Workstation Software Now Free
GENERAL
India Evolves Code To Design Cru
Hughes LAN Intros proLINC 2.2/pr
Toshiba To Release Notebook-TV A
Unisys-Led Group Bids Pentagon I
A New Concept In Shareware Distr
Hayes Intros 144+Fax144 PCMCIA D
Hong Kong - Client-Server Instit
Australia - NEC Intros Int'l War
Canadian Show Roundup: Macs, EDI
PenExpo: Kalidor Intros Pen PC,
Hong Kong - Digital Launches PC-
Cable Act Results In Studious De
Smart Cards Under Consideration
HDTV Breakthrough - 28-Inch Low-
PacTel Split Hits Roadblock
Online Book Published As Sharewa
MS Advanced Server Workstation S
NEC To Unveil Power Saving Monit
Japan - Sega Links With Motion P
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Major Japanese game machine maker Sega Enterprises will link with Shochiku Movie, a Japanese motion picture production house, to develop multimedia software based on Shochiku movies.
Their first product for the Sega game machine will be interactive game software based on Shochiku's movie called "Rampo," a mystery featuring a detective named Rampo Edogawa. Shochiku is planning to produce a whole series of Rampo movies in the future, and a series of games should also follow.
A copyright concern is also being created to handle copyright issues related to the new computer software and music from the films.
The agreement with Shochiku calls for Sega Enterprises to have access to advanced technologies and a huge collection of Shochiku movie software.
Other partners are being sought in this alliance, including TV broadcasting firms and book publishers, but their names have not been announced.
Sega Enterprises has signed the similar agreements with US movie firms, and is developing game software based on stories derived from movies.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930916/Press Contact: Sega Enterprises, +81-3-3743-7603, Fax, +81-3-3743-7830)
rises, +81-3-3743-7603, Fax, +81-3-3743-7830)
9/16/93
Japan - Sega Links With Motion Picture Firm
BUSINESS
Correction - Nintendo Has Third
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- This story corrects a report which appeared on May 26 in the Newsbytes wire, which indicated that Nintendo was the third largest business in Japan. The correct information is that Nintendo was the third most profitable business in Japan, following Toyota Motor and NTT.
Nintendo develops games and game hardware and is expecting to release 10 new titles this fiscal year. Nintendo released six games in fiscal 1992 and has licensees who cumulatively have 349 titles for Nintendo's Famicon and Super Famicom game machines.
Nintendo exports most of its game machines to international markets, but due to the relative strength of the Japanese yen, has plans to produce more of its hardware overseas.
Nintendo is currently planning a space-satellite-based game service on which it will sell game software and hold a variety of game competitions.
Despite the slump in the Japanese computer industry, Nintendo continues to do well with a 163.8 billion yen ($1.64 billion) profit for fiscal 1992, which ended in March 1993. Nintendo's profit passed that of Matsushita Electric, which had profits in fourth place.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930916/Press Contact: Nintendo, tel 81-75-541-6111, fax +81-75-531-1820)
ntendo, tel 81-75-541-6111, fax +81-75-531-1820)
9/16/93
Correction - Nintendo Has Third Highest Profit
CORRECTION
BUSINESS
LanCD - Fast Net Access To Multi
NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- In a briefing at company headquarters in Nashua, NH, Logicraft has announced software for rapid network access to multiple CD-ROM drives.
Logicraft's new LanCD is targeted at corporate, university government, medical, legal and other large, complex computing environments that make extensive use of CD-ROM applications, said Ralph Smith, vice president of support services.
Unlike competing products, LanCD can support up to four network protocols simultaneously, explained Chris Caggiula, vice president of marketing.
Support is provided for IPX/SPX, as well as for such NetBios networks as Novell NetWare, 3Com, Banyan Vines, and Pathworks. In addition, when used with Logicraft's PC network servers 486Ware and Omni-Ware, the DOS-based software extends CD-ROM connectivity to Unix and VMS systems.
FastCD, another unique capability, permits rapid data searches by creating "virtual CD-ROM discs" on SCSI hard drives, said Caggiula. Supplied by an accompanying software package, FastCD allows CD-ROM applications to be accessed 30 to 300 times faster than the speed of a conventional CD-ROM drive, he asserted.
FastCD supports up to 254 virtual discs per server. Each client has access to up to 10 servers, meaning that each user can access as many as 2,540 virtual CD-ROM discs, he maintained.
A management utility that comes with LanCD lets the network administer remotely monitor LanCD operation. Caggiula showed how the tool can be used to view server activity, change server parameters, set up and monitor CD-ROM licensing, and lock, unlock and eject CD-ROMs from a PC, Unix workstation, VT terminal, and VAXstation. Licensing can be controlled per drive, per application, and per position, he said.
Caggiula also demonstrated how LanCD and FastCD allow multiple end users to quickly access and search such applications as the Federal Register or Computer Select from multivendor platforms.
LanCD Version 1.0 is available immediately, at prices starting at $1,995 for a license that covers 100 simultaneous users. Caggiula told Newsbytes that the next release of LanCD, Version 1.1, will permit direct connectivity to Banyan Vines without the need for a NetBios layer. Soon afterward, in Version 1.2, Logicraft will add a Windows 3.1-based GUI, along with TCP/IP and NFS connectivity, he said.
A Macintosh version of LanCD is now in beta and will be released next year, with the first quarter as a target date, according to Caggiula. Logicraft is also conducting a feasibility study for a port to Windows NT.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930915/Reader and press contact: Jennifer Tyrrell, Logicraft, tel 603-880-0300)
ennifer Tyrrell, Logicraft, tel 603-880-0300)
9/16/93
LanCD - Fast Net Access To Multiple CD-ROMs
GENERAL
Iridium Director Campaigns In In
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- After initial take off pangs Motorola's Iridium project seems finally set to take off. A new company, Iridium Inc., has been formed and its director of communications, John M. Windolf, was recently in India's capital to boost the fund-raising campaign in the country.
"Irrespective of competition from other big LEOs (low earth orbitters) the Iridium project is going perfectly on schedule," claimed Windolf. The first round of equity financing of $800 million is already over, and a second round aimed at bringing in an additional $800 million, will begin in early 1995.
"The project has already moved from the R&D to the production and implementation stage and launching and deployment in low earth orbit of the 66 satellites will begin in 1996." US aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Corp. will manufacture the satellites' spacecraft bus and the satellites will be launched from the US on the McDonell Douglas Delta rocket, from Russia by Khrunichev on the Proton rocket, and by China Great Wall Industries on the Long March.
By 1998, the company expects all the satellites to be in place and the commercial service to begin.
"We're all waiting for the PSLV (polar satellite launch vehicle) launch by ISRO (India Space Research Organization)," said Windolf "Not because it will give India ICBM capabilities, but because we expect ISRO to launch some of our second generation satellites." The low-earth orbit Iridium satellites will have a short life span, and for replenishment and spares, 125 satellites will be built and launched in total. The launching of the second generation satellites will begin in 1998.
Windolf denied that the launching contract will depend on the amount of investment from India: "It depends on the party's capability, past record and price-performance." But the award of the contract will, of course, hinge on the US lift of a ban on ISRO regarding space-related projects. Windolf expects the embargo to be lifted "within a few months."
Motorola had offered India five percent stake in the Iridium project against an investment of $80 million. "We've already got the required approval from the Indian government, and it's now up to the Reserve Bank of India to release the money," Windolf said.
To raise funds for India's participation and to bring together the government, private institutions, and local bodies, Motorola signed a memorandum of understanding with Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd. "As a catalyst, IL&FS has already shortlisted the shareholders and negotiations are at the final stage," claimed Windolf. He was, however, reticent to divulge the name of the shortlisted companies.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930916)
nies.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930916)
9/16/93
Iridium Director Campaigns In India
TELECOM
TCS Consortium Bags Rs 20-Crore
C BOMBAY, INDIA, 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- The Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) consortium comprising TCS, Stratus, TCAM and Motorola Inc. has bagged the order for computerization of the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSEIL). NSE is being set up by major financial institutions with the Industrial Development Bank of India spearheading the operation.
Officials at IDBI as well as TCS are tight-lipped about the exact value of the multi-crore contract, maintaining "these will be announced a little later." But sources put the amount to Rs 20 crore (around $6.6 million).
TCS, in its role of systems integrator and project manager, will coordinate activities relating to application customization hardware maintenance, system software support, client liaison training, site preparation and coordination between sub-contracters. The application software for money market and capital market is being provided by TCAM, the online fault-tolerant transaction processing system from Stratus and Motorola.
TCAM will supply the same application software it gave for the Vancouver Computerized Trading (VCT) System. It is written in PL1 language and uses the Apple Tree database. "The package is handcrafted to run on the Stratus system," says S. Ramadorai executive vice president, TCS. Incidentally, the VCT system in operation since May of 1988, received the 1990 Canadian Software System Award. The VCT, which provides trading functionality in money market instruments, equities and bonds also forms the basis for trading systems in the Mexico, Caracas Maracaibo and Istanbul stock exchanges.
Money market software is presently in final assurance testing for the Mexican Stock Exchange and will be implemented in the third quarter of this year.
The system will support screen-based automated trading surveillance, and control operations and real-time dissemination of price and trade information. Trader workstations will be linked to the central computer though X.25 network.
Says Ramadorai, "The money market will be computerized first by the end of this year followed by the capital market which is slated to be completed by the middle of next year." He adds: "Fifteen to twenty TCS software engineers started with the customization in the beginning of September and it is likely to take 40 to 50 person years."
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930916)
rson years."
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930916)
9/16/93
TCS Consortium Bags Rs 20-Crore NSE Order
BUSINESS
India's Biggest Computer Show
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Recession or no recession it is show time in India. Computer vendors are set to prove that all that glitters, in their stall naturally, has not necessarily come from the art department of their ad agency.
The showcasing of the Indian IT industry, with a sprinkling of Asian participants, has taken off here at Pagati Maidan exhibition complex inaugurated by the Indian Prime Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao. A hands-on computer user himself, the Prime Minister lamented the slow pace of introduction of information technology into the administration at all levels.
The youthful Minister of State for Science & Technology, R. Kumaramangalam, who is also a computer buff, urged the industry to "give solutions, and not illusions" to customers. On the industry side, the (MAIT) Manufacturers' Association of Information Technology, which organized the event, has an opportunity to directly appeal to the government about its own woes. MAIT's president, Ashok Soota, raised a petition against the rampant "grey market," the jargon for unorganized small-time kit assemblers or even smugglers. The grey market has grown to nearly 40 percent of the PC sales. It is the biggest cause for worry by the industry.
IT Asia '93 promises to have on display the best of the Indian industry during the four-day carnival (16-19 Sep). Along with the ubiquitous exhibitions, will be the "vision seminars," which promise to offer a peep into the marrow of computing.
The exhibition will be the first opportunity for the hoi polloi to have a peek at the effects of the liberalization, that has so much been the talk here and elsewhere. Foreign firms, hefting along the hottest in technology, must expect to gather most of the limelight.
US-based Dell Computer seems all set to steal the show from its more famous rivals -- Compaq, IBM and Apple -- none of which are directly present at the exhibition.
Dell's Indian partner, Pertech Computers Limited (PCL), has booked the maximum space at the exhibition and has spent a tidy sum on getting its stall decorated. There is no doubt that PCL is going all out to make Dell's launch in this country the grandest ever.
That the exhibition also plays host to developments in Asia is evident from the fact that 71 foreign firms, not just their Indian collaborators, have booked stall space. Singapore and Taiwan are going to make their presence felt with 26 and 28 stalls respectively. Among the more well-known overseas firms that promised to attend are Autodesk, Sony and IT Asia Pacific.
On the Indian side, most of the major players have booked sufficient stall space, a notable exception being HCL-Hewlett Packard, which pulled out at the last moment. Other hardware majors that have decided to skip the show include, TISL (the Tata-IBM joint venture) Digital Equipment (DEC's subsidiary and the company that manufactures Apple Computer Macintoshes locally), Modi Olivetti (the Olivetti joint venture firm) and Microland (Compaq's distributors). The reason for these companies not participating is, according to Modi Olivetti's Shashi Ullal: "The benefits from these shows do not commensurate the expenditure and effort that goes in participating in such extravaganzas."
Exhibition apart, the vision seminars promise a peek into computing's future. Kicking off the seminars, keynote speaker to the uninitiated is Vinod Dham (Intel's vice president of microprocessors and more importantly an Indian). Topics of the seminars to be spread across three days are: Trends in Microprocessor Architecture; Trends in Operating Systems; Trends in Database Technologies; Networking Issues; Export Opportunities and the Usage of Computers.
Representatives from IBM, Microsoft and Intel, among others, are scheduled to address the gatherings. The database and client/server queen, Shaku Atre is there too.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930916)
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930916)
9/16/93
India's Biggest Computer Show
GENERAL
Client/Server Needs New Thinking
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- The client/server computing model has plenty of potential, consultant Art Benjamin told a conference here recently, but just moving work off mainframe computers onto networks of cooperating machines is not enough. The way systems are developed must also change.
Benjamin, a veteran of the Canadian computer industry, gave an entertaining presentation to a crowded room at Downsizing Expo, a show and conference put on by Digital Consulting Inc. of Andover Massachusetts. His topic was "Client/Server: Cliches & Myths."
Among the myths, Benjamin said, are the ideas that open systems are always good and proprietary systems always bad, that Microsoft Windows is the future, that anything object-oriented is automatically good, that client really means desktop and server really means network, and that end users love graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
Benjamin took a few shots at the sacred cow of GUIs (graphical user interfaces), saying most novices find them at least as intimidating as a simple C: prompt, and a cluttered graphical screen can be very confusing. In the long run, he admitted GUIs are "better than DOS, provided you don't treat GUI as a more complex DOS, which most of the GUI manuals do."
Microsoft Windows is strong today, he said, but "please do not underestimate the speed at which voice is becoming real." Windows is not designed to handle voice recognition well, Benjamin said.
As for open systems, Benjamin did not dispute that standards that free computer users to buy from more than one vendor are desirable. But he pointed out that the term "open" is ill-defined. "The issue is where standards form," he said.
He said object-oriented development is of little concern to end-users. But what is important, he added, is an object rather than application approach to the way computer users do things. By 2000, Benjamin predicted, the idea of a computer application will vanish. Most people don't naturally think in terms of doing word processing or spreadsheet analysis; they think in terms of working on a particular project or document. So computer systems should be organized the same way.
This concept, Benjamin said, "gives meaning to client/server."
Benjamin, who likes to illustrate his points with cartoons (he favors Gary Larson's The Far Side feature in particular), warned his audience that client/server technology will do little or no good if not accompanied by new approaches to system development.
Some 70 percent of the total software effort today is spent on maintenance, he said. "If we go to client/server and maintain these ratios, we have gained nothing."
The application development cycle that was common in the mainframe world is at fault, he said. "I must get away from these bloody cycles on the mainframe or I might as well stay on the mainframe."
A more evolutionary approach, in which developers constantly modify their systems to meet changing user needs, is the way to go, Benjamin said.
(Grant Buckler/19930916)
to go, Benjamin said.
(Grant Buckler/19930916)
9/16/93
Client/Server Needs New Thinking -- Art Benjamin
TRENDS
Delrina Screen Saver Pokes Fun A
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Bill the Cat is not the only Bill, or the only cat, to appear in a new screen saver featuring the work of cartoonist Berke Breathed. The Opus 'n Bill screen saver will test the sense of humor of Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates, among others. The program is for Windows and Apple Computer's Macintosh.
Breathed, creator of the Outland comic strip and its predecessor Bloom County, has brought his irreverence to the screen with a series of 16 animated sequences that include some laughs at Microsoft's expense.
In one of the sequences, a Delrina spokesman told Newsbytes Gates demonstrates a new memory management program. The computer explodes, blowing Gates' head off, and displays a message saying "every last one of your files was erased." Gates then spends the rest of the sequence trying to retrieve his head in a variation of an old vaudeville dropped-hat routine.
Earlier this year Microsoft got plenty of unwelcome publicity for its MS-DOS 6.0 release when some users reported problems with a new file compression utility, leading in some cases to lost files.
Gates isn't the only powerful figure to become a target of Breathed's wit; one of the other sequences involves a "romantic fling" between Bill the Cat and Socks, US President Bill Clinton's cat. That sequence also shows one of the Outland characters "mooning" the president in the Oval Office, Newsbytes was told.
Microsoft employees reportedly have been asked not to buy the program. Others can get it for US suggested retail price of $44.95, or C$55.95.
Delrina also said it is launching the Opus 'n Bill Hacker Club, a subscription deal that will bring participants five new animations for the screen saver each quarter. A one-year subscription is $49.95; updates cost $19.95 singly.
(Grant Buckler/19930916/Press Contact: Josef Zankowicz, Delrina 416-441-4658; Public Contact: Delrina, 800-268-6082)
416-441-4658; Public Contact: Delrina, 800-268-6082)
9/16/93
Delrina Screen Saver Pokes Fun At Computer Industry
APPLE
F d
Business Software Solutions - Th
IDC On PC Market Shares - The Ri
UK - Staples Opens 2nd PC Supers
Bell Canada Denied Local Rate In
Delrina Ships FormFlow
Toshiba & NTT To Cut 10,000 Empl
Zoo Keeper Teaches Kids About En
Sharp To Intro DOS-Compatible PD
Latvia - Bank Cards Introduced
Moscow - Sprint Express Service
Iridium Director Campaigns In In
Tandem In Development & Marketin
Compaq PCs Used In Cambodian Tel
India's Biggest Computer Show
HCL HP Spruces Up Micro Range, L
Cyrix Intros 486 Processor Chips
SunSoft Intros Solaris 2.3 & Dev
Macworld Canada - Computers, Com
NYNEX Buys Contel Northeast Cell
New Ergo Keyboard From Ergologic
Systemhouse Acquires 3 Education
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- SHL Systemhouse Inc. wants a bigger chunk of the end-user education business, and has set out to get it by buying three smaller firms. The systems integrator has acquired Ivy Computer Centres Inc., in Toronto Micromaster Computer Education Ltd., in Edmonton, and KEE Systems in Columbia, Maryland.
Kauko Aronaho, senior vice-president of finance and administration and chief financial officer for Systemhouse' ComputerLand Canada subsidiary, would not disclose the terms of the buyouts. He did say that KEE Systems will become a subsidiary of Systemhouse's US operation, while the two Canadian companies will be integrated into Learning Technologies of Canada, a Systemhouse subsidiary.
Ivy and Micromaster will continue doing business under their present names though they will cease to be legally separate companies, Aronaho said. All management and staff of both Canadian firms, and of KEE Systems, will remain in place.
Systemhouse officials said they expect the two Canadian acquisitions to increase the company's Canadian education business by more than 20 percent.
KEE Systems has annual revenues of about $4 million and some 35 employees, Systemhouse said.
The moves seem to signal a continued growth-by-acquisition strategy at Systemhouse, which has taken over several smaller Canadian and US in recent years.
(Grant Buckler/19930916/Press Contact: Kauko Aronaho Systemhouse-ComputerLand Canada, 416-793-9000)
house-ComputerLand Canada, 416-793-9000)
9/16/93
Systemhouse Acquires 3 Education Firms
BUSINESS
New Media Ad Conference Set
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Alan Brody, who writes for Marketing Computers and other publications, has put together a conference on advertising in the New Media, including the online media, which kicks off next week at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in New York.
To demonstrate the new forms of advertising, the conference will open with a performance artist acting out an interactive ad. The conference, called CreaTECH, costs $295 and will feature speakers like Richard Smith, president of Newsweek Interactive, and Marc Jaffe of the Electronic Licensing Organization.
"New media advertising is to old media advertising what performance art is to fine art," said Brody in a press statement. "You don't just hang it up on a wall -- it has to work to be there. Performance art interacts with its audience and may not even look like art but has the same ultimate purpose."
Many of the speakers represent advertising agencies which have been working for a time in the online media, and a showcase of the agencies will be featured. There will be panels on current tests of interactive television, on agencies which have advertised on CD-ROM and floppy disks, on digital film and desktop publishing, and on techniques of persuasion which will be used in the mew media.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930916/Press Contact: Connie Connors, for CreaTECH, 212-995-2200)
, for CreaTECH, 212-995-2200)
9/16/93
New Media Ad Conference Set
TELECOM
Artisoft, Former CEO Settle Disp
TUCSON, ARIZONA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Artisoft Inc. announced this week that it has settled the arbitration case with its former chief executive officer C. John Schoof II.
The company said the settlement calls for Artisoft to purchase nearly 3.5 million shares of Schoof's outstanding Artisoft common stock, or about 20 percent of the outstanding stock. That leaves about 14 million shares of Artisoft common stock outstanding. The company will also purchase Artisoft stock options held by Schoof. The purchases cost Artisoft $25.5 million.
The settlement also calls for all previous claims made by Artisoft and Schoof during arbitration to be dismissed. Schoof also resigned from Artisoft's board of directors and withdrew his nominations to the board of directors, as well as his proposal to expand the board to seven members from the present six.
(Jim Mallory/19930923/Press contact: David Sentman, Artisoft Inc, 602-670-7160)
Sentman, Artisoft Inc, 602-670-7160)
9/23/93
Artisoft, Former CEO Settle Dispute
BUSINESS
EIS Conference - Commander EIS L
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A, 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- At the Enterprise-Wide Information Delivery Conference this week, Comshare announced a full-scale client-server version of Commander EIS for PC networks, plus a financial application that can be used either with the new EIS software or on a stand-alone basis.
Comshare has offered a Windows-based version of Commander EIS in the past, but the new Commander EIS LAN brings data preparation and application management capabilities previously available only through the mainframe edition of Commander EIS, a company spokesperson told Newsbytes. The server component of Commander EIS LAN runs on OS/2, while the client component operates on Windows 3.1, he added.
The new, Windows 3.1-based Commander Profit application is designed to help executives, line-of-business managers, and financial analysts assess and improve profit performance.
Commander EIS LAN and Commander Profit each incorporate the multidimensional modeling capabilities of Commander Prism, a product unveiled at Business Software Solutions that lets the user create up to 32,000 virtual "views" of data, according to the spokesperson.
Commander EIS LAN is able to collect data from multiple sources within an organization, including relational databases spreadsheets, and legacy systems, and deliver the information to executives and other decision-makers throughout the organization.
The delivery component of the system collects and packages data reports, programs, displays and other information in applications as "objects," and then automatically distributes these objects with full security to all allowed users.
Commander EIS LAN incorporates Q&E Software's Q&E Database Editor and Q&E Database Library, products that interface to such relational database as Sybase, Oracle, Ingres, dBase and SQL Server, he said.
Users can create multidimensional models for use in Commander EIS. Commander EIS will also cleanse, join, sum, rotate, and then output the data to relational databases as report formats, relational tables for queries, or multidimensional data sets for analysis.
Commander EIS LAN includes a "starter application" that lets the user customize a multidimensional application with data sources product names, organizational structure, and other specifics simply by filling in the blanks.
The software also automatically notifies administrators on error conditions, capacity status, and other information regarding system performance, the spokesperson told Newsbytes.
Commander Profit was originally developed for large Comshare customers such as Hertz. Hertz is using the software to assess the profitability of various auto rental lines, he explained.
The new financial application consists of three main components. The Profit Model creates a multidimensional model of a business by products or product lines, distribution channels, strategic business units, and other dimensions.
The Information Integrator component collects raw data from internal and external sources, and then transforms the information for use in the Profit Model.
The Performance Scorecard is aimed at letting managers compare actual performance to expected or budgeted performance, locate sources of problems and opportunities, and prepare for the next cycle of planning.
Users can browse through performance data in the Profit Model, look at individual "slices" of data, rotate the business model through recalculations, and query the multidimensional data for answers to specific questions.
Commander EIS LAN, a package that includes client and server software, is priced at $75,000 for up to 50 users, and $500 for each additional user. Commander Profit is priced at $95,000 for up to 50 users, and $500 for each additional user.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930916/Reader contact: Comshare Marketing, tel 800-922-7979; Press contacts: Ricia Hughes, Comshare, tel 313-769 6068; Tim Hurley, David Copithorne or Nick Berents, Copithorne & Bellows for Comshare, tel 617-252-0606)
nts, Copithorne & Bellows for Comshare, tel 617-252-0606)
9/16/93
EIS Conference - Commander EIS LAN And Commander Profit
Adobe Intros New Types/Catalog
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) Adobe has also announced the immediate availability of the Fall 1993 edition of Font & Function and 28 new typeface packages from the Adobe Type Library.
According to Robert Koch, product marketing manager for the Adobe Type Group, the catalog features examples of new typefaces ideas for creative font usage, topographic tips and techniques and special offers on a variety of type products.
The company says that the 28 new typeface packages now available include designs from leading type foundries such as ITC, Monotype and Berthold. The packages are available for both the Macintosh and IBM personal computing environments and bring the total number of typeface packages in the Adobe Type Library to over 360 representing more than 1,800 typefaces.
Adobe has also announced the new Sanvito and Caflisch Script multiple master typefaces for the Macintosh.
The company says that, through December 31, 1993, Sanvito and Caflisch Script and the other multiple master typeface packages are available for $89 through Font & Function. After December 31, Sanvito and Caflisch Script will be available for $185 and $95 respectively.
In announcing the typefaces, Brian Heuckroth, senior product marketing manager for Adobe's Type Group, claimed, "These two multiple master typefaces are a digital tribute to the fine handwritten forms that inspired them. They provide designers with an unlimited range of possibilities for a variety of uses from informal correspondence to display advertising."
The company says that Sanvito is based on the handwriting of its designer, Robert Slimbach, and has two design axes - weight and optical size. Caflisch Script is also designed by Slimbach, and is a contemporary italic script based on the handwriting of Swiss typographer, Max Caflisch. It has a design axis for weight, which works like a pen selector with options ranging from fine-point to broad felt-tip.
Sanvito and Caflisch Script also include a collection of ready-to-use primary fonts, the Font Creator, Adobe Type Manager and Adobe Type Reunion software. Each package contains a specimen book that shows typeface samples and explains the history, design and development of the typeface, says the company.
Multiple master typefaces are Type 1 fonts that work with Adobe Type Manager software and can be used in any application which supports Type 1 fonts. From a single multiple master typeface users can generate thousands of font variations customized for their specific needs.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Just two days after having a class action suit against it finally dismissed Adobe Systems has settled its copyright infringement suit against Visual Applications Inc.
Adobe claimed that Visual Applications illegally copied and incorporated Adobe Photoshop software into Visual Applications' Design Resource Manager, its automated design system.
As part of the settlement, Adobe says that Visual Applications has removed any reference to and use of Adobe Photoshop in its Design Resource Manager and is required to make an "undisclosed monetary payment" to the company.
In announcing the settlement, Dave Pratt, senior vice president and general manager of Adobe's Application Products Division, said: "Copyright and trademark infringement are widespread problems that cost software publishers and consumers millions of dollars each year. We take copyright infringement very seriously and plan to thoroughly protect our rights as a software developer. We hope this settlement will motivate other companies to comply with the law."
Adobe licenses its technology to major computer and publishing suppliers, and markets a line of type and application software products. The company claims that revenue for 1992 exceeded $265 million.
Earlier this week, Newsbytes reported that Adobe's class action suit that began in 1990, was finally dismissed.
The plaintiffs had appealed a March 17, 1992, decision by the Federal District Court granting Adobe's motion for summary judgement saying that "the plaintiffs had presented no evidence from which a reasonable jury could find that any alleged projection made by Adobe was false or misleading."
The initial class action lawsuit, which involved Adobe's 1990 fiscal second quarter results, accused Adobe Systems of "artificially inflating the price of the company's stock by issuing false or misleading projections."
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Claris' Claris Clear Choice publishing unit has entered the Microsoft Windows market with its first software product designed for that graphical user environment -- a multimedia screen saver collection called Imaginaria.
According to the company, Imaginaria offers "images, animated stories with offbeat characters and stunning scenery from real to surreal using full screen animation and original sounds and music."
The program offers 11 animated transition screens and 15 "surrealistic story modules," ranging from a primeval jungle complete with dinosaurs, to a trip into a dark, haunted attic. Another option is a midnight moonrise complete with a rendition of Beethovan's "Moonlight Sonata." The program also features such characters as an opera-singing bulldog.
Imaginaria is the fifth product to be introduced under the Claris Clear Choice label, and is the first Windows product from the software publishing unit.
In announcing the product, Bruce Chizen, vice president of Claris Clear Choice, said, "As users master primary productivity applications, like word processing, they begin to use their computer to manage and improve personal productivity. They also look for ways to improve computer operation with utilities programs and derive entertainment or educational value from their system for personal enhancement."
Claris acquired the exclusive worldwide marketing and distribution rights to Imaginaria from Socha Computing Inc., of Kirkland Washington. Each screen saver episode was created by John Socha of Socha Computing and multimedia artists John Mason and James Marsh of Carmel, California.
In announcing the product, Katie Povejsil, director of Claris Clear Choice, claimed, "The combination of technical wizardry and innovative artistry places Imaginaria a step above other products in this category. Users can enjoy Imaginaria's multimedia scenarios without sacrificing excessive disk space or system performance."
The program uses compression technology to put 10 megabytes (MB) of sound and graphics in only 3MB of hard disk space.
According to the company, Imaginaria features include time activation of screen animation and adjustable "animation priority," which shares the computer's resources and eliminates potential system conflicts. Additionally, background tasks, such as printing and data communications, can continue uninterrupted while the screen saver is operating. The program also offers password protection.
Imaginaria requires a 386-based PC or higher running at 20 megahertz (MHz) or greater. It also requires Windows 3.1 or later or DOS 3.0 or later, along with a minimum of 4MB RAM. Also required is a VGA color monitor or better, a sound board and speakers for sound. The program will run in 16 colors, but 256 colors is recommended.
Imaginaria will ship on October 15 at the suggested retail price of $49.
(Ian Stokell/19930916/Press Contact: Natalie Barreiro 415-354-4497, Regis McKenna Inc.)
o 415-354-4497, Regis McKenna Inc.)
9/16/93
Claris Intros 1st Windows Product
Two Big Telecom Deals Go Down
: JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Two major telecommunications deals were finalized. LDDS announced a mega merger creating a new fourth long-distance network, while US West closed on its buy of part of Time-Warner's entertainment unit.
The new number four long distance company, to be called LDDS Metromedia Communications, will be based in Jackson, Mississippi the home base of President Bernard Ebbers. LDDS was formed by a series of mergers over the last year, absorbing the former Advanced Telecommunications Corp., of Atlanta, Resurgens Communications Group of Atlanta, and billionaire John Kluge's Metromedia Communications Corp., of New Jersey. The Advanced-LDDS deal closed last year.
Kluge will chair the new company, and the entrepreneur, who's worth a reported $6 billion and holds 20 percent of the new combine, won praise from financial writers for putting the deal together. But it's clear that Ebbers, who put together LDDS over the last several years by acquiring many smaller long distance companies, is the key man. Shareholders of LDDS, after all, own 68.5 percent of the new company's equity. The deal also makes Jackson, which also holds the head offices of Mobile Telecommunications Corp., or MTel, and BellSouth's Mobilecomm paging unit, the South's unquestioned telecommunications headquarters city. The new company has annual revenues of $1.5 billion, which still puts it way behind number three Sprint, and trades on the NASDAQ under the ticker-symbol LDDS.
The Time Warner-US West deal, announced in May, brings Time Warner Cable $2.5 billion with which to upgrade its systems so it can handle hundreds of channels and more two-way services.
Time Warner Cable is the nation's second largest cable operator with about 7.1 million subscribers, and the company plans to spend $5 billion on the upgrade over the next five years. The firm had to overcome an 18-month hurdle by the Justice Department giving the new company time to divest itself of small cable systems in US West's 14-state service area, although Bell Atlantic recently won a District Court challenge to the prohibition against Bell company competition in cable within their home territories.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930916/Press Contact: LDDS Communications Inc., Bernard J. Ebbers, 601/360-8600; Ed Adler, Time Warner 212-484-6630)
dler, Time Warner 212-484-6630)
9/16/93
Two Big Telecom Deals Go Down
TELECOM
Telescan Starts Service for Entr
HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Telescan Inc. continued its move toward vertical-market services for professionals, opening a section on its service for entrepreneurs. Unlike its recent system for the newspaper industry, created in conjunction with Editor & Publisher Magazine, the new section is being done with a company Entrepreneurs Online, Inc., which has no other operations.
The objective of Entrepreneurs Online is to link the owners of small, growing businesses together so they can share advice. The service will share Telescan's software and be hosted on its system. Telescan is best-known for its stock quote services and financial news services, usually sold to investors. Its financial offerings, like QuoteLink, have over 15,000 customers, who can quickly search through up-to-the-minute stock quote listings and databases measured in gigabytes.
Entrepreneurs Online head Michael Mead, who had been based in Austin, is a long-time acquaintance of Telescan CEO David Brown.
Previous new online offerings from Telescan, including its AIA On-Line, BPI Communications, and Editor & Publisher Online, all had major sponsors, like the American Institute of Architects Hollywood Reporter and Billboard Magazine, or Editor & Publisher magazine.
First phase marketing for the new service is being launched in Texas, with the goal of a nationwide roll-out by the end of the year.
An Entrepreneurs Online spokesman explained the differences between his service and other Telescan services. He insisted that Entrepreneurs Online is going after a much broader market than say, AIA On-Line, and that it had been the result of extensive research and design for over a year. He also said his service will take advantage of other Telescan offerings, "certainly the stock quotes," to offer enhanced value to customers.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930916/Press Contact: Richard Ames, Telescan Inc., 713-952-1060, FAX, 713-952-7138)
scan Inc., 713-952-1060, FAX, 713-952-7138)
9/16/93
Telescan Starts Service for Entrepreneurs
TELECOM
EIS Conference - Implementation
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- To successfully implement an executive information system (EIS), you need the "buy in" of everyone concerned, said members of a panel on "EIS Disaster Recovery," held at the Enterprise-Wide Information Delivery Conference in Boston.
"Nobody wants their boss to be looking at their data," stated panel moderator Dr. Hugh J. Watson, director of MIS Programs at the University of Georgia. The three speakers on the roundtable chorused their agreement, although each had taken a different path toward obtaining executive consent.
The support of the company president often isn't enough, stated Michael G. Dempsey, vice president of McGeary Dempsey International, an EIS consulting firm. Dempsey developed a system now in use at Pratt & Whitney, that measures customer satisfaction on company performance by functional and geographic area, and then reports the results to officials of the aircraft manufacturing firm.
Previously, Dempsey had been in charge of developing another EIS said Dempsey. Initially, company executives seemed to accept the idea, but as actual implementation drew near, Dempsey was angrily confronted by a senior vice president, who vowed he would not use the system. "In a nutshell, he was very much aware of the exposure and loss of control (the system would bring)," Dempsey remarked.
In creating the current system, Dempsey used a "We succeed, you succeed" approach, convincing the execs that an EIS was needed to help the company fend off competitive threats, he said. "You need their support, because they're the rowers of the organization," he told the audience.
Daniel Shafer used a different approach in implementing an accounting EIS for NASA. "We basically bribed them," he noted. The system allows top level staff to look at the basic information they need. But hidden reserves at the departmental level, "the fat," is kept concealed from the brass, where it has traditionally remained before.
Shafer decided to take this tack after putting together a "working group" that interviewed who would be affected by the change. "We made (the departments) part of the solution," he said. The new system runs on a Sun server and Macintosh clients.
For Lloyd Belcher, manager of EIS at Conoco, the approach taken was more one of cajolery than bribery. Belcher established a PC LAN based system at Conoco that distributes market information on the oil industry to some 4000 executives company-wide.
The Conoco execs were afraid of losing access to their own data, he said. In exchange for the data, Belcher pledged to build applications for them that would improve their access to data.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930916)
mprove their access to data.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930916)
9/16/93
EIS Conference - Implementation Requires Everyone's Buy-In
TRENDS
UK - Ram Mobile, Psion Offer Mob
WEST DRAYTON, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Ram Mobile Data and Psion have announced the Psion Mobile Support and Information System (MSIS) for use on the Ram packet radio network.
The idea behind MSIS is that it allows field service and sales staff, as well as people involved in transport and utility industries, to keep in touch with base through their Psion handheld computer. The Series 3 computer links back to base -- or to other mobile users -- using a Ram Mobitex modem that uses Ram's packet radio network to move data around.
Back at base, the MSIS software runs on a standard PC that links up to the Ram packet radio network. According to Ram, the software can be used on a stand-alone basis or as a front end to other applications, including a host-based system.
Announcing the software, John Jarvis, CEO of Ram, said that it represents a highly cost effective solution for field operation staff who probably rely on radiopagers or phoning in regularly.
"For little more than the cost of a mobile phone, each user can have a handheld Psion terminal and can send and receive all job related information at the touch of a button. The system also gives organizations far more control over field activities, enabling them to reorganize the operation in the most efficient manner," he said.
Pricing on the package depends on the number of users linked to the Ram network. Ram claims that most users will elect to buy a complete system, including software and hardware, to link to the Ram packet radio network.
(Steve Gold/19930916/Press & Public Contact: Ram Mobile Data - Tel: 081-990-9090; Fax: 081-990-9110)
t: Ram Mobile Data - Tel: 081-990-9090; Fax: 081-990-9110)
9/16/93
UK - Ram Mobile, Psion Offer Mobile Field Service System
TELECOM
LCI Announces Integrity Business
DUBLIN, OHIO, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- LCI International, a long distance company best-known for its "Simple, Fair and Inexpensive" residential calling plan, announced a new business plan called Integrity which combines discounts on all of a company's calling.
The plan offers what LCI terms a simple, flat-rated pricing plan muck like SF&I, and combines all of a customer's long distance traffic for maximum discounts, including regular calling, toll free 800 number services, travel card usage, international and private line services, even fax broadcasts. Customers who sign contracts with longer terms will also get better discounts, with a guarantee their rates won't be raised, or discounts lowered during the term of the agreement. There also will be numerous enhancements to billing and reporting to make it easier for businesses to track and manage their telecommunications costs according to LCI. The plan is aimed at businesses with long distance bills of $2,500 to $50,000 per month.
LCI recently went public, after having been taken over by venture capitalists when it was near bankruptcy a few years ago. Since then, it has changed from a mainly Midwestern network with paid salespeople to a reseller with commissioned salespeople, taking advantage of a glut of long distance capacity around the US.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930916/Press Contact: Jim Fette, LCI, 614 798-6272)
16/Press Contact: Jim Fette, LCI, 614 798-6272)
9/16/93
LCI Announces Integrity Business Calling Plan
TELECOM
They're Back! 1993 Tax Programs
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- April 15th may seem like it's a long way off, but with more and more American's preparing their income tax returns, software companies are starting to announce their newest products.
One of the first to announce features of its 1993 version is AM Software, a Kansas City, Missouri-based company that publishes AM-Tax Personal and AM-Tax Professional. The Personal version is for individuals who prepare their own taxes, while the Pro version is for professional tax preparers.
AM Software says the 1993 updates include the ability to handle federal corporate taxes, federal partnerships, and "S" Corporation returns, as well as "what-if" worksheets that compare various tax situations such as married filing joint or married filing separately. This is the ninth year AM Software has been available. The program also supports tax returns for most states.
The programs also have a feature called "audit-alert," which AM Software says automatically reviews the completed return for more than 100 omissions and inconsistencies that might trigger an IRS audit. The software warns the user when various itemized deductions exceed national averages. The program has on-line help, and can print blank copies of any federal or state form supported by AM-Tax.
The company also offers an electronic filing version of AM-Tax which allows the user to send his or her tax return to the IRS or to Nelco, a national electronic filing service, via modem.
The company says AM-Tax came in second in speed and was the lowest cost package tested in a "1040 face Off" conducted at the 1992 California CPA Society Annual conference, sponsored by Accounting Technology magazine.
After the first purchase of AM-Tax, users can purchase subsequent year updates to the software at a reduced price. The Personal 1040 version sells initially for $39, with renewal for $29. The Professional 1040, Partnership, S- Corporation and Corporate 1120 versions have a price of $150, and can be updated for $95. If you prefer the Electronic Filing version, that carries a $350 price tag with renewal for $295.
AM Software expects to ship the federal tax versions in early January 1994, with the state versions following about a month later. AM-Tax can print to a wide range of dot matrix, Laserjet or Deskjet printers and compatibles.
(Jim Mallory/19930916/Press contact: Liz Wax, S&S Public Relations for AM Software, 708-291-1616; Reader contact: AM Software 816-426-8361 or 00-859-8537)
ware 816-426-8361 or 00-859-8537)
9/16/93
They're Back! 1993 Tax Programs
Import, Linking Tools For Great
FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Great Plains Software says two tools are now available that can import files from other accounting systems into Dynamics and to create links between third-party applications and Dynamics. Dynamics is the company's modular, graphics-based business management and accounting software for Windows and Macintosh platforms.
The import utility allows information stored in an ASCII tab or comma delimited format to be imported into Dynamics data files. The company says this utility is particularly important because a survey indicated that over 80 percent of the new Dynamics users were moving from another accounting software package.
The second tool, the Dynamics Linking Toolkit, links Dynamics with other applications. The toolkit provides Dynamics file definitions in a format that can be compiled directly into a program written in the C language. It also includes more than 25 routines that do dollar conversions and arithmetic calculations. A dictionary reporting tool provided with both the new programs prints text files containing the information appearing in the on-line field descriptions, such as file relations, required fields for transaction entry, and any unique characteristics about a given field.
Both modules will ship later this month to resellers, consultants and independent software vendors who sell and support Dynamics. DLT users will have to have a licensed copy of Btrieve or c-tree.
(Jim Mallory/19930916/Press contact: Terry Kalil, Great Plains Software, 701-281-3130; Reader contact: Great Plains Software 800-456-0025 or fax 701-282-4826)
ins Software 800-456-0025 or fax 701-282-4826)
9/16/93
Import, Linking Tools For Great Plains Acctg
Gateway 2000 Gets Its Own Compus
NORTH SIOUX CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- PC direct marketer Gateway 2000 announced this week that it has opened its own forum on Compuserve to provide support for its customers.
To celebrate the forum opening, Gateway 2000 is offering customers who buy a Gateway 2000 computer a free trial membership to Compuserve's basic services.
Gateway has shared space with a number of other vendors on Compuserve's PC Vendor Forum C for the past two years, handling 300-400 messages daily there. "With our own forum, we're expecting message traffic to increase substantially," according to Gateway Online Services Supervisor Tim Richter.
The new forum, which opened September 8th, is divided into sections for software, telecommunications, monitors and video, portable PCs customer service, product announcements, EISA (extended industry standard architecture) systems, local bus systems, and general hardware. There's also a section called "Pasture" designed for prospective customers to talk with Gateway system owners. Like other Compuserve forums, there is also a files library containing a wide selection of files available for download.
Gateway Marketing Manager Mike Schmith says the new forum will allow the company to give users more individual attention. "Gateway users can now enter a specific section of interest within the forum and interact with our certified online staff and other Compuserve users who have similar questions and comments."
The free Compuserve trial membership gets Gateway buyers one month of use in Compuserve's basic services at no charge and a $15 usage credit to explore other areas of the online service. If the buyer purchases a modem with a Gateway 2000 system, Gateway will preload a customized version of Compuserve's graphical interface for Windows at no charge. "By offering WinCIM (the graphical interface program) as part of a free trial membership, Gateway is giving its customers one of the easiest tools available to access information on Compuserve," says Compuserve Marketing Manager Michael Horwitz.
Users who have other brands of PCs can also use WinCIM by downloading it from Compuserve. Type GO WinCIM and follow the instructions. There is no charge to download WinCIM. It can also be ordered from Compuserve on disk at a nominal cost.
(Jim Mallory/19930916/Press contact: Glynnis Gibson, Gibson Communications for Gateway 2000, 312-868-9400; Reader contact: Gateway 2000, 605-232-2000 or 800-523-2000, fax 605-232-2023)
-232-2000 or 800-523-2000, fax 605-232-2023)
9/16/93
Gateway 2000 Gets Its Own Compuserve Forum
AST To Intro Handheld Pen Comput
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- AST Research has been busy these days with its purchase of the manufacturing facilities of Tandy Corporation, price cuts on notebook computers, and its moves into the lucrative Chinese market. However, as it hinted in the announcement of the Tandy purchase, AST will demonstrate its first handheld, pen-based computer at the Mobile World Show in San Jose this month.
AST is getting Grid, Tandy's pen-based computer technology company, along with the other Tandy manufacturing facilities in a $105 million purchase announced in May. Because AST is acquiring fewer assets and will assume more trade accounts payables than originally expected, the purchase price has been cut significantly from the original estimate of $175 million.
Tandy/Grid France is also part of the agreement and AST says the French addition will cost it less than $10 million.
Officials at the company hinted to Newsbytes AST would take advantage of its access to the pen-based technology offered by Grid. This new handheld computer to be demonstrated is the first of AST's new products aimed at the popular personal digital assistant (PDA) market. The company claims the new handheld computer it will introduce will offer integrated communications options and is also boasting the unit will add ruggedness and a format for utility applications that outshines any similar small form factor product yet announced or shipped.
To increase its manufacturing capacity, AST is looking to China and announced the opening of a Tianjin facility, 60 miles southeast of Beijing, for the manufacture, repair, and distribution of personal computer (PC) systems. The new plant is expected to employ 400. Number one in the rapidly expanding $440 million Chinese computer market, AST claims it holds 25 percent of the pie -- a pie that is expected to grow at the break-neck rate of 22 percent annually through the year 2000 according to International Data Corporation.
Price cuts on its award-winning notebook computers were also announced this week. The company said it cut retail prices nearly $900 on the 386 Grid Convertible and the pen-based Penexec Convertible from $2,495 to 1,599. The 486 Convertible was reduced to $1,999 from $2,699. The Grid Convertible was voted Best Pen Convertible computer at the recent Penexpo Show in Boston, Massachusetts.
Headquartered in Irvine, California, AST has garnered praise for its products from World Trade, PC Magazine UK, PC World Consumer's Digest, and Infoworld. Part of Fortune Magazine's top 500 US companies, AST has also gained the distinction of being ranked 15 on the World Trade's 1992 list of "Top 100" mid-size multinational corporations. AST reported foreign sales of $393 million in 1992 and $582 million in international sales in fiscal year 1993.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930916/Press Contact: Lauren Baker, AST Research, 817-491-5369; Mary Reagan, AST Irvine HQ, tel 714 727-7962, fax 714-727-9355; New Futures World Marketing, Ken Roberts, tel 415-324-9296, ; Public Contact, 800-876-4278)
296, ; Public Contact, 800-876-4278)
9/16/93
AST To Intro Handheld Pen Computer
Apple Offers Free Newton OS 1.04
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 16 (NB) -- Apple Computer is shipping the latest version of the Newton Messagepad operating system (os), Newton System 1.04, to users without charge. The Sharp Newton-workalike called the Expertpad is also available.
For Newton users without a Connection Kit or a modem, the way to update the Newton OS or ROM is to contact Apple directly via a special toll-free number and make a request. Apple is not charging for the version 1.04 update, but the company is taking credit card numbers to ensure it gets back the old Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card with the previous version of the Newton OS on it. Delivery is estimated at seven days and a pre-paid return envelop is provided for return of the old PCMCIA card.
The 1.04 update offers fixes for screen problems present in the 1.03 version and Apple says it offers improved memory and power management.
The Sharp Expertpad is available in some retail outlets, such as Mac Warehouse, and the main difference between the Expertpad and the Messagepad appears to be that the AC adapter is extra. Mac Warehouse told Newsbytes the Expertpad is $699 and the AC adapter is an additional $39. Some users have said they like the slimmer appearance and the built-in open and close cover of the Expertpad. However, reports are some Expertpad users could end up with the 1.03 version of the Newton OS and Apple's position is not to upgrade Expertpad users to version 1.04.
The way to discover the version of the ROM or OS is to bring up "preferences" on the Expertpad or Messagepad, which also displays the version number at the bottom of the screen.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930916/Press Contact: Emma Bufton, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-1856, fax 408-974-5470; Newton OS 1.04 Update, 800-242-3374; Apple Catalog, US only, 800-795-1000 worldwide fax 302-678-9200; Apple Help Line, 800-SOS-APPL; Mac Warehouse, 800-255-6227)
00-SOS-APPL; Mac Warehouse, 800-255-6227)
9/16/93
Apple Offers Free Newton OS 1.04 Update
APPLE
A BBS For Law Enforcement, Safet
PHOENIX, ARIZONA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- Wayne Church Director of Safety and Security at the 231-bed John C. Lincoln Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, says it is important for security safety and law enforcement professionals to talk to each other so he started a free computer bulletin board service where professionals in those industries can network and share ideas and information.
"The goal was to bring together the software that would make available safety, security, law enforcement, emergency disaster management, occupational health and industrial hygiene files. so the professionals in those fields would have a place to go to find the information they needed to do their job better. The goal is to provide a resource," says Church.
Called "Safe'n Secure BBS," the electronic bulletin board allows users to download text and graphics files that contain information about safety, emergency and disaster planning, hazardous materials security, hostage crisis management, and law enforcement issues. In addition to text files, pictures of missing children distributed by the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children located in Arlington, Virginia, are also on the board.
Users can also upload information they want to share. The FBI recognized the importance of electronic bulletin boards in its March 1991 bulletin, calling them "a useful tool for law enforcement officials."
Church says that while there are a number of general purpose computer bulletin boards across the nation, only a small percentage are for law enforcement and safety officials, and none are for security personnel except those interested in computer security issues. "What I wanted was a board that would allow security directors to swap policies and procedures, find software that would let them do their job better, and obtain demo copies of software so they could download it and try them out."
Safe n' Secure uses the "Wildcat!" software program published by Bakersfield, CA-based Mustang Software Inc. "It's very easy for someone who has never been on a bulletin board to use," says Church. Users with modem-equipped PCs can call the BBS using almost any communications software program, including those that came with their modem.
Safe n' Secure is also a place where users can exchange electronic mail, and Church posts bulletins announcing industry happenings and information on how to be certified as a Certified Protection Professional (CCP) by the American Society For Industrial Security or a Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator (CHPA) by the International Association of Healthcare Security and Safety.
Even though the BBS has only been in operation officially since June 1993, there are already almost 700 files available for reading and/or downloading, and the board has over 100 users registered. Church verifies the professional status of each new caller by phone the following day since that status determines what areas of the board will be accessible.
There is no charge to use Safe'n Secure, but Church does accept contributions towards upgrade of the computer equipment, and contributors are granted more board privileges. "It doesn't even have to be money. If someone wants to contribute a CD-ROM I'll accept that in lieu of cash," he told Newsbytes. The board hasn't acquired non-profit status yet, although that is one of Church's goals, so donations are not tax-deductible. Contributions go towards expanding the system and adding more phone lines. Church wants to add a CD-ROM drive and an eight line modem.
Most of the downloadable files are formatted for IBM-compatible PCs, but there is also a section of the board devoted to Apple Computer's Macintosh users. Church is looking for a Macintosh "sysop" or system operator, a user to run that portion of the board. He compresses his files in order to save download time and disk storage space. The software needed to decompress files is available on the board, along with the program required to view graphics images such as the missing children pictures.
Church has written a parking management computer program for the hospital that tracks assigned parking, registration, towing wheel locks and citations. A demo version is available for downloading at no cost except long distance charges. It is also available on a computer disk for $15. The full version sells for $289.
(Jim Mallory/19930916/Press and reader contact: Wayne Church 602-943-2381, Safe n' Secure BBS via modem at 602/870-6004)
381, Safe n' Secure BBS via modem at 602/870-6004)
9/17/93
A BBS For Law Enforcement, Safety, Security Pros
UK - Workgroup Systems Intros Qu
POTTERS BAR, HERTS, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- Workgroup Systems has announced the availability of Quetzal for Windows which it claims is a comprehensive resource management tool for corporate information technology (IT) departments.
In use, the software acts a software log and management tool that allows IT staff to control maintenance and upgrade calls and resources. The package includes an on-line statistics facility, which Workgroup Systems claims allows support center managers to monitor performance, such as the number of calls logged and resolved to date.
Peter Keane, Workgroup Systems' managing director, said that KPMG the management consultancy group, has estimated that more than 80 percent of the cost of ownership of a desktop PC can be attributed to hidden costs.
"One of the major components of this is lost productivity caused by staff with IT problems. As corporate management recognizes this increasing pressure is being brought to bear on IT departments. These are now being evolved into profit centers and must justify their existence to senior management," he said. "Not only does Quetzal give them the tools to perform their jobs efficiently, it also provides them with the detailed management information necessary to measure and improve their effectiveness."
Julian Bond, Workgroup's technical director, explained that, during the development of the package, the company paid a lot of attention to Quetzal's "usability" and integration with the Windows interface. "The whole product is designed to give users fast and accurate data access and entry, maximizing use of the mouse. For this reason, we took a 'data-centric' rather than 'document-centric' approach to its design and developed the unique concept of datapads," he said.
So how does the package actually work? Newsbytes notes that there are two primary functions - call logging and inventory management. As a call comes in, its details are entered and resources allocated. Subsequent calls and computer interrogations are then linked to this original data entry, so that anyone inquiring about a job can be sure of getting the complete picture.
One interesting feature of Quetzal is that it builds up a knowledge base of known problems and solutions as it works. When a fault is reported, the details of the machine in question, such as configuration, user access and support history, are polled on to the screen for the user.
The datapad concept underlying Quetzal is designed to allow quick and easy retrieval of data. Each datapad contains a logical group of data - double clicking on the datapad brings up the data options available. Workgroup claims that this allows users to move quickly around the screen adding or viewing data as required.
Quetzal is claimed to be compatible with almost any PC running Windows. The package, which is Windows-compliant, costs from UKP7,500 upwards for a base three-user system.
(Steve Gold/19930916/Press & Public Contact: Workgroup Systems - Tel: 0707-664466; Fax: 0707-661250)
group Systems - Tel: 0707-664466; Fax: 0707-661250)
9/17/93
UK - Workgroup Systems Intros Quetzal For Windows
Matsushita To Standardize PC Par
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- Matsushita Electric has decided to standardize its personal computer (PC) parts in order to reduce manufacturing costs.
Matsushita Electric has also begun reviewing its PC designs. The firm has been producing several models of PCs and now wants to standardize such parts as battery packs, keyboards, and hard disk drives. Matsushita is currently producing a number of designs including desktop and notebook types.
Matsushita Electric was selling PCs in the overseas market. However, recently, the firm began selling them in the Japanese market along with the Panacom M family, which is supplied by Fujitsu on an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) basis.
In the sale of PCs in Japan, Matsushita will compete against overseas manufacturers. The firm needs to survive a fierce hardware price war, and standardizing PC parts is one way of reducing costs.
Matsushita sold only about 100,000 PCs in the Japanese market last year - far less than the company expected. The firm is planning to strengthen its software support and to develop multimedia personal devices in the future.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Twenty two foreign companies are participating in an exhibition dedicated to advances is fiber optic and other telecommunication cables technologies.
Moscow-based Research Institute of the Cable Industry, a partner of Corning Glass in its effort to bring fiber manufacturing technologies into Russia, was the main organizer of the show. Corning announced that it has received an export license to supply four local factories with raw materials for fiber cable manufacturing, and will start shipments soon.
Another announcement at the show was the establishment of the Soficam company to manufacture communications and power cables in cooperation with and using technology of Finnish Nokia.
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930922)
nish Nokia.
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930922)
9/22/93
Russia - Cable Technology Exhibition Opens
TELECOM
Review of - MasterWord
Runs on: IBM-compatibles with Windows.
From: Alki Software Corporation, 219 First Avenue N., Suite 410 Seattle, WA 98109 206-286-2600.
Price: $59.95.
PUMA Rating: 4.0 (on a scale of 1=lowest to 4=highest)
Reviewed for Newsbytes by: Jim Mallory.
Summary: An excellent enhancement to Microsoft Word for Windows if you are a very advanced Word user.
==========
REVIEW
==========
At first glance, I couldn't figure out why anyone would need to spend the money for MasterWord, since it appears to do pretty much the same things you can do with Microsoft Word itself. However, as I reviewed this product, it is almost overwhelming in all the things it does. However, it isn't a program for the casual user, it's for the very heavy-duty user who wants to perform many of Word's functions more easily and quickly, and who is interested in customizing the toolbar of Word. It also enhances the help file Microsoft ships with Word.
MasterWord installs easily, as do most Windows programs. Using the Windows Program Manager's Run command, just type "A:setup" (substitute the floppy drive designation you put the MasterWord disk in if its not the A drive) and press ENTER. The program allows you to designate the drive and subdirectory where you want to install the program, and can create the desired directory if it doesn't already exist. There are four megabytes (MB) of files on the four 3.5 inch MasterWord program disks, but you don't need more than about two MB if you delete the Word files that some MasterWord files replace. Those include the Windows help file, which can be re-installed if you ever decide to abandon using MasterWord. You can also limit the disk space needed by only installing some of MasterWord's features. You are offered that opportunity during the install process.
The most obvious feature of MasterWord is its floating CustomBar. When you load Microsoft Word, you will note a new addition to the conventional tool bar at the top of the screen, located in place of the "Copy" button. Clicking on this MasterWord button switches to the CustomBar. You can switch back to the conventional Windows tool bar at any time by clicking on the appropriate CustomBar tool.
MasterWord's tool bar "floats," meaning it can be positioned anywhere on the screen. It can also be positioned to display vertically anywhere on the screen that's convenient for the user. Wherever it's placed the program will remember the location and return the CustomBar to that same location the next time you invoke the CustomBar.
A noticeable feature on the CustomBar is what MasterWord calls "The Big Button." It's a tool bar button that replaces the "New", "Open" and "Save" buttons on Word's standard tool bar. You can display the current date, current time, elapsed time, word count, name of the template presently in use, view or a reminder (an up to 15 character message stored in the Big Button dialog box). Any of these Big Button features can be turned off if you think you will never use them (I turned off the elapsed time feature). Double clicking on many of these features lets you see additional information. For example, double clicking on the word count displays the document summary screen. Double clicking on the date or time inserts that information into the document at the cursor position.
The heart of MasterWord is really the numerous CustomBars that come with what MasterWord publisher Alki Software describes as "predefined personalities." Each CustomBar has its own set of assignments for each of the buttons on the tool bar. The normal CustomBar includes assigned buttons for assigning keyboard codes to any desired command or macro (a macro is a string of keystrokes and mouse clicks that can be saved and replayed to perform repetitive tasks); launching the MasterWord template selector; copying macros styles and glossary entries; assigning keyboard codes to designated styles; listing the available help topics; copying selected text to the clipboard; undoing the last action; and saving the current document. You can also display your text in one of several easy to read fonts and sizes (I particularly like this one); check the spelling of the active document; print the current document to the active printer; print just the current page; turn the redlining feature on or off (redlining is a technique that allows document editors to make changes to a document and retain the original text so other editors can see what changes have been made.); create and print an envelope; launch the Windows task list to switch to a different program; and cascade the open document windows.
If you are already a Word for Windows user, you will note that almost all of these functions can be selected from the Word menus. MasterWord's CustomBar just makes it easier and quicker. But you haven't seen anything yet. In addition to the normal CustomBar there are 19 others available which do more things than you can possibly believe, each slightly customized from all the others. In addition to that, you can change the customization yourself of any of the tool bars. One is designed to concentrate of document editing tools, while another contains general tools for formatting. Another allows you more tools for text selection, while one is for working with tables. It's easy to select the toolbar you want from the Big Button. The choices go on and on.
You can also customize the CustomBar buttons, selecting the face of any button from a choice of 455 available button faces. There are images, numbers, letters, Greek letters, tools, flags, some pictures I didn't recognize, and even a peace symbol and an eyeball. Seventy-one of the faces can even be edited by the user.
MasterWord greatly expands the number of macros you can assign. Word allows a command, macro, or style to be assigned to any function key or a single key in conjunction with the Control and Control-Shift combinations. That permits a fair number of macros, but MasterWord expands that ability by assigning macros, commands and styles to a key combination that can include up to four keys.
The program also comes with some installed macros, include an automatic footnote numbering macro, one that renames a file, runs Microsoft's Concordance Index function, deletes unused document styles in the active document, runs the DropCap command, launches the Dialog box editor, rotates columns in a table, and runs Microsoft's Watermark macro. Any of these buttons can be placed on an existing CustomBar in place of one of the present buttons, or you can create your own custom bar that includes whatever special buttons you desire.
All in all, a pretty nifty tool, if you can make use of all its features.
==========
PUMA RATING
==========
PERFORMANCE: 4.0. The program does everything Alki says it will and does it very well. It's quick (reviewed on a 486SX-based 20 megahertz system with six megabytes of system memory), and the only limitation we found is that is does so many things it is hard to decide which of them to use.
USEFULNESS: 4.0, If you are a power user of Microsoft Word for Windows MasterWord could be extremely useful. If I met that criteria, I would definitely buy this program. It is so specialized that it doesn't replace any program I have encountered. I can't compare its price with similar programs for the same reason. However, at $59.95 plus $7.50 shipping, MasterWord is a good value.
MANUAL: 4.0. The 162-page manual is easy to read, easy to understand, doesn't use any vague or hard-to- understand terminology, and is liberally sprinkled with pictures of the screens you see as you set up and use the program. The online help is not as good as the manual, but few I have reviewed are. Online help for most programs seems to be less complete than a printed manual but MasterWord's is as good as any and better than most.
AVAILABILITY: 4.0. MasterWord is readily available and the manual lists the telephone support numbers for technical support. In addition to Alki's number the manual also lists Microsoft's tech support phone number and operating hours, in case you have questions about the use of Word itself. Alki's numbers are not toll-free. When we called the company for help, the support person who answered the phone couldn't answer my question, but got the correct answer from an associate quickly. The phone was answered on the first ring the time we called. Alki sells MasterWord direct, according to the person we spoke to. It has a suggested retail price of $59.95 plus 47.50 shipping, and the company accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards.
(Jim Mallory/19930823/Press contact: Alki Software Corporation 219 First Avenue N., Suite 410, Seattle, WA 98109 206-286-2600)
PUMA rating: 3.25 (on a scale of 1=lowest to 4=highest)
Reviewed for Newsbytes by: Naor Wallach.
Summary: A program that analyzes your daily dietary intake and gives you all kinds of information about your diet. Included is a trend analysis that lets you see how you perform over a period of time.
=======
REVIEW
=======
Although the exercise and dieting fads within the United States may be fading away, there are still many people who need to watch what they eat. Many different tools are available to people and Nutridata Software
s Diet Balancer program is another in that arsenal.
The Diet Balancer is a program that allows you to analyze what you eat in a day or longer periods of time. The idea is to see how your intake lines up with some recommended guidelines. The program comes on one diskette and is accompanied by a 40-page manual. Installation is a simple matter of copying the files from the diskette to your hard drive. The first time that you start the program, you are asked to provide some initialization information. After that, on each subsequent use, the program uses those original settings.
Operation of the program is very simple. Every day you go into the program and tell it what you ate for that day. The program comes with a very comprehensive database of standard American fare. Many of the different items are identified by their brand names so that you can tell it that you drank a can of Coke Classic, for instance. There is a separate section for your favorite fast food restaurants, and another for different Ethnic foods. Once you find the food that you ate, you double click on it and the program asks you to tell it how much you ate, and for which meal.
Once all data entry is completed, the program can perform an analysis of your daily food intake against the FDA recommended quantities. The analysis is presented in the form of a bar chart. A line across the screen denotes the 100 percent area and the different bars show how much below or above you were. A numeric figure is given in addition to the bar so that you can see the exact number that you ate.
The analysis data can be sorted in various ways. For instance say you want to track how much cholesterol you
re eating. You set the program up to display those values, and it does the rest. The program also keeps track of your day to day entries so that a time series can be displayed. In this fashion you can see that over any given time period, you were consistently eating too much sodium, but not enough Vitamin C or whatever.
Another part of the program takes the amount of calories that you are ingesting into account. In your daily data entry, you may put in how much you weigh. Based on your age, weight, and height, the program calculates how many calories you should eat every day. Should you be interested, the program will recommend a calorie total for you to target so that your weight will gradually decrease, or increase. You can then monitor your progress by setting up the analysis program appropriately.
Although the database of foods is pretty comprehensive, it is tailored for the "average American diet." That means that many foods and dishes are simply not covered. Specifically excluded are any kind of fad foods. To aid those who tend to eat foods that are somewhat outside of the norm, Nutridata offers two paths: first, they offer an additional set of foods on diskette; second, there is a mechanism whereby you can create your own foods and store them in the program. The program is smart enough to be able to analyze the nutritional content of your favorite recipe from the list of ingredients.
Finally, the program also contains a complete list of exercises and the amount of calories that you might burn off in doing any of them. This number of calories is added to the amount of calories that you are "allowed" for that date. Then, in the analysis you can see how close to your ideal calorie consumption you came.
Throughout the period of this review, I faithfully entered all of the data and monitored my weight, cholesterol and several other components of my diet. Once I got used to the method that the program uses, data entry took less than five minutes daily. Performing the analyses and seeing the numbers plotted on the screen also took very little time. All of which leads me to believe that this is a very useful program to those who need this kind of information. However, this is also a very specialized program. If you are not too concerned about your weight, or about your fiber consumption, there is really no reason for you to get a program like this.
============= PUMA RATINGS =============
PERFORMANCE: 3.0. The program operates slowly at times. This is especially noticeable when it starts up. Although data entry and analysis were very quick, starting the program took almost as much, if not more, time, then actually running it.
USEFULNESS: 3.0. If you need these types of detailed data breakdowns and information, then this is an excellent program. Otherwise forget it.
MANUAL: 4.0. The manual is very brief but contains all of the information necessary.
AVAILABILITY: 3.0. Available from mail order and software stores. I
ve seen it advertised by several of the larger mail order software houses. Nutridata does not maintain a toll free number for technical support which might be required by new users.
(Naor Wallach/19930614)
y new users.
(Naor Wallach/19930614)
9/17/93
Review of - Diet Balancer, Mac Program
APPLE
REVIEW
India - Wipro Intros Super Geniu
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- In a bid to take such international brands as IBM, Compaq and HP, Wipro Infotech, the second ranked information technology (IT) company in India, has launched the Super Genius series of PCs. In contrast to other hardware vendors banking on foreign alliances, Wipro continues to rely on in-house research and development.
The new line of Intel-based systems is aimed at the upper end of the PC market. What distinguishes the new range from other PCs in the market is its chip level upgradability across the x86 microprocessor families "to protect customer's investment from obsolescence," according to the company.
The models include a 386DX at the entry-level which can be upgraded to the Pentium overdrive. A tower model which can be upgraded from a 386DX to the Pentium overdrive is being positioned as an upgradable LAN (local area network) server. A 386SX model, and a 486SX model account for the rest of the series.
The company says that the user can switch from a 386 to a Pentium overdrive by changing the CPU (central processing unit) module. This has been achieved by maintaining a certain degree of uniformity across motherboards.
The company claims that chip level upgrades offered by most PC vendors, including those from IBM and Compaq, are within a single class of processors. They offer chip level upgrades within its 386 range, across a certain clock speed.
Wipro also promises to match, if not better, the price-performance ratio of competing international brands. The new PCs start from Rs 55,000 (around $1,833) for a 386SX to Rs 1.5 lakh (around $5,000) for the 486DX. HCL-HP, the leader in the computer field, prices its 386 systems at around Rs 58,000 (around $1,900) and charges up to 1.93 lakhs (around $6,400) for its 486 range.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930916)
range.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930916)
9/17/93
India - Wipro Intros Super Genius PCs
India - HCL HP Adds To Its PC Ra
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- HCL Hewlett-Packard, India's largest computer company, has announced as many as 26 new models in the Intel microprocessor-based PC line.
Senior executives claimed "the successful transformation of its entire product range to international standards" through the company's recent program called "Project Infiniti," that aims at "total quality processes."
Despite the HP connection and its launch of the Vectra series of computers in India, HCL HP has relied on the Busybee line of HCL legacy in the microcomputer segments. HP's reduced instruction set computer (RISC)-based servers command considerable market share against growing competition from Sun, Digital, IBM, and others.
There are 18 new models of PCs in the Busybee XL series LANstation networking nodes, and Intel Pentium-based Meteor machines (eight models) using the PCI local bus.
The Busybee range starts at a 25 megahertz (MHz) 386SX and goes up to 66MHz 486DX2-based models. "The machines use the best of peripherals, specially designed power supplies, sufficient cooling systems and even small things like cabinet screws, the label, the users manual and packing boxes have been improved upon," assured Ajai Chowdhry, director of HCL HP.
While the price of a 25MHz 386SX-based system is Rs 50,000 (around $1,670), it goes up to Rs 2 lakh (around $6,700) for a 66MHz 486DX2-based system. The Meteor line ranges from Rs 1.5 lakh (around $5,000) for a 33MHz 486DX system to Rs 7.5 lakh (around $25,000) for a Pentium-based 60MHz machine.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930916)
hine.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930916)
9/17/93
India - HCL HP Adds To Its PC Range
Microsoft Australia Fee-For-Supp
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- Although it was originally due to commence on September 1, Microsoft Australia's new support scheme will now start on October 1. The company has also announced the first authorized support centers - DEC, NCR and Wang.
The Microsoft Authorized Support Centers will provide customer support across the entire range of Microsoft products. Microsoft is currently negotiating with other organizations to provide full or partial support. Meanwhile, Microsoft will offer its existing free support until December 31. After then it will only give free "human" support for basic setup and bug enquiries, although it will continue free electronic-based support.
Announcing the first three support centers, Microsoft Marketing Manager Tony Fraser said that the companies were the best in the business and with each of them competing for a share in the new market the volume of resources devoted to supporting Microsoft products will increase dramatically. "It is a recognized fact that the entire user community has been calling for improved support from all software suppliers and with our new support strategy we and our new partners will be the first to satisfy that need."
Microsoft's own paid support will be US$22 per incident for desktop products and US$130 per incident for professional products (languages, development products, Windows NT and advanced networking products).
Digital Equipment Corp., will offer annual service agreements starting at US$120. Response is 12 hours a day, seven days a week and response within two hours if needed. Problems will be escalated to Microsoft where necessary.
NCR is offering a 24 hour international service. Charges are per user, on a sliding scale. For one to 25 users, the per-user charge is US$190 per year, dropping to US$19 for more than 1,001 users.
Wang is offering "60 Second Support." It has three levels of support: low-usage at US$20 per incident; packaged support in lots of five incidents at US$18 per incident; and Tailored Hotline for large organizations which need more help or specific features such as on-site support or CD-ROM based help.
A third-party support organization called HelpKey is typical of the new supporters springing-up around Australia. For US$230 it offers a year of toll-free telephone support for a single user on "all popular packages" for both PC and Macintosh. There is a "generous" sliding scale for additional users on the one contract.
(Paul Zucker/19930917/Press contacts: Tony Fraser,+61-2-870 2200 or fax +61-2-805 1108, Microsoft; Dallas McDonald 61-2-925 5849 or fax +61-2-925 5981, Wang; Jeff Bird 61-2-964 8173 or fax +61-2-929 4314, NCR; Peter Davidson 61-2-561 7008 or fax +61-2-561 5850, DEC; Wayne Herring 61-49-29 4434 or fax +61-49-29 4038, HelpKey)
Herring 61-49-29 4434 or fax +61-49-29 4038, HelpKey)
9/17/93
Microsoft Australia Fee-For-Support Set For October
GENERAL
AT&T Increasing Internet Access
Portable Teleprompter Software F
Increase Mac Memory Using Existi
PSI Announces Cable Deal
The Enabled Computer
Judge Denies Microsoft Injunctio
Wordperfect For Windows 6.0 Due
New IBM Group To Focus On Ease O
US West Completes Sale of Rural
Isocor Picks India Distributor
British Telecom Cuts Connection
NEC Switches Color Notebook Prod
Woman Who Started $400 Mln Busin
Kodak Retailers Petition Kodak T
Random House, Broderbund Publish
Wipro Intros Super Genius PCs In
Japan - KDD To Cut International
Five Major Companies Agree On PC
MacWorld Canada - Color, Multime
Compaq PCs Used In Cambodian Tel
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA, 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- Australian telecommunications company, Telstra, has installed a country-wide telecoms system in Cambodia, including more than 100 Compaq PCs. Telstra is the overseas arm of Australia's major domestic carrier Telecom.
Doug Howe, switching project manager at Telstra said, "The previous infrastructure was destroyed so we were commissioned to establish a private network across Cambodia. With land mines beside roads and tracks and a total lack of appropriate ground transport, we were coping with extreme conditions. Everything had to be flown in from Singapore and Australia." The AUS$30 million project is just one of a number of overseas contracts undertaken by Telstra in recent years.
Howe said of the PCs used: "We chose Compaqs because of service and in particular, offshore service. Compaq was able to provide a service arrangement through Singapore and Bangkok (Thailand) despite the fact that the computers were supplied through Australia. Given the conditions into which we installed them, the reliability of Compaqs was also important in our choice. Price was the final consideration, and Compaq's price was very hard to beat."
The new network includes 33 PABX (private automatic branch exchanges) systems, 54 satellite earth stations including a major hub, and about 4,000 subscriber lines. Banyan Vines LANs (local area networks) have been established in Phnom Penh and Battambang.
The Compaq PCs are used to control both the PABXs and the earth stations. The satellite system used is Indonesia's Palapa. It uses DAMA (demand assigned multiple access) technology for thin route connection so links via the satellite are shared to minimize cost.
All satellite earth stations can be controlled from Phnom Penh though each station has its own PC-based hardware diagnostics system. Even the call accounting system is PC based, with the call information polled from each PABX station and collated centrally for account printing for each subscriber. Because of COCOM export restrictions to Communist countries, the machines were limited to 33 megahertz models.
(Paul Zucker/19930917)
33 megahertz models.
(Paul Zucker/19930917)
9/17/93
Compaq PCs Used In Cambodian Telecoms Network
TELECOM
^ A
AST Grid Palmpad W/Radio For Ver
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- AST, which now controls Tandy's pen-based Grid computer manufacturing and the Grid brand name, says it is introducing a new handheld computer aimed at the vertical pen-based market, as opposed to the personal digital assistant (PDA) market. The Grid Palmpad SL is faster than its predecessors, offers two-way integrated radio communications, and supports Microsoft's Windows for Pen Computing.
The new Palmpad is 6- by 9- by 2-inches, weighs about three pounds, and has a hand strap on the back. Its equipped with a 25 megahertz (MHz) 386 SL microprocessor from Intel and offers 4 megabytes (MB) of random access memory (RAM). The unit has a Type I Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot as well as serial and keyboard ports built-in.
The backlit display is powered by a video graphics array (VGA) controller, but at 640 by 400 resolution instead of 640 by 480 in order to save weight and make the unit a more portable size according to Product Manager Jerry Keeran. So while the display is not true VGA, it does support the Penright operating system and Windows for Pen Computing. MS-DOS 5.0 comes with the Palmpad, but the pen operating systems are extra, company officials said.
The pen is active, using two batteries and the Palmpad is powered by a rechargeable nickle-metal battery that does not have the memory problems associated with Nicad batteries and offers a higher energy yield.
One of the biggest features is the ability to integrate two-way radio communications via either the Artis or Ram Mobile Data radio network controller modules which can be integrated into the Palmpad. Other communications options include an internal 14,400 baud modem with a 9,600 baud fax.
While the handwriting recognition in the PDA's is getting a lot of attention, Keeran told Newsbytes he believes the opportunities are in the vertical markets. "It's difficult to justify one to three thousand dollars for a tool to take a few notes and store a few addresses, but when you can buy something as a company that can cut your costs ten percent or make you more competitive, then you can justify the added expense."
In 1991, a Fujitsu Acutote handheld computer was elected for display in the Smithsonian because Frito-Lay, maker of snack chips, used 10,000 of the devices in its manufacturing and distribution processes to save an estimated 40,000 man-hours a week. Grid representatives said the two-way radio has generated interest in industries such as the trucking industry, where the transfer of information on the road could make a company more competitive.
In addition, Keeran says the vertical market applications are repetitive and lend themselves well to the development of software where pick lists and check boxes can be used for data input. "If handwriting recognition was all important to data input, we'd all have screen input pens to write phone numbers on our telephones instead of buttons," Keeran added.
Base price for the Palmpad SL is $2,319 and equipped with an Artis or Ram integrated radio, the unit retails for $3,559. AST plans to demonstrate the new Palmpad at the Mobile World September 21-22 in the San Jose Convention Center, San Jose California.
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- On an East Coast press tour this week, Speech Systems Inc. (SSI) is launching the commercial rollout of PE400 SDK, a kit for incorporating speech recognition into MS-DOS and Windows applications developed with Microsoft Visual Basic or Visual C++.
"You'll be surprised at how many speech recognition applications you're going to see," said Ivan Perez-Mendez, president of the Boulder, Colorado-based company, meeting with Newsbytes in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during a stop on the tour.
Already, about 45 ISVs (independent software developers), VARs (value-added resellers), and systems integrators have signed up for the Speech Systems Business Partner Program, introduced by SSI at Spring Comdex.
Applications now in the works include vehicle control, bedside nursing, order entry at train ticket counters, air traffic control training, retail store inventory management, radiology, and banking, said Perez-Mendez. In addition, Osaka Gas and Information Systems of Osaka, Japan, is currently using SSI's technology in an application designed to teach Japanese students to speak English.
Applications created with PE400 SDK will run on Speech System's Phonetic Engine 400 (PE400), a product that consists of runtime software and a dual-processor, single-circuit full-slot board for AT class 386- and 486-based PCs.
Unlike some other speech recognition applications, applications developed with SSI's technology do not require the user to "train" the software, Perez-Mendez told Newsbytes. The applications are tolerant of regional and foreign accents and random speech and pitch variations, he added.
The applications also allow "continuous speech" in the sense of recognizing complete sentences and permitting the user to speak naturally without pausing between words, the company president maintained. However, the technology is still somewhat limited by the fact that words must be spoken in specified word orders, or syntaxes, in order to be recognized, he said.
True "continuous speech," of the sort that would allow free-form dictation, is not yet possible today, said Perez-Mendez. "But it will be coming by the end of the decade," he told Newsbytes.
SSI's PE400 SDK is made up of a standard word dictionary, plus an extensive set of libraries, compilers and other tools. By means of a "dictionary tool," the developer can add words beyond those included in the standard dictionary.
The toolset also includes a utility for editing syntax. One of the allowable syntaxes, "burgers," describes orders that might be taken in a fast food restaurant. Another, "political," describes sentences that a political candidate might utter.
A third syntax, "car," describes sentences that might be spoken to an automobile of the future. A fourth, "recommend," was developed for SSI's MedTrans200, a commercial product for generating medical radiology reports. The syntax describes what a radiologist might recommend in the text of a mammogram report.
"Object," an even more complex syntax that was also produced for MedTrans200, describes sentences that a radiologist might use in reporting the presence of a foreign object observed on an x-ray.
One of the libraries, ProWav, allows text-to-speech applications to be ported to third-party sound cards, according to Perez-Mendez. Additional libraries permit voice to be treated as object files and provide DLLs (dynamic link libraries) for Windows applications.
During the interview, Perez-Mendez demonstrated a medical application, using his voice to "fill out" an on-screen form with such patient information as height, weight, blood pressure temperature, allergies, condition of eyes, and whether or not the doctor recommends a strep culture and X-ray.
The company CEO informed Newsbytes that the current PE400 board uses a Motorola 56001 DSP (digital signal processing) chip as acoustic processor and a Motorola 68020 as speech processor. Features include a microphone that attaches to the board and an optional earpiece and "push-to-talk" button.
Within the next year, SSI will be announcing a new version of the PE400 SDK that will allow development of applications for SCO Unix and Windows NT as well as for DOS and Windows, he said. The new kit will use a half-slot card as phonetic engine. "Ultimately, our solution will be software only," Perez-Mendez told Newsbytes.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930917/Reader contact: Speech Systems Inc. tel 303-938-1110; Press contact: Marissa Verson, S & S Public Relations Inc. for Speech Systems, tel 415-986-8270)
ions Inc. for Speech Systems, tel 415-986-8270)
9/17/93
More Speech Recog Apps On The Way Via New SDK
Sharp Develops Hand-Held Multime
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- Sharp claims that it has developed a multimedia device, which accepts hand-writing input.
Sharp's Pencom is as small as Apple's Newton, and will be released on October 1, priced at 65,000 yen ($650). It is small enough to fit into the palm of a hand and uses an electronic pen.
At a glance, it looks like the Newton, but the device is based on Sharp's original processor. Sharp and Apple Computer are jointly developing the Japanese version of the Newton, which will be released in April 1994. It is expected that the Japanese Newton will be sold at a higher price than the Pencom.
Sharp's Pencom has regular business organizing programs including a scheduler, an address book, a report pad and a map creating program. It has also a world's time clock, a calculator, and a Japanese and English dictionaries.
With a proprietary optical terminal adaptor to the printer, the device will be able to print out data. It can also be possible to exchange data between desktop personal computers with relevant software and a cable. Sharp is planning to ship 20,000 units a month.
Currently, many major Japanese firms, such as NEC, Toshiba and Sanyo, are developing similar multimedia devices. It is expected that these devices will be released next year.
Handy multimedia devices are expected to become extremely popular. Some sources estimate that the demand will reach 50 million units by the year 2,000.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930917/Press Contact: Sharp Phone, tel +81-43-299-8212, Fax, +81-43-299-8213)
tel +81-43-299-8212, Fax, +81-43-299-8213)
9/17/93
Sharp Develops Hand-Held Multimedia Tool
TRENDS
Sony Strengthens Chip Design, De
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- Sony has decided to power up its chip design operations in the US and Europe, with the intention of doubling personnel in those areas. Sony has also developed an extremely small LCD (liquid crystal display), which the company claims is the smallest in the industry.
Sony's chip development center is located in California. There are about 50 design engineers there. The company's chip design center in Europe is located in England- with 10 people employed. By April 1995, Sony intends to have doubled the number at both facilities.
At the US design center, Sony will strengthen its chip designing for computers and peripheral devices. Such chips include super fast static RAM (SRAM), the R3000 RISC (reduced instruction-set computing) processor and its fast versions, and bipolar ICs (integrated circuits). At the UK plant, Sony will design chips for TV sets and telecommunication devices.
Meanwhile, Sony has developed, what it claims, is the world's smallest LCD. The screen size is only 0.55 of an inch. It is TFT (thin film transistor)-based and called the LCX005AK. The device measures 17.8 by 18 by 2.7 millimeters (mm) and has 113,000 pixels with 260 horizontal lines. It is designed for view finders of camcorders.
It is only a prototype but will be available at 23,000 yen ($230). The company has also developed a 0.7-inch LCD with 180,000 pixels, which will be available in January, 1994, priced at 37,000 yen ($370).
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930917/Press Contact: Sony tel +81-3-5448-2200, fax +81-3-5448-3061)
t: Sony tel +81-3-5448-2200, fax +81-3-5448-3061)
9/17/93
Sony Strengthens Chip Design, Develops Tiny LCD
GENERAL
Govt NII Council To Include Look
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- President Clinton has made a move to address concerns which had led many high-tech supporters to express disappointment in him. By forming an Advisory Council on the National Information Infrastructure, and hinting at a re-write of the 1934 Communications Act, he has at least got their attention.
An executive order signed September 15 forming the United States Advisory Council on the National Information Infrastructure, to be appointed by Commerce Secretary Ron Brown, was in fact announced by Vice President Gore, a key supporter of the idea while in the Senate. The Council - up to 25 members - will serve up to two years, will get only travel expenses and a per diem, plus some assistance from Commerce officials, but they may also have tremendous power. Section Two of the order allows the Council to advise the Secretary on "current and proposed regulatory regimes on the evolution of the National Information Infrastructure," which many took to mean a re-write of the 1934 Communications Act.
That act, first passed under the New Deal but since subject to numerous amendments, is the basic law under which all telecommunications companies operate. It is based on the idea of scarce frequency and the public interest, and many inside and outside of Washington, including powerful Democrats like Oklahoma Representative Mike Synar, have urged a re-write for the 21st century.
In remarks announcing the Council, Commerce Secretary Brown mentioned the idea of revising regulations. Republicans quickly charged he is trying to shake down the industry for campaign contributions. Many in Washington, like FCC Commissioner Ervin Duggan, a Bush appointee, have advised against any rewrite fearing a feeding frenzy by special interests.
At a press conference announcing the Council, Vice President Gore emphasized the idea of "universal access" to the NII, saying schools and homes, not just businesses, should be able to get fast-data services and access to large databases. Cable and telephone companies are already building what will become the NII, based on the still-unformed asynchronous transfer mode protocol, but all the work is going on in urban centers, suburbs and around university campuses, where there are lots of potential customers. Only the regional Bells, so far, have publicly expressed concern about universal access, and critics quickly charged they are mainly interested in universal subsidies for serving rural communities.
Meanwhile a number of companies and colleges, including AT&T Digital Equipment, Hewlett-Packard, Novell, Sprint, Sun and SynOptics, along with Oregon State, UC Berkeley, Ohio State, the University of New Hampshire, and the US Department of Energy's Sandia National Laboratory in New Mexico, announced a grouping called Earth Data Systems, which will link nine states in a fast data network aimed at studying deforestation and ocean pollution. That effort could start in November, and help in defining standards for the NII. SynOptics is a leader in ATM technology.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930917/Press Contact: White House Press Office, 202-456-1414)
ss Contact: White House Press Office, 202-456-1414)
9/17/93
Govt NII Council To Include Look At 1934 Coms Act
1992 Cable Act Upheld
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- US District Court Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson has upheld most of the 1992 Cable Act, rejecting cable industry arguments that the "retransmission consent" rule under which stations can negotiate with cable on carrying their signals, violates the First Amendment right to free speech. The decision was a loss for Time Warner Entertainment Co., which brought suit.
The retransmission rules were a cornerstone of broadcasters' support for the act, which also re-imposes rate regulation on the industry for the first time in a decade. Broadcasters have watched as cable services like CNN won fees of about 25 cents per subscriber per month from cable operators, and wanted in.
Negotiations between networks and operators, however, have resulted in deals without cash changing hands. Instead, networks are creating their own new cable channels and, some analysts contend, using the act to force local cable operators to carry them even if that means bumping off other channels.
A legal challenge to the "must carry" rule, under which operators must carry all local broadcast signals - even if they are just home shopping channels - is pending before the Supreme Court. The original decision in that case was also written by Judge Jackson.
Jackson did strike down some rules, however, based on the Constitution. He said that there can be no limits on the number of subscribers a cable operator serves. He ruled there can be no guaranteed quote on satellites for non-commercial, educational programming. He also said a rule forcing operators to give 30 days notice before offering free previews of premium channels offering R-rated movies - or tougher stuff - is also unconstitutional.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930917)
a Blankenhorn/19930917)
9/17/93
1992 Cable Act Upheld
IBM Has No Comment On WSJ Piece
Quattro Pro Pricing Will Not Aff
NEC, Unisys Serve Up Pentium Ser
Atlanta Cable TV Expo - New Tech
Claris & Quality Computers Annou
MS-DOS 6.2 Released Planned For
Hong Kong University Gets Digita
IBM Launches Feature-Packed Note
Indian IT Professionals Overseas
Correction: Frame Relay Service
Psion Launches $500 PDA With Dig
WordPerfect Hopes To Strengthen
TCS Consortium Bags Rs 20-Crore
US School Technology Spending Up
Identity Bundles Keyboard/Check-
Apple Offers Free Newton OS 1.04
UK - Cellnet Offers Gifts For Bi
California Regulators Open In-St
InterDigital Works For Expedited
KING OF PRUSSIA, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) InterDigital Technology expects expedited trials, perhaps as early as January, on its patent infringement suits involving the digital cellular technologies known as time division multiple access, or TDMA, and code division multiple access, or CDMA.
Spokesman Dave Buckingham told Newsbytes the company filed its TDMA complaint against Ericsson in Virginia because that court has a "rocket docket" which aims to bring such cases to trial quickly. Ericsson has also counter-sued, in a different court arguing the TDMA patents should be held invalid. InterDigital is best known for its TDMA technology.
The company is also engaged in lawsuits over CDMA with Qualcomm. Buckingham told Newsbytes that the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, where InterDigital filed its CDMA suits, also has expedited procedures. Qualcomm, in which regional Bells NYNEX and Pacific Telesis both hold interests, recently said it won authorization of its version of the technology as a standard before the Telecommunications Industry Association.
It has also convinced such major cellular operators as US West and Bell Atlantic to switch to CDMA instead of TDMA, arguing it offers more capacity. It has also convinced a number of Korean manufacturers to make CDMA equipment, both for their home market and for export.
InterDigital sued Qualcomm in June, after acquiring the patent portfolio of SCS Mobilecom, which has done much of its work on CDMA in conjunction with military contracts aimed at making battlefield order transmissions impossible to jam. Recently InterDigital sought to add another patent, which underlies both TDMA and CDMA - it involves how files are set-up before they are digitally encoded, according to Buckingham - to its complaint. Qualcomm is fighting that move. Oki Electric Industry Company Ltd., and Oki America, which has signed to make CDMA equipment are also parties to the suits.
Over the long run, CDMA is considered a far more important technology than TDMA by many analysts, although in the short-run TDMA is being installed in some US cellular systems, notably by McCaw Cellular. CDMA is expected to be the basis for microwave based cellular service called personal communication networks, or PCNs, which could result in a flood of royalties to whomever the courts rule owns the technology. The 800 megahertz networks being developed using specialized mobile radio, or SMR, frequencies also depend on a version of CDMA technology.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930917/Press Contact: Dave Buckingham InterDigital Technology, 215-278-7910)
Buckingham InterDigital Technology, 215-278-7910)
9/17/93
InterDigital Works For Expedited Patent Hearing
Microsoft Shipping Two IBM PROFS
Macintosh, DOS, Windows Rated By
US Eases High-Speed Computer Exp
International Phone Update
PenExpo Conference Opens In Bost
AT&T Expands GaAs IC Production
Dell Intros Optiplex L PC Family
Stratus To Buy Shared Financial
New Addressing Software -- Mikey
Compaq Intros New Server PCs
Athlete's Diary For DOS, Windows
UK - Fontware's Replix Fax Manag
Adobe Settles Visual App Suit
Client/Server Needs New Thinking
Calm And Quiet In Moscow
Phoenix Intros File Finder For W
Microsoft To Deliver National Ga
Text Stripper For Macintosh
Review of Loom Fantasy Adventure
Hard Disk To Go -- K-STOR
Tokyo Firm Intros CD-ROM Recorda
CARVER, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- A Japanese firm is now shipping a CD-ROM recordable system that is being distributed by Carver, Minnesota-based Microboards.
Called Playwrite, the CD-ROM data recording system ships as a turnkey system that includes a Ricoh CD-Recordable drive, Dataware Technologies CD-Record software, a SCSI (small computer systems interface) cable, two blank disks, and one hour of free customer support from national computer services provider National Computer Systems.
The system sells for $3,899 and is compatible with PCs running MS-DOS or Unix as well as Apple Computer's Macintosh platform. Additional disks are available from Rorke Data, Consan Systems High Technology Inc., and CD Data as well as from Microboards. Disk prices are dependent on the quantity purchased. In lots of 100 they sell for $18 each.
Ricoh Executive Vice President Dr. Mondo Onoe said Ricoh's decision to get into the CD business was motivated by two factors. "First the market promises to expand dramatically in the future since the CD is one of the best media for recording a mixture of images and text. Second, Ricoh already possesses the technologies needed to enter this market - including optomechatronics, photoconductor organic pigment technologies, and semiconductor technologies." Ricoh already manufactures copiers, cameras, printers, optical disk drives, and disks.
M. Craig Hanson, US general manager at Microboards, told Newsbytes optomechatronics is a term that refers to a mixture of optical mechanical and electronic technology combined into a single device. "Ricoh is a vertically integrated company that makes their own optical, mechanical, and electronic devices," he told Newsbytes.
The software from Dataware is its recently enhanced CD-Record version 2.0 multi-format program. The drive has an incremental write capability, which allows data sets of variable and/or fixed lengths to be written on the disk, in the same way external PC storage devices work.
"Playwrite has all the attributes, formats and platforms required by the business marketplace," according to M. Craig Hanson, US general manager for Microboards Inc. The software was designed to be used with a broad range of CD-ROM applications from mastering audio CDs and developing CD-I (CD-Interactive) titles to preparing multimedia business presentations, directories, catalogs, desktop publishing, and archival storage.
BOULDER, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Exabyte Corp. has introduced a new member of its family of media products, a 4 millimeter (mm) data cartridge.
The company says the Exatape 4mm Data Cartridge is compatible for data recording use with all brands of 4mm DDS-1 digital audio tape (DAT) drives. The 60-meter tape has a suggested retail price of $31.95, while the 90-meter version will sell for $35.95.
The new 4mm cartridge joins Exabyte's 8mm data cartridge and, like its predecessor, is certified for use with helical- scan computer drives. Exabyte says the new 4mm cartridge differs from media marketed for consumer audio entertainment devices because it is formulated exclusively for computer data applications.
The new cartridge has a friction-resistant backcoating Exabyte says maintains stable tape performance during repeated usage of up to 1,500 passes and a more than 30-year archival life. Exabyte backs its Exatape products with a lifetime limited warranty. The 60 and 90 meter tapes have a storage capacity of 1.3 and 2 gigabytes respectively, and can double that with data compression.
NORTH SIOUX CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) Gateway 2000 has announced that it is now accepting orders for a Pentium-based PC that uses PCI local bus architecture. The unit is scheduled to ship in mid-October.
The company says that the P5-60, is available in volume. Base configuration includes a 424 megabyte (MB) hard drive, 16MB of system memory, a 2MB video card, a double speed CD-ROM drive that Gateway says transfers data at the rate of 300 kilobytes (KB) per second, a 1.44MB 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, 16 KB of internal cache memory, a 15-inch non-interlaced CrystalScan color monitor, a mouse, MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, and a choice of application software. Gateway says the P5-60 is more economical than comparably configured systems that are powered by a 66 megahertz (MHz) 486DX2 chip.
The P5-60 uses a 32-bit PCI local bus that Gateway says can move data up to 15 percent faster than through existing VESA (Video Electronics STandards Association) local bus designs. If the user adds peripherals such as modems or network cards, the system BIOS (basic input/output) recognizes and automatically configures them. Gateway says peripherals running on the PCI bus run at a 33MHz clock speed, more than four times the rate used on standard ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus expansion slots.
The unit comes in a tower style case that accommodates five external drive bays, six internal drive bays, two fans, and a 300 watt power supply. Gateway will install Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program the CD-ROM edition of Microsoft Word and Bookshelf, MS Powerpoint presentation software, Microsoft Project project management Microsoft Entrepreneur Pack, or Borland's Paradox/Quattro package at no charge. The user can also elect to have a second application installed, including several CD-ROM titles. Gateway says those are available at competitive pricing and include Microsoft Encarta Microsoft Dinosaurs, Jazz: A Multimedia History, Microsoft Cinemania and the TIME Almanac 1993.
(Jim Mallory/19930917/Press contact: Glynnis Gibson, Gibson Communications for Gateway 2000, 312-868-9400; Reader contact: Gateway 2000, 605-232-2000 or 800-846-2000, fax 605-232-2023)
0, 605-232-2000 or 800-846-2000, fax 605-232-2023)
9/17/93
Gateway 2000 Intros Pentium-Powered Local Bus PC
Identity Bundles Keyboard/Check-
RICHARDSON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- Identity systems Technology Inc., says it will market a keyboard that can be used with IBM-compatible or IBM PS/2 personal computers and will come with Check-Print accounting and check printing software.
The keyboard comes with an adapter that makes it compatible with either type of PC. Check-Print accounting software can be configured to print twelve different business or personal checks, available from Deluxe Corp.
The software was developed by CPA Gary Stetzer, owner of Tremplo Software, and is designed for personal or business bookkeeping. The menus include a Main Menu with choices for setup of income and expense categories, checkbook, checkbook reconciliation, correction of checks and transactions, batch printing of checks, reports additional features, and ordering of checks and supplies. You can choose a personal, retail sales, contractor, apartment rental farmer or services format.
Available reports include check register, transaction listing, and income and expense reports. The sample chart of accounts can be customized to fit the user's needs, and the program supports wide and standard carriage printers and laser printers. Tremplo provides free technical support.
Stetzer says he developed Check-Print because he was unable to find a software program that would give his clients the information they needed in a format they could understand. "Using my 15 years of experience as a college accounting instructor and my background in systems and design, I developed my own software." He claims Check-Print is superior to Quicken, another personal and small business accounting program, citing Check- Print's superior flexibility and ease-of-use.
Identity spokesperson Alan Weinkrantz told Newsbytes hardware-software bundles such as this represent an opportunity for the end user to get a good piece of hardware with immediate gratification. Speaking about Check-Print, Weinkrantz said, "If they like the idea of doing their books on a computer, they can continue to use what essentially amounts to a free program or can upgrade to a high end product."
The keyboard-software bundle has a suggested retail price of $89.95. Identity markets its products through mass merchandisers such as Walmart, Price Club, and Lechmere.
(Jim Mallory/19930917/Press contact: Alan Weinkrantz for Identity, 210-820-3070; Reader contact: Identity Systems Technology, 214-235-3330)
r contact: Identity Systems Technology, 214-235-3330)
PORTLAND, OREGON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- First came overhead slides for business projections. Next came projection screens that projected images displayed on an attached personal computer. Now a Portland, Oregon, company has taken a different approach introducing a technology that captures to a computer everything written on a whiteboard, where it can be saved, printed or even shared with viewers in other locations simultaneously.
Microboard Graphics Inc., has introduced Softboard, a peripheral device that combines the ubiquitous whiteboard and its colored markers with computer technology. Softboard uses special dry-erase markers in a variety of colors that use encoded sleeves to sends information about the marker's color and position on the board to a digital signal processor (DSP). A special circular eraser about the size of a softball causes information erased from Softboard to be erased from the computer display.
Softboard connects to a Apple Computer Macintosh using a standard serial cable. The user loads the software and the unit automatically configures itself. A special program called SB Remote can also be loaded to assist in setting up a multi-site real-time session using a modem.
Laser beams are the key to the technology. Two of the beams continuously scan the entire area of the whiteboard about one-quarter of an inch above the surface. When the user writes on the board the lasers locate, identify and track the positions of the markers in real time and translate the data onto the computer display.
"The need to record the ideas, concepts, and solutions created by the collaboration of individuals has always been important," says Microfield President and CEO John Conroy. "Until now the recording and dissemination of this newly created information has been cumbersome at best. Softboard, quite simply, solves this problem."
Microfield says a 54-inch by 60-inch model of Softboard is scheduled to ship in November, priced at $2,995. Additional sizes and models are in development. Softboard is also compatible with IBM-compatible PCs.
(Jim Mallory/19930917/Press contact: Peter Zinsli, Microfield Graphics, 503- 626-9393; Reader contact: Microfield Graphics 503-626-9393 or 800-334- 4922, fax 503-641-9333)
3 or 800-334- 4922, fax 503-641-9333)
9/17/93
Microfield Intros Softboard For Mac
APPLE
US West To Cut 9,000 Jobs
DENVER, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- US West Communications plans to cut 9,000 jobs over the next three years citing the need to become more competitive.
A subsidiary of telephone and exchange access services provider US West Inc, the communications company employs about 63,700 people.
"We're announcing our plans now to give employees - and the communities in which they lie and work - as much advance notice as possible," said a company spokesperson.
US West said it plans to "re-engineer" its internal operations and will continue to streamline every part of the business to make it more efficient. The company said the labor union was involved in the re-engineering. Some employees will receive outplacement services and additional training to help them find jobs. Others will be offered relocation. "We'll also work with affected communities on economic development issues, including new uses for facilities that we will vacate," the spokesperson said.
The company said the layoff decision will result in the shifting of work from several smaller offices scattered across 14 states to 26 new centers in Albuquerque, Boise, the Denver area, Des Moines, the Minneapolis-St Paul area, Omaha, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City and the Seattle area. Current centers will close gradually over an 18 month period beginning in mid-1994 as the new centers come on line.
(Jim Mallory/19930917/Press contact: Abel Chavez, US West Communications, 719-636-4596)
mmunications, 719-636-4596)
9/17/93
US West To Cut 9,000 Jobs
TELECOM
Phoenix Intros File Finder For W
NORWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- Continuing an attempt to establish itself as a vendor of software for end users as well as systems software used by computer makers, Phoenix Technologies Ltd., has announced a program meant to help Microsoft Windows users find files.
Eclipse Find, from Phoenix's recently created Eclipse division maintains a full-text index of files so that users can search for files containing one or more words, the company said. It can also sort files by date and time of creation, so that a user can look for a file created, say, last Thursday afternoon.
Also, like other file management programs, Eclipse Find can perform operations - such as moving and deleting - on single files or selected groups of files. And it can "launch" the application in which the file was originally created.
Find runs in the background while other Windows applications are in use and indexes files as they are created. Company spokeswoman Jessica Chipkin said this does not affect the performance of the foreground application. Users can also index files that were on their disks before they installed Find, she said.
Searching capabilities include the ability to search for files containing a given word, plus "and," "or," and "not" searches. Proximity searching, which finds files where one word occurs within a specified number of words from another word, is not available in this release, Chipkin said.
Phoenix claimed the software will find any document on a hard drive in less than three seconds. Users can also create folders, with names longer than those allowed in the DOS file system, to organize their files.
The suggested retail price is $89, with an introductory price of $39.95, and the software is available now, Phoenix said.
Phoenix bought Chicago-based Eclipse Systems Inc., which also makes personal computer facsimile software, in mid-May.
(Grant Buckler/19930917/Press Contact: Jessica Chipkin 312-541-0260; Michael Deutsch, Phoenix, 617-551-4184)
Michael Deutsch, Phoenix, 617-551-4184)
9/17/93
Phoenix Intros File Finder For Windows
0 Z x
Lotus Intros Approach 2.1, Smart
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- Having put its own stamp on the database software it bought in the spring Lotus Development Corp., has announced the new version as a stand-alone package and as part of its SmartSuite applications bundle for Microsoft Windows.
The new Approach 2.1 adds the SmartIcons that Lotus uses to provide quick access to common functions in its other applications. It also can read files created by the company's 1-2-3 spreadsheet program, and the latest version of 1-2-3 Release 4, can read Approach files, said company spokesman Paul Santinelli, Jr.
Lotus bought Approach in June, when it acquired Approach Software Corp., of Redwood City, California.
The new Release 2.1 of Approach also adds direct access to tables created by the Oracle database software, versions 6 and 7, and it complies with Microsoft Corp.'s Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) standard, meaning Approach can serve as a front end to server databases that also comply with ODBC, Santinelli said.
Other new features include batch reading of structured query language (SQL) files and support for graphics interchange (.GIF) and Targa (.TGA) graphics files.
Approach 2.1 has a list price of $395, but there is a $99 introductory price until December 31. Anyone who bought Approach 2.0 can upgrade for a $10 shipping and handling fee.
In SmartSuite 2.1 for Windows, Approach will replace the license option for Lotus' cc:Mail electronic software. The company claimed that it found customers buy communications products separately from desktop applications. However, Lotus continues to offer discounts for volume purchases of SmartSuite combined with Notes, its work-group software.
Substituting Approach for cc:Mail means the price of SmartSuite remains the same at $795. Upgrades from any Lotus or competing application are $595, but Lotus is offering them at a special promotional price of $299 until the end of this year.
(Grant Buckler/19930917/Press Contact: Jaleh Bisharat, Lotus 415-306-7887; Paul Santinelli Jr., Lotus, 415-306-1705; Peter Cohen, Lotus, 617-693-1283)
Lotus, 415-306-1705; Peter Cohen, Lotus, 617-693-1283)
9/17/93
Lotus Intros Approach 2.1, SmartSuite 2.1 For Windows
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Lotus Announces Network Of Europ
STAINES, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- Lotus has launched a Europe-wide network of education centers for Notes and cc:Mail.
The aim of the centers is to prepare the way for the expected growth (according to Lotus) in the European groupware market. Lotus claims that the market for this type of software is expected to quadruple by 1988, backing up its claim with a report by Ovum, the market research company.
According to the companies, the Lotus Authorized Education Centers (LAECs) will provide training for system administrators, application developers and end users across Europe. To date, 16 European organizations have been certified as LAECs in Europe.
In the UK, Azlan, Britech, Computacenter, Computerland Edinburgh KPMG, P&P Training, and QA Training have joined the network. In Scandinavia, the list incudes IBM Sweden, Scribona, Fintronic, Cinet and Damagaard Data. In Germany it includes Peacock and What's Up while in the Netherlands it is Appligate. In Italy, the LAEC is Infoservice.
Announcing the setting up of the LAECs, Colin Stanley, European Manager for Lotus CSG Education Services, said that the company is committed to providing education and training programs which meet the requirements of the Lotus' fast-growing base of Notes and cc:Mail users.
"Under the program, we've created a broad-based alliance of organizations devoted to delivering quality education services to our customers in Europe. The LAECs we have chosen to work with all have a solid track record in providing training for advanced technology products. By authorizing these new training centers Lotus is bringing Notes' strengths to an even wider base of developers and users in the UK," he said.
So how does a center qualify to become an LAEC? Lotus says that companies must have permanent training facilities and a proven background in providing courses on software, networks and operating systems. The reason for the LAECs having to meet such high standards is, Lotus claims, because of the need to provide the training for the Lotus certification (LCE) program.
(Steve Gold/19930917/Press & Public Contact: Lotus Development Corp., 0784-455445)
Public Contact: Lotus Development Corp., 0784-455445)
9/17/93
Lotus Announces Network Of European Training Centers
BUSINESS
Dataquest LIsts Compaq In #2 Eur
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- The turnaround for Compaq in Europe now looks complete. Two years ago the company seemed to be at a low point. Now, according to figures just released by Dataquest on European PC sales, it is almost at the top of the pile with only IBM to beat.
According to the latest Dataquest/Wall Street Journal report Compaq's percentage share of the Europe market continues to climb. During the second quarter, it held 11.1 percent - up 0.4 percent (in points terms) on the 10.7 percent reported for the first quarter. IBM is holding on to pole position with 13.1 percent - up 0.5 percentage points from 12.6 percent during the first quarter.
Apple brought up third position, losing 0.6 percentage points to end up at 7.1 percent during the second quarter. The only real winner was Olivetti with a 0.7 percent percentage points increase to 6.6 percent of the market, pushing the company into fourth position.
Eckhard Pfieffer is the man who has dragged Compaq back from the edge over the last few years. His strategy for the company has been simple - dropping and dropping prices continually until profit margins are razor thin. Newsbytes notes that the result has been an astonishing turnaround for the company - over the last year, the company has doubled its UK market share from five to more than 11 percent.
Analysts now recognize that, in the past quarter, when many companies have made a loss, and IBM barely broke even, Compaq has doubled its sales and tripled its profits to $102 million. It has also reported a 150 percent increase in the number of computers sold over the year before. The industry average, meanwhile, was a relatively modest 25 percent.
According to Dataquest, European PC sales fell throughout Europe during the second quarter of this year. Unit shipments rose 11.2 percent to 2.17 million units over the same period a year ago. They fell 12 percent from the 2.5 million units shipped in the first quarter of this year.
The UK PC sales channel appears to have taken the brunt of the sales reduction. During the second quarter, PC sales were 421,000, a 30 percent reduction from the 602,000 reported during the first quarter of the year.
(Steve Gold/19930917/Press & Public Contact: Dataquest 0895-835050)
930917/Press & Public Contact: Dataquest 0895-835050)
9/17/93
Dataquest LIsts Compaq In #2 European PC Sales Slot
TRENDS
Shiva Lures Ingari From Lotus
BURLINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- Remote networking vendor Shiva Corp., has hired Frank Ingari away from his post as vice-president of marketing at Lotus Development Corp., to become Shiva's president and chief executive.
Ingari will take over those titles from Dan Schwinn, founder of Shiva, who continues as chairman of the company.
Schwinn told Newsbytes the remote networking market is taking off and Shiva officials believe the company has "the right products the right technology in the right market area." The remaining issue was "how well we could execute," he said, and "we set out to find someone who could help us execute incredibly well."
Schwinn believes he has found that person in Ingari, who has both a technical and a marketing background in large and small companies.
Before becoming vice-president of marketing at Lotus, Ingari was chairman and chief executive of Ontos Inc., a maker of object-oriented database software also based in Burlington. Before that he was vice-president of Lotus' spreadsheet division and spent six years in management jobs at Atex Inc., a maker of electronic publishing systems.
Schwinn said he will spend more of his own time on the technical aspect of the company and on promoting Shiva to customers and potential partners. "I have been running at probably 170 percent of capacity for the last nine months since this thing took off," he noted.
Shiva recently announced a deal with IBM, under which the two firms will develop remote networking equipment for IBM networks and a deal with Apple Computer to create remote access software.
The company currently has about 160 employees and annual revenues of about $30 million, Schwinn said, and is expecting 50-to-100-percent annual growth in the next couple of years.
Lotus has not yet named a replacement for Ingari, company spokesman Richard Eckel said, and until it does staff who had reported to him will report directly to Bob Weiler, senior vice-president of the company's North American business group.
(Grant Buckler/19930917/Press Contact: Carol McGarry, Schwartz Communications for Shiva, 617-431-0770; Richard Eckel, Lotus Development, 617-693-1284)
otus Development, 617-693-1284)
9/17/93
Shiva Lures Ingari From Lotus
GENERAL
Canada's Unitel Prepares To Offe
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- If federal regulators give their approval, Unitel Communications Inc., will offer toll-free 800-number service in competition with the established phone companies in nine of the 10 Canadian provinces starting in January.
Unitel said its Unitel800 service will be built on intelligent network technology from AT&T, which owns 20 percent of Unitel.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) must approve the service before Unitel can go ahead. As the CRTC has shown itself in favor of telephone competition particularly with its decision last year to let Unitel and a coalition of Toronto-based Lightel Inc., and Vancouver-based BC Rail Telecommunications compete with the regional phone companies - that approval is likely to be given.
Unitel still faces one obstacle, though. By year end, the company expects to be offering long-distance service in all of Canada except the province of Saskatchewan, where telecommunications remains provincially regulated. The Saskatchewan government which owns the telephone company, Saskatchewan Telecommunications (SaskTel) - has shown no sign of allowing competition. New federal telecom legislation that became law earlier this year will eventually put the province's telecommunications under federal authority, but not for another five years.
In the meantime, Unitel spokesman Ken Stewart said, it appears callers in Saskatchewan will not be able to call Unitel800 numbers elsewhere in Canada. And Unitel's competitors, the regional phone companies making up the Stentor consortium, are refusing to provide multi-carrier portability, in which a customer could use a single 800 number but have service provided by Unitel in some areas and a Stentor company in another. So, a national customer that wanted to use Unitel800 in the nine provinces where it will be available would have to publish a different number for service provided by SaskTel to Saskatchewan callers.
However, Unitel and Stentor are negotiating on this point and "we're confident that we can resolve the Saskatchewan problem," Stewart said.
He added that Canadians will have 800-number portability in the sense that customers will be able to switch carriers without changing numbers. This issue gained attention this year in the United States, where until recently, a block of numbers was reserved for each long-distance carrier and a customer who switched had to take a new number, possibly at a substantial cost for reprinting stationery, promotional materials and the like.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- At Electronic Imaging '93 this week, Sony introduced a product billed as the smallest CCD camera module ever made, along with an ultra-tiny color liquid crystal display (LCD) display.
Both products will be used for professional broadcasting and film applications, and the CCD camera module might also be used in desktop peripherals, said Jim Trumpp, national sales manager, in an interview with Newsbytes on the show floor.
Several Sony customers will be taking the camera and LCD, encased in protective enclosures, on underwater ocean filming expeditions Trumpp told Newsbytes. Customers in this market segment include Osprey and Deep Sea Power & Light, he added. Many land-based applications are also on the way, he said.
The 1.7- by 1.1- by 3.1-inch XC-MO7 monitor is designed to function as a "portable viewfinder," and is ideal for testing camera installations, he explained. The miniature monitor weighs only 4.2 ounces, requires only a 12-volt power supply, and has a total power consumption of only 2-watts. The display area is just 0.7-inch wide.
The RGB (red, green, blue) pixels of the LCD are arranged in a delta pattern, which is aimed at providing exceptional picture quality compared to the fixed color pattern found in vertical stripe and mosaic pattern arrangements.
According to Trumpp, the LCD is the first of its size to offer zero retention time, meaning that a shadow of a previous image is not retained by the panel.
The new "subminiature" XC-777 CCD module measures less than four-inches in height and under one-inch in both height and width making it one-third smaller than Sony's previously released XC-999 module, he told Newsbytes.
The module outputs stand color video signals, either NTSC composite or Y/C, producing horizontal resolution of 470 TV lines. The use of Sony's Hyper HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) technology has reduced light sensitivity to 4.5 lux, said Trumpp. Signal-to noise ratio has been improved to more than 48dB.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930917/Reader contact: Sony Electronics, tel 708-773-7604; Press contacts: Manny Vara, Sony, tel 201-930-7005; Jim Leal, Technology Solutions for Sony, tel 415-617-4513; Barbara Hagin, Technology Solutions for Sony, tel 415-617-4523)
gin, Technology Solutions for Sony, tel 415-617-4523)
9/17/93
Electronic Imaging '93 - Smallest CCD Camera Module
TRENDS
Electronic Imaging '93 - 3D Eyew
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- At Electronic Imaging '93, StereoGraphics has announced a $2 million agreement to supply Kubota-Pacific Computer with its CrystalEyes active shuttering eyewear and other 3D (three-dimensional) stereographic products.
Used for virtual reality applications, flybys, and industrial purposes, the CrystalEyes eyewear is synchronized with the monitor according to the company. The monitor alternately displays the left and right images of each stereo pair at 120 frames-per-second resulting in a "true stereo 3D image."
Kubota plans to offer the eyewear with Kubota Kenai ("keen eye") workstations, which are based on DEC's Alpha AXP processor and Kubota's scalable Denali graphics subsystem, as well as with Kubota's own Denali workstations.
Silicon Graphics, another workstation vendor, has been providing the eyewear with its workstations for the past six or seven years said Paul D. Wait, sales engineer, speaking with Newsbytes at the StereoGraphics booth.
In the booth, StereoGraphics ran a demo on a Kubota workstation of a 3D flyby of Orange County. StereoGraphics has also produced a demo of Autodesk, Wait told Newsbytes. The company hopes to have applications based on StereoGraphic equipment accessible from an icon in an upcoming edition of Autodesk's 3D studio, he noted.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930917/Press and reader contact: StereoGraphics, tel 415-459-4500)
7/Press and reader contact: StereoGraphics, tel 415-459-4500)
9/17/93
Electronic Imaging '93 - 3D Eyewear For Kubota Workstations
GENERAL
Logitech Announces PC Games Soun
WINDSOR, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Logitech has developed what it claims is a new PC sound card aimed at newcomers to PC-based games software. Known as Soundman Games, the UKP 79 card is compatible with Soundblaster, Soundblaster Pro and Ad Lib boards which Newsbytes notes have become the de facto industry "standard" in recent times.
The stereo sound card has a sampling frequency of 44,000 cycles per second and is equipped with a Yamaha synthesizer, the 20 track OPL 3, and a six watt amplifier.
A built-in CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) interface allows the card to be used with CD-ROM-based games. The company claims that PC users can also employ joysticks that adhere to IBM or MIDI standards with the card.
According to Martin Pickering, Logi UK's general manager, Soundman Games comes with two utilities for DOS and Windows. The volume on the card is controlled using keyboard short cuts. Also supplied with the card is an MCS Music Rack program that allows MIDI and Wave files to be recorded and played back.
"We have developed Soundman Games in direct response to the demands of the games market-place. It will meet the specific needs of people taking up PC-based games for the first time, while providing high quality sound effects," he explained.
The new card, which has a two year warranty, will ship in November in the UK. Logi UK is offering free telephone-based support for the card to all customers.
(Steve Gold/19930920/Press & Public Contact: Logi UK - Tel: 0344 891313)
lic Contact: Logi UK - Tel: 0344 891313)
9/20/93
Logitech Announces PC Games Sound Card
AT&T Increasing Internet Access
Portable Teleprompter Software F
Increase Mac Memory Using Existi
PSI Announces Cable Deal
The Enabled Computer
Judge Denies Microsoft Injunctio
Wordperfect For Windows 6.0 Due
New IBM Group To Focus On Ease O
US West Completes Sale of Rural
Isocor Picks India Distributor
British Telecom Cuts Connection
NEC Switches Color Notebook Prod
Woman Who Started $400 Mln Busin
Kodak Retailers Petition Kodak T
Random House, Broderbund Publish
Wipro Intros Super Genius PCs In
Japan - KDD To Cut International
Five Major Companies Agree On PC
Tele And Nokia Form Joint Ventur
MacWorld Canada - Color, Multime
Woman Who Started $400 Mln Busin
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Sandra Kurtzig, the woman who founded the $426 million ASK Group in 1972 with $2,000 in start-up money and a spare bedroom in her home, has announced her resignation from the company.
The ASK Group started as a supplier of manufacturing system software but expanded to business software with its acquisition of Alameda California-based Ingres Corporation.
Kurtzig discovered she wasn't happy just being a homemaker and raising children, although she cared about both, and wanted something she could do part-time that interested her.
"I never intended ASK to become the eighth largest software company. I was just looking for something I could do to occupy my mind in the second bedroom of my apartment while the children were sleeping," she told Newsbytes.
Kurtzig said that the success of ASK is based on two things: the realization that computers had to be user friendly; and the concept that instead of customizing computer software packages for individual companies, one standard product could be developed that any manufacturing company could use. That product was MANMAN.
MANMAN was almost called MAMA, for Manufacturing Management. But Kurtzig said her customers objected, saying hard-nosed executives wouldn't buy a MAMA system. So she used the first three letters of the two words Manufacturing Management and came up with MANMAN.
"I don't believe women, or men for that matter, have to sacrifice having children in order to achieve a level of success. I also don't believe you should wait until you're old and grey to have children. I think there can be a balance -- homelife and children with work," Kurtzig added.
Along the way she got divorced, but said the divorce wasn't because of her business, but because she and her husband simply grew apart. At the time of the divorce, Kurtzig's husband set a new record for the largest settlement a man ever received -- $20 million.
Kurtzig has been moving out of the limelight in her company since last year when she announced her resignation from her post as chief executive officer (CEO) of ASK but remained as chairman of the board.
Now, at age 46, she is resigning altogether. "My plan is not to have a plan. My youngest son is graduating from high school this year and I'm feeling the empty nest syndrome. This year is his year," Kurtzig said. Sandra's oldest son is a junior at Berkeley and has already started a couple of businesses, according to his proud mother.
Kurtzig holds a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and a master's in aeronautical engineering from Stanford. She is a member of the boards of the Harvard Business School, UCLA's School of Management the Hoover Institution, and Stanford's School of Engineering. Her autobiographical book, "CEO: Building a $400 Million Company from the Ground Up," is coming out in an updated paperback edition next May from the Harvard Business School Press.
When asked if success had changed her, Kurtzig said: "I don't think so. I'm still the same person everyone said wouldn't make it." Her advice to other small companies struggling to make it is: "Sell yourself first, your product second. Companies buy from people and if you have a product that is compelling and you do a good job serving your customers, you can sell to big companies."
"We competed against IBM and Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) when we started out. If you make a good impression, they'll forget you're a small company," she added.
Mountain View, California-based ASK has 2,300 employees in 23 offices world-wide. Pier Carlo Faloti, former president of the European operation of Digital Equipment Corporation, is currently serving as CEO of ASK. A new chairman has not been named, the company said.
(Linda Rohrbough/1990920/Press Contact: Renate' Steiner, The ASK Group, tel 415-969-4442, fax 415-968-1354)
ner, The ASK Group, tel 415-969-4442, fax 415-968-1354)
9/20/93
Woman Who Started $400 Mln Business From Home Resigns
BUSINESS
SPC Says Windows, Price Erosion
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Software Publishing Corporation (SPC), makers of the Harvard Graphics software product line, has announced it will lay off 21 percent of its workforce as part of a restructuring program.
The reduction of 140 employees in both full-time and contract labor positions will leave the company with 510 employees world-wide. Total cost of the restructuring is estimated at $18 and $20 million but the company expects to save $16 million of the expense back in cost savings and cash impact between now and the end of its fiscal 1994 year. The company will said it will report its fiscal 1993 year results on October 28 of this year.
Fred Gibbons, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) said: "This restructuring and cost reduction program has been implemented across the company in response to the fundamental changes in the software industry, including a faster than anticipated migration to the Windows platform creating intense competitive pressures and continued price erosion."
Gibbons said SPC's goals are to streamline product development cycles and expense management, as well as a focus on developing and implementing sales and marketing programs that are cost- effective.
Santa Clara, California-based SPC had 1992 revenues of $144 million.
(Linda Rohrbough/1990920/Press Contact: Len Filppu, Software Publishing Corporation, tel 408-450-7129, fax 408-450-7915)
Corporation, tel 408-450-7129, fax 408-450-7915)
9/20/93
SPC Says Windows, Price Erosion Forced Layoffs
MicroAge Seeking International D
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- US computer dealer chain MicroAge has been sending an interesting fax to a number of dealers around the world.
The company said it is looking for partners who can supply local branches of multinational companies with the products and services they are used to getting from MicroAge in the US.
This is the text of the fax ...
MicroAge, one of the oldest and most successful master resellers in the computer industry achieved over $1 billion sales during 1992. MicroAge is currently expanding its international presence. Since MicroAge sells mostly brand names, we are often restricted by existing distribution agreements with major vendors to export directly to the countries in which our clients request service.
Our clients, especially the Fortune 1000-type multinational clients expect the same "one-stop-shopping" that we offer them nationwide in the US. Therefore, we have developed a new program: International MicroAge InfoSystems Services (IMIS). This means that we are in the process of building a world-wide network of affiliated dealers, to be able to refer business to them so that we can together fulfil our multinational client's needs.
Dagmar Dolatschko International Marketing Manager MicroAge
P +1-602-968-3168 ext 2321 F +1-602-929-2412 and 2405 .......
The fax goes on to list the expected abilities of a suitable IMIS Dealer. They include the following requirements:
[] Locally owned and not affiliated with any group competitive with MicroAge. (ICG/InaCom, JWP, ComputerLand, Intelligent Electronics)
[] Authorisations with at least two of these companies: IBM, Compaq HP, Apple.
[] Advanced networking such as Novell, Banyan, UNIX.
[] Business sales infrastructure, technical support and repair facilities.
[] Commitment to IMIS opportunities at competitive prices with local product, pricing and support.
[] Respond by fax to MicroAge RFQ within three business days.
[] Financial soundness. Full details to be provided but will be kept secure.
[] Must submit reports to MicroAge relating to each transaction.
[] English must be spoken
(Paul Zucker/1990920)
English must be spoken
(Paul Zucker/1990920)
9/20/93
MicroAge Seeking International Dealer Partners
Canadian Product Launch Update
` " TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- This regular feature appearing every Monday or Tuesday, provides further details for the Canadian market on announcements by international companies that Newsbytes has already covered. This week: Compaq's Concerto notebook and Microsoft's new technical support plans.
Compaq Canada announced the Concerto notebook (Newsbytes, September 14), the company's first notebook computer able to accept pen input. In Canada, the Concerto starts at C$3,489. The FlexConnect Convenience base is priced at C$309. The machines are due to be available by the end of September.
Compaq Canada also cut prices on existing LTE Lite 4/25 notebooks. The 4/25 Model 120/w was cut from C$3,799 to C$3,199, the 2/25 Model 209/w from C$4,239 to C$3,639, the 4/25e 120/w from C$4,619 to C$4,329, and the 4/25e 209/w from C$5,029 to C$4,759.
Microsoft Canada announced new technical support plans under which users of MS-DOS and Windows will be asked to pay for support after the first 90 days (Newsbytes, September 13). As in the US, users of Microsoft applications packages will continue to get free support on weekdays, but support for operating systems (in which category Microsoft includes Windows), development tools and advanced systems (Windows NT, Microsoft Mail, SQL Server, and LAN Manager) have to pay.
In Canada, Priority Desktop service, which gives access to application support outside the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday, is C$30 per call or $250 per year. A support plan for developers, including support for development tools, applications, and operating systems, is C$125 per call or C$2,000 per year.
For advanced systems, it's C$200 per call, C$1,300 per 10 calls, or C$9,750 per year. All these offerings use a toll-free phone number. Until the end of the year, new users of NT will get 30 days of set up and installation support free, but not via a toll-free number.
Premier Development Support will cost C$26,000 per year in Canada Microsoft said, and Premier Comprehensive Support for major corporate customers will start at that same price.
(Grant Buckler/19930919/Press Contact: Joh Robinson, Compaq Canada 416-229-8808; Ken Nickerson, Microsoft Canada, 416-568-0434 ext. 4246; Public Contact: Compaq Canada, 800-263-5868)
ct: Compaq Canada, 800-263-5868)
9/20/93
Canadian Product Launch Update
GENERAL
Wang Expected To Emerge From Cha
LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Wang Laboratories is likely to emerge from 13 months of Chapter 11 protection under US bankruptcy law today. At a confirmation hearing in Boston, US Bankruptcy Court Judge William C. Hillman is expected to approve the company's reorganization plan, freeing Wang to resume normal operations as a much smaller company focused on certain software areas.
If the plan is approved, Wang is to issue 30 million shares of new common stock to unsecured creditors and others. Holders of the company's old common stock will get warrants allowing them to buy the new stock within seven years and nine months.
Wang would emerge from Chapter 11 with about 6,000 employees. At its biggest, in the late 1980s, Wang had more than 30,000 employees.
Wang is turning away from its old proprietary VS minicomputer systems, sales of which have been declining, and pinning its future hopes largely on document image processing systems. "They're coming out as primarily a software company," said Michael Goulde, senior consultant with the Patricia Seybold Group in Boston.
In a letter sent out in late Aufust to those who follow the company Joseph M. Tucci, Wang's president and chief executive officer, said that the firm will have "a strategic focus on software and services for office departments and workgroups." He also said Wang will continue to support users of its VS minicomputers.
Analysts are cautiously optimistic about the company's prospects. Goulde said Wang will be "competing in some hot and very competitive market-places." The company has some good products, he said, but will face tough competition. "Wang has in the past done best in the markets that it has invented," he added. "It's competing today in markets that are someone else's invention."
In addition to imaging, Goulde said, Wang has some strength in application development and computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools.
Ajot Kapoor, an industry analyst with Information Technologies in Boston, praised Wang's focus on software and its emphasis on open systems. "They certainly do not guarantee success," he said, "but at least they're a good starting point."
The reorganization plan calls for Wang to earn about $53 million on revenues of about $955 million in the 12 months from the beginning of October.
Wang recorded an operating loss of $57.1 million in the year ended June 30, compared to an operating loss of $45.4 million last year. After restructuring and reorganization charges, Wang had an annual net loss of $197.2 million, compared with $356.6 million last year. Revenues were $1,247.0 million, down from $1,896.2 million in fiscal 1992.
Vital elements of Wang's rebirth are financing agreements lined up in August, securing $60 million in equity financing from Steinhardt Management Co., Inc., and a financing facility of up to $30 million with Congress Financial Corporation.
(Grant Buckler/19930920/Press Contact: Frank Ryan, Wang 508-967-7038; Ed Pignone, Wang, 508-967-4912)
967-7038; Ed Pignone, Wang, 508-967-4912)
9/20/93
Wang Expected To Emerge From Chapter 11
BUSINESS
Wipro Intros Super Genius PCs In
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- In a bid to take on the international brands like IBM, Compaq and HP, Wipro Infotech India's second ranked Information Technology (IT) company, has launched the Super Genius series of PCs.
Newsbytes notes that, with the new machines, Wipro Infotech has resisted the current fad to forge R&D agreements with foreign computer companies. Instead, the company has carried out all its research and development on an in-house basis.
According to the company, the new line of Intel systems is aimed at the upper end of the PC market. What distinguishes the new range from other micros on the market are their chip level upgradability across the x86 microprocessor families "to protect customer's investment from obsolescence."
The models in the new range include an entry level 386DX machine which the company claims can be upgraded up to the Pentium overdrive chipset. A tower model which can also be upgraded from a basic 386DX chipset to the Pentium overdrive is being positioned as an upgradable LAN server. The other PCs in the machine series are based around 80386SX and 80486SX processor technology.
According to Wipro, upgrading the new machines from a 386 processor to a Pentium overdrive is as easy as slotting in a new CPU (central processor unit) module. The company says that this has been made possible by maintaining a high degree of uniformity and compatibility between motherboards for the various PCs.
Newsbytes notes that this approach differs markedly from chip upgrade options offered by other PC vendors, including Compaq and IBM. For these other companies, chip upgrades tend to be within a group of processors, rather than across processor families.
Wipro claims that its new machines compete favorably with similarly specified PCs from foreign manufacturers. Pricing on the machines ranges from Rs 55,000 (around $1,833) for an 80386SX-based system to Rs 1.5 lakh (around $5,000) for the 80486DX-based PC. HCL-HP, the leader in the computer field, prices its 386 systems at around Rs 58,000 (around $1,900) and charges up to 1.93 lakhs (around $6,400) for its 80486-based range.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930920)
d range.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930920)
9/20/93
Wipro Intros Super Genius PCs In India
BUSINESS
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Newsbytes Volume III - Available
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Newsbytes Volume III, all the news, reviews, and editorials that have been published on the Newsbytes News Network through July of this year, is now available for $24.95 on CD-ROM (compact disc - read only memory).
The disc, which runs on both Apple Computer Macintoshes and PCs contains the over 40,000 news stories on the world-wide computer and telecommunications industries written between May, 1983 and August 1993 by the Newsbytes News Network staff.
This rich compendium of reports, published by Wayzata Technologies chronicles everything from the infancy of the microcomputer to today's highly diversified and complex array of technologies.
Newsbytes has a staff of 19 daily reporters in the following cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Atlanta Washington, DC, Boston, Toronto, London, Tokyo, Hongkong, Sydney New Delhi, and Moscow.
Newsbytes reports 30 stories a day, or 600 a month. These are objective, first-hand new stories involving interviews with the people who make the news, and on-site trade show coverage. A Textware search engine enables the Volume III CD-ROM disc to be keyword searched for stories in which individual words or text strings appear, or Boolean searched (eg "keyword1" plus "keyword2" but not "keyword3"). This makes it an invaluable tool for researchers and libraries.
According to Wendy Woods, Newsbytes' editor in chief, this is also the lowest-ever price for a Newsbytes disc. Previous discs were according to Woods, priced in the $50 to $100 price bracket.
"We want to make sure everyone has access to our reports, and that price is not a barrier. Our rich history of the computer industry is the most extensive available on CD-ROM," she said.
Newsbytes, a pioneering electronic publication, has provided daily coverage of the dynamic and complex computer and telecommunications industries to online services, magazines, newspapers, newsletters and fax and e-mail news delivery services world-wide since 1983.
Newsbytes coverage has won Best Online Publication awards four times from the Computer Press Association, the largest organization of professional computer journalists world-wide. Newsbytes is an independent, privately held news organization.
The disc is $24.95 plus $2.50 shipping and handling to US addresses $4.50 shipping and handling to all other countries. Those interested in ordering the CD-ROM should send a check or money order, or their Visa or Mastercard number, with expiration date (no American Express please) to: CD-ROM Offer, Newsbytes News Network, Carriage House, 406 West Olive St., Stillwater, MN 55082 or fax to 612-430 0441. Please include shipping address.
(Newsbytes Staff/19930920)
pping address.
(Newsbytes Staff/19930920)
9/20/93
Newsbytes Volume III - Available For $24.95
GENERAL
AT&T Announces Substantial Eo Pr
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- AT&T and EO announced price cuts for the new EO 440 model personal communicator. Any customer that has purchased an EO model in the last 45 days is being offered a free 2.5 megabyte (MB) Sundisk Flashdisk with Aha!'s Inkwriter and Penmagic's Letterexpress software products.
The price cuts are substantial. For example, the EO 440 model with 8 megabytes (MB) of memory and a modem is now $1,999 compared to $2,799. The low-end EO 440 with 4MB of memory has been dropped to $1,599 from $1,999, and the high-end EO 880 with 8MB of memory, a modem, and an internal 20MB hard disk drive is $2,999, down from $3,999. The company has also dropped the price of its cellular module addition to the EO for remote communications from $799 to $499.
For users that have already taken the EO plunge, the Flashdisk offers two pen-based software products for a total giveaway valued at $850. Inkwriter allows the user to quickly write in their handwriting and either translate those notes later or not at all.
Letterexpress automates the person-to-person written communications process by automating the most commonly used portions of the document creation process, from Penmagic Software. In addition those who have purchased the cellular module in the last 45 days will receive free Notable Technologies' Mobile Access, which allows for access to applications and data on host computing systems and a wide variety of information services.
A form is available from the reseller where the EO or cellular module was purchased which must be completed and submitted to EO in order to receive the products involved, the company said.
The price cuts and gifts to current users are not in anticipation of new or competing products being introduced at Mobile World, which takes place this week in San Jose, California, but are instead a result of EO's merger with pen-based developer GO Corporation company representatives said. AT&T, who owns a majority interest in EO, announced the merger just last month.
While the initial investment in the EO is higher than for other handheld, pen-based systems, analysts point out the unit offers more. A Newton Messagepad Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with the added bells and whistles in the EO, such as the built-in fax, comes very close to the same total price.
"The AT&T EO Personal Communicators have more communications capabilities than other mobile devices currently in the market... The new pricing is the natural progression for AT&T and EO to broaden the marketability of their products," said J. Gerry Purdy chief analyst of Mobile Computing at Dataquest.
In addition, the EO is facing some immediate competition, as Casio and Tandy are nearing the release of the DOS-compatible Zoomer, a PDA competitor.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930920/Press Contact: Kevin Compton, AT&T tel 408-452-3966; Celeste Alleyne, Access Public Relations for AT&T, tel 415-904-7070 ext 282, fax 415-904-7055)
el 415-904-7070 ext 282, fax 415-904-7055)
9/20/93
AT&T Announces Substantial Eo Price Cuts
Integrated Circuit Systems Forms
CA Announces Certification Progr
Russian Cellular Tender Extended
DEC To Close Massachusetts Plant
New Cricket 3D Mouse Offers Tact
Fax Access To BBSs Gains Momentu
NEC Supplies Color LCDs To Apple
Microsoft Offers MS-Workgroup Te
Locally-Produced Wordstar 7.0 To
ACM Announces Fifth Hypertext Co
LCI Announces Integrity Business
Survival Guide For Novell Networ
Radio Shack Ships New Video Game
Complete Newsbytes Archives Now
Wordperfect Corp, SCO Strengthen
Paramount Takeover Drama Escalat
Latest On Viacom-QVC-Paramount
FCC Nominee Sails Through
UK Survey - PC Shipments Up, Pro
Apple Media Kit: Build Mac, Wind
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Apple Computer's Personal Interactive Electronic (PIE) division has announced a software developer toolkit the company claims will allow developers to build multimedia applications that will run in both the Macintosh environment and the Microsoft Windows environment for Intel-based personal computers (PCs).
Duncan Kennedy, product line manager for Apple's Digital Publishing Tools said: "Multimedia developers are frustrated with steep learning curves, poor playback performance and unpredictable results. Developers are demanding a new generation of tools that allow production teams to work together seamlessly; we are addressing this demand with the Apple Media Kit."
The Apple Media Tool Kit comprises two components -- the Apple Media Tool for designers, and the Apple Media Tool Programming Environment for programmers. The Media Tool is aimed at non-programmers and offers assembly of media elements and the addition of interactive multimedia features with object-based authoring.
The company says that prototypes can be generated easily using rough-draft media elements and interactivity between different media elements can be preserved, even when work-in-progress is substituted for finished content.
Apple held up Los Angeles Times Media Lab director Jude Angius, who used the Apple Media Kit with a team of reporters to produce a Super Bowl multimedia presentation. Angius said: "...We met our deadline in less than four weeks. Apple showed us the product, and we saw that it would allow us to integrate all the elements quickly and easily."
The second component, the Apple Media Programming Environment, is for programmers, allowing the customization and extension of projects developed using the Apple Media Tool. A new programming language is included and a new application framework, the company said.
While the downside is having to learn yet another development language and paying a royalty for distribution of finished applications, Apple lists the advantages as: combining an object oriented program language with a scripting language; allowing for portable code between Macintosh computers and PCs running Microsoft Windows; and providing access to both Macintosh and Microsoft Windows' toolboxes through a C language interface.
Andy Hong, technologist at the Art Technology Group in Cambridge Massachusetts said the learning curve for his programmers was a short one. "We were building controls and special features for an exhibit right away. The programming language is very powerful, and if you really want to enhance the program, you can also write code in C," Hong added.
A runtime player must be licensed from Apple for a fee based on the application and the distribution quantity. Corporate licensing is $5,000 per year for unlimited use or 50 cents per copy. Commercial publishers must pay 2 percent of the title's average wholesale price and 3 percent of the average price for hybrid CDs. Educational licensing is free.
PIE says that the Apple Media Tool is $1,195, but can be obtained for an introductory price of $995. Also, the product is bundled with Videofusion 1.5, a special effects software package valued at $649.
The Apple Media Kit, which includes the Apple Media Tool, the Programming Environment and the Videofusion bundle, is $3,995. APDA Apple's source for developer tools is handling the Apple Media Kit and the company says prices outside the US may vary.
(Linda Rohrbough/1990920/Press Contact: Jeni Johnstone, Regis McKenna for Apple, tel 415-354-4501, fax 415-494-8660; Apple Media Tool Information, 800-371-0612; APDA, US 800-282-2732, Canada 800 637-0029, world-wide 716-871-6555)
Apple Media Kit: Build Mac, Windows Multimedia Apps
APPLE
Novell Plans Major Announcement
PROVO, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Network operating system software publisher Novell teased the press and customers today saying it will make "a major announcement" on October 4 at Networld in Dallas, Texas.
A Novell spokesperson would only say that the announcement will be "big" and will deal with enhancement of customers' ability to manage and keep secure computer data.
Novell Chairman and CEO Ray Noorda will lead a team of Novell executives, customers, and partners in making the announcement. In addition to Noorda, the Novell team will include David Cearley, META Group workgroup computing strategies VP; Richard King, executive VP and general manager, Netware systems group; Bob Young, marketing VP Netware products division; and Barbara Goldworm and Steve Dauber product line managers, Netware systems group.
The announcement is scheduled for 2:00 pm at the Loews Anatole Hotel's Cannes Auditorium and will be followed by product demonstrations and a reception.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- November is MacWorld Expo month in Australia and MacWorld magazine is now preparing its bumper edition for distribution at the show. The editorial staff feel this may be the first real consumer show in a long time as Apple has been busy shipping its low-cost machines. They also point out that this will be the last expo without a PowerPC in it.
The MacWorld Expo is being held in Sydney on November 4-6 and the magazine will be issued to coincide with this. Editorial features in the November issue include:
[] New Apple releases. New models are expected between now and the expo.
[] MacWorld Class Awards. Over 30 categories chosen in the annual poll of readers.
[] Stocking Stuffers. A collection of fun, unusual and inexpensive ideas for the Mac user at Christmas.
[] Personal Accounting Software. A comparison of products for home and small business use.
[] Publish '93. The final in a series on Mac-based digital publishing and pre-press technologies. The Publish Expo is being held in conjunction with MacWorld Expo.
Deadline for ads in the issue is September 24. Deadline for news is Friday September 29. Contact the magazine on CompuServe 75300,3672 or fax +61-2-439 5512 or phone +61-2- 439 5133. The editor of Australian MacWorld Magazine (AWM) is Alan Jones. Readers of Newsbytes can also contact the IDG Expo division on phone +61-2-439 5133 or fax +61-2-906 3232
(Paul Zucker/1990920)
r fax +61-2-906 3232
(Paul Zucker/1990920)
9/20/93
November Is MacWorld Expo Month In Australia
Business Software Solutions - Q&
US Remains Option For Internatio
Russia's Electronics Industry In
Nextel Keeps Expanding SMR-Cellu
Borland Sets Aussie Prices
Intel Loses ULSI Appeal, AMD New
Sharp 32 Mb MROM
Media 100 Online Video Productio
Linkon Intros Low Cost Unix Voic
Planix Software Permits Office R
US Programmer Blows A Hole In RS
Canada: TelRoute Gets Thumbs Up
Magnum Multimedia PCs Feature In
Shiva Lures Ingari From Lotus
Electronic Imaging Conference Op
Claircom Signs Air France
Canada's Unitel Prepares To Offe
UK - Sonix ISDN Terminal Adapter
Exabyte Intros Exatape Mini Data
Toshiba Moves To DOS/V Group
-STOR
California Regulators Open In-St
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- As expected, the California Public Utilities Commission opened up the entire in-state toll call market to competition, starting January 1. But the largest of the former monopolies, Pacific Bell and GTE, did not object because they had been given plenty of notice and were given hefty rate hikes to make up for lost revenue.
The PUC estimates the "local toll call" market, which refers to long distance calls within calling regions, is worth $9 billion, and these rates on such calls should drop 40 percent, as companies like AT&T and MCI enter the market against GTE and Pacific Bell. The decision represents the final stage of deregulating the state's long distance market. Earlier, in-state long distance competition was allowed.
GTE and Pacific Bell have agreed with those estimates, but expressed little concern. That's because their basic rates will rise about 50 percent. The monthly charge for having a line will rise to about $13 in Pacific Bell areas, nearly $18 in areas like Orange County served by GTE. Even "Lifeline" service, a special rate for the elderly and poor under which all calls are metered, would rise to $6.50 per month.
GTE said in a press statement its new rates will be closer to the real cost of providing service. In Georgia, by contrast, local lines cost about $23 per month, but there's no Lifeline rate, and the Atlanta local calling area is the nation's largest.
The only objections to to the order came from consumer groups like Toward Utility Rate Normalization (TURN) which complained that businesses and high-income individuals will save while the poor will pay more under the plan.
Those local rates could fall, in some cases, once local competition comes. Some cable operators are anxious to compete against Pacific Bell and GTE for local phone customers in their markets. But the two major carriers will likely insist that any such plan subsidize their work in high-cost rural areas and other costs of "universal service."
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930920)
iversal service."
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930920)
9/20/93
California Regulators Open In-State Toll Market
TELECOM
Issues Narrowed In CDMA Digital
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Qualcomm has claimed a cloud was removed from buyers of its Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital cellular gear as rival InterDigital Communications agreed it will not argue that the equipment violates two of its patents.
Qualcomm and InterDigital are engaged in a court fight over CDMA which Qualcomm has brought to market but over which InterDigital claims some patent rights after its acquisition last year of SCS Mobilecom.
However the decision goes, consumers are not expected to feel any impact, and even service providers may see only a slight change in pricing, depending on how the winner decides to deal with royalty arrangements. The patents are implemented in phones, switches and cell sites, and companies which produce such equipment may pay slightly more, or pay it to a different company, after the litigation and appeals are complete in a few years.
In the latest move, InterDigital confirmed, according to Qualcomm that it will not contend CDMA equipment under the IS-95 standard pushed by Qualcomm infringe two of its patents, numbered 5,081,643 and 5,093,840. Under an agreement for both sides, InterDigital will not litigate on infringement of those patents for three years, and any litigation after that on the two patents would go to the San Diego courts, near Qualcomm's main offices.
The agreement, however, does not affect three other patent claims being made against IS-95 equipment by InterDigital in a Philadelphia court, or Qualcomm's contention that InterDigital is infringing on one of its patents, being played out in San Diego. InterDigital spokesmen have told Newsbytes it expects the Philadelphia cases to come to trial early next year.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930920/Press Contact: Thomas R. Crawford Qualcomm, 619-597-5146)
ss Contact: Thomas R. Crawford Qualcomm, 619-597-5146)
9/20/93
Issues Narrowed In CDMA Digital Cellular Patent Case
TELECOM
Software Creates Checks From Bla
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Create-A-Check has announced two software packages that print checks from blank stock eliminating the need to purchase pre-printed checks.
Newsbytes notes that, to date, this task has been very difficult on anything other than commercial and specific printers, owing to the need for magnetic ink characters to be printed along the bottom of the check.
The company is offering two software programs, Create-A-Check Professional and Create-A-Check Personal, to print checks on a laser printer that include digitized logos, signatures, check information and the magnetic inks characters banks called Magnetic Ink character Recognition (MICR). Those characters allow the banks to use an optical character reader to read account information from the check.
Donald Cantral, executive vice president of Create-A-Check, says that Create-A-Check software allows more flexibility and reduces the user's cost.
"Most business and personal users still believe they must use pre printed check forms; their businesses absorb the added cost operational limitations and security risks because they believe they have no choice. Create-A-Check gives control back to the business or individual." CAC spokesperson Melissa Clyne told Newsbytes, adding that users can cut their check printing costs by as much as 70 percent.
The Create-A-Check software comes with interfaces for many popular accounting programs, and meets the magnetic ink standards and document specifications established by the American Banker's Association and the American National Standards Institute.
Password protection keeps unauthorized users from printing checks and a feature called Trace-A-Check logs information on the users date, time, and serial number of the software used to create the check.
Clyne told Newsbytes that, because of the increasing number of check fraud and counterfeiting cases being perpetrated using state of the art color copiers, CAC has formed alliances with Duplex, a security check forms provider and TeleCheck Services, a check acceptance company.
In addition to the software, Create-A-Check comes with magnetic toner (for the MICR code) and a starter quantity of check stock. CAC can be used on a network, and requires only 420 kilobytes of system memory and 2MB of hard drive space. The program supports the use of a color monitor and a mouse if available. The professional package sells for $499.95, and the personal version has a $249.95 price tag.
(Jim Mallory/19930920/Press contact: Melissa Clyne, Bremer Public Relations for CAC Software, 801-364-2030; Reader contact: CAC Software, 801-322-5222 or 800-621-5720, fax 801-532-6700)
22-5222 or 800-621-5720, fax 801-532-6700)
9/20/93
Software Creates Checks From Blank Stock
Identity Shipping Notebook PC Wi
RICHARDSON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Identity Systems Technology says it is shipping a 486SLC 33 megahertz (MHz)-based notebook computer equipped with a 500 megabyte (MB) Maxtor hard drive with an access speed of eight milliseconds.
Identity earlier marketed a half-gigabyte (GB) notebook system powered by a 386 microprocessor, which Mobile Office Magazine awarded its Notebook Innovations Award this year.
The new system weighs less than seven pounds and has 4MB of system memory, which can be upgraded to 8MB. With MS-DOS 5.0, Windows 3.1 and Microsoft Works the unit has a suggested retail price of $2,995.
Optional features include hard drives of 213MB, 245MB or 345MB with access speeds as low as 14 milliseconds. You can also add a math co processor chip. The system is powered by an included AC adapter or a NiCad battery Identity says will run the system for up to two hours.
A 3.5 inch 1.44MB floppy disk drive is built in, and the 8.5 inch backlit LCD VGA display has 640 by 480 pixel resolution. An external VGA video port is available for an external monitor, and the unit has two 9-pin serial ports and one standard parallel port. A 9600 bps fax-2400 bps data modem and a soft carrying case are also optional.
Identity Executive VP Troy Cooper says the system was introduced because of the increased disk space requirements of programs like faxes, Windows and numerous application and development tools software.
"Special stripped-down versions of some applications are available for laptop users, but these limit functionality. Likewise compression programs that effectively extend disk space, while certainly efficient for improving data file capacity, are not equivalent to having the real hard disk space required to run applications software and generate and manipulate large files," he said.
(Jim Mallory/19930920/Press contact: Alan Weinkrantz for Identity Systems Technology, 210-820-3070; Reader contact: Identity Systems Technology, 214-235-3330)
r contact: Identity Systems Technology, 214-235-3330)
9/20/93
Identity Shipping Notebook PC With 500MB Hard Drive
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Quattro Pro Pricing Will Not Aff
NEC, Unisys Serve Up Pentium Ser
Atlanta Cable TV Expo - New Tech
Claris & Quality Computers Annou
MS-DOS 6.2 Released Planned For
Hong Kong University Gets Digita
IBM Launches Feature-Packed Note
Indian IT Professionals Overseas
Correction: Frame Relay Service
Psion Launches $500 PDA With Dig
WordPerfect Hopes To Strengthen
TCS Consortium Bags Rs 20-Crore
US School Technology Spending Up
Identity Bundles Keyboard/Check-
Apple Offers Free Newton OS 1.04
UK - Cellnet Offers Gifts For Bi
California Regulators Open In-St
FCC Split On Personal Communicat
UK -- Lotus 1-2-3 Release 4.01 F
Pen Expo - Pen Hardware Divergin
NEC RISC Processor For Windows N
ZiffNet Offers Hewlett-Packard D
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Ziffnet, the online service attached to CompuServe and owned by the Ziff-Davis publishing firm, is offering a special deal to its customers to coincide with the release of Dashboard 2.0 from Hewlett-Packard.
First, download Dashboard 1.0 on Ziffnet, using the command Go Dashboard from any prompt. The download is priced at regular Ziffnet online rates, so costs are lower at night. Then you can upgrade to Dashboard 2.0 for just $29, plus $5 shipping and sales tax where applicable, through Hewlett-Packard.
Dashboard is a program under Microsoft Windows which is designed to make using Windows easier and faster, and is known in the trade as a "Windows Launcher."
The "Ziffnet Edition of Dashboard runs under Windows 3.1, requires about 1 megabyte of disk space, and contains all the features of the shrink-wrapped version, including full online help and additional readme files. Printed documentation is not included. The offer is available through Saturday, October 30, 1993.
The program appears as a narrow bar at the bottom of a screen, and provides a faster way to work with Windows programs. It can be customized to offer three to nine screen views, so instead of searching through overlapping windows, users can access active applications quickly, and save the applications or files from extended screens. The result is users who work on multiple projects or share their computers can quickly access customized access to their programs.
Dashboard is sold bundled with some PC hardware and software including Lotus Ami Pro and Chipsoft's TurboTax. The new version of Dashboard, which retails for $99, requires 1.5 megabytes of free memory, according to Hewlett-Packard. The company says that over 300,000 units of the older version have been sold, and users of Version 1.0 can upgrade directly from Hewlett-Packard at $29 as well. Such users may also buy the new version from retail stores and receive a $15 upgrade rebate from H-P.
RICHARDSON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Cyrix Corporation has announced 80486DX and 80486DX2 microprocessors running at speeds from 33 to 50 megahertz (MHz).
Cyrix claims that the new CPUs (central processor units) are the first alternate source for 486DX chips using original design and independently developed microcode. The chips include an integrated math coprocessor, 8 kilobytes (K) of write-back cache, clock doubling, and power management features for low power notebook and "green PC" systems.
Cyrix also claims that the new chip will compete in the 486DX 33 megahertz (Mhz) market, quoting a Computer Reseller News poll published in August that reported 69 percent of the 80486-based PCs sold through the US reseller channel are based on the 486DX/33 chipset. Cyrix VP of Marketing Jim Chapman says the new chips meet all 486DX pinout and feature set requirements.
The DX2 chip is a clock-doubling CPU that allows the core CPU to operate at twice the speed of the system bus. For example, a 33Mhz bus can accommodate a 66MHz CPU, providing faster performance.
Cyrix says that five volt samples of all clock speeds are available now, with production scheduled to begin by the fourth quarter. Three volt samples are expected to be available by December, and the company says that a 66MHz 5-volt DX2 version is planned in 1994. In 1,000-quantity lots, the chip prices range from $289 to $349 each.
Cyrix won a hard-fought battle in the press and in the courts to win the right to sell its Intel-compatible chips. In July 1992, a US District Court ruled that Cyrix did not infringe on Intel patents since it produces its 80486 chips through an Intel-licensed manufacturer.
Last month Newsbytes reported that Cyrix and Intel had reached a tentative agreement dependent on the court dropping a Cyrix anti trust suit against Intel. The case was scheduled to go to trial next month. However, Intel continues to appeal the 1992 decision.
TUCSON, ARIZONA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Some companies in the computer industry may be laying off, but Intuit says it will hire 175 people to staff its new national telephone technical support center.
Menlo Park, California-based Intuit produces Quicken, a personal and small business financial record keeping program for DOS, Windows and Macintosh computers.
The center, to be located in Tucson, Arizona, is scheduled to open in early January 1994, and will begin operations with a staff of 75. It will provide technical support for the entire family of Intuit software products, and Intuit expects to have it fully staffed by the end of 1994. The new tech support representatives, supervisors managers, training staff and support personnel will be recruited from the Arizona work force.
Marsha Ralston, Intuit VP of customer service, says the company will be looking for employees with experience and knowledge in personal computers on the DOS, Windows, and Macintosh platforms. The company will train the technical support representatives. The Tucson office of the Arizona State Job Service office is accepting applications now.
In July of this year Intuit introduced quicken 4 for the Macintosh computer that tracks investments and loan amortization, stocks bonds and mutual funds, and calculates a loan's principal and interest. The program has a suggested retail price of $69.95. The latest Windows version of Quicken, introduced earlier this month added a calendar feature that can be used to schedule automated payments. It also sells for $69.95. The company also produced QuickBooks, a small business bookkeeping package.
Earlier this month Newsbytes reported that Intuit and Chipsoft Inc signed a definitive agreement to merge. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year. A ChipSoft spokesperson told Newsbytes the merger is not expected to eliminate any products produced by either company, and no staff reductions are anticipated.
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Apple Computer Fellow Donald Norman was careful not to promise too much in his keynote speech at MacWorld Canada this morning. He said he would try to predict the future, but immediately added that doing so is impossible.
As examples of how predictions about technology go wrong, Norman offered the classic projection by former IBM Chairman Thomas J. Watson that there would be a world market for about five computers and the prophecy when the telephone was invented that it was such an important device that every city would need one.
He added a warning that many who are eager to jump on new technology in the computer field might do well to heed: new technologies can take many years to reach the point where they work smoothly and are widely accepted.
On that note, Norman went on to say that his company wants to do away with computers as we know them. "We have user groups that help you use your computer, and all that's very weird. You don't go to your kitchen to use your electric motor and we don't have electric motor user groups."
Yet, Norman said, electric motors were once sold the way computers are today. He showed a clipping from a 1908 mail-order catalog advertising a "home electric motor" with attachments to turn it into a fan, an egg beater, and so on.
In the same way, he said, computers should evolve into devices meant for specific tasks. He cited Apple's Newton MessagePad, the personal digital assistant launched earlier this year, as an example.
Another was Apple's PowerCD, a device that can play audio compact disks, read compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) disks, and display pictures from Kodak's Photo CD disks. It can also connect to a computer to upload pictures that the computer can then manipulate, but Norman said the PowerCD is not meant as a computer peripheral but rather as a consumer device.
Norman went on to demonstrate a two multimedia applications, a "virtual museum" and a home shopping system, that used near-full motion video to walk users through a physical space -- museum displays in one case and a mall in the other -- and let them zoom in on objects. A text and graphics display at the side provided further information, and audio and video clips were available.
these were only prototypes, he said, "I wouldn't be surprised if this will actually exist at some point in the not-too-distant future."
Norman also showed an electronic book that made use of video and such tricks as marking points in the text so the user could return easily later.
Perhaps to provide proof of Norman's point that new technologies take time to perfect, his computer crashed several times during the demonstration. The Metropolitan Toronto Convention Centre added its own illustration with a malfunctioning fire alarm that disrupted the first half of his talk.
(Grant Buckler/19930920)
he first half of his talk.
(Grant Buckler/19930920)
9/20/93
Macworld Canada - Apple Takes Cautious Look At Future
APPLE
Tokyo Radiopaging Firm Expects M
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Tokyo Tele Message (TTM) has been gaining large numbers of new radiopager users. So many, in fact that it expects to top the one million subscriber mark by the fall of next year.
Tokyo Tele Message started its radiopaging service in October 1987 shortly after the Japanese telecoms market was deregulated. By the end of August of this year, the firm was logging 800,000 registered users, with 86,000 of these having signed up this year alone.
To stimulate demand still further, TTM is planning to reduce the deposit on hardware that new subscribers must pay. The company expects that, by the end of this year, it will have 900,000 subscribers on its books.
Newsbytes notes that there are around 6.7 million radiopager users in Japan. While the majority of these subscribers are using NTT pagers, TTM hopes to persuade existing and new users that its system is the best with a combination of functional and fashionable paging units. Particularly important in this respect are the LCD message units and pen-style numeric radiopagers.
Customers will also be able to choose a colored pager from the range, with units available in a variety of colours, including black, pink, blue and yellow.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930920/Press Contact: Tokyo Tele Message, +81-3-3508-4514)
20/Press Contact: Tokyo Tele Message, +81-3-3508-4514)
9/20/93
Tokyo Radiopaging Firm Expects Million Users By 1994
TELECOM
JetStack For HP LaserJet 4
HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Genesis Technology has announced the JetStack 1000, a new output stacking device designed to increase the paper output of Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 4 and 4M printers. Once connected to either LaserJet model the JetStack increases the printer's normal paper capacity some 300 percent, up to 1,000 sheets.
This higher capacity is especially useful in running long unattended print runs, the company notes. "Just send the 500-page document at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and on Wednesday morning the JetStack 1000 has your job stacked and ready to go," says Genesis Sales Manager Neal Greenburg. "It's also perfect for network environments."
The JetStack 1000 has a suggested retail price of $349. It installs in minutes with no software changes or additional cabling needed. Genesis Technology is a Hayward, California-based ten-year-old manufacturer of paper-handling devices for the computer industry. For more information call 510/782-4800.
(Computer Currents/19930923)
(Computer Currents/19930923)
9/23/93
JetStack For HP LaserJet 4
GENERAL
HCL HP Spruces Up Micro Range, L
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- HCL Hewlett-Packard, India's largest computer company, has announced no less than 26 new machines based around an Intel chipset. According to senior executives with the company, the release of the machines represents "the successful transformation of its entire product range to international standards."
The introduction of the new machines is the latest stage in HP HCL's "Project Infinity" which aims at total quality processes, a concept pioneered by the Japanese.
Newsbytes notes that, despite the launch of the Vectra series of computers by the HP Connection operation in India, the bulk of HP's sales come from the Busybee range of machine which was launched by HCL.
The upside of this market resistance to non-HP products has been that the company's RISC range of machines have done extremely well against machines from the likes of Digital, IBM and Sun.
Of the 26 new machines from HP HCL, 18 are machines in the Busybee XL series, while eight are Pentium-based Meteor machines which feature a PCI bus.
The Busybee range of machines start with a 25 megahertz (MHz) 80386SX chipset and range up to 66MHz 80486DX2 technology. According to Ajai Chowdhry, HCL HP's director, the machines represent state of the art technology.
"The machines use the best of peripherals, specially designed power supplies, sufficient cooling systems and even small things like cabinet screws, the label, the users manual and packing boxes have been improved upon," he said.
While the price of a 25 MHz 80386SX-based system is Rs 50,000 (around $1,670), this price tag rises to Rs 2 lakh (around $6,700) for a 66 MHz 80486DX2-based system. The Meteor range of machines range from Rs 1.5 lakh (around $5,000) for a 33 MHz 80486DX system to Rs 7.5 lakh (around $25,000) for a Pentium-based 60MHz machine.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930920)
um-based 60MHz machine.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930920)
9/20/93
HCL HP Spruces Up Micro Range, Launches Pentium Model
Quantum Intros Raft Of New Drive
MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 17 (NB) -- Quantum has introduced the Quantum Empire 1080 3.5-inch one-inch high 1.08 gigabyte (GB) hard disk drive. At the same time the company has also introduced the new 127, 170, 270, 340, and 540 megabyte (MB) ProDrive LPS hard drives.
According to the company, the Quantum Empire 1080 four-disk, Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI)-3 drive is designed for workstations, servers and RAIDs (redundant arrays of inexpensive disks).
Announcing the products, Robert K. Maeser, president of Quantum's High-Capacity Storage Group, said: "We expect to be the time-to volume leader as we begin shipping mass production quantities of our low-profile, one-gigabyte drive this month. Last year, we were the first independent drive maker to ship a low-profile 525MB drive."
Quantum says it also plans to offer a two-disk 540MB version of the Empire drive. The Empire products will be produced in Quantum's automated manufacturing facility in Milpitas, California.
The company claims that the Quantum Empire 1080 is the only drive in its class to combine workstation-level performance with PC-level power consumption. The Empire drive features a 9.5 millisecond seek time (reading), a sustained data transfer rate of 4.1 MB-per-second and a rotational speed of 5,400 revolutions-per-minute (rpm).
Quantum says that the Empire drives also incorporate a number of other features including a SCSI-3 interface (backward compatible with SCSI-2) that supports both Fast and Wide SCSI, Quantum's AutoRead and AutoWrite ASIC hardware, and DisCache and WriteCache firmware.
The drive consumes six watts of power in idle mode and 7.5 watts at 30 percent seek. The company claims that this reduces heat dissipation which increases reliability.
The Empire 1080 drive is designed for such data-intensive applications as networked office systems, graphics, CAD/CAM computer-aided design/manufacturing), large and complex databases, and imaging.
Single unit OEM (original equipment manufacturing) evaluation pricing for the Quantum Empire 1080 is $995, while the Empire 540 is priced at $695. IDE-AT (Integrated Drive Electronics) and SCSI versions of the ProDrive LPS 270 and 540MB products are already shipping to OEMs. The company says they will be available in volume to distributors during the fourth calendar quarter.
Quantum says that the ProDrive LPS use a new high-speed microprocessor and are performance-matched to the full range of Macintosh and IBM PCs, including 486, Pentium, PowerPC and 68040 based platforms.
Quantum claims that the ProDrive LPS drives have up to 36 percent fewer parts than previous-generation Quantum drives and carry a projected mean-time-between-failures rating of 300,000 hours. ProDrive LPS products carry a two-year warranty to end users who purchase drives from an authorized Quantum distributor or dealer.
ProDrive LPS drives are designed for mid- to high-end PCs in multimedia and networking environments and offer seek times as fast as 12 milliseconds (ms).
The SCSI-2 drives support Fast SCSI data transfer rates of up to 10MB/second. Quantum's IDE-AT drives are compatible with VL and PCI-BUS local bus protocol, and can achieve buffer-to-host data transfers of 11MB/second.
The drives are available as single-unit OEM evaluation pricing: ProDrive LPS 127MB $260; ProDrive LPS 170MB $290; ProDrive LPS 270MB $380; ProDrive LPS 340MB $480; ProDrive LPS 540MB $595.
Both IDE-AT and SCSI versions of the 170, 270, 340 and 540MB drives are currently shipping to OEMs and will be available in volume to distributors during the fourth calendar quarter. The ProDrive LPS 127MB IDE-AT and SCSI drives are set for volume availability during the first quarter of 1994.
In August, Newsbytes reported that Quantum had posted substantially reduced income for its first fiscal 1994 quarter, ended July 4 1993. The company reported sales for the first quarter as $479 million, an increase of 30 percent over the $369 million reported for the first quarter of fiscal 1993.
However, like many PC hardware manufacturers that have been reporting an increase in sales but a decrease in income, Quantum too reported a net income for the first quarter of just $3.4 million, or $0.08 per share fully diluted, which compared pretty unfavorably with $21.5 million, or $0.41 per share fully diluted reported for the first quarter of 1993.
Also in August, Newsbytes reported that Quantum had signed an alliance with Silicon Storage Technology, that involved SST's patented "flash" memory cell structure. The deal included an equity investment and states that the two companies will co-operate in the areas of marketing, sales, product development, and manufacturing.
SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- SuperMac Technology and Fuji Xerox Company have announced the availability of a connectivity board which turns the Fuji Xerox Acolor digital color copier into a 400 dots-per-inch (dpi)PostScript Level 2 color printer.
According to the companies, the board is called the SM ICS in Japan and can be attached to any Apple Mac-based network.
Announcing the board, Michael A. McConnell, president and chief executive officer of SuperMac, said: "What the SM ICS from SuperMac does is to enable Fuji Xerox to integrate the Acolor into any size Macintosh-based desktop design and publishing environment."
The companies maintain that the SM ICS products will be supplied to Fuji Xerox by SuperMac Technology for sale in Japan and the Asia/Pacific region under the Fuji Xerox brand.
Shinichi Tsuda, general manager of Fuji Xerox's color document products development department, said: "We turned to SuperMac for development and manufacture of the SM ICS because we wanted a partner who understands Macintosh-based color desk top publishing customer requirements. Our initial feedback from customers in Japan is that they like the ease of use and high speed performance of the SM ICS."
The companies maintain that the SM ICS is comprised of system level software and a single NuBus card in the Macintosh, and is a high performance raster image processor (RIP) that fits into any color Macintosh computer and allow users to print from their desktop publishing or graphics application directly to the Fuji Xerox Acolor copier.
The board offers Adobe's PostScript Level 2 technology through Adobe's Configurable PostScript Interpreter (CPSI) running on a 40 megahertz (MHz) R3000-family reduced instruction-set processor (RISC) processor with an integrated image buffer large enough to hold a full page image at 400 dots per inch with 24-bits per pixel for full color, claim the companies.
Output of Japanese kanji-fonts and compatibility with Japanese language applications and operating systems is also supported.
The companies are also planning an upgrade version of the SM ICS that will allow input scanning from the Acolor to the Macintosh as well as higher resolution for A3 images and faster color correction.
In July, Newsbytes reported that Supermac had again announced record second quarter earnings and an alliance with Rocket Science Games a software company. Second quarter revenue was reported at $51.1 million, up 79 percent from the $28.5 million in similar quarter the previous year.
Net income rose more slowly than revenue, up 67 percent to $2.4 million compared with $1.4 million last year. Earnings per share were 26 cents, on 9.1 million average shares outstanding, compared with 20 cents, on 7.2 million shares outstanding in the second quarter of 1992.
Laurie McLean, 415-513-8800, McLean Public Relations)
9/20/93
SuperMac Board Turns Fuji Xerox Copier Into Printer
BUSINESS
HP's Multimedia X Stations, Fast
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Hewlett-Packard (HP) has announced a new line of multimedia workstations and X stations, completed the purchase of British fiber-optic technology company BT&D, and accepted the resignation of the company's co founder David Packard.
The new X station, the HP Envizex, is the first multimedia X station offering compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) quality audio, scanner, and 3.5-inch floppy disk drive.
The Envizex is designed to interoperate with PCs running under DOS with the floppy disk drive facilitating the transfer of DOS files created on other DOS machines to a Unix environment. In the past users creating files on a PC at home or on a laptop from the road would have had to call on a systems administrator to transfer the files to a Unix system-based computer in the office.
The Envizex stations operate at more than 165,000 Xstones -- a standard performance measure for X terminals that combines the graphics speed and rate of data transfer from memory to the screen.
HP says that its X stations also deliver more performance at a lower cost less than those of competitors. For example, the 19-inch color HP Envizex station Model 19Ca almost doubles the performance of the 19-inch color NCD 19c X terminal, and costs $1,300 less than the NCD model. Prices for the new X stations start at $1,995 and go to $4,995
HP has also announced higher clock speed workstation models in its Apollo 9000, 700 line as well as even faster industrial- strength models. The 700 line is based on the company's proprietary Precision Architecture Reduced Instruction Set Computing (PA-RISC) central processing unit (CPU).
The new Models 715/75 and 725/75 workstations feature a higher 75 MHz clock speed at the midrange of the line, which boosts the raw CPU performance by up to 50 percent over the current Models 715 and 725. The faster 715/75 and 725/75 run at 113 SPECfp92(2) floating point performance, 61 SPECint92(3) integer performance and 15,975 X11perf graphics performance, while also boasting a four-times larger cache size to increase total application performance by up to 80 percent.
HP claims that the new 75 MHz workstations offer nearly twice the floating-point performance and 30 percent higher solids modeling performance than the Indigo2 Extreme R4000 from Silicon Graphics; forty percent higher floating-point performance and over twice the solids-modeling performance of Sun Microsystems' Sparcstation 10 Model 41 with its recently introduced ZX graphics; five times the solids-modeling performance and 12 percent higher floating-point performance than IBM's RS/6000 Model 365 GTO; and fifty-four percent higher solids-modeling performance than the Digital Equipment Corporation's (DEC's) 3000 Model 400 with its just-introduced ZLX-M2 graphics.
The Model 715/75 is priced from $15,395 for an entry-level configuration including 32 megabytes (MB) of memory and a 525MB disk, while the same configuration of the Model 725/75 is $18,395 HP added. Upgrades for 33 MHz and 50 MHz Models 715 and 725 workstations can be added via a board swap to speed the units up to the 75 MHz speed for $6,500. The new workstations are expected to be available in the fourth quarter of this year.
Faster still, the new Model 745I/100 and 747I/100 are industrial strength, according to HP who says the machines run at 100 MHz. HP says typical industry applications for its industrial workstations include process monitoring, factory- floor control, air-traffic control switching systems, customer service, laboratory testing, and patient monitoring.
According to HP, the 700I systems can be configured to meet specific requirements, such as ease of serviceability, and are designed to take extremes in temperature and environment. Performance levels for the 745i/100 and 747i/100 are at 138 SPECfp92 and 81 SPECint92 twice the performance of current models. Memory capacity on the machines is 256 MB and they include an increased instruction/data cache of 256 kilobyte (KB)/256 KB.
Pricing begins at $22,890 and $26,490 for the 745i/100 and 747i/100 respectively. Upgrades for existing 50 MHz Models of the 745i and 747i can performed for $10,500. The company warrants all its new X stations and workstations with a limited one-year, on-site warranty as well as other support options.
Started in 1939 with by William R. Hewlett and David Packard HP had revenues of $16.4 billion in its 1992 fiscal year and computer revenues in excess of $12 billion. Eighty-one year old Packard announced last week at the company's board of directors meeting his resignation as chairman, joining Hewlett, also retired as director emeritus.
Packard is being replaced by 52-year-old Lewis E. Platt as chairman. Platt is currently president and chief executive officer (CEO) and will continue to serve in those functions.
The company also announced it has completed the acquisition of BT&D Technologies, headquartered in Ipswich, England. BT&D was a joint venture of BT (formerly British Telecom) and DuPont. HP says the purchase offers it not only BT&D's high-speed, fiber- optic technology and products, but a state-of-the-art opto-electronics manufacturing and research-and-development operation in Ipswich the first of its kind for HP in Europe.
Hewlett Packard, tel 508-436-5017, fax 508-436-5152)
9/20/93
HP's Multimedia X Stations, Faster 700 Workstations
Videoconferencing Not Killer App
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Despite the hype surrounding videoconferencing, a recent Dataquest survey indicates there may be a low demand for the new technology. Even among companies who have videoconferencing technology, more than half of those surveyed are reported to be less than interested.
More than 200 businesses, 40 percent of which employ more than 10,000 people and 58 percent of which employ more than 3,000 people were asked by market research group Dataquest as to the likelihood of their business purchasing videoconferencing equipment in the next several years. A whopping 64 percent of all respondents indicated they had little interest in videoconferencing, and 54 percent of those who have the technology also indicated a low demand for the equipment.
Bruce Ryon, principal analyst in charge of Dataquest's Multimedia service, which carried out the survey, said: "There is great hope among many technology companies that videoconferencing will be the `killer application' that will accelerate the trend toward multimedia. The results of our survey certainly don't support these hopes."
The survey also indicated the low demand for videoconferencing will remain unchanged for the next two years, with an increase in demand occurring in three years.
Why the lack of interest? The survey suggests that it's the benefit versus the expense. While multinational Fortune 500-type companies indicated a need for the large room-sized videoconferencing systems most small and medium sized companies said low-cost communication technologies such as facsimile, electronic mail, and network document sharing are adequate.
"The simple addition of video or `head shots' to existing communications technologies doesn't provide enough benefit to justify the current cost of videoconferencing equipment for the majority of businesses," Ryon said. "Desktop videoconferencing technology is still fairly immature with low video quality and a lack of eye-to-eye contact because of camera positioning, which diminishes one of the strongest justifications for the technology."
A majority of the businesses surveyed lack an adequate infrastructure for integrating videoconferencing capability with desktops, and less than 25 percent plan to have video capability on the desktop within two years, especially given the current business and economic climate.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930920/Press Contact: Paul Wheaton, Dataquest tel 408-437-8312, fax 408-370-0292)
aton, Dataquest tel 408-437-8312, fax 408-370-0292)
9/20/93
Videoconferencing Not Killer App Dataquest Says
TRENDS
Madge Network & Network General
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Original equipment manufacturing (OEM) deals are common among networking hardware vendors. Now Madge Networks and Network General have announced an OEM agreement, under which Network General is using Madge Networks as the sole supplier of Token Ring adapters for Network General's AT portable Sniffer products and the monitor cards for its Distributed Sniffer Systems (DSS).
Sue Carrasco, product marketing manager for Network General, says that the company has seen an evolution in its customer base from four megabits per second (Mbps) to 16Mbps Token Ring in recent times.
"As our Token Ring customers standardize on 16Mbps bandwidth Network General is pleased to support them with a move to a high performance Token Ring solution based on Madge's Smart 16/4 AT Ringnode adapters," she said.
"Through this agreement with Madge Networks, we give users the ability to capture the full performance bandwidth of their 16Mbps Token Ring LANs (local area networks)," she added.
The companies say that Sniffer products that include the Madge Smart 16/4 AT Ringnode adapters are now available from Network General. The monitor card for Network General's DSS family of products is scheduled for October 1993.
In June, Newsbytes reported that Madge had introduced the Smart 16/4 Bridgenodes line of network cards, designed for high performance source route bridging and routing with Novell's new NetWare Multiprotocol Router 2.1 (MPR) software. The two companies also announced a joint marketing program for NetWare MPR 2.1 that involved joint distributor and reseller promotions, direct mail, and a 16-city North American seminar series.
In May, Newsbytes reported that Madge has opened a new subsidiary in Canada, called Madge Canada, Inc. The company has also introduced version 4.0 of its network adapter card software, Smart LAN Support Software, designed for use with its Smart 16/4 Ringnode adapters.
BURLINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Beyond has announced plans for an upgrade to the remote access software for its workflow-oriented BeyondMail network messaging system. Slated for release in November, BeyondMail 2.0 Remote for DOS and Windows is aimed at users of portable PCs as well as remote desktop machines said Paula Berman, director of marketing, in an interview with Newsbytes.
Remote users will be able to employ the software with either BeyondMail 2.0, a package slated to ship in October, or BeyondMail 1.0. When used with BeyondMail 2.0, the upgrade will be able to take advantage of a newly added serial routing capability.
Berman told Newsbytes that the serial routing feature in BeyondMail 2.0 provides a new form type that lets users sequentially route messages on the network and assign work assignments and due dates.
In addition, Novell's Remote Message Handling Service (RMHS) is fully integrated into BeyondMail 2.0 Remote Access Edition, allowing the user to exploit the NetWare Global Message Handling Service (MHS) and NetWare MHS 1.5 capabilities in BeyondMail 2.0 without having to install a separate communications package.
Users can also carry out mail routines as part of direct dial-in local area network (LAN) sessions, noted Berman. These sessions can also include file transfer, printing, and other networking functions, she said. The direct dial-in sessions can be established by using either DCA's RLN or Novell's Connect software.
BeyondMail 2.0 Remote Access Edition includes a utility called BMSync for synchronizing messages stored on remote PCs with messages stored on the network. According to Berman, the package incorporates a Novell driver for two-way wireless messaging over the RAM mobile data network.
BeyondMail 2.0 Remote Access Edition can also be used on portable PCs that spend part of their time on the road and part of their time on a network. At log-in, the software automatically senses whether the machine is remote or connected to a network, and configures itself accordingly.
Users can configure and access a variety of communications profiles through an icon-driven menu. The remote software can also be configured by network administrators, through Administration Disks that can be distributed either manually or by e-mail.
BeyondMail 2.0 Remote Access Edition will be priced at $295. Registered users of BeyondMail Remote 1.1 for DOS or 1.0 for Windows will be able to upgrade for $100 per remote mailbox.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930920/Reader contact: Paula Berman, Beyond Inc., tel 617-229-0006; Press contacts: Anne Marie Clark or Karen Magill, Cunningham Communications for Beyond, 617-494-8202)
gill, Cunningham Communications for Beyond, 617-494-8202)
9/20/93
Beyond Intros BeyondMail 2.0 Remote For DOS and Windows
Random House, Broderbund Publish
NOVATO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Broderbund has teamed up with Random House on a joint venture, Living Books, for the creation, production and marketing of story-based multimedia software for children.
Random House describes itself as is the largest general trade book publisher in the English-speaking world. Living Books formerly a division of Broderbund, has already produced the popular and activity-filled "Just Grandma and Me" by Mercer Mayer and "Arthur's Teacher Trouble" by Marc Brown -- both based on the children's books.
Planned multimedia titles in the new venture include "The New Kid on the Block" by Jack Prelutsky and Aesop's "The Tortoise and the Hare."
Alberto Vitale, Random House chairman, president and chief executive officer said growth in consumer demand for children's books is driving the venture and both companies will have a wider distribution channel through both trade book and computer software channels than either would enjoy alone.
Broderbund is probably best known for its Carmen Sandiego series of educational computer geography games that have been made into books puzzles, and even a daily television game show for children and the popular Print Shop series for printing banners and greeting cards.
The company also recently released Prince of Persia 2, The Shadow and the Flame, which it describes as a cinematic action game with a movie-like story and sound track.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- After years of remote linking into the country, the Internet is expected to be formally set up in Japan. About 30 computer-related firms are currently preparing to create the Internet Association in Japan.
The idea of the association is that it will foster a similar situation that exists in the US, which promotes the Internet network. Plans call for the Japanese Internet to be up and running ny the end of next year.
Currently, about 30 Japanese firms including NTT and KDD have been preparing to create Internet Association in co-operation with the Internet Society in the US. Plans call for the Internet Association Japan to push the standardization of TCP/IP protocol in Japanese and support the Internet environment.
Also, the association will help firms and organization to actually log on to Internet, and will also help development engineers. Other activities will include the support of activities at Japan Network Center, Asia Pacific NIC, Japan Engineering Project Group and Japan Internet Engineering Task Force.
In Japan, TCP/IP is not as popular as it is in the West. As a result, there is not much software available for the protocol nor are there the engineers. Currently, university students and the researchers are studying for the setting up of the Internet in Japan.
Plans call for the Internet Association Japan to be joined by major firms such as NTT, KDD, IBM Japan, NEC, Hitachi, Rikei, NTT Data ASCII, Nifty-Serve, Forval, Softbank, Lotus, Oracle and AT&T JENS.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 20 (NB) -- Sega Enterprise has signed an agreement with Singapore-based WYWY Group as part of the firm's major strategy to establish the games console in the South East Asian market.
Terms of the agreement call for the WYWY Group to sell Sega's video game machine in South East Asia. Sega Enterprise has already signed an exclusive dealership agreement with WYWY Group concerning the sales of Sega's video game machines the Mega CD and the Game Gear.
Sega's game software will be also sold through the WYWY Group in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei in this October. During the three year agreement, Sega Enterprise is planning to ship a total of 100,000 units of the video game machines to these regions.
WYWY Group has powerful retailer routes such as department stores and electronics shops in the regions. The group is reported to have a total of 30 shops in Singapore and 20 shops in Malaysia.
Sega is currently exporting its video game machines to these regions, but the numbers involved are very limited. Thanks to the WYWY Group's involvement, Sega will be able to sell many more units in South East Asia.
As part of the agreement, Sega Enterprise can get a strong base in the South East Asian region to vie with its rival Nintendo, which already has a presence in the market.
Sega is reported to be considering expanding its sales operations into other Asian regions such as Vietnam, Thailand and India in the near future.
Meanwhile, Sega Enterprise has started marketing arcade game machines and amusement game facilities in the South East Asian region. The firm plans to help local firms create amusement parks and arcade game facilities.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930920/Press Contact: Sega Enterprise 81-3-3743-7603, Fax, +81-3-3743-7830)
ga Enterprise 81-3-3743-7603, Fax, +81-3-3743-7830)
9/20/93
Sega Pushes Video Game Machine In South East Asia
GENERAL
Complete Newsbytes Archives Now
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Newsbytes Volume III, which contains all news, reviews, and editorials published on the Newsbytes News Network through July of this year, is now available for $24.95.
The CD-ROM disc, which runs on both Apple Computer Macintoshes and PCs, contains the over 40,000 news stories on the worldwide computer and telecommunications industries written between May, 1983 and August, 1993 by the Newsbytes News Network staff. This rich compendium of reports, published by Wayzata Technologies chronicles everything from the infancy of the microcomputer to today's highly diversified and complex array of technologies.
Newsbytes has a staff of 19 daily reporters in the following cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Minneapolis/St. Paul Atlanta, Washington, DC, Boston, Toronto, London, Tokyo, Hongkong Sydney, New Delhi, and Moscow. Newsbytes reports 30 stories a day, or 600 a month. These are objective, first-hand new stories involving interviews with the people who make the news and on-site trade show coverage.
A Textware search engine enables the Volume III CD-ROM disc to be keyword searched for stories in which individual words or text strings appear, or Boolean searched ("keyword1" plus "keyword2" but not "keyword3"). This makes it an invaluable tool for researchers and libraries.
One user tells Newsbytes, "I'm doing a presentation for a class at the university I'm attending and needed some historical computer information. I popped in the CD-ROM and found 131 articles on my topic! I marked them and saved them to a disk file that I printed later. Talk about easy research. You have a "sold" customer."
This is also the lowest-ever price for a Newsbytes disc. (Previous discs were priced in the $50-$100 range.) "We want to make sure everyone has access to our reports, and that price is not a barrier," says Wendy Woods, editor in chief. "Our rich history of the computer industry goes back farther than any other CD-ROM."
Newsbytes, a pioneering electronic publication, has provided daily coverage of the dynamic and complex computer and telecommunications industries to online services, magazines, newspapers, newsletters and fax and e-mail news delivery services worldwide since 1983. Newsbytes coverage has won Best Online Publication awards four times from the Computer Press Association, the largest organization of professional computer journalists worldwide Newsbytes is an independent, privately held news organization.
The disc is $24.95 plus $2.50 shipping and handling to US addresses, $4.50 shipping and handling to all other countries. Those interested in ordering the CD-ROM should send a check or money order, or their Visa or Mastercard number, with expiration date (no American Express please) to CD-ROM Offer, Newsbytes News Network, Carriage House, 406 West Olive St., Stillwater MN 55082 or fax to 612-430-0441.
Electronic mail orders should be sent to NEWSBYTES@GENIE.GEIS.COM (Internet), NEWSBYTES1 (Applelink and Bix), WWOODS (MCI Mail) 72241,337 (Compuserve), or NEWSBYTES on America Online. Include shipping address.
(Newsbytes Staff/19930920)
clude shipping address.
(Newsbytes Staff/19930920)
9/21/93
Complete Newsbytes Archives Now On CD-ROM For $24.95
GENERAL
Macworld Canada - Computers, Com
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Networked multimedia and high-bandwidth "information highways" will affect the foundations of culture. So said the head of a research group named for the man who coined the phrase "the medium is the message."
Derrick de Kerckhove, who heads the McLuhan Centre at the University of Toronto, was a speaker at MacWorld Expo/Canada in Toronto. The McLuhan Centre, named for media scholar Marshall McLuhan studies the impact of new technologies on culture.
The high-capacity networks now being proposed in North America will be the new common carriers of the future and will change the way people deal with information, de Kerckhove said. He forecast that eventually these networks will mean fully interactive "pay per bit" communications facilities for everyone, and this will mean the intelligence and much of the control of information media will move outward from the center.
As for multimedia, de Kerckhove said, it means that "anything can be translated into anything else. If multimedia doesn't mean that it doesn't mean anything at all."
To illustrate that point, de Kerckhove showed a series of video clips illustrating work being done by researchers and artists using multimedia and computers. For instance, one video used computer-generated special effects to bend and melt human faces and forms from one shape to another. In another, one participant in Toronto and another in Grenoble, France, "painted" the screen with their body movements while linked by videoconferencing technology then played a long-distance game of Pong (a sort of electronic Ping Pong).
Other videos showed computer-generated plants growing on the screen in response to the movements of a person touching a plant fitted with sensors, computer-generated objects appearing out of the surface of a table in a computer-augmented video, and an artist controlling the movements of tiny light-sensitive robots with her thoughts, using a sensor device that adjusted light intensity in response to brainwave patterns.
Anyone but artists might find it hard to see practical applications in such things, but de Kerckhove also talked about developments closer to most people's idea of computer applications. He said technology will make possible the creation of more elaborate databases, incorporating images and sound as well as data, and will make these widely accessible. To help individuals deal with the growing amount of information, he added, new resources will be needed, such as "knowbots" that will search on their own through vast information networks looking for data of use to their masters.
De Kerckhove said devices something like the personal digital assistants that have recently begun appearing -- and something like the Knowledge Navigator seen in a video Apple executives have used in many presentations -- will help people deal with the growing volumes of electronic information likely to be available in future.
BURLINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Lotus Consulting Services Group (CSG) has joined Easel Corp.'s Client/Server Object-Oriented Partners (CO-OP) Program, an organization aimed at helping consulting and system integration firms to expand their services using Easel's Enfin application development tools.
In an interview with Newsbytes, Victor Cruz, a Lotus spokesperson said that Lotus CSG delivers systems integration services to Fortune 100 customers worldwide, with a particular emphasis on client/server-based information management systems.
Like other members of Easel's CO-OP Program, Lotus CSG will have access to promotional and internal educational copies of Enfin software, individual and on-site training, hotline support, and a dedicated business alliance manager to provide project leads.
"We're delighted to be working with Easel Corp. and their Enfin products," noted Larry Van der Veer, managing director, Business Solutions Consulting, for Lotus CSG. "Enfin has provided and will continue to provide our mutual customers with an excellent object oriented programming tool for developing front-end applications."
Enfin, a development environment based on Smalltalk, supplies a variety of visual programming tools plus more than 400 class libraries of prebuilt code, comprising more than 6,000 programming routines. The environment is designed to allow rapid application development through re-use and modification of the prebuilt code.
Aside from Lotus CSG, other members of Easel's CO-OP Program include BSG Consulting, Houston; CodeWorks, Chicago; The dTech Group, Tulsa; Keane Inc., Boston; Linc Systems, Bloomfield, CT; Mark Winter & Associates, Toronto; SHL Systemhouse, Ottawa; Spectrum Integrated Services Division, Software Spectrum, Garland TX; and Synapse, Golden, CO.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930921/Press contacts: Dave Kitchen Copithorne & Bellows for Easel Corp., tel (617) 252-0606; Victor Cruz, McGlinchey & Paul Associates for Lotus CSG, tel (617) 862 4514)
nchey & Paul Associates for Lotus CSG, tel (617) 862 4514)
9/21/93
Lotus CSG Joins Easel's Object-Oriented Partners Program
GENERAL
Newton, AV Macs Apple's Big Draw
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Apple Canada had no brand-new, unannounced products to unveil at MacWorld Expo/Canada this year, despite some earlier speculation the company might choose the Toronto show to unveil anticipated new Macs. But the company drew crowds by showing off its Newton MessagePad personal digital assistant and the new AV Macintosh models launched during the summer.
The biggest crowds at Apple's booth, which dominated the center of MacWorld Canada's small show floor, gathered around several demonstrations of the Newton. As at the product's introduction they saw some problems with the device's handwriting and hand-printing recognition. In one demonstration Newsbytes watched a Newton took three tries to recognize the words "Call Bob" when printed by an Apple demonstrator. However, the demos played down handwriting recognition, showing a number of things that can be done with the Newton with relatively little text input.
The crowds also gathered around demonstrations of the AV Macs which were shown running speech recognition, telephony, and video applications.
Apple demonstrated videoconferencing while at the same time addressing visitors' technical questions about its products by setting up a Macintosh Centris 650 machine at its booth with a live desktop videoconferencing link to a support technician at the company's headquarters in Markham, a northern Toronto suburb. Booth visitors asked the technician questions and watched him on the screen as he answered.
Apple rounded out its presence at the show with education multimedia, home entertainment, and home office products.
(Grant Buckler/19930920/Press Contact: Franca Miraglia, Apple Canada, 416-513-5511)
Contact: Franca Miraglia, Apple Canada, 416-513-5511)
9/21/93
Newton, AV Macs Apple's Big Draw At MacWorld Canada
APPLE
Toronto Ad Agency, Northern Tele
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Multimedia kiosks which take the automated transaction idea of the banking machine a step farther with audio, video, and access to a variety of different products and services, have attracted a number of businesses' attention. During the MacWorld Expo/Canada show a Toronto ad agency was demonstrating a system it has just begun selling in cooperation with Northern Telecom and Bell Canada.
The Bulldog Group, an ad agency that is also a custom multimedia producer and an Apple Computer reseller, had a suite at a hotel adjoining the MacWorld show where it was demonstrating its new multimedia kiosk. The company recently kicked off the partnership with Northern Telecom and Bell Canada at the Canadian Business Telecommunications Alliance (CBTA) annual conference and trade show in Montreal. That partnership, said Bulldog partner Ellie Rubin, means Bulldog can offer the communications links as well as the kiosk hardware.
The demonstration focused on a pharmaceutical application, although Rubin said kiosks could be used to sell anything that can be sold through a catalog and some other products as well. The demo had two main parts -- a shopping function that lets visitors browse through pictures of products accompanied by text information (which they could hear spoken at the touch of an icon on the kiosk's touch-sensitive screen), and an interactive portion in which the visitor could actually talk to a live pharmacist via a videoconference link.
Christopher Strachan, a partner in Bulldog, said this application would make it possible for drugstore chains to put kiosks in places where stores would not be economical, such as small medical clinics. At the same time, he said, the kiosks would allow fewer pharmacists to serve more customers.
Other possible applications of the technology would include letting bank customers discuss their mortgages or other financial needs with experts through a video link from a public kiosk.
Strachan said Bulldog has just begun selling the system and has not installed any yet, but is talking with several potential customers.
(Grant Buckler/19930920/Press Contact: Ellie Rubin or Christopher Strachan, 416-594-9207, fax 416-594-9577)
or Christopher Strachan, 416-594-9207, fax 416-594-9577)
9/21/93
Toronto Ad Agency, Northern Telecom Offer Kiosk Package
APPLE
PowerPCs Launched Offshore
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- India's Tata Information Systems Ltd. (TISL), the IBM joint venture firm, has announced the availability of a system based on the PowerPC 601, the single-chip implementation of IBM's power architecture created jointly by IBM Apple Computer, and Motorola.
While the PowerPC Model 250 replaces low-end Model 230 in the RS/6000 range, TISL expanded the high-end range with three new models based on Power 2, the enhanced power architecture announced by IBM in September.
With PowerPC, TISL has an edge over rival RISC vendors. The main difference is that the machine comes with the new version of AIX operating system 3.2.5 on which one can run Windows, OS/2, Macintosh or AIX applications. Sunsoft is also in the process of porting Solaris onto PowerPC. Windows NT for the PowerPC is expected next year.
IBM claims that a staggering 40,000 applications can run on PowerPC. The other distinguishing factor is the processor itself. With a clock speed of 66 MHz and a Specint 92 rating of 60 plus, it appears to be in the same class as Pentium. But it leaves Pentium and other competitors far behind in terms of features. It is less than half the size of Pentium and at $450 a chip, costs less than half too. Yet it delivers five operations per clock cycle as opposed to Pentium which delivers two. In fact, it betters even Sun's SuperSPARC which does three operations and Alpha which delivers two claims the company.
TISL is positioning the low-end PowerPC as a desktop graphics workstation. PowerPC model 250 is priced at Rs 5 lakh for a diskless model (around $16,000) and around Rs 10 lakh (around $32,000) for a configured model with 1 GB disk space and other features. This the company is positioning against its competitors, mid-range systems which cost much more. Says Paritosh Segal, TISL's marketing manager: "In terms of performance, it is close to HP's G-40 and Sun SS-10 model 40." The G-40, however, is priced over Rs 20 lakh (around $64,000).
The high-end models based on Power-2 architecture deliver 8 operations per clock cycle with marginal clockspeed increases. Two floating point processors, 256 KB data, a 32 KB instruction cache and a 2400 MB/sec CPU-memory bandwidth are some of the other features. Segal feels that the Power-2 models should make the company more competitive in the high-end banking and manufacturing markets. The Power-2 models cost anywhere between Rs 43 lakh (around $140,000) to Rs 80 lakh (around $260,000).
IBM also announced a PowerPC notebook running AIX which is internally referred to as Wordsworth. It comes with a standard color display and is claimed to be faster than SPARC-based SPARCbook 2 notebook. TISL is still evaluating the market for the product and the launch is not likely to take place this year.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930916)
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930916)
9/21/93
PowerPCs Launched Offshore
Japan - NEC Plans To Release Tin
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- NEC is expected to release a B5-size notebook-type personal computer early next year. Despite the tiny size, this PC will be as powerful as A4-size PCs, the company contends.
The new PC, the Sub-Note, will run on a removable or a rechargeable battery. It will have a monochrome LCD (liquid crystal display), a keyboard, and an IC card drive. It is expected that programs will either come in ROM (read only memory) or on IC cards. The Sub-Note will be also have telecommunications features, which will be provided in the IC card.
NEC is currently developing LSI chips for this PC which will pack in the features. NEC still hasn't decided on the type of CPU (central processing unit) processor but the 80486 chip is considered the mostly likely candidate.
The Sub-Note will be smaller than current notebook-type PCs but bigger than palmtop PCs. It will weigh between 1.5 to 2 kg. The retail price will be less than a 200,000 yen ($2,000) level. NEC is also planning to release a color version, which will be more expensive.
NEC hopes to shift the industry from the A4-size to the B5-size notebook in the future.
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- The problem with mass storage cards is they're not all compatible according to five major companies who have joined up to make sure theirs are. The companies are IBM Personal Computer Maxtor, Seagate Technology, Sundisk (a Sun Microsystems Company), and Toshiba.
As computers get smaller and smaller and the personal digital assistants (PDAs) increase in popularity, the credit-card sized mass storage cards become more attractive. However, users can find themselves on a "data island," unable to use cards that look like they should be interoperable in computers that are equipped with credit-card sized slots.
While there is a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) standard universally adopted by the 350 member group in September of 1992, not all cards and slots conforming to that standard work together. A subset of the standard, the personal computer (PC) Card AT-bus Architecture (ATA) standard, is the one to which all five companies agreed to conform in order to make their PCMCIA cards readable in any of their PCMCIA slots.
The companies announced plans to standardize storage card features, as well as system basic input/output system (BIOS) and driver requirements, for interoperability and data exchange no matter which microprocessor or operating system (DOS, Windows, Unix) is involved. Cards conforming to the standard offer low power consumption and an Intelligent Drive Electronics (IDE) controller on the card itself.
Microsoft has also said it will support the PC Card ATA standard in its Microsoft At Work software for handheld devices. Microsoft and Toshiba recently announced the two companies were working together on handheld hardware that will use Microsoft At Work, though no specific product announcements have been forthcoming. Sun has also announced it is working on digital consumer devices and has started a separate company Firstperson headquartered in Mountain View, California, focused specifically on the development of such devices. The company has not volunteered any specifics and company officials say it could be another year before any product announcements are made.
Sundisk has taken a leading role in the development and implementation of the standard. Eli Harari, president and chief executive officer of SunDisk, said: "Sundisk solid-state flash cards already are being used for fast, reliable storage in new computers manufactured by IBM and Toshiba as well as Hewlett Packard, Grid, Tandy, NCR, NEC, EO, Casio, and Fujitsu. The fact that Toshiba and IBM with their Nand EEPROM, Sundisk with its proprietary flash and Seagate and Maxtor with their 1.8 inch hard disk drives can achieve total compliance with PCMCIA's PC Card ATA standard is what will truly drive the universal acceptance of mass storage cards in mobile computers."
Sundisk claims it is shipping flash mass storage cards which are fully compliant with the PC Card ATA standard. IBM and Toshiba will commence shipment of their PC CARD ATA cards based on Toshiba's Nand Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) technology, in the second half of 1993. Maxtor is currently shipping a 105-megabyte (MB), 1.8 inch hard disk drive conforming to PCMCIA-ATA in a Type III (10.5 mm thickness) card and Seagate will ship a Type III card containing a 1.8-inch hard disk drive meeting PCMCIA'S PC Card ATA standard during the second half of 1993.
Support for the standard has also been announced by AT&T, Casio Fujitsu Personal Systems, Hewlett-Packard, Matsushita Electric Industrial (Panasonic), NEC, Seiko Epson, and Tandy, the companies said.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930921/Press Contact: Bob Goligoski Sundisk, tel 408-562-3463, fax 408-562-3403; Julie Still Seagate Technology, 408-439-2276; Mike Corrado, IBM Personal Computer, 914-766-1813; Annette Birkett, Toshiba, 714-455 2298; Andrea Mace, Maxtor, 408-432-4498)
a, 714-455 2298; Andrea Mace, Maxtor, 408-432-4498)
9/21/93
Five Major Companies Agree On PCMCIA Mass Storage
GENERAL
Toronto Teacher Offers Mac Educa
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- So you're a teacher you just got a Macintosh for your classroom, and you're wondering what software you ought to get. Toronto-area teacher Rick Williams has some suggestions for you.
In a conference session at the MacWorld Expo/Canada show here Williams, who works for the Scarborough Board of Education in suburban Toronto, offered his personal top 10 (well, more than 10 really) list of software for Macs in the classroom.
Williams said his list was aimed at classroom Macs in the lower grades, but in spite of that included some fairly sophisticated software. And not all his picks are what you would think of initially as educational software.
Williams' list:
Disinfectant: A shareware virus protection program, it is proven and free from many bulletin board systems, Williams said. If not Disinfectant, teachers definitely should install some kind of virus protection.
Norton Utilities: Teachers may think this is a program for technicians and not the classroom, but it has a number of useful utilities such as the ability to find files, Williams said.
ClarisWorks: This is the best integrated program for the Mac, he said, and as an added bonus schools in Ontario can get free copies thanks to a provincial grant program. In response to a later audience question, Williams said he preferred ClarisWorks to the rival Microsoft Works because of stronger spreadsheet and database capabilities, but added that the difference was not large.
Painter: Fractal Design's graphics program "blew my mind when I saw it this summer." A sophisticated program with features to interest professional designers, the software could nonetheless be used by kids, Williams maintained. In the graphics category he also mentioned Claris' MacDraw, which is also available free to Ontario schools under the provincial grant program.
KidPix and Companion: KidPix is a graphics program with "a lot of possibilities," Williams said, and the accompanying Companion "only makes it better."
HyperCard: The popular program from Apple "still remains for me one of the top programs that should be available for ... any students anywhere."
Art Roundup: A utility from software vendor Dublclick, Art Roundup creates a visual catalog of clip art images on a disk and lets the user find and manipulate clip art files without having to open any other program. It comes free with the company's WetPaint clip art collections.
CalendarMaker: This calendar creation program is useful for organizing school events, Williams said.
MacGlobe: Suited more to higher grades, Broderbund Software's geographic information systems package offers "an awful lot of possibilities in geography and so on," Williams said. It is also another of the programs Ontario schools can have paid for by the provincial Ministry of Education.
FileMaker Pro: When students reach the limits of the database module in ClarisWorks, Williams said, FileMaker Pro will give them more while letting them build on their existing knowledge of the integrated package, since it looks similar.
UltraKey: A Canadian-made typing tutor program, Williams said, this is an attractive choice for Canadian schools. As an alternative he mentioned Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, "an old favorite" in the typing category.
Williams also mentioned several useful utilities, such as the Compact Pro and Stuffit Lite file compression programs. These are useful companions to a modem for decompressing programs downloaded from bulletin boards, he said. Williams also urged that all computers should be equipped with a modem.
(Grant Buckler/19930920)
e equipped with a modem.
(Grant Buckler/19930920)
9/21/93
Toronto Teacher Offers Mac Education Software Picks
APPLE
Sega/Hitachi Designing Next-Gene
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Sega Enterprise has signed an agreement with Hitachi to develop a multimedia game device. Hitachi will supply a powerful chip for this device and the technology to develop multimedia software.
Expected to be a next-generation multimedia game device, the Sega/Hitachi unit will be equipped with a CD-ROM drive and will offer powerful graphics features. A Hitachi spokesman told Newsbytes that the chip to run this machine will be as powerful as a 32-bit RISC (reduced instruction set computing) chip. It will support full color and super fast motion pictures. Hitachi will also cooperate to develop a software tool to create multimedia programs for Sega's game device.
Sega will decide detailed specifications for the new multimedia game device by the end of this year. Those details will go straight to software developers in order to encourage them to create games and educational programs for the device.
Sega has been actively involved in the development of various new game devices, and has already linked with Japan Victor Corporation (JVC) to develop a CD-ROM-based game machine. Sega also linked with Yamaha to develop a music-related educational device.
(Masayuki Miyazawa/19930921/Press Contact: Sega Enterprise, +81-3 3743-7603, Fax, +81-3-3743-7830)
a Enterprise, +81-3 3743-7603, Fax, +81-3-3743-7830)
9/21/93
Sega/Hitachi Designing Next-Generation Game Player
BUSINESS
NEC, AT&T In ASIC Venture
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Japan's NEC and AT&T will jointly develop application specific ICs (ASICs). Although the two firms will work to create advanced ASIC chips, the agreement is expected to be extended in the future to cover other kinds of semiconductors.
NEC and AT&T plan to offer the first new ASIC cell-based IC technology by June 1995.
NEC and AT&T are already partners -- they developed a basic technology to produce a cell-based IC with 0.35 micron lines in 1991. Both firms created this technology and ended the agreement last year.
This time, both firms will develop the technology and will actually produce chips. NEC and AT&T intend to develop 21 technologies necessary to produce the chips, and both intend to supply each other with the end products. For example, AT&T might request NEC to produce ASIC chips for AT&T customers in Japan. NEC might do the same thing in the US.
Through joint development of the chip technologies, both firms will be able to reduce development costs. Other Japanese chip firms are also making the similar agreements -- Toshiba has linked with IBM and Siemens. Hitachi has tied up with Texas Instruments.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- The world's telecommunications attention has turned to Spain, where a Socialist government is preparing for massive privatization of state-owned industry.
Telefonica de Espana is on the government's list -- it owns a minority stake. The model here is Argentina, where a supposedly-leftist Peronist government led a massive privatization effort which has revitalized the economy. Spain is also working to open its piece of the booming Chinese market, and set a huge credit line for that purpose earlier that year during a state visit by Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez.
Speaking of China, which hopes to be awarded the 2000 Olympics later this week, the government bought $15 million in switches from Ericsson's Norway unit, for use in rural Liaoning province using Norwegian financing. Ericsson now calls China its fastest growing market. And Teleglobe Canada opened an office in Hong Kong, with hopes of opening the Chinese market to its satellite services.
The big success story is Telecom New Zealand. It's part-owned by Ameritech and Bell Atlantic of the US, and was taken private with help from major New Zealand financial groups. Now those groups are lightening their holdings. The local stock market was rocked when both Sir Michael Fay's Midavia and Freightways Holding moved huge blocks of stock. Telecom has also been concerned about trouble with unions over its planned job cutbacks, which it now claims to have successfully mediated, and an investigation of its discounting schemes for big long distance companies, which was quietly dropped.
In what may turn out to be a similar successful financial restructuring, Telecom Argentina said it wants to have its shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange and other foreign exchanges, and expand its borrowings. Wider listings of its stock would let it expand borrowings still further.
Finally, the news is also good from the less-developed world. Ericsson won a $15 million contract to expand the telephone network of Lebanon. AT&T bought 80 percent of its Hungarian distributor, which holds 25 percent of that market, and Telstra of Australia doubled its investment in Vietnam.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- CompuServe made moves to enhance its value to users of CD-ROMs and local area networks.
The company signed a strategic alliance with Metatec Corp., under which CompuServe will publish a multimedia extension of its flagship online service. Members with CD-ROM drives will be able to update online files enhanced with audio and video. Examples would be a new version of CompuServe's existing electronic shopping service, and extensions to some of its most popular forums and databases.
Metatec publishes Nautilus, a monthly CD-ROM based magazine available for both Macintoshes and MPC-compliant PCs with Microsoft Windows. The company also masters CD-ROMs and CDs.
The new Compuserve service will become available in the first quarter of 1994. "We really become the first service to announce a multimedia extension," said spokesman Dave Kishler. The company will update its CDs monthly.
CompuServe also expanded its service for local area networks which pass mail under the MHS standard. The CompuServe Mail Hub can now support SMF-71, the latest version of Novell's Application Programmer's Interface. This is a support feature built into Novell's NetWare Remote MHS 2.0, available as of today. The CompuServe Mail Hub gives LAN users the ability to exchange e-mail through the service, using store-and-forward technology and local calls to the CompuServe network to reduce costs.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930921/Press Contact: David J. Kishler CompuServe, 614-538-4571)
vid J. Kishler CompuServe, 614-538-4571)
9/21/93
CompuServe Announces CD-ROM, MHS Moves
TELECOM
America Online Expands Internet
VIENNA, VIRGINIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- America Online expanded its services to the Internet.
Like many other online services, including CompuServe and MCI Mail, AOL provides an e-mail gateway through which its users can send mail to Internet addresses and receive messages from the Internet. The company says it's become one of its most popular features. Now it's expanding that service through what it calls the Internet Center, designed to educate consumers about the Internet and offer connections under programs called WAIS and Gopher to remote databases and Newsgroups. Additional features and functionality will be added in stages over the coming year.
President Steve Case said the company's strategy is to concentrate on ease-of-use as it expands into Internet services because that's one of the problem novice users have with the Internet. The company is also creating an advisory council composed of experts who are sensitive to the social dynamics of Internet. The Internet Center, like other AOL services, is part of its standard five hour per month, $9.95 bundle.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930921/Press Contact: Jean Villanueva America Online, 703-883-1675)
Villanueva America Online, 703-883-1675)
9/21/93
America Online Expands Internet Access
TELECOM
Could Power Companies Become Pho
SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Hoping to bypass any objections from regulators, First Pacific Networks Inc., signed a letter of intent with The Southern Company, which runs electrical utilities in Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi, aimed at installing cable on its lines.
Under the letter, First Pacific will license its technology to Southern for an initial license fee installment of $5 million. A portion of the license fee will be paid to Entergy Enterprises Inc., the unregulated subsidiary of Entergy Corp., another southern utility primarily serving Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana, which helped develop the system. Southern will buy 3,500 of FPN's PowerView systems for use in its service territory, with an option to buy 5,000 more and receive an initial 25% of sales of PowerView licenses by FPN.
The Southern Co., is also picking up a warrant to buy 9.95% of First Pacific Network common when regulators make that possible. The whole deal must still be finalized and, perhaps, approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.
Newsbytes discussed the deal with Don Marquart, executive vice president of First Pacific. First Pacific is best-known for selling systems which allow cable television systems, using coaxial and fiber cable, to offer telephone and data services over their lines, and the Entergy technology is used to justify power companies' installation of similar lines.
Marquart insisted, however, that phone and data services are not contemplated by the agreement. "I want to be clear that it's not the intent of the electrical utilities to provide phone service," he said. But from a strictly technical standpoint, he acknowledged, voice, data and even video services could be provided over the cables installed as part of the network.
The unique aspect of this program is that the electric utility can install a fiber-coax infrastructure and cost-justify it based on energy savings," he continued. "It allows two-way communications between customers and utilities. We install a unit and sensors, which are paid for based on savings of electricity in the home. What our customers are trying to do is help utility customers manage their energy use efficiently. The utility can either build new power plants or this system."
Marquart noted that recently Entergy officials testified before the US Senate, stating they too could deploy the infrastructure to help with the Information Superhighway. "But their focus was on managing their business better, providing better levels of customer service." First Pacific is also talking to other power companies across the country about buying the system.
"The important point is this can be deployed for less than the cost of building new power plants, using advanced communications to build energy efficiency. It's like electronic carburation," which increases the efficiency of cars.
Marquart said that the Southern was originally contemplating a direct equity investment in First Pacific, but found regulatory hurdles too high to ignore. "They're looking to make an equity investment, so we're moving forward without it. Southern can have the warrant. The equity piece requires SEC approval from that group that has oversight over power companies. Rather than wait on that, we can do a license and establish a business relationship."
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930921/Press Contact: First Pacific Networks Ken Schneider, 408/730-6600)
t Pacific Networks Ken Schneider, 408/730-6600)
9/21/93
Could Power Companies Become Phone Companies?
TELECOM
MCI, Gallup Set Toll-Free Pollin
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- MCI and the Gallup Organization announced a polling service based on MCI toll-free numbers designed to help businesses quickly get feedback from customers and employees on important issues. The aim is to help companies quickly do "quality audits."
The Gallup 800 survey was announced in a teleconference hosted by MCI's National Accounts division. Jonathan Crane, president of MCI's national accounts division, said, "Business executives now have a tool to poll their customers and get results in 24 hours. They can immediately take corrective action, and it's easy to use."
Crane then explained what happens. "After an application, callers are greeted by a recording, and can choose answers based on a touchtone phone, with verbal comments allowed. The system is also programmed to take verbal answers from rotary phones. MCI then tabulates the answers, and Gallup analyzes it. The customer can receive the report by e-mail, fax or overnight delivery." Crane said the two companies spent 15 months developing the product.
The Walt Disney organization was involved in beta-testing the product Clifton said. "It's a feedback system that they can break out by representative and department on their Orlando vacation plans." Gallup is also looking to hospitals and fast food companies as potential customers for the service.
Crane added, "Everyone's familiar with a financial audit. But what about a quality audit? We think this gives companies the capability to routinely run quality audits, and move toward total quality management."
Jim Clifton, president and chief executive of Gallup, noted that "Gallup has been too expensive for business surveys, and the results come too slowly. We needed something fast. We're also learning that poor customer satisfaction happens first. You can find problems before they show up in financials. IBM was going broke long before it showed up in their financials. An awful lot of companies are starting to pay for ratings customers give them. It's been limited to corporations without many customers. Now this solves the problem for companies with enormous customer bases."
An example of using the service, mentioned by Crane, is the present practice of leaving cards in hotel rooms to check quality. "Few people fill out the cards, unless they're angry. We'd encourage incentive systems to encourage people to respond. You could offer free breakfast if they call the 800 number, or they could offer a free room upgrade. Businesses will recognize a need to encourage people to participate. We're going to suggest that."
Gallup's Clifton agreed that creativity is needed in getting responses, because a poll doesn't really work unless more than half of chosen respondents agree to answer questions. Clifton estimated the cost of using the new system at $1 per survey respondent.
Clifton added that, with this system, you're dealing with captive audiences, people who've already bought a product from the company seeking the survey. "It's not like a Gallup Presidential poll," he said. "It's two very different situations and solutions." He said the new system is aimed at gathering thousands of responses, not just the hundreds who are called in regular Gallup polls.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930921/Press Contact: Frank Walter, MCI National Accounts, 212-326-4389)
alter, MCI National Accounts, 212-326-4389)
9/21/93
MCI, Gallup Set Toll-Free Polling Service
TELECOM
Combo Wrist Rest/Mouse Pad
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- The appropriately named "The Combo," from Computer Expressions combines two handy computer accessories, a mouse pad and a wrist rest.
The Combo wrist rest, at 7 1/4 x 2 1/2 inches, is made of resilient natural rubber with a soft cloth cover. Rounded on both top and bottom edges, it supports the hand in the neutral position doctors recommend to avoid nerve damage, the company says.
The wrist rest fits securely into the Combo mouse pad, which measures 11 2/3 x 8 1/4 inches -- and is also made of natural rubber. The Combo comes in a variety of vibrant color combinations, including an MC Escher design and a Munchies Combo with a pattern of brightly colored candies. Computer Expressions also makes custom Combo pads with corporate logos photographs, and other images the customer may provide.
The Combo is available from a wide range of retailers and mail-order companies for under $20. For additional information contact Computer Expressions at 215/487-7700.
(Computer Currents/19930921)
(Computer Currents/19930921)
9/21/93
Combo Wrist Rest/Mouse Pad
GENERAL
Connectix Utilities For Desktop
SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Connectix Corp. has added a new set of tools to the Mac utility workbelt with Connectix Desktop Utilities (CDU), based on the company's well-received Connectix PowerBook Utilities (CPU) product, a set of utilities for the PowerBook.
Included are power conservation features, window, menu desktop and color customization, single-keystroke menu and dialog access, password security, file synchronization, a menu clock/free space read-out and cursor customization. Connectix Marketing Manager Debbie Degutis says the main goal in developing CDU was to provide the same energy conservation features of CPU for the desktop.
The power-saving feature allows you to set your Mac to be shut down after a set period of inactivity. The screen can likewise be dimmed at user-specified intervals, decreasing monitor power consumption by up to 25 percent, the company says. Degutis says the screen dimming simultaneously reduces your monitor's electromagnetic field emission.
Color depth, printer selection and file-sharing status can all be set from a single CDU menu, which displays the time, date and amount of free disk space when not in use.
To set CDU apart, Degutis says the company set out to add new utility features, not to mimic existing ones. "We tried to stay away from competing head to head with other utility packages," she said. "We tried to find out what they didn't cover and to put that into CDU."
Connectix Desktop Utilities carries a suggested retail price of $99. Registered owners of the other Connectix utility packages may purchase CDU for $29. Phone 800/950-5880 or 415/571-5100.
(Computer Currents/19930921)
5100.
(Computer Currents/19930921)
9/21/93
Connectix Utilities For Desktop Macs
APPLE
New Mac Product Roundup
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- These are a few of the new product releases crossing our desks recently. All are for Apple Computer's Macintosh.
Adobe Illustrator 5.0
Illustrator or Photoshop or a little of both? Illustrator 5.0 adds Photoshop-like plug-in filters. Also new are custom views and an editable preview mode. The filters aid in manipulation of illustration objects, such as selecting overlapping layers to create a new object that can then be manipulated separately.
Filters include Pathfinder, Stylize and Color. $595 suggested retail. Upgrades are free if Illustrator 3.2 was purchased after March 1. Others upgrade for $149 through Oct. 31 and $199 thereafter. A CD-ROM version/kit is also available. In the US call 800/344-3385.
Adobe Premiere 3.0
Version 3.0 of Adobe's $695 QuickTime editing software features more tracks and faster processing and previews. A $795 CD-ROM version includes animated tutorials and stock movies. New features include more layers, new titling features such as gradient fills and drop shadows, batch capture and calibration, smoother playback and improved audio editing. Apple Sound Manager compatibility allows editing of 16-bit sound files.
Upgrades are $129 for the disk version and $199 for the Deluxe CD-ROM until November 1, and $179 to $249 thereafter. Phone Adobe in Mountain View, Calif. at 415/961-4400.
Scriptwriting Tools 2.0
No, not computer scripts -- Hollywood scripts. Version 2.0 of Morley & Associates' set of Microsoft Word templates helps writers create movie, TV, storyboard, two-column, video and multimedia scripts. Templates follow conventions established by the entertainment industry and corporate video market. Compatible with Word 4.x and 5.x. $79. Phone 818/952-6756.
(Computer Currents/19930921)
mputer Currents/19930921)
9/21/93
New Mac Product Roundup
APPLE
Wabi To Ship To End-Users By Yea
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Wabi, the Unix communities' answer to Microsoft Windows, is in its final "golden master" version and will be shipping to customers by the end of the year, according to Sunselect. Demonstrated this week at Unix Expo in New York City, Sunselect describes Wabi as technology that allows Microsoft Windows applications to run directly on Unix-based personal computers (PCs) and workstations at full performance without the need for MS-DOS or Microsoft Windows.
Announced in May of this year, Wabi is the hope of many vendors to break the hold they feel Microsoft has on the computing community with its Windows graphical user interface (GUI). It works by translating the function calls made by Microsoft Windows programs into those recognizable by X Windows. This has several advantages, according to Sunselect, as Windows applications are then considered part of the Unix desktop and functions such as cutting and pasting between Unix and Windows applications become possible. Wabi allows the Windows applications to be resized, moved, and even run on X terminals in a distributed environment, company officials added.
Emulation products to run Windows applications are available for Unix, but lack the advantages and speed of Wabi, Sunselect claims. Stephen Gaul Jr., information technology specialist at Air Products and Chemicals of Allentown, Pennsylvania has been beta testing Wabi before its announcement in May and said: "Wabi is running Windows applications up to three times faster than conventional Windows emulation software on my SPARC workstation. It is even running some applications faster than Microsoft Windows itself on both SPARC and Intel machines."
Gaul told Newsbytes he's had a strong interest in bridging the gap between Windows and Unix and added that in his experience Wabi is pretty solid, though he has not seen the golden master release.
Sunselect says now that the product has been tested and is in the golden master stage, it will be shipped to its original equipment manufacturing (OEM) partners IBM, Hewlett-Packard Sunsoft, and Novell's Unix Systems Group (formerly USL). Each OEM is preparing their own version of the product. "The Golden Master arrived right on schedule, and that will keep us on track in making Wabi available with the Unixware SVR4.2 operating system," said Don McGovern, vice president at Novell's Unix Systems Group. Reports are customers should start seeing Wabi technology by the end of this year.
Sunselect's OEMs and NCR, Network Computing Devices (NCD), and The Santa Cruz Operation (SCO) are demonstrating Wabi at the Unix Expo show.
Chemsford, Massachusetts-based Sunselect is one of many business units of Mountain View, California-headquartered Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation. Sun manufactures workstation computer products under the brand name Sparc.
FORT WORTH, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- If you're a video games addict that just can't wait to get your hands on the latest and greatest new video games, you might want to talk to your local Radio Shack outlet.
Radio Shack has introduced an advanced reservation program that allows its customers to pre-order the hottest new video games and have them shipped direct to their home or office on the first day the game is released in the US.
The program is a service of Radio Shack Express Order, and includes video games for Super Nintendo, Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Sega CD Game Boy, and Game Gear systems. Radio Shack Express Order allows buyers of video games, computer software, movies on VHS cassettes Karaoke songs on audio cassettes, and more than 200 pre-recorded digital compact cassette titles to order from Radio Shack's Express Order catalogs. The catalogs are available in Radio Shack stores nationwide.
Radio Shack says among the first game titles to be available through the Express Order Advanced Reservation program will be the "Mortal Kombat" video action game from Acclaim Entertainment Inc.
(Jim Mallory/19930921/Press contact: Tony Magoulas, Radio Shack 817-878-4852; Reader contact: Your local Radio Shack store)
878-4852; Reader contact: Your local Radio Shack store)
9/21/93
Radio Shack Ships New Video Games Direct To Consumers
GENERAL
Aldus To Bundle PhotoStyler In M
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Aldus Corporation says it has teamed up with Singapore-based Creative Technology Limited to bundle PhotoStyler Special Edition with a Creative OmniCD, the Sound Blaster DigitalEdge CD, the Sound Blaster Discover CD 16, or a Sound Blaster Edutainment CD 16 multimedia upgrade kit.
The kits are being distributed by Creative's US subsidiary Creative Labs Inc. The special edition versions of PhotoStyler 1.1a and the forthcoming version 2.0 offer a reduced feature set of the complete product, and are designed for use with other manufacturer's products. PhotoStyler SE includes the image retouching, color correction, filters, special effects, and image transformation tools.
Greg VendenDries, sales VP at Creative Labs, says the agreement will allow Creative to broaden the firm's multimedia market. "Aldus PhotoStyler SE allows our users to obtain complete solutions for the creation and incorporation of Kodak Photo CD images, as well as giving them a more professional design tool." Kodak Photo CD technology allows computer users to have pictures they take with a camera stored on a CD disk. The images can then be viewed and manipulated by computer software such as PhotoStyler.
Each multimedia upgrade kit from Creative includes a multi-session CD-ROM interface card, a CD-ROM drive with a 680MB storage capacity one of the Sound Blaster cards, and the necessary cabling to connect the drive to an IBM-compatible personal computer.
The Sound Blaster DigitalEdge CD kit gives users the ability to play 16-bit sound. Also included are several CD-based software packages including Microsoft Works for Windows, Macromedia's Action and Authorware Star graphics presentation programs, and VoiceAssis, a speech recognition program from Creative Labs. There is also object linking and embedding software that allows the user to add speech or music to any application that supports OLE, and a text-to-speech utility called Monologue for Windows that reads and vocalizes text numbers, and data from Windows applications. You also get The Software Toolworks 21-volume Multimedia Encyclopedia.
Creative says the suggested retail price for the kit will vary depending on which Sound Blaster card is being bundled. The full version of PhotoStyler has a suggested retail price of $795. If you buy one of the multimedia kits bundled with PhotoStyler SE you can upgrade to the full version for $150.
DALLAS, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Texas Instruments has cut the price of its microWriter and microMarc printers and has introduced a 30-day money back guarantee on both products.
The company said effective immediately the microWriter Basic has been cut to $599, a reduction of $130. The new suggested retail price on the microWriter PS23 is $799, a $200 drop, while the microWriter PS65 has also been reduced $200, now selling for $1,099. The microMarc will now sell for $329, down from $369.
The microWriter line of Postscript-compatible 33-pound page printers was introduced in March of this year. TI says the microWriter is designed for small business users using Macintosh and Windows-based PCs. The microWriter light-emitting diode (LED) print engine can produce up to five pages per minute at 300 by 300 dot-per-inch resolution. All three models include both AppleTalk and parallel interfaces, with an optional RS-232C serial interface available. The microWriter comes with a 250-sheet paper supply tray that can handle both legal and letter size paper. An optional universal media feeder is available for envelopes, transparency stock and labels. The basic model has 512 kilobytes of memory, which can be expanded.
The microMarc is an inkjet printer TI introduced in May of this year. It provides 300 dot-per-inch resolution, PCL level 3 compatibility, three built-in font families, and several methods of handling paper. The microMarc uses a thermal inkjet print engine with 128 nozzles, which TI says is twice the number used in Hewlett-Packard's Deskjet printhead. The microMarc prints 300 characters per second, or three to four pages per minute.
TI says the microMarc inkjet cartridge should be good for up to 1,300 pages under normal use. The included sheet feeder can be loaded with up to 100 sheets of paper at a time, and the unit can print letter, legal, and A4 paper sizes as well as envelopes. The included fonts are Letter Gothic, Courier, and Dutch SWC. It can also print the TrueType fonts included with many Windows applications. When first introduced, the 12-pound microMarc had a suggested retail price of $419.
In other Texas Instruments news, the company said this week it will redeem $149.6 million of its auction-rate preferred stock, including Money Market Cumulative Preferred Series 2 and Market Auction Preferred shares. After the redemption TI will have no outstanding auction-rate preferred stock.
HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- PC maker Compaq Computer Corporation and network operating system software publisher Novell today announced they have signed a formal agreement they say will make it easier for customers to migrate business-critical applications to PC servers, simplify the operation and maintenance of networks, and speed the development and availability of networking software for Compaq's multiprocessing servers scheduled to come to market next year.
"This partnership represents a shared vision and commitment between Compaq and Novell to make enterprise networking easier for our customers," says Novell President and CEO Raymond Noorda.
The agreement, called the Enterprise Computing Partnership, defines a broad set of coordinated activities including the implementation of joint marketing and sales programs, the design of integrated hardware and software platforms, the development of industry-wide network testing standards and procedures, and extensive support training, and service programs.
The two companies say they will work together to simplify and expedite the selection of networks for their mutual customers by sharing technical support information, coordinating pre-sales activities, conducting joint seminars, and making joint presentations and recommendations.
They say they are also working on more reliable and optimized ways to install Novell's Netware software. Compaq has SmartStart, its CD-ROM based installation process, which will be used to make server installation easier. They also plan to develop an integrated Netware operating system that will run on multiprocessing systems from Compaq. A MP system is scheduled for demonstration by year-end and is scheduled to ship by the second half of 1994.
Another part of the partnership calls for the two companies to develop UnixWare software to support Unix-based applications running in Netware environments.
Earlier this month Compaq President Eckhard Pfeiffer said it is no longer possible for a single vendor to offer the whole system, and announced Compaq would team up with Microsoft Corporation, Intel Corporation, and VLSI technology to develop a hand-held mobile companion device. Few specifics were available, but Compaq said the device, expected to be available as early as 1994, will be powered by VLSI's Polar chip set, which is based on designs by Intel.
Microsoft will support the chip assets with its Microsoft at Work operating system, and Compaq will integrate the hardware and software into a marketable machine.
In April of this year Compaq and Microsoft announced they would work together to make personal computers easier to use and to further the development of new products, stressing the "plug-and-play" aspect of future computing. Plug-and-play refers to the ability to unpack a computer and the desired peripherals, connect the cables, turn the system on and begin working (or playing). That announcement was also short of specifics.
REDWOOD SHORES, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- College football is moving to pen computing for play diagrams and game data via a new software product, "Athlepad," from Pentech of Lansing, Michigan. The highly portable pen-computers are taking over time-consuming hand drawing tasks as well as offering portable electronic forms for scouting and medical training.
Currently coaches spend 10-20 hours a week drawing playing cards for practice sessions and often the cards must be redrawn in a week with small changes or even no changes, according to Pentech. However, coaches at the University of Pittsburgh University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and the University of Wisconsin are using Athlepad's practice card drawing program for their x's and o's. This is especially attractive since coaches don't need to use a keyboard or know how to type in order to make efficient use of the program.
Pentech says the formations, backfields, fronts, coverage and plays are designed using a method of pointing the pen to the proper area on the screen. The play lines are then drawn and stored for future use, and previous plays can be recalled modified and stored as new plays. In addition, the plays can be printed on card stock with a laser printer for use during the practice sessions. The company said it also integrated the video editing system of Clearwater, Florida's Athletech Computer Systems into Athlepad for reviewing games. The coaches are using Grid Convertible pen-based computers, although representatives for CIC said the software will run on a variety of other pen-based computers as well.
The football programs were developed using software from Redwood Shores, California-based CIC, which develops the PenDOS pen operating system and the accompanying Handwriter Recognition System. PenDOS makes DOS applications into pen aware applications, handling handwriting recognition, gestures and inking capabilities. The product supplements DOS so developers can use the same tools to create pen applications as to create DOS keyboard-based applications, added CIC.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930921/Press Contact: Stacey Wueste Alexander Communications for CIC, tel 415-923-1660, fax 415 923-9863)
for CIC, tel 415-923-1660, fax 415 923-9863)
9/21/93
Pen Computers Make It Into College Football
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Lotus Spins Off CD-ROM Enterpris
AMD Shareholder Suits Spurred By
EIS Conference Underway This Wee
Issues Narrowed In CDMA Digital
Correction - America Online SW I
UK - QMS Claims First Desktop Co
TI Cuts Printer Prices
British Telecom's First ISDN Pho
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IBM Intros Multitude Of New Syst
+SOMERS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- IBM has made a number of announcements relating to its PowerPC, RS/6000 platform multimedia, and its direct response television ads. Newsbytes will have a full report on many of these items tomorrow. Reporter Jacqueline Emigh is attending the IBM press event. Here is a short preview.
IBM has introduced new PowerPC-based systems: the POWERstation 25T, POWERstation 25W, POWERserver 25S and the base 250 system unit. These offer more than twice the performance at the same price as the POWERstation/ POWERserver 230 and run at 66 megahertz (MHz), the company says.
The new PowerPC-based systems run the AIX/6000 3.2.5 operating system and are compatible with the existing RISC System/6000 systems.
The POWERstation 25T features 16MB of personal computer SIMM memory; 540 MB of internal disk storage; the new GXT150 graphics accelerator, providing 256-color, 8-bit 2D graphics; the POWERdisplay 17, a 17-inch 1280 x 1024 color display; integrated Ethernet and SCSI-2 (small computer system interface) controllers; two 32-bit Micro Channel expansion slots that support I/O (input/ output) at up to 80 MB/second; keyboard; mouse; serial, parallel and tablet ports.
The POWERstation 25W is similar to the 25T, but is designed for the users who already have a color display. The 25W includes the new GXT100 2D graphics accelerator.
The POWERserver 25S is an entry-level server, with a 1 GB SCSI-2 disk drive and an eight-port RS-232 adapter. The adapter can connect to inexpensive ASCII terminals and other RS-232 devices.
The POWERstation 25T will cost $9,395,the POWERstation 25W will be priced at $7,595, the POWERstation 25S at $8,945, and the POWERstation/POWERserver 250 at $5,445.
IBM has also introduced the POWER2 microprocessor, and three new RS/6000 models that incorporate this new implementation of IBM's POWER Architecture.
The POWERserver 990 is a rack-mounted high-end server with computing power and performance comparable to today's supercomputers, claims the company, at one-tenth of a supercomputer's cost. The POWERstation/ POWERserver 590 is the highest performing RS/6000 deskside system ever. The POWERstation/POWERserver 58H is claimed to be a powerful midrange deskside system, and is configured similarly to the 590.
The POWERserver 990 comes with a 71.5 megahertz (MHz) POWER2 microprocessor, and delivers a SPECint92 rating of 126 and a SPECfp92 rating of 260.4. The system has 256 kilobytes (KB) of data cache and a 32 KB instruction cache, and comes standard with 128 megabytes (MB) of memory expandable to 2 GB with the new 256 MB memory card; 4 GB of disk expandable to 840 GB with the IBM RAIDiant Array;integrated SCSI; a SCSI-2 controller adapter; two 80 MB/second Micro Channel buses providing 16 standard slots (one slot occupied by the SCSI controller); 5 GB 8 mm tape, CD-ROM drive and battery backup.
The POWERstation/POWERserver 590 and 58H models come with 66 MHz and 55 MHz POWER2 microprocessors respectively. They have a 256 KB data cache and a 32 KB instruction cache, and come standard with 64 MB of memory expandable to 2 GB; 2 GB of disk expandable to 460 GB with IBM's RAIDiant Array; integrated SCSI; a SCSI-2 controller adapter eight 8 MB/second Micro Channel slots (one slot occupied by the SCSI-2 controller) and a CD-ROM drive.
The POWERstation/POWERserver 58H will be priced at $64,450 and will be available on October 22; the POWERstation/POWERserver 590 will be priced at $74,450 and also available on October 22. The POWERserver 990 will cost $127,100 and will be available on October 29.
IBM has also introduced AIX/6000 version 3.2.5, a enhancement to its version of the Unix operating system. The new version contains the latest AIX Preventive Maintenance Package which, according to IBM allows customers to selectively install code changes made since the last release of AIX/6000 was announced.
The company has also introduced the Xstation 140, which comes standard with 4 megabytes (MB) of system memory, 2 MB of video memory, and 2 MB of rewritable, non-volatile flash memory. This allows space for the advanced function Xserver based on X Window System version 11 release 5. The Xstation 140 also supports local clients, 256 colors, generic fonts and a network based font server. The 140 also supports either Token-Ring or Ethernet attachment.
The POWERdisplay 17 is a high-resolution, Trinitron, multi-scan color display that supports screen resolutions up to 1280 by 1024 at 77 hertz (Hz), and complies with Part 3 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9241 ergonomic standard. The POWERdisplay 17 provides a variety of digital controls and three user selectable color temperature settings.
The POWERdisplay 17 will cost $1,795 and is set for availability on October 15. The Xstation 140 will cost $2,347 and will also be available on October 15. The price for the Xstation includes the base unit, keyboard, mouse, and Xserver software.
Version 3.2.5 also includes a new, separately available feature the Visual System Manager, which provides an icon-based interface for systems management tasks. With the feature, users can reportedly initiate such actions as adding user IDs and managing printers by "dragging and dropping" system objects.
AIX/6000 3.2.5 is set for availability on October 15, with pricing based on processor family and number of users - ranging from $650 to $40,900. The Visual Systems Manager will be available February 25 1994, at no extra charge.
Version 2.1 of IBM's AIX High Availability Cluster Multi-Processing/6000 (HACMP/6000) software allows up to four RS/6000 systems to be tied together. That is twice the number supported in the previous version. The new version is set for availability on December 17, 1993, with prices varying depending on configuration.
IBM has also announced three new "open," integrated software development tools that the company says will help application developers build commercial, scientific and object-oriented applications more quickly and easily.
According to IBM, C++ POWERbench version 2 is an integrated package of software tools designed for C++ object-oriented programming. It includes the IBM C Set ++ for AIX/6000 version 2, and comes with a C and C++ compiler, a browser, a HeapView debugger, a test coverage analyzer and a set of C++ class libraries. Planned availability for C++ POWERbench version 2 is December 31, 1993, with user token packages for C++ POWERbench priced from $3,375 to $101,250. The IBM C Set ++ for AIX/6000 version 2 is available separately, at prices ranging from $1,875 to $56,250. Upgrades from AIX XL C version 1 are also available starting at $795.
Fortran POWERbench version 1 is a Fortran development package featuring a compiler and a set of integrated software development tools for building scientific applications. The new AIX XL Fortran Compiler/6000 version 3 complies with International Organization for Standardization and ANSI Fortran 90 standards, including the full implementation of Fortran 90. Version 1 is set for availability on December 31, 1993, with prices ranging from $3,100 to $93,300. The price for the compiler alone ranges from $1,595 to $47,850. Compiler upgrades from XL Fortran version 2 are available starting at $795.
COBOL POWERbench version 1 is designed for developers using the COBOL language and includes a number of Micro Focus products including: Micro Focus COBOL version 3.1 for AIX version 3.2.4, Micro Focus Toolbox version 3.1 for AIX version 3.2.4, Micro Focus Operating System Extensions (OSX) version 3.1 for AIX version 3.2.4, and Micro Focus Dialog System version 2.2 for Motif on AIX version 3.2.4. COBOL POWERbench version 1 is set for availability on December 31, 1993 priced between $3,645 and $103,950.
IBM also announced AIX XL Pascal Compiler/6000 version 2 for AIX/6000. It now provides support for 4-byte pointers and will be available December 31, priced from $1,375 to $41,240. Upgrades from the existing Pascal compiler will start at $795.
The company also introduced the AIXwindows Environment/6000 version 1.2.5 windowing system for AIX/6000, which includes support for the new POWER GXT100 and POWER GXT150 graphics accelerators.
Softgraphics, a new element of the AIXwindows Environment/6000 3D Feature, was also announced. According to IBM, it delivers advanced 3D (three-dimensional) functions to the entire range of POWERstations and enables entry 3D applications to run on 2D (two-dimensional) workstations.
Planned availability for AIXwindows Environment/6000 1.2.5 is October 15. It is priced the same as the current release at $250 to $1,000. The new release of AIXwindows Environment/6000 3D Feature, which includes Softgraphics, is priced between $425 to $1,700.
IBM's new AIX File Storage Facility/6000 (AIX FSF/6000) AIX FSF/6000 is a storage management product for the RISC System/6000 which is claimed to extend storage management capabilities in a client/server environment. The product reportedly provides clients with automatic disk space management, as well as file migration to any Network File System server. It has a planned availability of October 15, at a price of $199 to $1,500 depending on the system used.
IBM has made a number of announcements relating to its multimedia strategy. The company introduced AIX Ultimedia Services/6000 claimed to be a set of software objects that supports industry standard audio and video formats from workstation and PC environments. Ultimedia Services/6000 supports M-JPEG, and Ultimotion movies with support for converting and playing Actionmedia (RTV2.0) files.
IBM has also licensed Intel's Indeo video format for use on the RS/6000. Indeo video, also known as RTV2.1, is currently supported on OS/2, Microsoft Windows, and Apple System 7 operating systems. Indeo video is planned to be integrated into a future release of AIX Ultimedia Services/6000.
IBM has also introduced the POWER GXT100 and POWER GXT150 graphics accelerators, which are available for the POWERstation 25T, 25W and 250, attache directly to the PowerPC 601 local processor bus in these models and does not require a Micro Channel slot. Both the POWER GXT100 and POWER GXT150 are 8-bit, single-buffered accelerators that support 256 colors, from a palette of 16.7 million colors. The POWER GXT100 will be priced at $1,295, while the POWER GXT150 will be priced at $1,695.
IBM says that its PC Direct direct response marketing unit is testing the 30-second ads over a five-week period in select markets covering 16 percent of US households. A one-minute direct response radio spot also is being tested in eight percent of households and the company is considering a national rollout of the campaign in the fall.
The ads feature a special IBM PS/1 computer pre-loaded with 11 Disney Software Collection programs, Microsoft Works, Prodigy and America Online, for $1499. In June, IBM PC Direct distributed its largest-ever mail order catalog to more than 1.3 million customers.
(Ian Stokell/19930921/Press Contact: Steven Malkiewicz 914-642-5449, or Gregory T. Golden, 914-642-5463, IBM)
5449, or Gregory T. Golden, 914-642-5463, IBM)
9/21/93
IBM Intros Multitude Of New Systems/Software
Japan - 3DO Opens Software Libra
India - Turbo Analyst To Support
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Human Calculator Teaches Kids Ma
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Israeli Cryptography Company Sco
New For Mac: PassPort Producer P
New TransAtlantic Fiber Optic Ca
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Sun Intros SPARCcluster 1 File S
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Sun Microsystems Computer Corp., has introduced, what the company claims, is the industry's most powerful network file server, the SPARCcluster 1. The company also maintains that the system is the industry's first network cluster for dedicated NFS file service.
Clusters combine multiple network systems to provide a single application resource. Sun is also claiming that the system provides 51 percent more performance and more than twice the networking connectivity of the next closest competitive system - the NS 6000 NetServer from Auspex.
Sun claims that implementing the SPARCcluster 1 enables a user to lower the total cost of ownership, as well as simplify administration by consolidating network file service for large departments or the entire enterprise into one integrated cluster system that is managed from a single cluster console monitor.
Carl Stolle, manager of server product marketing for SMCC, said: "The SPARCcluster 1 is a significant advancement because it solves three critical problems plaguing the implementation of enterprise wide client-server applications -- network bandwidth limitations network complexity, and dependable access to data. This product lays the foundation for a larger Sun clustering vision. Next year we will expand our network cluster technology to provide additional application services, such as parallel database management systems."
The SPARCcluster 1 system accommodates up to 500 client users provides up to 150 gigabytes (GB) of external disk, services up to 20 separate networks, and can include up to 16 processors. The system is also claimed to deliver linear performance scalability, with the most powerful configuration six times as powerful as the entry-level system.
According to the company, the SPARCcluster 1 system was designed to simplify administration of large, complex networked computing environments. It comes standard with graphical user interface based tools to provide centralized and remote system administration performance monitoring and configuration management. All cluster nodes are installed and managed from a centralized cluster console administration tool.
The SPARCcluster 1 system will ship in October and is available in several configurations, with prices starting at $85,000. The system runs the Solaris 2.2 operating environment, and comes with a one-year, on-site warranty.
(Ian Stokell/19930921/Press Contact: Carol Sacks, 415/336-0521 Sun Microsystems Computer Corp.)
6-0521 Sun Microsystems Computer Corp.)
9/21/93
Sun Intros SPARCcluster 1 File Server
ATI Ships VESA Local Bus Card, U
Dell Appoints New VP
Fastest Rewritable CD-ROM Rivals
UK - Mercury, Cable TV In Pacts
Creative Labs Intros Sound Blast
IBM Licenses SunSelect's Wabi Te
Software Dev't '93 - Object Data
PenExpo: IBM To Announce New Mob
Microsoft Sees Big Business In D
Rupert Murdoch Buys Delphi
Big Australian Laser Printer Con
India's Own Cryogenic Engine Pos
EIS Conference - Commander EIS L
UK - Ideal Windows Monitor
India - HCL HP Adds To Its PC Ra
UK - Workgroup Systems Intros Qu
MicroAge Seeking International D
SPC Says Windows, Price Erosion
Lightning Intros Low-Cost Pentiu
America Online Expands Internet
PenExpo - Accurate Handwriting R
Sun Intros SPARCcluster 1 File S
UK - Logitech's Cyberman
WINDSOR, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Logitech, a name that is more associated with mice, has announced Cyberman in the UK. Logitech claims it is the world's first interactive three dimensional (3D) controller for PC-based computer games. The product was first announced in the US On August 18.
The idea behind the controller is that it allows PC users to control the latest generation of 3D games on the PC. The company claims that the unit allows single-handed control of movements of players in 3D simulation games, an area that traditional joysticks have a problem with.
Many 3D games, Newsbytes notes, make use of two joysticks or a complex control system. Logitech claims that its Cyberman unit gets around the problem by combining all of the characteristics of a mouse, joystick and trackerball in one console.
The unit provides X, Y and Z axis movement, as well as reproducing yawing, rolling an pitching movements. This, Logitech claims, allows the user to look around, lean forward or backward, and even leap out of the way of danger.
According to Martin Pickering, general manager of Logi UK, the British subsidiary of Logitech, news of the Cyberman unit has set the computer games industry "buzzing with excitement."
"Leading developers such as Electronic Arts, Microprose Origin Virgin Interactive Entertainment and others are currently developing new games compatible with Cyberman which will make use of the sensory feedback function and the hexa-directional movement features. We expect the first of these games to become available in November," he said.
Cyberman connects to a PC serial port and comes with a 3D games program plus driver software. The unit, which will ship on both sides of the Atlantic in November, will sell for UKP 85. US pricing has yet to be confirmed, Newsbytes understands.
(Steve Gold/19930921/Press & Public Contact: Logi UK - tel: 0344 891313)
ogi UK - tel: 0344 891313)
9/21/03
UK - Logitech's Cyberman
TRENDS
Bill Gates Really Does Do Window
AT&T Selling CDPD Wireless Syste
Digital, IBM In Network Alliance
BT-MCI Merger Hits Snag - Red Ta
Interop '93 - Network Firms Hono
Sigma In Development Deal With P
Compaq Launches New Lines
NCR Intros New Safari Notebook
Correction - Fastest Optical, No
PenExpo - Attendees Select Best
AT&T Intros Fractional T-3
Network General & 3Com In Net Mg
Printers, Storage, Software Roun
Perfected! Adds Functions To Wor
Japan - IBM Japan Creates Softwa
Creative Labs MPC 2 Kits Priced
Sharp Produce More CCDs Due To V
Delrina Sales Soar, Acquisitions
Systemhouse Acquires 3 Education
InterDigital Adds Third Patent t
InterDigital Works For Expedited
New Media Ad Conference Set
UK - Logitech's Cyberman
Apple Media Kit: Build Mac, Wind
UK - Netware 3.12
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 21 (NB) -- Two years after the release of Netware 3.0, the operating system has been updated with a major maintenance release, Netware 3.12. The product was announced in the US on September 13.
NetWare 3.12 now includes Basic MHS (message handling system) facilities and the Mac Netware version free of charge. The seamless upgrade routines seen in Netware 4.0 have been adapted for the v3.xx environment, allowing users of Netware 2.xx to move up to v3.12 "relatively painlessly" according to Novell.
Novell is making some bold claims for Netware 3.12, mentioning buzzwords such as increased performance, improved disk drivers and print plus management utilities.
The company claims v3.12 will be a best seller in the UK, as v2.xx users who have been waiting to upgrade to the third generation can now gain access to the new features and advanced network services not currently available under the Netware 2.x environment.
Novell says that all previously available performance enhancements updates and new utilities for version 3.11, such as support for packet burst and large internet packets, are in V3.12.
The Apple Computer Macintosh version of Netware 3.12 included with the PC version is set up for five users. Netware for Mac now supports Mac workgroups and comes with a new set of utilities that allows network administrators to control admin functions from the Mac environment.
Lalit Nathwani, Novell UK's product marketing manager, told Newsbytes that the package is not a major update, but more of a face-lift, arguing that it reinforces the company's commitment to Netware 3.x customers.
"Novell has upgraded Netware 3.11 to provide users with a platform for increased performance, improved functionality and productivity and ease of use benefits," he said.
Industry reaction to news of the "face-lift" is cautious here in the UK. Alan Swan, general manager of Proteon, which sells Netware compatible hardware, said that Novell has to be very careful not to upset its existing v3.11 user base.
"Novell must not upgrade those features that Netware 3.11 users are happy with. If it does, then it risks rocking the boat," he said.
Despite this caution, Swan said he expects Netware 3.12 to generate a lot of extra sales. Existing users of v3.11 will be encouraged, he said, to look at upgrading their hardware and software.
As supplied, Netware 3.12 includes updated Novell and third-party LAN (local area network) and disk drivers, a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) installation option and new Universal Netware clients, with a choice of Virtual Loadable Module (VLM) or NETX client architectures. Version 6.1 of Netware Btrieve key-indexed record manager is also included.
(Steve Gold/19930921/Press & Public Contact: Novell UK - Tel: 0344 724999)
- Tel: 0344 724999)
9/21/93
UK - Netware 3.12
Cisco To Acquire Crescendo Commu
MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Cisco Systems Inc., has signed an agreement to acquire Crescendo Communications Inc., a privately held, networking company.
Under terms of the deal, Cisco has agreed to acquire all of the outstanding stock and assume all the outstanding employee stock options and warrants of Crescendo in exchange for 2,000,000 shares of Cisco common stock.
The transaction, which has been approved by the board of directors of both Cisco and Crescendo, is subject to several conditions including approval of Crescendo shareholders and receipt of an opinion that the transaction will be accounted for as a pooling of interest.
A meeting with the Crescendo shareholders has been scheduled for September 23, 1993, to vote on the transaction.
In announcing the deal, John Morgridge, president and CEO of Cisco said: "Crescendo's key technologies are at the heart of a number of leading-edge trends in our industry, including CDDI/FDDI (copper/ fiber distributed data interface), LAN (local area network) switching, and ATM (asynchronous transfer mode). Crescendo pioneered and developed its 'MLT3' signaling scheme that became the foundation for the 100-Mbps over UTP (unshielded twisted pair), today emerging as a worldwide industry standard."
Crescendo presently has about 60 employees and is based in Sunnyvale, California, with seven regional offices in the US and distributors in Europe and Asia.
In August, Newsbytes reported that Cisco had posted net income of $53,719,000, or 41 cents per share, for its fourth quarter ending July 25, 1993. Net sales for the fourth quarter were $205,223,000. This compared with net sales of $110,691,000 and net income of $27,240,000 in the like period last year. Net sales for the 1993 fiscal year were $649,035,000, and net income was $171,955,000, or $1.33 per share, versus net sales of $339,623,000 and net income of $84,386,000 for fiscal 1992.
(Ian Stokell/19930927/Press Contact: Jeff Paine, 415-903-7191 Cisco Systems Inc.)
eff Paine, 415-903-7191 Cisco Systems Inc.)
9/22/93
Cisco To Acquire Crescendo Communications
BUSINESS
R | `
Avid Gets An Emmy For Media Comp
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Avid Technology received an Emmy Award at the 45th annual ceremony by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for its Media Composer system. The award was in recognition of outstanding achievement in engineering and development of the Avid digital non-linear editing system.
The Emmy was presented to Avid Technology and the inventors of the Media Composer system: William J. Warner, Jeffrey L. Bedell, Eric C. Peters, Joseph H. Rice, Stephen J. Reber, and Thomas A. Ohanian.
Avid says Media Composer, introduced in December of 1989, was among the first digital non-linear editing systems to provide the industry with an image quality good enough to serve as a catalyst for moving beyond traditional analog editing technology. The company typically sells turn-key systems based on Macintosh Quadra 950 systems that range in price from $10,000 to $90,000.
Since its introduction, Avid claims over 2,000 Media Composer systems sold. Avid systems have been used to edit short-form programs such as commercials and music videos and long-form projects including television episodics such as "L.A. Law' and "Northern Exposure," and feature films like "Needful Things" and "The Fugitive."
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Softklone has signed up to be the exclusive distributor of Reportsmith, the client/server reporting and query package from Indigo Software in the US, which has just changed its name to Reportsmith, Newsbytes understands.
Indigo/Reportsmith's founder and president, Ken Gardner was in Europe recently to finalize distribution deals in several European countries, although, so far, only the UK deal has been made public.
Lee Wood, Softklone's managing director, told Newsbytes that onward distribution deals are in progress with Ingram Micro and Northamber, the company's existing distributors, to handle the UKP239 package through to computer dealers.
"The package should be available by early next month," he said adding that, as an introductory offer, Reportsmith will be available at UKP99 while stocks last. This pricing strategy, he told Newsbytes, was to establish the name of the package in the UK.
Newsbytes notes that Reportsmith won the Byte magazine best product award at Comdex Fall late last year. The software, which supports DDE (dynamic data exchange) and OLE (object linking and embedding) 2.0, works with live data for visual interactive report design.
Gardner admitted that the strategy of dealing with live data in a reporting package, though unique to Reportsmith, slows the processing of the package down somewhat. To compensate, the package has been coded to support an adaptive data access process.
This allows the package to handle any report size, even those in which the data sets are too large for the client workstation. "What we've done is to optimize the package for small, medium or larger data files and ensure that it runs as quickly as possible for each data set," he said.
So what do you get for your money? A Windows package, now into version 1.22, that allows data to be manipulated and massaged into easy-to-understand reports. In essence, Reportsmith is a report generating package that can work with live data.
It does this by using the OLE and DDE features of Windows to link data being produced from other applications under Windows and inserting, as well as acting upon, that data.
Reportsmith also includes a macro language that bears more than a passing resemblance to Basic. The company claims that the macro language allows developers to develop strong macros very easily.
The macro language gives Reportsmith near application-level capabilities. It is possible, for example, to allow code to be written that can automate most tasks on an intelligent basis. Macros can be linked to fields and allowed to conditionally change the field's format or color.
Alternatively, the macros can be programmed to hide or even disable certain functions on execution. This facility could be useful for when a report is being opened by a novice user and prevent that person from ruining their own customized report.
(Steve Gold/19930921/Press & Public Contact: US: Reportsmith (formerly Indigo) - 415/312-0770; Fax: 415/312-9014; UK: Sofklone UK - Tel: 0628-819200)
415/312-9014; UK: Sofklone UK - Tel: 0628-819200)
9/22/93
Softklone Becomes UK Distributor For Reportsmith
Computer Viruses Rampant In Japa
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Computer virus infections have been rapidly increasing in Japan. The Information Technology Promotion Agency reports that it has received reports of virus infections from 120 members in the month of August - the highest number in its history.
The number is the highest since it began the survey in 1990. There were 83 cases in June and 97 cases in July. Due to the summer holiday season, the number was initially expected to be smaller in August.
NEC's PC-9801 suffered most, with 81 cases reported. This was followed by the IBM-PC, the IBM PS/2, and the PS/55 (Japanese PS/2) platforms.
The type of viruses included Yankee Doodle, which was reported in 52 cases, and Cascade, in 36 cases. Seventy percent of the reports resulted from these two viruses. There was one new virus Mommy. This virus infects the .EXE file and eventually deletes the disk content.
A total of 810 cases have been reported since IPA started the survey in April 1990. It is expected that the number of viruses reported will continue to increase. IPA warns that users should be careful about programs which are downloaded from telecommunications networks. Also, users should not use copied disks.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- KDD says it will cut international telephone rates on October 10. The firm will cut an average 2.4 percent, making it the same or less than those of its rivals. However, it is expected that other firms will also follow suit.
KDD will lower rates between 10 yen (10 cents) and 240 yen ($2.4) depending on the regions - which include 134 countries. Currently, KDD's phone rates are higher than those of rival phone firms to all regions.
However, the company claims that to some countries - such as France, England, and Germany - they will be cheaper. To some 27 countries, the rates will be same as those of rival firms. For example, phone rates to Cambodia and Vietnam will be cut by 240 yen, with rates to South America and Africa to be cut by 110 yen ($1.1).
KDD's rival telephone firms, such as International Telecom Japan (ITJ) and International Digital Communication (IDC), will vie with KDD by lowering their rates in the near future. It is expected that these firms will lower their rates for calls to some popular countries such as the US and the United Kingdom.
In the past, there was governmental guidance to keep KDD's phone rates higher than those of other private telephone firms which entered the phone business after the deregulation of the Japanese telecom industry in 1985. However, the government has now given approval for KDD to lower rates in order to remain competitive.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930922/Press Contact: KDD tel +81-3-3347-6934, fax +81-3-3275-4430)
KDD tel +81-3-3347-6934, fax +81-3-3275-4430)
9/22/93
Japan - KDD To Cut International Phone Rates
TELECOM
IBM Canada To Make PowerPC Modul
BROMONT, QUEBEC, CANADA, 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- An IBM Canada Ltd., factory will make electronic modules for all PowerPC chips used worldwide, the company announced as part of its rollout of the first IBM PowerPC-based systems in Toronto.
The Bromont plant - one of IBM Canada's two manufacturing facilities - took part in the design of the PowerPC packaging the company said. The plant will package PowerPC chips on electronic modules and mount these on a ceramic base. It is the only supplier of these modules in the industry, and will provide the modules, not only to IBM, but to other PowerPC manufacturers including Apple Computer and Motorola, officials said.
IBM Canada would not say how many of the modules the Bromont plant is to produce, but did report that Motorola is expected to take 2.5 million of the chips and Apple about one million by the end of 1994. IBM was tight-lipped about its own requirements for the PowerPC modules.
IBM staff at the Bromont plant have spent the past couple of years in development work to prepare for the PowerPC announcement, said Bill Etherington, president and chief executive of IBM Canada. The Bromont plant exports about C$2 billion worth of products each year, he said.
(Grant Buckler/19930922/Press Contact: Anne Hay, IBM Canada 416-474-3900)
: Anne Hay, IBM Canada 416-474-3900)
9/22/93
IBM Canada To Make PowerPC Modules
MacWorld Canada - MacWeek's Gore
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- "Sometimes," MacWeek Senior Editor Andrew Gore told an audience at MacWorld Expo/Canada this week, "I wish the Macintosh could be declared a minor so Child Protection Services could come and take it away until Apple could prove it was a fit parent."
Gore had a few other barbs for Apple, which he said is hoping to address market confusion over the large number of Macintosh models by introducing more models. But he spent most of his second-day keynote address doing something his newspaper is known for - predicting unannounced Apple products.
According to Gore, Apple will try to simplify its product line by doing away with the Centris name, replacing existing Centris models with equivalent Quadras.
On October 21, he forecast, Apple will launch seven new Quadra models using 25 megahertz (MHz), 33MHz, and 40MHz Motorola 68040 processors. Six of these will have Ethernet local area network (LAN) interfaces and compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) drives built in. One will be an AV model with audio and video capabilities.
A handful of new Macintosh Performa models will also appear in October, Gore said, and there will also be a new Macintosh Duo 250, which will be essentially like the Duo 230 but with an active-matrix grey-scale screen, and a Duo 270c with an active-matrix color screen. In the spring, he added Apple will bring out a 290c, with a 68040 processor and an active-matrix color screen.
Also in the spring, Gore expects the first Macs based on the PowerPC chips that Apple, IBM, and Motorola are jointly developing. He predicted three initial models, ranging in price from US$2,000 to US$4,000, built on PowerPC 601 chips running at 50MHz and 66MHz, and possibly carrying the Quadra nameplate.
To the user, Gore said, the PowerPC Macs will look and work just like existing Macs. He added one warning: while the machines will run existing Mac software, they will not deliver the hoped-for performance improvements with software written especially for the PowerPC chip. And when will that appear? Gore said Microsoft Corp., one of the key Mac application suppliers, is running behind in its efforts to develop PowerPC versions of its Microsoft Office suite of applications, but should have the Word and Excel packages ready within 90 days after Apple launches the PowerPC Macs in March.
The first Duo portable based on PowerPC technology is expected next fall, he added.
Gore also touched on a rumored new Mac, called Blackbird, which he said will be a notebook intended as a response to IBM's recently launched ThinkPad 750. Expected in March, he said, it will have an active-matrix color screen that will be the largest on any PowerBook at 9.4 inches, and will use a modular design with two expansion bays.
Turning to Apple's Personal Interactive Electronics (PIE) division, Gore praised the Newton and dismissed the PowerCD CD-ROM device, which he said is "a pretty lackluster CD-ROM drive."
Despite complaints about the handwriting recognition in the Newton MessagePad personal digital assistant, Gore said, Apple is "selling every single one they can build."
He said more products in the Newton line can be expected quite soon, and not just from Apple - other companies, including Panasonic, Siemens, and Motorola, have licenses to build products around the technology.
And the Newton line may use other processors than that in the initial model. Gore said he expects Apple to launch a Newton built on a PowerPC chip before the end of 1995, and the company may even build one around the Intel chips used in IBM and compatible personal computers. "It'll be ultimately up to folks like yourselves whether it's successful," Gore said, "but the architecture's got a lot of elbow room."
Commenting on recent corporate developments at Apple, Gore said there is good news and bad news about the firm's drive for market share over the past couple of years. The good news is that it is working: Macintosh unit sales are up and the architecture holds 16 to 17 percent of the worldwide PC market today versus about 12 percent three years ago. The bad news is that, "in order to be able to pump up the volume, Apple has had to cut their margins," and that has meant cuts to research and development and to staffing and benefits.
"We at MacWeek are pretty convinced that we haven't seen the end of the layoffs," he added. But he praised Apple for having "shown a willingness to do what it has to do to keep the platform viable and also to keep people developing for it."
(Grant Buckler/19930922)
ople developing for it."
(Grant Buckler/19930922)
9/22/93
MacWorld Canada - MacWeek's Gore Predicts Mac Moves
APPLE
MacWorld Canada - Global Network
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Networking technology is making it possible for computer users to exchange information over almost any distance, and that will in time change the way businesses work, Chip Graham, product manager for Apple Pacific, said at MacWorld Expo/Canada.
As an example, Graham used a 9,600 bits-per-second modem to link the Macintosh he used for his presentation to Apple Canada's headquarters in nearby Markham, Ontario, and then to the company's worldwide corporate network. During his presentation he was able to connect to local networks in the United States Australia, and the Far East, and to take control of a personal computer running Microsoft Windows software in an Apple building in California.
The point of this, Graham said, is the ability to make information readily available no matter where it is. "With a network in place like that.....you can start to build other technology on top of that."
The implications include "just-in-time information" analogous to the just-in-time manufacturing techniques that have been popular for years, he said. Training will also change, because it will be possible to make information available exactly when people need it to do their jobs, rather than treating training as a separate activity.
He mentioned electronic forms and intelligent work-group applications as building blocks in a new way of operating.
Graham also promoted some of Apple's products, such as the AppleSearch architecture that indexes files to make it easy for users to find information - a concept similar to file indexers available for other personal computers.
On the product front, though, he faced some doubts from at least one audience member, who noted that Apple has cut some development projects in recent months as part of a cost-cutting effort, and asked Graham how he could be sure Apple is committed to these new technologies. Graham said customers shouldn't be concerned, but admitted that, "The proof is in the delivery."
(Grant Buckler/19930922)
roof is in the delivery."
(Grant Buckler/19930922)
9/22/93
MacWorld Canada - Global Networks To Change Business
APPLE
Correction - Database Vendors An
Iomega Extends Product Warrantie
Conner To Cut Workforce
NEC Debuts Low-Cost Ink-Jet Prin
Video Diagnostic Products From T
Taxi Payphone Technology Moves A
TI To Make UltraSPARC-I, Early A
Canadian University Offers On-Li
New Fiber Circuit Opens
IBM Technology Products Renamed
Radio Shack Intros Green PC With
U of Washington Police Catch All
Pentafour Setting Up Joint Ventu
Japanese Windows NT Due In Decem
UK - Intelligent Parallel Port T
Identity Intros 800DPI Scanner
AST To Intro Handheld Pen Comput
Virtual Wearality T-Shirts Avail
Sega Pushes Video Game Machine I
More Speech Recog Apps On The Wa
Pen Computers Make It Into Colle
Aldus To Bundle PhotoStyler In M
MacWorld Canada - Global Network
IBM Intros Multitude Of New Syst
MacWorld Canada - Color, Multime
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Desktop publishing the niche that helped the Macintosh gain acceptance, has not disappeared, but multimedia is taking a growing share of the attention. These technologies, along with an assortment of color printers and miscellaneous other things, occupied the show floor at MacWorld Expo/Canada this week.
Coming just six weeks after the Boston MacWorld show, the Toronto event was light on new product announcements. Still, a good number of Mac users took the opportunity to get a close-up look at things many had only read or heard about.
This year's show included several pavilions bringing together vendors with related products. At one, a Pre-Press Pavilion products such as clip art collections, color copiers, electronic stripping technology, and Kodak's PhotoCD technology were gathered together.
Kodak also showed the PhotoCD - which allows photographs to be captured on a compact disk rather than film - at its own booth along with writeable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) devices and color printers.
Color printers were scattered throughout the show, with products from QMS, Hewlett-Packard, Tektronix, Brother, and Fargo Electronics among those shown by the manufacturers or their Canadian distributors.
Claris Corp., Apple's software subsidiary, was showing ClarisImpact, its new business graphics package. To be available in Canada in November, ClarisImpact will sell for about C$375 said a company representative at Claris' booth.
Multimedia took several forms, including home entertainment. Yamaha Corp., was demonstrating "home karaoke" with its CBX-T3 tone generator, which attaches to a computer with a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) Interface and allows it to produce the sound of one or more musical instruments.
(Grant Buckler/19930922)
or more musical instruments.
(Grant Buckler/19930922)
9/22/93
MacWorld Canada - Color, Multimedia, DTP Highlight Show
APPLE
Paramount Takeover Drama Escalat
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Paramount Communications, owner of Prentice Hall, the world's largest publisher of computer books, is now the prize in the biggest takeover drama to hit Wall Street in years.
While Viacom Chairman Sumner Redstone had insisted at a press conference recently that QVC head Barry Diller was no threat to his deal to buy Paramount for stock, QVC did make a bid for the company September 21. The bid, for just under a share of QVC plus $30 cash, is estimated to be worth $80 per Paramount share.
Viacom's bid, an all-stock offer, was said to be worth $70 per share when it was made a week earlier, but subsequent falls in the value of Viacom's stock reduced that to something over $63 per share. Among the major holders of QVC are Liberty Media headed by Tele-Communications Inc., head John Malone, and Comcast, which has both cable television and cellular phone units.
There is great irony and drama here, as there always is in a takeover battle. QVC head Barry Diller used to head the Paramount studio, where he feuded with Paramount Chairman Martin Davis. If he wins the prize, he could fire his former boss. Then there is Redstone, who raised his bid three times before taking Viacom six years ago, and has said repeatedly that, regardless of the financial terms, competing bidders cannot offer Paramount Viacom and the deal makes great strategic sense. Most analysts, however believe Paramount must be sold, in time, to the highest bidder.
Knowing there might be other bidders, Redstone and Paramount tried to protect themselves with specific covenants in the deal. If someone else takes Paramount, for instance, Paramount would have to pay Viacom $100 million for its trouble. Viacom also drew a relatively low-cost option on a big block of Paramount which it could exercise to thwart another bidder, but that option could be the subject of a court fight.
Then there are the reports of possible alternate bidders. Ameritech, the regional Bell company for the upper Midwest, is said to be interested in joining the QVC bid. This follows US West's deal to invest $2.5 billion in Time Warner's cable operations, in exchange for a stake in its entertainment group.
Capital Cities/ABC is reportedly planning a bid. Turner Broadcasting Chairman Ted Turner has made no secret of his desire to own a major movie studio. Even Walt Disney Co., is supposedly interested in Paramount's TV stations.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930922)
ons.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930922)
9/22/93
Paramount Takeover Drama Escalates
BUSINESS
MCI In Alliance With Compression
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- MCI used the TeleCommunications Association show as the venue to enhance its MCI VideoNet videoconferencing service and announce a new strategic alliance with Compression Labs Inc.
The enhancement will let customers place video calls to users of other carriers' switched digital services, including Sprint videoconferencing rooms, and provides the ability to conference with multiple users of Compression Labs equipment as well as switched 64,000 bits-per-second transport for international video calls to the United States. MCI's 64 kbps service from the US was also expanded to seven more countries, bringing the number of potential destinations to 17.
Under the new alliance, Compression Labs will provide MCI with complete systems, including peripherals and service agreements with flexible lease and purchase programs. The new equipment will be sold in conjunction with MCI VideoNet service. MCI VideoNet will also support "multi-point bridging," which involves the ability to link multiple conference rooms, for Compression Labs' Rembrandt II/VP product line. Early next year VideoNet will add support of Compression Labs' new eclipse Series of videoconferencing equipment, and all industry standards. That could mean CLI rooms using MCI lines would be able to link with rooms set up by arch-rivals PictureTel and VTEL.
The "inter-operability" which is at the heart of the technical details in the MCI-CLI announcement will increase the value of new videoconferencing networks, like one now being installed by the State of Georgia. The state is using proceeds from its new lottery to build a network of CLI conference rooms in its colleges, which can be used for distance learning. BellSouth, the regional Bell company serving the state, will handle the network but the use of standards means the rooms could also be linked to out-of-state centers, in time, for wider conferencing. Georgia plans to have over 100 Rembrandt II/VP systems installed by the end of the year, and as many as 300 installed by the end of 1994.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930922/Press Contact: Compression Labs Inc. Joyce Strand, 408/922-4610; State of Georgia, Jim Anderson 404/651-6393; MCI, 202/887-3000)
derson 404/651-6393; MCI, 202/887-3000)
9/22/93
MCI In Alliance With Compression Labs
TELECOM
Japan - NTT Delays Home Digital
Modem Prices Keep Falling
NASA Efforts To Contact Mars Pro
Software Dev't '93 - Symantec C+
AT&T Confirms Cable Discussions
Seven Million US Telecommuters P
Australian Company Unveils Sound
Electronic Medical Records Modul
Dariana Ships WinSleuth Gold Plu
Rupert Murdoch Firms Up Digital
Aspec Licenses Portfolio Design
UK - Mercury's One-2-One Tariffs
Ask Me Intros Multimedia Present
Compaq Announces Pen-based Noteb
A BBS For Law Enforcement, Safet
UK - Totally Secure PC Security
Japan - NEC Plans To Release Tin
Sony Strengthens Chip Design, De
Exabyte Intros 4mm Data Cartridg
Cisco To Acquire Crescendo Commu
Novell Plans Major Announcement
Russia - St. Petersburg Communic
Australia - Borland Intros New S
PCN Focus Of TCA
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- On the eve of a Federal Communications Commission meeting which will set the ground rules for microwave-based wireless phones called personal communication networks, the technology was a major focus at the TeleCommunications Show in San Diego.
Motorola and Cablevision Systems, one of the nation's largest cable operators, said they are trialing, what they called, cable based PCN. In this system, a cable operator becomes a wireless phone company, integrating Motorola's CableComm system with Cablevision's Neighborhood Hardware Corridor concept, a system of micro-cell repeaters. The tests are being conducted in Evanston Illinois, but will be extended soon to a real cable system Cablevision said.
Pacific Telesis reported on the results of a trial of in-building wireless phones it conducted with Varian Chromatography Systems in Walnut Creek, California, near San Francisco. The company's research unit gave 50 wireless hand-sets to selected employees who claimed later they did not know how they had gotten along without them. Northern Telecom equipment was used in the trial with the phones linked directly to Varian's own private switch or PBX (private branch exchange). Pacific Telesis conducted the trial under an experimental license for PCNs granted by the FCC.
AT&T extended its wireless war with Motorola by announcing a completely wireless business phone system, the AT&T TransTalk 9000. The company also announced the first multi-line digital cordless phone for businesses, the AT&T Digital Business Cordless - the digital design means calls cannot be tapped. Both products can make and receive calls within a block of their base stations, four times farther than the range of typical cordless phones. AT&T said hospitals, stores, factories, universities and offices will be likely prospects. The Digital Business Cordless phone costs $595, the wireless system starts at $795.
Finally, on the eve of the FCC vote, powerful interests in Congress weighed in with opinions. John Dingell, head of the committee which oversees telecommunications, released a five-page letter which urged strict use of competitive bidding in granting PCN licenses. The Clinton Administration has urged that rules be set to prevent local cable operators, phone companies, or cellular companies from using PCN to monopolize their local markets, to assure that new players can afford to get into the business, and to issue just three PCN licenses for each local market.
MCI, meanwhile, has urged that the FCC award national licenses as well as local licenses, and has built a consortium of companies, including cable companies, across the country which would implement its vision. Edward Markey, who runs a subcommittee under Congressman Dingell with specific responsibility for telecommunications, opposes nationwide licenses. The final FCC vote is due September 23.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930922/Press Contact: Cablevision Systems Wilt Hildenbrand, 516/496-1225; AT&T, Tricia Sieh, 908/658-2604; Pacific Telesis, Michael Runzler, 415/394-3643)
ler, 415/394-3643)
9/22/93
PCN Focus Of TCA
TELECOM
edia BBS Goes On
Claircom Signs Air France
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Claircom Communications, a new joint-venture between McCaw Cellular and General Motors' Hughes Aircraft unit, continued its flight over entrenched rivals by signing Air France to carry its AirOne service. Earlier, American Air had said it will replace GTE Airfone equipment on more than 600 of its planes with AirOne equipment. The company has also signed contracts with Northwest, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines.
The Air France deal is Claircom's first international customer and assures that the system will operate worldwide. The deal gives the company a chance to bid for the business of other large European airlines with assurance that any infrastructure it puts in place will already by paid for.
While no financial details have been given out on any of Claircom's agreements, spokesmen have confirmed to Newsbytes in the past that financial royalties are involved. Analysts have speculated that Claircom is offering much higher royalties than its rivals, primarily GTE Airfone and In-Flight Communications in order to win business. All three groups are putting in digital systems - GTE is re-building its system with digital technology.
Installations on the Air France contract will begin early next year, using Inmarsat satellites. Claricom has joined a consortium called Aircom, which includes SITA, France Telecom, Teleglobe Canada/IDB Mobile, and Telstra, to provide worldwide coverage on its network. Claircom will partner with Jetphone, a joint venture of France Telecom and British Telecom, to provide European service.
SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Motorola will make a wireless "personal communicator" based on the Microsoft At Work interface. The device will compete with products like the AT&T Personal Communicator and Apple Newton.
A key component of the new device, whose design was not announced, will be an in-board wireless modem that can access data and exchange messages with a variety of networks. Earlier this year Motorola announced a range of wireless modems based on "PC Card" technology under the PCMCIA standard.
The announcement is important for both companies, and the industry. For Motorola, the announcement puts it into direct competition with Apple, AT&T and others in the growing, but still nascent, PDA marketplace, with a unique product under its own label. For Microsoft, the deal means it will not be left behind Go's PenPoint and Apple's Newton technology in the marketplace.
The new device will be produced by a unit of Motorola headed by Bob Growney, who also produced the PC Card modems. Growney said in a press statement that connections to desktop software represent a key advantage of the Motorola device.
Pat Richardson, general manager of the Motorola Paging and Wireless Data Group's Subscriber Products Division, said the deal is totally non-exclusive, adding, "We will continue to align ourselves with major industry leaders, including computer and consumer electronics manufacturers, software developers, industry standards groups, and service providers. Our goal is to support major industry operating platforms, as well as all wireless networks."
Earlier this year, Motorola said it would offer a wireless personal communicator based on General Magic's Magic Cap application platform, and confirmed its membership in the General Magic Alliance, along with Apple, Sony, AT&T, Philips and Matsushita.
In March, it announced a license agreement on Apple's Newton technology, with plans to market a device based on it. Motorola announced its decision to sign an alliance with Microsoft in June.
Motorola said it remains committed to its other agreements, with General Magic and Apple, and will announce products based on those agreements in the future. A spokesman also told Newsbytes the company is being deliberately vague about the specific design of the Microsoft-based product, saying design, shipment, and pricing announcements will all be made closer to the actual shipment date of the product.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930922/Press Contact: Motorola, Sue Major 708/576-0453)
ola, Sue Major 708/576-0453)
9/22/93
Motorola To Enter PDA Race
TELECOM
IDB Communications Announces Exp
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- IDB Communications Group Inc.'s IDB Worldcom unit, which runs private line and long distance services, said it is increasing its long distance telephone origination capabilities to include all major business locations nationwide.
International direct-dial, private line and messaging services will be available beginning November 1 and will be carried over IDB Worldcom's network. IDB Worldcom currently provides service primarily out of New York City, Chicago, Boston, and Washington DC.
The expansion program will introduce the company's communications services for the first time in Atlanta, Dallas Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Seattle and San Francisco. The capability to originate phone traffic throughout the US is a major deal to Worldcom, said the unit's president, Steve Carroll, in a press statement.
Worldcom based its network on a system of satellite uplinks in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Houston, but also runs undersea fiber cables, and now provides routing to nearly every region in the world, with operating agreements with over 100 countries. The company first became well-known a few years ago when it opened links to the then-Soviet Union.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930922/Press Contact: Kim Dewling, IDB 212-478-6185)
Contact: Kim Dewling, IDB 212-478-6185)
9/22/93
IDB Communications Announces Expansion
TELECOM
Wordperfect Corp, SCO Strengthen
OREM, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Wordperfect Corporation and Santa Cruz Operation (SCO) said this week they have formed a strategic alliance to support continued compatibility of their respective products.
The two companies said the alliance broadens their relationship. SCO provides Unix systems for Intel platforms and Wordperfect markets its word processing program Wordperfect.
Wordperfect 5.1 is already available for the SCO Open Server and SCO Open Desktop operating systems. Wordperfect says release 6.0 of its word processing program and Wordperfect Office Release 4.0 will also be available for the SCO environments by 1994. Wordperfect is scheduled to release Wordperfect 6.0 for Windows next month.
Under terms of the alliance the two companies will establish dedicated account teams to manage the relationship. The teams will oversee regular management and engineering product review, along with programs to provide improved communication and cross training between their respective support and sales staffs. They will also participate in joint marketing activities that will include seminars, trade shows, advertising and public relations.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Nolan Bushnell, the man who gave us Pong, is back again with yet another company, called OCTuS, and at the Tele-Communications Association show announced the company's first product, a Personal Telecommunications Assistant.
The product consists of Windows-based software that provides communications management, fax, answering machine and voice services functions, plus a telephone-to-PC interface to access and control the telephone system. The first release of the product is designed to work with telephone companies' central office switches providing what is called Centrex service, as well as standard phone lines and analog lines behind a business' private switch or PBX (private branch exchange). Later versions are expected to support a broader range of PBXs including digital systems.
Pacific Bell said it will co-market PTA, which it called a graphical communications control center, in conjunction with its Centrex, Voice Mail, and other products. The agreement will also enable the two companies to market their products using each other's logos. Pacific Bell said the new deal is the extension of a business alliance agreement signed last April. The combined offering will be marketed as Pacific Bell's Desktop Companion. The two parties also said PTA could be the first of many product offerings from them. Further announcements and a formal product launch are expected before the end of the year.
In a press statement, Bushnell said graphical interfaces and improved hardware are making computers easier to use, but telephones are getting more complicated. "The OCTuS PTA system returns control to the user. It makes even the toughest phone system as easy to use as today's best computers."
The system replaces current desktop tools with a point-and-click system, including name and address books, fax access, answering machine functions, speaker-phone and feature phone features, and a speed dialer, all accessible from within any Microsoft Windows application. Icons are used to place and receive calls, transfer calls and forward them, even access voice mail, conferencing calling, and fax functions, as well as contact histories and the integrated address book.
Instead of the telephone's ringing, the PTA provides a silent "pop-up message" and button bar that gives someone the chance to decide how to handle the call. In areas with Caller ID service, the system can even present information on the caller, including a contact history.
Bushnell said he is working with three other regional Bells on deals similar to the one he has with Pacific Bell. The suggested list price is $599.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930922/Press Contact: OCTuS, Tom Geldner 619/452-9400; Pacific Bell, Dan Theobald, 415/542-4589)
c Bell, Dan Theobald, 415/542-4589)
9/22/93
Nolan Bushnell Returns With OCTuS
TELECOM
SIA - Japan Has Reneged On Semic
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has made some strong statements against the Japanese, claiming Japan is again reneging on its promise to open up its semiconductor market to foreign competition. Recently released US government figures show a continuing decline in the foreign share of Japan's semiconductor market in the first half of this year.
The goal stipulated in the 1991 trade agreement between the US and Japan for the amount of foreign semiconductor market share in the Japanese market is 20 percent, a number the Japanese have only met once with 20.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 1992. The agreement also called for "steady and gradual" progress in market access over the duration of the accord which expires in 1996.
The Japanese government has contended since a few days after the agreement was negotiated that the 20 percent level was only a goal, not a firm commitment. Now figures released by the US Trade Representative's office show the Japanese foreign semiconductor market share is down again to 19.6 percent.
"During a time when the competitive strength of US semiconductor manufacturers has allowed us to overtake Japan's semiconductor industry in worldwide market share, it is astonishing that our share of Japan's market continues to erode," claimed Andre Procassini, president of the SIA. "Japan's commitment to create a more open semiconductor market remains unfulfilled."
US Trade Representative Mickey Kantor stated his position that "steady progress" would mean a 20 percent market share average during 1993. For that to happen now, Japan will have to exceed 20 percent in the next two quarters.
The SIA is already anticipating answers to the excuses it feels the Japanese will use to sidestep the issue. "Due to the recent appreciation of the yen against the dollar, Japan will likely use the exchange rates as another excuse for failing to meet the goals of the trade pact. Exchange rates are not the issue. There have been several times since 1986 when the yen has appreciated significantly and foreign market share has increased," maintains Procassini.
"The real issue is Japan's commitment to opening its semiconductor market. The US semiconductor industry will be seeking an honest explanation from Japanese government and industry officials regarding their inability to maintain progress opening Japan's semiconductor market to foreign competition," Procassini asserted.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930922/Press Contact: Tom Beerman Semiconductor Industry Association, tel 408-246-2711 fax 408-246-2830)
ustry Association, tel 408-246-2711 fax 408-246-2830)
9/22/93
SIA - Japan Has Reneged On Semiconductor Trade Deal
Unix Expo - DEC's Dorio Brand, O
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- At Unix Expo Digital Equipment Corp, has announced a new set of business practices, a new brand, and a text terminal that is the first product to carry the new name.
DEC's new Dorio brand will be aimed at the open systems market, and sold exclusively through distributors, said Larry Cabrinety, vice president of DEC's Components & Peripherals Business Unit, during a press conference at the show.
In an interview at Unix Expo, Cabrinety told Newsbytes that the new terminal provides "plug-and-play" compatibility with more than 30 operating systems, including Ultrix and 14 other flavors of multivendor Unix, seven varieties of mulituser DOS, and two types of multiuser OS/2, plus Pick protocols, Olivetti's LSX, and Digital's OpenVMS VAX and OpenVMS AXP.
The inexpensive terminal also provides a choice of PC-style, ANSI style, or special applications, along with a simple, Windows-like setup that can be displayed in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish, according to Cabrinety.
The user interface incorporates a number of easy-on-the-eyes features, including horizontal scrolling, vertical scrolling, and such desktop productivity tools as a calculator, a two-alarm clock local copy and paste, hotkeys, and sticky keys.
A 14-inch screen, available in white, amber or green phosphors, is equipped with 800 pixels by 432 scan lines, as well as a 72 hertz (Hz) refresh rate and overscan for flicker-free display.
Other features include 16 different terminal emulations, serial and Centronics parallel printer ports, built-in character sets, a cartridge slot for firmware enhancements,and host access to the terminal's unique serial number. The Dorio terminal is priced at $399 for a standard model and $414 and $429, respectively, for international and MPRII-compliant models.
Almost 20 major open systems distributors and resellers have already lined up to sell the new text terminal and other Dorio products from Digital, Cabrinety stressed to Newsbytes. Dorio's European distributors include Tekelec, Magirus and Metrologie.
The North American partners are Ingram Micro, Merisel, MicroAge National Desktop Distributors, Hallmark, Firstop, Centauri, Arrow Express, Arrow Electronics, Avnet Computer, Wyle Laboratories Pioneer Technologies, Inland Associates, and Pioneer Standard Electronics.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930922/Press contact: Richard Lee Goldberg Digital Equipment Corp., tel 508-635-8739; Reader contact: tel 1 800-BY-DORIO)
tel 508-635-8739; Reader contact: tel 1 800-BY-DORIO)
9/22/93
Unix Expo - DEC's Dorio Brand, Open Systems Terminal
Unix Expo - Suns SPARCcluster Ai
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1992 SEP 22 (NB) -- The SPARCcluster 1 system unveiled by Sun yesterday is aimed mainly at large network file server (NFS) applications, representatives of Sun and user organizations explained in a wide ranging roundtable discussion here at Unix Expo.
"SPARCcluster 1 is positioned as a dedicated file server, whereas the rest of our servers are positioned either as multipurpose servers, where you do NFS and compute, or as database servers for commercial applications," said Carl Stolle, manager of Server Systems Product Managing for Sun.
Other major players also compete in the NFS market, but only Sun and Auspex provide enough Ethernet connectivity and file server capacity to handle several hundred clients on the same system, he maintained.
But SPARCcluster 1 provides more than twice the networking connectivity and 51 percent greater performance than its closest competitor, the NS 6000 NetServer from Auspex, according to Stolle.
The SPARCcluster 1 Model 2, which comes standard with two processors, and the SPARCcluster 1 Model 4, which comes standard with four processors, are each expandable to 16 processors, he said. In comparison, the NS 6000 comes with four to 12 processors.
Memory ranges from 64 megabytes (MB) to 1 gigabyte (GB) for the Model 2 and from 128MB to 2GB for the Model 4, in contrast to 32 to 640MB for the Auspex NS 6000, according to Stolle. Each SPARCcluster model offers up to 20 client Ethernet ports, as opposed to the eight client ports provided by the NS 6000.
SPARCcluster 1 supports DCE/DFS, Netware, and Banyan Vines, in addition to the ONC/NFS protocol supported by the NFS 6000, he said. Like the NS6000, the SPARCcluster 1 ships with performance monitoring tools
But the SPARCcluster models also come with system administration configuration and installation tools, as well as Optimized Network Throughput (ONT), a new network switch designed to let every client on every network to access all disks on each cluster node, he said.
"The strength of this product is that multiple independent central processor units (CPUs) can connect to multiple Ethernets, all equally well," commented one beta user, Peter Bishop, who is manager of computing resources for Cirrus Logic.
"In this way, things break down beautifully for NFS. But for backroom MIS (management information system) database service you want shared memory, so you want to have multiple CPUs (central processing units) in the same box," he said.
Another user said that NFS is one example of an application where Ethernet works well as a bus for connecting multiple processors. "But there are other (examples), and I can see additional areas aside from NFS, where we would install SPARCclusters," stated Mitch Wyle, manager of network integration services for Synopsis.
Sun plans to add high-speed interconnect services to SPARCcluster in 1995, and open interfaces and "cluster application tools" in 1996, according to Stolle.
When asked by a journalist how Sun might improve the SPARCcluster product, Wyle replied: "I have a long wish list, but FDDI (fiber distributed data interface) is the most critical item and I want them to do that first."
Wyle emphasized, though, that he is very favorably impressed with the systems administration software that Sun has included. "Our systems administrators love the tools," he commented.
Responded Bishop: "I guess FDDI is not the most critical item on my list, I'd much rather see better availability and reliability features, I'd like to be able to dual port my disk. Then, if one CPU fails, I won't have to reboot my workstations in order to get them over to the other file server."
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930922/Press contact: Carol Sacks tel 415-336-0521)
/19930922/Press contact: Carol Sacks tel 415-336-0521)
9/22/93
Unix Expo - Suns SPARCcluster Aimed At Large NFS Apps
Calm And Quiet In Moscow
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- The coup, the discontinuation of parliament and the extraordinary elections announced yesterday by Russia's President Boris Yeltsin, by and large has left most local technology companies unaffected.
Several local computer trading companies, which expect a substantial change in the exchange rate, announced they will not sell for rubles for the next few days. Dollar trades are unaffected. Nobody expects this to be a problem, as all traders have learned to live with a floating exchange rate.
After several months of State Bank support, the ruble exchange rate started go down (66 points to 1102 roubles per dollar today). Mr Kardonsky, economic analyst with the Eastern Center of Contemporary Documentation, explained that the stable ruble with a rising internal inflation has made all import and export operations unprofitable, almost killing foreign trade and badly affecting the local market. Yeltsin's actions to dissolve the parliament and create an elected legislative body will definitely put new life into the stagnating economy he predicts. Yeltsin favors a rapid move to a market-driven economy and the now-dissolved legislature did not.
No extraordinary measures were announced or undertaken by Moscow-based technology companies, which expect a more stable and predictable economy if it comes to pass that there is an end to the gridlock of conflicting powers.
The army, police, and security forces are on Yeltsin's side. Some local authorities announced complete support for Yeltsin some said the parliament and the president should be re-elected simultaneously, some said they won't follow decrees of either Yeltsin or Parliament. Nobody claimed complete support for the now practically powerless parliament.
Telecommunications are all operational, as no blackouts have occurred, although it was difficult to get through to Moscow shortly after the President Yeltsin's announcement last night.
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930922)
irill Tchashchin/19930922)
9/22/93
Calm And Quiet In Moscow
GENERAL
Wordperfect 6.0 To Be Bundled Wi
OREM, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Wordperfect Corp., says it will join with Borland International to bundle Wordperfect 6.0 for Windows with Quattro Pro 5.0 Workgroup Edition.
The specially marked packages will be available when Wordperfect 6.0 for Windows ships. Wordperfect says that will be in October. Quattro Pro 5.0 Workgroup Edition began shipping earlier this month. The special promotion will continue for 90 days from the date Wordperfect 6.0 for Windows ships.
The word processing-spreadsheet bundle will sell for $525. The two products separately each sell for $495.
Current users of Wordperfect will be able to upgrade to Wordperfect 6.0 for Windows with Quattro Pro 5.0 Workgroup Edition for $150. Users of competitive products - such as Microsoft Word - can switch to Wordperfect and get the promotional bundle for $170 if their DOS Windows, or OS/2 word processor has a retail price of at least $395.
In addition to the usual spreadsheet functions, Quattro Pro 5.0 includes SQL (structured query language) database support, network deployment, and a spell checker. Wordperfect 6.0 for Windows users will be able to assign Quattro Pro to a button on any button bar for launching from within Wordperfect. Specific Quattro Pro files can also be assigned to a button. WP 6.0 will directly import spreadsheet data with formatting and formulas remaining intact.
Wordperfect for Windows 6.0 also includes drawing and charting capabilities, and direct integration with other Windows applications.
HUNT VALLEY, MARYLAND, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- With a hint of fall in the air and the leaves starting to change colors on the trees, thoughts turn to football. This year you are not limited to either loading everyone into the station wagon and following the line of cars to the stadium, or sitting at home and watching some games on television. This year you can be an NFL coach.
Well not a real coach, but you can come close with a computer simulation of football called NFL Coaches Club Football. You assume the role of the coach and call the plays from a playbook of 160 real NFL plays. Each team has a unique playbook designed to match the team's play style, and the coach - that is you - can create a customized playbook with your own plays using the playbook editor.
You can also switch roles, becoming a player to control the offensive or defensive action. The authors say the game uses artificial intelligence to play a human opponent, or two people can battle each other. They can even team up to play against the computer. The computer simulates the strengths and weaknesses of players in the NFL and the coaching tendencies of the NFL coaches.
Game producer Ed Fletcher says unlike his version, some computer football games do not do a very good job of simulating the size strength, and skills of the individual players. "We wanted a more realistic feel for the physical aspects of football - the hitting blocking, and tackling."
Fletcher says the three-dimensional graphics permit an unlimited number of views of the action using preset or customized angles. An instant replay feature allows the player to save individual plays or even a complete game to be reviewed at a later date. There is also a practice feature that allows the player to correct mistakes and improve skills between games.
Microprose publishes F-15 Strike Eagle, a popular flight simulation game. It reported an $8 million loss in its most recent quarter and has cut about 160 workers, or 40 percent of its staff. The losses for the most recent quarter include a $4.4 million one-time restructuring cost. Company co-founder John Stealey resigned recently as chairman of the board of directors. Stealey had earlier resigned as company president and chief executive officer.
In August, Newsbytes reported Microprose had agreed to merge with Alameda, California-based Spectrum HoloByte.
(Jim Mallory/19930922/Press and reader contact: Microprose 410-771-6411, fax 410-771-1174)
tact: Microprose 410-771-6411, fax 410-771-1174)
9/22/93
Microprose Intros NFL Football Simulation Game
Micrografx Picks New President,
RICHARDSON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Graphics software publisher Micrografx Inc., has named a new president and chief executive officer, picking a former executive at PepsiCo's Kentucky Fried Chicken subsidiary.
Gordon M. Tucker, who is already at work, was approved by the board of directors to be responsible for all areas of the company's worldwide business.
Micrografx Chairman J. Paul Grayson said Tucker's worldwide marketing and strategic development expertise will be instrumental in achieving the company's global mission of becoming the premier graphics software company as it sees significant growth in the mass consumer market for graphics software products.
"Gordon's management and consumer marketing expertise makes him the ideal candidate to lead Micrografx into these emerging markets, while continuing the company's steady growth in the business, creative and professional segments," Grayson said in a prepared statement.
Tucker joined PepsiCo in June 1991 as vice president and general manager of KFC's operations, and was involved in the development of the chain's new rotisserie chicken product line. Prior to joining PepsiCo, Tucker was senior vice president at athletic footwear and apparel maker Converse Inc., where he was responsible for worldwide marketing.
Tucker does have some experience in the high-tech world. From 1987 to 1990 he served as sales and marketing vice president and later as executive vice president of LoJack Corp., a developer and manufacturer of electronic communications systems that allow police agencies to rapidly locate stolen vehicles.
He began his career at Proctor & Gamble Co., where he was a brand manager for the Pringle's potato chip line. He also managed the development and launch of Proctor & Gamble's packaged cookie business.
Scott Cook, president of Intuit, the publisher of the personal and small business software package Quicken, believes the recent trend of appointing industry outsiders to top posts in high-tech companies is healthy. "As the computer industry matures, it is vital that it draw upon the expertise of executives with proven consumer marketing experience," Cook stated. He and Tucker were colleagues at Proctor & Gamble in the late 1970's.
Micrografx began searching for a new President after George D. Grayson resigned as an officer and director of the company in November of last year. In March of this year Newsbytes reported the company was cutting 20 percent of its workforce and realigning its worldwide operations in response to slow sales. Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer David Henkel also resigned his position.
Last year Micrografx reported record revenues and net income for the fiscal year, with sales up 60 percent to $47.3 million and net income rising 24 percent to $5.1 million, or $0.65 per share.
Micrografx spokesman Pete McLaughlin told Newsbytes the company expects to ship release 4.0 of its graphics presentation program Charisma next month. McLaughlin said Micrografx will skip from the present version 2.0 designator directly to version 4.0 because of the major enhancements being made to the program. "It's not even released yet and its already been nominated for PC Computing's Most Valuable Product ward," McLaughlin told Newsbytes. Among its new features Charisma will include video clip capability. Newsbytes reviewed Charisma 2.0 in 1991.
(Jim Mallory/19930922/Press and reader contact: Peter McLaughlin Micrografx, 214-994-6192)
McLaughlin Micrografx, 214-994-6192)
9/22/93
Micrografx Picks New President, CEO
BUSINESS
Oracle Net Income Jumps 275 Perc
REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Database software company Oracle reported phenomenal net income for its first quarter of 1994. While revenues are up 30 percent over last year, the company says net income has jumped 275 percent over the same quarter last year.
The company reported first quarter revenues at $398 million up from $307 million reported last year. However, net income on those revenues is up to $37 million compared to $10 million in the same period last year.
Lawrence Ellison, Oracle's president and chief executive officer, attributes the company's performance to its cross platform database product Oracle7. "In the nine months that Oracle7 has been in production release, it has established itself as the clear technical choice for organizations looking to move their large, mission-critical database applications off of their mainframes to open systems. This wide product acceptance has allowed us to increase both our growth rate and our market share."
The company reports licenses and other sales were up 26 percent and service revenues grew 34 percent. Unix and desktop license revenues constituted 84 percent of the company's total license revenues, with Unix license revenues up 42 percent over the first quarter of fiscal 1993 and with Desktop license sales up 42 percent over last year.
Regionally, US revenues were up 47 percent; Europe was up 35 percent, but a negative 25 point currency translation makes that growth a dollar-based 10 percent; and the international division, Oracle Intercontinental, was up 52 percent. Currency translation had a negative 12 percentage point impact on worldwide revenue growth during the first quarter of fiscal 1994, Oracle added.
Oracle is continuing to expand into new markets. In June Oracle and network company Novell, announced Oracleware. Oracleware is described as an integration of the Oracle database with Novell's networking and operating system technologies and adds new multiserver messaging capabilities.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930922/Press Contact: Catherine Buan, Oracle Corporation, tel 415-506-4184, fax 415-506-7106, Public Contact, 415-506-7000)
6-7106, Public Contact, 415-506-7000)
9/22/93
Oracle Net Income Jumps 275 Percent
BUSINESS
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Read-Rite Layoffs, Anticipated 4
MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- One hundred and fifteen employees of hard disk component manufacturer Read Rite got their pink slips in the last week, as the company made further cut backs and reductions to streamline operations. This number makes it 1,200, or over 10 percent of the total workforce that have been cut from company payrolls since March of 1993.
Read-Rite officials said the company is feeling the market slowness as its hard disk drive manufacturer customers are slowing the purchase of components because they have large inventories built up. However, the company is optimistic about the future and said it is currently completing the fit-up and starting the qualification for its new advanced wafer fabrication plant in Fremont, California.
Read-Rite intends to consolidate the wafer fabrication currently being done in Milpitas to the Fremont plant during fiscal 1994. The only activity that will remain in Milpitas is prototype slider fabrication. The company is also nearing completion of a new building at its existing site near Bangkok Thailand, where it plans to consolidate all of its production activities in fiscal 1994.
The consolidation will cost about $30 million, which will be added to a previously announced, but undisclosed loss for the fourth quarter of this year, ending September 30, 1993. The fourth quarter results will be officially released October 21 company officials added.
Read-Rite designs, manufactures and markets thin film heads and headstack assemblies for the small form factor Winchester hard disk drive market.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930922/Press Contact: Steve Stone, Read Rite, tel 408-262-6700, fax 408-956-3205)
ad Rite, tel 408-262-6700, fax 408-956-3205)
9/22/93
Read-Rite Layoffs, Anticipated 4Qtr Losses
BUSINESS
Ricoh To Create New IC Plant
Bell Atlantic Wins Entry Into Ca
Software Dev't 93 - Dev'pers/Man
Toshiba Develops 2.5-inch Hard D
Conner Ships First Windows NT Ba
Ares FontMinder 2.0 For Windows
DEC Launches New PCs, Segment St
Iomega Slashes Bernoulli Drive,
Apple Shipping Newton MessagePad
UK - Wordperfect 6.0 For Windows
Software Has 5300 Companies For
Ameritech To Test Voice Dialing
European HDTV Funding Resolved;
NCR To Sell PCs Direct
CompuServe Offers Software To Ge
IBM Australia Taking Trade-Ins O
Lotus Announces Network Of Europ
GEnie Sets Multimedia, Virtual R
SIA - Japan Has Reneged On Semic
ZiffNet Offers Hewlett-Packard D
Laid-Off Apple Executive Sues Co
Hard Disk To Go -- K-STOR
Remote PC Diagnostic Program For
Computer Viruses Rampant In Japa
IDB Communications Announces Exp
UK - QMS Claims First Desktop Co
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- QMS has announced what it claims is the industry's first desktop color laser printer. Known as the Colorscript Laser 1000, the unit is the first desktop printer to use laser (electrophotographic) technology to produce color images.
QMS claims that, by combining the color technology with high quality monochrome output, the printer can be used in a variety of business and office applications.
Despite the technology involved, the printer can print on standard paper or transparencies. The printer also have the multi-tasking and advanced paper handling capabilities of the QMS Crown printer.
Moira Craig, QMS' managing director, said that the printer automatically switches between emulations for fast departmental throughput, automatic paper jam recovery and spooling of data to memory where different jobs come in on the several interfaces the printer sports.
"The color quality is superb, but the Colorscript Laser 1000 is not a graphic arts product - it is an important breakthrough in the future of office and business computing. Information is much more easily absorbed and retained if enhanced by color rather than simply emboldened or underlined," she said.
According to Craig, when the quality of presentation is vital, an enormous amount of time is wasted collating reports, proposals and other documents that require the use of monochrome and color pages. This, she argues, is where the Colorscript Laser 1000 comes into the frame. "The printer substantially improves both the efficiency of document production and the quality and appearance of the output," she said.
The 300 dots-per-inch (dpi) printer is powered by a 25 megahertz (MHz) 80960CF RISC (reduced instruction-set computing) chipset and comes with a 60 megabyte (MB) hard disk to cope with job spooling and permanent storage of fonts, forms and logos. The UPK9,995 printer's output is eight pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome and 2 ppm for color.
(Steve Gold/19930922/Press & Public Contact: QMS - 0784-430900)
19930922/Press & Public Contact: QMS - 0784-430900)
9/22/93
UK - QMS Claims First Desktop Color Laser Printer
TRENDS
UK - Vodafone's New Digital Phon
NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- Vodafone has announced yet another new tariff for its digital mobile phone technology. This time around, however, the company is offering potential users of its network a lease-rental option on the telephone hardware, which it calls "Opening Gambit."
The "Opening Gambit" scheme will operate for subscribers signing up between October 1 and December 1 this year. Instead of paying around UKP399 for the phone plus sign-up and rental costs subscribers will pay an extra UKP10 a month - over and above the normal "line rental" costs to cover the phone rental. After two years, the phone is the property of the subscriber.
According to a spokeswoman for Vodafone, the scheme is far better than purchasing a phone at UKP399, as, for a UKP240 outlay, spread over two years, they can buy the phone. "It's like interest-free credit, and a highly discounted price," she told Newsbytes.
In parallel with the rental option for the GSM Metrodigital phones Vodafone has introduced a new local "home cell" rate of calls. This rate costs as low as 10 pence per minute for local calls at peak times - half the normal rate - provided the phone is within range of a specified GSM base station.
Announcing the new phone deal and tariff arrangements, Gerry Whent chief executive of Vodafone, said: "We think that our unique Metrodigital service will appeal to many different types of users. The low-cost calls and offer of a new front outlay on equipment will make the attraction of a Metrodigital phone irresistible," he said.
The Metrodigital service will initially be available in 168 towns and cities in the UK when it is formally launched on October 1. According to Vodafone, by the end of 1996, the Metrodigital service will be available to any town with a population in excess of 4,000.
A key feature of Metrodigital phones is their ability to be used anywhere in the UK and abroad, wherever there is a GSM network and in the case of non-UK networks, where a roaming agreement exists. The downside is that a higher tariff (65 pence a minute) is payable for full GSM network calls.
(Steve Gold/19930922/Press & Public Contact: Vodafone: Tel: 0635 33251)
Public Contact: Vodafone: Tel: 0635 33251)
9/22/93
UK - Vodafone's New Digital Phone Scheme
TELECOM
Unix Expo - IBM's New PowerPCs J
^ NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 22 (NB) -- The four PowerPCs and three new RISC System 6000 models announced this week are just the start of a string of new PowerPC and Power2 platforms to be rolled out over the next couple of years, IBM officials said in a press conference at Unix Expo.
Platforms will range from portable implementations of the 601 and 603 PowerPC chips to multiprocessor implementations for Power2 according to Bill Filip, president of IBM's Advanced Workstations and Systems (AWS).
At the close of the press conference, IBM showed a prototype of a ThinkPad-like portable machine, based on a 50 megahertz (MHz) 601 PowerPC chip, running Windows, Macintosh, and WABI-compliant applications on AIX.
"The 601 is the first PowerPC chip, but it is not a highly power managed chip like the (PowerPC) 603. We'll see 603 implementations in the not too distant future that will extend those capabilities into portable and lower end implementations," said Filip.
Added Phil Hester, vice president of systems and technology for AWS: "We're not announcing a portable implementation for 601 today, but we do have a very exciting technology demo, and you should expect to hear more from us about 601-based portables even before you see a fully optimized 603 portable implementation,"
The PowerPC 601 chip became generally available last week, and other vendors are already beginning to implement and test 601 based systems, noted Filip. "I don't often use the 'C' (clone) word but I'm sure other companies will be offering PowerPC-based servers and portable systems in the first quarter of next year," he stated.
"The breadth of implementations will grow exponentially as we get the full range of 601, 603, 604 chips out into the marketplace over the next two years," he added.
The PowerPC systems will run AIX as well as Workplace OS, a new operating environment that IBM will release within the next six to nine months, said Donna Van Fleet, AWS director, RISC Systems Software.
WorkPlace OS will later be available for Power2 and other RISC 6000 systems, according to Von Fleet. "But AIX is what we'll focus on for RISC 6000, and also in the power parallel high-end cluster multiprocessing world," she remarked.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930922/Press contacts: Gregory T. Golden, IBM tel 914-642-5463; Steven Malkiewicz, IBM, tel 914-642-5449)
5463; Steven Malkiewicz, IBM, tel 914-642-5449)
9/22/93
Unix Expo - IBM's New PowerPCs Just The Start
UK - Security Software For VTAM
ILMINSTER, SOMERSET, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- C&K Software has announced the availability of NC-Pass VSSE, a package that it claims controls all access to applications residing on a VTAM network.
According to the company, the package uses the Session Management Exit (SME) facility on a VTAM network to define which devices(s) on the network can have access to which application. Each VTAM session which could take place is allowed or denied by VTAM itself and unless a connection from a terminal to an application is specifically permitted, no connection can take place.
NC-Pass VSSE comes are part of a complete CKS Single Image System (SIS) that the company claims directs information technology to the requirements of the user. As well as providing what the company describes as a high level of security, an SIS system supplies the user with a high performance interface and synchronizes information across the entire network.
As such, C&K claims, products can be implemented individually to meet a precise need or collectively to form a complete system.
Bill Seymour, C&K's marketing manager, said that, under NC-Passe VSSE, dial-in devices cannot access data unless allowed to do so by the parameters set in the SME table. Lines can be closed down if a connection is requested and refused, preventing what he describes as hostile intrusion.
"VTAM is proven to be extremely difficult to circumvent. NC-Passe VSSE is therefore an excellent vehicle to protect access to data from all devices which need not, or should not, have access," he explained.
Pricing on the security package depends on site licensing requirements. C&K Software is a UK company that specializes in VTAM software. The company, which was formed ten years ago claims to have more than 1,000 customers around the world who use its VTAM software. Newsbytes notes that the company has specialized in communications applications for the VTAM environment, with NC-Passe VSSE being its first security package.
(Steve Gold/19930923/Press & Public Contact: C&K Software Tel: 0460-57961)
lic Contact: C&K Software Tel: 0460-57961)
9/23/93
UK - Security Software For VTAM Networks
GENERAL
Mirus Intros Under-$5000 Film Re
MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Mirus Industries Corporation has announced a 4000 line resolution film recorder for use with Windows-based PCs.
The device will allow users of Windows-based PCs to export images directly to 35mm slide film. The company says no modification of software or hardware is needed. The FilmPrinter connects directly to the parallel port on an IBM-compatible PC.
Priced at $4,995, FilmPrinter Turbo PC comes with documentation, cabling, and a Windows support package called MirusImage Win. Mirus President Bruce MacKay says Mirus recognizes that the Windows marketplace is one of the fastest growing areas in the microcomputer market. "We want to provide Windows users a slidemaking system that can take advantage of the numerous graphics packages on the market," says MacKay.
The company says the Mirus Windows software is compatible with all popular graphics and presentation software packages available, such as Freelance for Windows, PowerPoint, and Harvard Graphics. The software includes 35 scalable fonts.
Mirus says it takes about one minute to create an 67K image. The resulting slides reportedly have a smooth color gradations and no banding. Image resolution is available up to 4,000 lines.
The 16-pound FilmPrinter measures 19.1 inches by 8.5 inches by 5 inches. It can handle text, graphics, combined photography and text, or graphics and photography in the same slide. Mirus says any image that can be created on a PC monitor can be reproduced by FilmPrinter.
In addition to the programs supported in the basic software Mirus can provide support for SuperPrint and for VBS Postscript Output Manager for $595 and $995 respectively. FilmPrinter comes with a two-year full warranty.
(Jim Mallory/19930923/Press and reader contact: Mirus Industries Corporation, 408-944-9770 or 800-942-9770)
rporation, 408-944-9770 or 800-942-9770)
9/23/93
Mirus Intros Under-$5000 Film Recorder
US Space Efforts In Multimedia
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Americans are fascinated with space travel. They crowd the beaches and the fields surrounding the launch and landing areas by the hundreds of thousands.
Now you can follow the efforts of the American manned space flight program from the early experimental rockets and the X-15 program to the latest space shuttle missions while sitting at your computer with a multimedia software program introduced recently by Multicom Publishing Inc.
Called Americans in Space, the program, for Mac or PC allows the user to sit in their very own Mission Control and view crew photos, hear audio clips, and watch video or animation of each milestone in America's space program. Americans in Space has over sixty minutes of video clips, including the last launch of the shuttle Challenger, and more than 90 minutes of narration. There are also nearly 600 images including crew and mission photos and artists renditions of the space station Freedom.
According to Multicom President Tamara Attard the software has more video than any other space-oriented title. "Americans in Space is fully narrated, making it engaging and easily used be even the younger members of the family," according to Attard.
Multicom Marketing Manager Dan Norton-Middaugh told Newsbytes the company believes the consumer multimedia market is just forming, and that many purchasers of CD-ROM drive-equipped PCs have little choice in software beyond games and reference materials. "Multicom titles are designed for these people," says Norton-Middaugh.
Americans in Space has a suggested retail price of $69.95. It runs on any Apple Computer Macintosh II-level machine equipped with Hypercard, a CD-ROM drive and a 13-inch or larger color monitor. Program disks for MPC-compatible systems are also included. IBM-compatible multimedia systems require Windows 3.1, a CD-ROM drive, and an SVGA monitor to run Americans in Space.
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Frontline, the UK computer hardware and software distributor, has announced In Touch, its new Lotus Notes-based electronic business support system for computer dealers.
The distributor unveiled the package at the Business Computing Show in London this week, and as a special offer, was giving the software away free with each purchase of Lotus Notes Client for Windows bought at the special show price of UKP 50.
According to Frontline, In Touch Standalone is the first stage in a project that the distributor is undertaking to provide additional support needed by resellers to improve business.
The company claims that many simple tasks can be made much more efficient if computer resellers apply the available technology. It also claims it is committed to converting its dealers to fully automated processes over the next few years.
In its simplest form, In Touch lists more than 10,500 products available from Frontline with information on pricing, part numbers suitable platforms and media types involved. Products can be viewed by market area, manufacturer or application and listings include a detailed description.
Frontline is offering its resellers fortnightly updates to the database, as well as upgrade for modem access. The modem access version, the company claims, allows computer dealers to get immediate updates as they occur in the distributor's catalog, as well as information on stock availability for customers.
The modem link also allows resellers to place their orders online with the distributor. This allows dealers to place their orders with the company outside of office hours when phone rates are low Frontline claims.
The minimum hardware for In Touch is a 386-based PC or better running Windows 3.0 or later and equipped with 4 megabytes (MB) of memory and 50MB of hard disk capacity.
John Tonnison, Frontline's management information services (MIS) manager said that In Touch had been launched as a means of simplifying the exchange of key business information between itself and its resellers. The ultimate aim of the project was speed the passage of orders through, so making for better service for customers.
"In Touch gives our resellers up-to-the-minute information at their fingertips, wherever they happen to be," he said, adding that the service is just another away in which the distributor can differentiate its facilities for dealers.
"The 20 or so users that have tested the program for us have been very positive in their support of the initiative," he said.
Frontline is the largest trade-only computer distributor in the UK and the second largest in the parent Computer 2000 company, which covers most of Europe. The distributor, which was founded in 1983 carries more than 10,000 products in its catalog and is divided into seven operations: Power products, Applications, PCs and peripherals, Data Storage, Digital, Apple and Technical services.
(Steve Gold/19930922/Press & Public Contact: Frontline - Tel: 0256 847110)
act: Frontline - Tel: 0256 847110)
9/23/93
Dealer Electronic Support System
UK - Contact Management For Wind
MARLOW, BUCKS, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Softcode UK has unveiled a Windows version of Tracker, its contact management package. According to the company, Tracker for Windows offers a comprehensive set of tools for managing contacts, responses and time, as well as offers the facility to create electronic mail messages and faxes.
The company claims that the software is designed for use by both individuals and groups who need to keep in regular contact with their clients, suppliers, and colleagues.
In use, Tracker for Windows allows users to log developments and update their databases whenever another contact is made with the person or company concerned.
"As businesses look to improve their employee productivity, enhance the way they handle customer care and encourage effective team work they are looking for software applications that make their operations more efficient," explained Julian Hudd, the company's managing director.
"Tracker for Windows responds to these needs in an easy to use network-enabled package," he added.
The package consists of four main modules, each integrated to work seamlessly with each other, the company claims. The modules are: Contact manager. Response manager, Communications and Networking and Time Management.
Tracker for Windows sells for UKP 395 and is available immediately. The package needs an 80386-based or better PC running Windows 3.1 or later. The PC must have at least 5 megabytes (MB) of hard disk space available.
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Cellnet has announced Cellnet Select, a scheme that claims to reward regular users of the cellular network with credit toward free subscriptions.
According to Cellnet, the scheme benefits those subscribers who make calls totalling more than 200 minutes a month on any Cellnet tariff. Existing subscribers to Cellnet will be invited to join the Select scheme in October.
12 months after registration, customers who have consistently accumulated more than 200 minutes a month worth of calls will have the option of a year's free subscription to any Cellnet tariff, worth up to UKP 300 for a full year on the Primetime tariff.
As an alternative, subscribers will be offered the option to obtain a choice of network-related products and services up to the value of UKP 250.
Stafford Taylor, Cellnet's managing director, said that the Select scheme is representative of the company's desire to reward its most talkative customers.
"Customers registering for the scheme will already be committed users of mobile phones who recognize the benefits of mobile communications," he said, adding that they need not do anything other than maintaining their existing level of service to reap the rewards.
"There is no registration fee and we are not asking them to change their current habits -- we are simply rewarding their consistent use of Cellnet," he said.
(Steve Gold/19930922/Press & Public Contact: Cellnet - Tel: 0753 504507)
blic Contact: Cellnet - Tel: 0753 504507)
9/23/93
UK - Cellnet Offers Gifts For Big Users
TELECOM
India - Technology Briefs
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- AT&T extends its calling card to India, Digital Equipment gets the nod for manufacturing in Bangalore, 11 Indian banks join Visanet, AirIndia offers Skyphone service, and Tata Unisys intros new PCs.
AT&T Extends Calling Card Facility to India
AT&T has announced that its calling card for international travellers will be valid in India. With this the AT&T calling card facility is now available in 67 countries. The calling card can also be used to access AT&T's directory assistance service in the US, AT&T's 800 numbers, messaging service, teleconference services AT&T enhanced fax, etc.
DEIL Gets ISO 9002 Certification
Digital Equipment India Ltd. (DEIL), the Indian subsidiary of Digital Equipment Corp. of the US, has obtained the ISO 9002 certification for its manufacturing facility in Bangalore. Meanwhile, DEIL has bagged a $7 million contract from Digital Engineering, a business group of the parent company DEC, to provide support for the VMS operating system.
Eleven Indian Banks Link To VisaNet
Eleven Visa member Indian banks have been linked to the VisaNet International financial data communications network. This link enables faster authorizations for credit card purchases and settlement processes between the banks in India and international Visa issuers. Visa has 170,000 card holders and 37,000 Visa accepting merchant establishments in the country. The member banks are: Andhra bank, ANZ Grindlays bank, Bank of America, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Central bank of India, Citibank NA, Hong Kong Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Vijaya Bank and Vysya Bank Ltd.
Air India Offers Skyphone Facility
Air India, the government-owned international carrier, has introduced in-flight skyphone facilities in its latest acquisition "Konark" Boeing 747-400. The facility will be installed in all three 747-400s that Air India will acquire in the next few months. These aircraft will also have voice and data satcoms in near future. Technical support from Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (VSNL), the firm that handles overseas telecommunications, Inmarsat and the service contract between Air India and a skyphone consortium led by British Telecom, Norwegian Telecom and Singapore Telecom, has helped put India on the map of airlines with skyphone facilities.
The equipment on a Konark Boeing comprises a Honeywell-Racal MCS 3000 multi-channel avionics system and Toyocom MkII top-mounted high-gain antenna subsystem. The facility, through satellite communications, will enable passengers to make calls to anywhere in the world. Air India claims that at $8.50 per minute, its skyphone will be one of the most economical. About 100 international airlines and business jets already have the skyphone facility through the Inmarsat.
VSNL will soon upgrade the Arvi Low Earth Station (LES) near Pune so that calls could be directed through India itself from the skyphone. Presently, the calls have to be diverted to Singapore to be transmitted to the global network of the Inmarsat satellites.
Tata Unisys Intros High-end PCs
Bombay-based Tata Unisys Ltd. (TUL) has introduced a range of 386 and 486-based PCs from Unisys Corp., USA, its partner. Priced between Rs 20,000 (around $670) to Rs 1.15 lakh (around $3800), the series comprises the 4334 and 4254 desktop models, the 3333 slimline PC and the 4666 EISA in a minitower.
The 4666 <LS>EISA<D> has a 486DX2 processor running at 66 MHz, 4 MB RAM expandable to 128 MB. The 4334, a 486DX 33 MHz model, has a cache memory of 4 MB expandable to 32 MB. The 4254 has a 486SX 25 MHz chip which is upgradable up to a 486DX2-50 MHz. The 3333 is the only 386 machine in the series. It has a 386SX chip running at 33 MHz and 2 MB RAM expandable to 16 MB.
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930916)
(C. T. Mahabharat/19930916)
9/23/93
India - Technology Briefs
BUSINESS
Unix Expo - Keynoter Laments Jar
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- For computer technology to realize its potential in the business world corporate leaders must take the time to understand technology, and technologists must act as their interpreters, said Charles Wang chairman and CEO of Computer Associates, in a keynote speech at Unix Expo.
Buzzwords like GUI, SQL, Unix, polymorphism, and client-server still stand as a foreign language to most CEOs, explained Wang, one of the headliners at the tenth annual edition of the Unix show, being presented this week by Bruno Blenheim Inc. in New York City.
"If you relate these terms in a conventional sense, GUI is what happens when you put a kid together with a hot fudge sundae," he said. SQL is "the second time around for a movie." Unix refers to "the neutered slaves who protect the harems in old gladiator movies." Polymorphism means a "dreaded disease that originated on a South Sea Island," and client-server is "the oldest profession."
To introduce the notion that effective translation is needed, Wang told the Unix Expo audience about another speech, which he recently delivered to a group of visiting Chinese technologists. "'I just wanted to let you know that I'm tickled to death to be here,'" he addressed the visiting Chinese in English.
But a look of agony appeared on the visitors' faces, and Wang later found out why. The interpreter had translated Wang's words into Chinese as, "`This poor man scratches himself until he dies...only to be with you.'"
Unix Expo attendees don't need a translator to communicate among themselves, Wang continued in this week's keynote. "But there are many `significant others' in the business world who really don't understand our world and what we're doing," he added.
Many business leaders view technology as expensive and confusing and technologists as not always keeping the promises they make. "This is a serious problem, because if we don't focus on making technology work for our businesses, then we become overhead in the worst sense," Wang maintained.
Differing objectives are one factor that keeps the business and technical communities apart. According to Wang, many technologists are afflicted with FUDGE (Fear Uncertainty Doubt Greed Envy). Their fear, uncertainty and doubt revolve around the idea that if they aren't implementing the newest technologies, they'll be left behind. Their greed and envy stem from "a natural desire to have the latest and greatest toys."
Additionally, some technologists advocate a "revolutionary" approach that business people find unworkable, said Wang. "Revolutionaries stand on one side of a very large chasm, and shout to the business people, `Come on over here! You'll have open access to information! You'll have cheaper processing!! You'll have more flexible development tools!! You'll have high powered GUIs!!!'"
Business leaders are attracted by the promises, he acknowledged. "But they're asking themselves how they're going to leap across this chasm. `Indiana Jones in Search of the Holy Grail' is hardly a role model for business decisions."
CEOs are also deeply interested in protecting their investments and reports of corporate losses from downsizing aren't helping the overall situation, he suggested. US West, for example, recently reported that its "downsized computers" cost twice as much to maintain as mainframes did, he noted.
But on the plus side, business leaders are growing increasingly computer literate, according to Wang. Computer Associates recently held a retreat for CEOs that drew enthusiastic participation from 45 corporations around the world, he illustrated. CA is now planning four more events of this kind.
For their part, technologists must learn to look at and communicate their own activities in business terms, Wang advised. "We are the interpreters. We have the responsibility to translate the new technologies and their benefits."
Technologists also need to forego the "revolutionary" approach in favor of "intelligent evolution," he recommended. "We must take what we know works and build upon it," he commented. One example of this kind of orientation is Computer Associates' CA-Unicenter the keynoter said.
By bringing mainframe-calibre management tools to such environments as Unix, Windows NT, OS/2, and Novell Netware, CA-Unicenter can help users of legacy systems evolve to newer technologies, stated the CEO of CA. "It's the builders, not the revolutionaries, who are going to make commercial Unix a success," he concluded.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930923/Press contacts: Annie Sculley, Bruno Blenheim Inc., tel 800-829-3976, ext 145; Mark Haviland, Bruno Blenheim, tel 800-829-3976, ext 152)
Blenheim, tel 800-829-3976, ext 152)
9/23/93
Unix Expo - Keynoter Laments Jargon
Spinnaker Power Album Organizes
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) Spinnaker Software Corp. (Cambridge, Mass.) has released PFS:PowerAlbum for Windows, a $59.95 program said to offer a simple way to organize, preview and access disparate clip art scans, images and drawings for desktop publishing or other graphical applications.
As clip art and scanned image collection expands, files are typically scattered across numerous directories, drive partitions and network drives. DOS's 8-character name limitation restricts descriptive file names, making it difficult to determine image contents.
To catalog images, PFS:PowerAlbum for Windows generates a "thumbnail" representation and stores it in an "album" file, while leaving the image in its original directory location and file format to maintain image integrity. The album file can be further organized into categories.
In addition to the image organizer, PFS:Power Album also includes 1,000 color clip art images that can augment an existing image library or provide a new user with a ready-made clip art repertoire.
The software is available at computer stores and can also be had direct from the company by calling 800-826-0706 or 800-851-2917. Spinnaker Software is at 201 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139.
(Marguerite Zientara/19930923)
2139.
(Marguerite Zientara/19930923)
9/23/93
Spinnaker Power Album Organizes Images
UK - WP Office OV/VM Edition
TI Wants Defense Money, Threaten
Northern Telecom, Bell Sygma Sig
Russia - IBM Selects Russian Dis
Software Dev't '93 - The Future
UK - Fujitsu Intros Joywriter Po
Interop '93 - Data To PCs Via Ca
LAN Times Rates Artisoft's LANta
Hong Kong - ICL Sells $1 Mil Ret
LCI Sets Deal to Broadcast Sport
Cooling The Hot Pentium
Australia - HP Launches Faxed In
New Commodore Amiga Due Today
UK Police Raid Adult BBS Service
Sony Unveils Portable CD-I Playe
Low-Cost Green Laser Printer Off
NEC, AT&T In ASIC Venture
US West To Cut 9,000 Jobs
Unix Expo - Keynoter Laments Jar
Artisoft, Former CEO Settle Disp
New Scanfone Test Set
Australia - Laser Printer Breaks
New Bulgaria Phone Network Opens
Southeast SMR Merger Moves Ahead
New PCs From Seiko-Epson, Matsus
Northern Telecom Closing 2 Canad
Hard Disk To Go -- K-STOR
SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Ever bring a floppy disk full of files home from work only to discover that the file you really need is back at the office? You can avoid that predicament with K-STOR, a new transportable hard disk from Kalok Corp.
K-STOR is designed to let users easily move their entire software environment (applications and data) from one computer to another. The company has just released two models of the lightweight (under one pound) drives, with whopping capacities of 250 and 360 megabytes respectively. The K-STOR is a half-inch-high drive that pops in a standard PC 5 1/4-inch floppy drive bay once a docking module (included) for the bay is installed.
Software and a carrying case are included to protect the drive while in transit between computers. Additional docking modules (under $100) and K-STOR drives can be purchased as needed. IBM PC/AT and compatible systems are supported.
"Until this announcement there was no effective, low-cost solution to the problem of transporting hard drives between computers," said Lee Peterson, vice-president of sales at Kalok. He noted the removable K-STOR drives would be especially attractive to users with more than one computer who run the same programs and work with the same data on each system. The typical alternative has been to carry around multiple floppy disks, or to rely on a remote-access telecommunications system.
Earlier this year, the company entered into an agreement with well-known drive maker TEAC to manufacture the K-STOR drives. TEAC also made an equity investment in the firm.
The K-STOR package is now available at $495 for the 250-megabyte model and $595 for the 360-megabyte model.
For more information or a dealer referral, call Kalok at 408/747-1315.
(David Needle/19930923)
(David Needle/19930923)
9/23/93
Hard Disk To Go -- K-STOR
Text Stripper For Macintosh
MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Ever find yourself going through a text file to delete carriage returns, or doing a global change of "--" to "Q," for example? If either of these tasks or others like them, are a regular part of your work week, you'll get hot over a shareware gem created to strip those text files for you.
Add/Strip performs a number of useful operations on text files full of extraneous or undesirable characters. It will exchange straight with curly quotation marks, turn two hyphens into an em dash substitute ligatures for fl or fi, strip out leading or trailing spaces, remove control characters, and add or strip carriage returns and line feeds.
These additions and replacements can be fine-tuned, for example, to leave straight quote marks after numbers to indicate feet and inches. Best of all, all this can be done in one pass.
Some people may find this the answer to some very specific prayers. The fee is $25 and the author is Jon Wind, 2374 Hillwood Drive, Maplewood, MN 55119 (CompuServe: 70167,3444). CompuServe users can find it by typing Go MACNEW, and can access the file through Libraries, then the Shareware Emporium menu option. The title is ADDSTP.SIT/Bin. On Genie, go to M 605 (page 605) the Macintosh Roundtable Software Library, and request a download for ADD/STRIP 3.0.3.CPT or item 25755. The author also offers a more basic string-replacement freeware product available as REPONE.CPT.
(Chris Oakes/19930923)
(Chris Oakes/19930923)
9/23/93
Text Stripper For Macintosh
APPLE
FCC Nominee Sails Through
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Reed Hundt moved toward easy confirmation as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, where he said encouraging competition will be his watchword. Those words were reassuring to many in the Senate, who feared that the Clinton Administration might try to reregulate the industry.
But by the end of the morning-long hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee, Hundt was drawing jokes from some who credited him with "discovering" Doonesbury cartoonist Garry Trudeau while he was at the Yale Daily News. Such bonhomie is usually a sure sign of easy confirmation. Hunt is extremely well connected, having attended St. Albans' School in Washington with Vice President Gore and having attended Yale Law School with President and Mrs. Clinton.
On substantive issues, however, Hundt stayed mainly with platitudes. He praised "universal service," a buzzword being used by local phone companies demanding subsidies of competitors, but also agreed that the more the government can encourage competition, the less it will have to regulate. He also urged Republican Senator John Danforth of Missouri, who's retiring next year, and Democratic Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii to press ahead with their bill to restructure telecommunications regulation. But he offered little solid advice on what that bill should contain.
After the hearing Senator Ernest Hollings, a South Carolina Democrat, said he would seek an expedited vote before the Senate.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930923)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930923)
9/23/93
FCC Nominee Sails Through
TELECOM
MCI Speeds Credit Card Transacti
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- MCI is combining a toll-free 800 number with its X.25 packet network and Signaling System 7 technology to speed processing of credit card transactions.
The new system, called ResponseNet, promises to cut 20-30 percent off the time it takes to process a credit card. That's just 6 seconds per call, but with 12 billion transactions each year, the savings can be considerable, MCI spokesman Pam Small told Newsbytes.
ResponseNet actually combines a number of technologies which have been around for a while, she added. Many merchant terminals send calls over toll-free 800 lines, but these are voice lines, not data lines. Most X.25 data calls take place over local numbers meaning they first must go through a local phone company system that doesn't use Signaling System 7, the technology required for services like Caller ID. Small said as much as 30 percent of local phones may still lack SS7. By sending a data call to a toll-free number and assuring use of SS7 between a merchant's terminal and a bank's computer, transaction time is speeded up and money is saved, she continued.
Faster transaction processing also means that the networks can also be used for taxi rides and fast food, where the bills are low and customer impatience high. Best of all, Small noted using the new network does not require that processors change any of the programming in their merchant terminals -- they simply direct calls to a different phone number.
MCI also announced the first two customers for ResponseNet Mobil Oil Credit and First Data Resources. FDR is a $1.2 billion transaction processing company, while Mobil has 8,500 gas stations.
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Approval of the MCI-British Telecom joint venture seemed assured as AT&T announced it will not oppose the move. Earlier, European Commission authorities approved the deal, which must still be given the go-ahead by US regulators.
While signaling in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission it won't object to MCI's move, AT&T did make some important requests. It wants changes in the rules governing US operations of foreign long distance carriers to assure its access to foreign markets.
In a separate filing, it again urged that the "dominant carrier" rules which impede its ability to compete with MCI and Sprint be removed. Courts have ruled that the rules do discriminate against AT&T, and have ordered MCI and other carriers to file the same complex tariffs on special deals which AT&T must file. The rules date from 1980, when AT&T held nearly all the US long distance market, but its share is now estimated at 60-65 percent.
AT&T indicated it wants the FCC to order that it be given access to the UK market within two years as the price for letting BT operate unfettered here. The company also wants "cross subsidization" stopped, in which a foreign competitor funds US affiliates with captive profits from home.
Some analysts speculate AT&T may be interested in a little quid pro quo with AT&T. Southwestern Bell and Bell Atlantic are opposing AT&T's proposed acquisition of McCaw Cellular, and British Telecom owns 35.8 million shares of McCaw.
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Another mainstream personal computer application has found its way to the Unix operating system with the launch of Ami Pro 3.0 for HP-UX, a version of Lotus Development's word processor that runs on Hewlett-Packard's version of the Unix operating system.
Launched at the Unix Expo show in New York this week, Ami Pro for HP-UX has many of the same features as the existing version for Microsoft Windows. The main differences, company spokeswoman Michelle Goguen said, are the absence of the drawing and charting features, a somewhat different user interface to fit into the Unix world, and the substitution of Lotus' Link, Embed, and Launch-to-edit (LEL) technology for Microsoft's Object Linking and Embedding (OLE).
Goguen said Lotus has seen no user demand for the drawing and charting capabilities on Unix, and would add the features to the Unix version of Ami if enough users asked for them.
As for the user interface, it conforms to HP's Visual User Environment (HP-VUE), which in turn is based on the Open Software Foundation's Motif standard. According to Lotus, the usual capabilities of HP-VUE, such as the ability to print a file by dragging a print icon to the graphical desktop, apply to the new Ami Pro.
LEL is an object linking technology that Lotus has created for Unix systems, and Ami Pro and the newly launched Notes Release 3 for Sun Microsystems Inc. SPARC systems are the first applications to support it. Goguen said other Lotus applications for Unix, such as the 1-2-3 spreadsheet, do not support LEL yet but the goal is that not only Lotus but third-party software will conform to it in future.
LEL is compatible with OLE, Lotus said, in that if a Windows user embeds an Ami Pro document into Lotus Notes using OLE, a Notes user in Unix can then launch the Unix version of Ami Pro from Notes using LEL just a Windows user might have launched Ami Pro for Windows using OLE.
Ami Pro for HP-UX will run on HP's 9000 Series computers with Version 8.07 or later of HP-UX, 16 megabytes of memory, 45 megabytes of disk space, and Motif 1.1 or later. It works with any Unix-compatible network, Lotus said. It will sell for $495 and the company is offering its own word processing customers and users of competing software an upgrade for $129.
(Grant Buckler/19930923/Press Contact: Kim Commerato or Michelle Goguen, Lotus Development, 404-391-0011; Public Contact: Lotus Development, 800-831-9679)
: Lotus Development, 800-831-9679)
9/23/93
Lotus Launches Ami Pro For HP-UX
Unix Expo - IBM's DB2 Will Port
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- At Unix Expo, IBM and Hewlett-Packard have announced an agreement to make IBM's DB2 relational database management system (RDBMS) available on a non IBM platform for the first time ever.
The two companies are targeting a port of DB2 to HP-UX on HP 9000 workstations, said Janet Perna, IBM's director of database technology, Software Solutions, and Lucia Mikasa, section manager CSO Information Management, Hewlett-Packard, in an interview with Newsbytes.
"The port reflects HP's interest in using more robust database engines," Mikasa told Newsbytes. Beta testing will probably begin by the end of the year, she added.
DB2 currently runs on such IBM platforms as MVS and VM mainframes AS/400 midrange systems, RS/6000 Unix, and PS/2 personal computers.
At Database World in June, Perna and other IBM officials told Newsbytes that IBM was working with outside vendors to add support for DB2. At that time, Perna and David Schwartz, director of Data Management Solutions for Programming Solutions, each predicted that the first port to be unveiled would probably be to a Unix platform.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930923/Press contacts: Barbara Cerf, IBM, tel 914-642-4664; Lynne Hanson, Hewlett-Packard, tel 408-447-1415; Christine Bock, The Spindler Organization, tel 714-587-6946)
e Bock, The Spindler Organization, tel 714-587-6946)
9/23/93
Unix Expo - IBM's DB2 Will Port To Non-IBM HP 9000
Unix Expo - New Ten X Optical Dr
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- At Unix Expo, Ten X has announced a product billed as the first optical drive to work without the use of a connection kit.
At a press conference, Elizabeth Davis, vice president of sales and marketing, explained that OptiXchange 1300 uses a unique hardware interface that allows the optical disk to look and act like a hard disk to any operating system, eliminating the need for software drivers.
OptiXchange 1300 also provides full support for both rewritable and WORM (write once read many) disks, said Davis. In contrast, many other "multifunction" drives experience SCSI compatibility issues when working in WORM mode, she added.
Ten X also claims that the 1300 offers the highest storage capacity and fastest speeds of any product in its category. When tested under real operating conditions, the subsystem achieved an average access time of 25 milliseconds, a seek time of under 19 milliseconds, and a sustained data transfer rate of more than 650 kilobytes per second, according to Davis.
Use of a storage format called zone constant angular velocity (ZCAV) allows each optical disk to store 1.3 GB, she said. The drive is also backward compatible with 1 GB and 650 MB disks. Hardware data compression increases capacity from 2:1 to 5:1 depending on the media and data to be stored, according to Davis.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930923/Press contact: Greg Wise or Elizabeth Davis, Ten X Technology Inc., tel 800-922-9050)
r Elizabeth Davis, Ten X Technology Inc., tel 800-922-9050)
9/23/93
Unix Expo - New Ten X Optical Drive Works Without Drivers
Northern Telecom Offers LAN Link
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Northern Telecom Ltd., has set out to tie its Meridian Mail voice messaging system in with local-area networks (LANs) and facsimile transmission with a new hardware-software combination called VISIT Messenger.
VISIT Messenger is the latest in a line of desktop communications products Northern calls VISIT, which stands for Visual Interactive Technology. It consists of a server based on Intel Corp.'s 486 processor, plus server and client software to let personal computer users on a LAN retrieve voice and fax messages from their keyboards.
Besides voice messages from the Meridian Mail system, VISIT Messenger will handle incoming fax messages, which can be displayed on the recipient's computer screen, printed on a local printer, or saved on the local hard disk, said company spokesman Ted Hudak. The server provides typical computer-fax advantages like the fact that incoming faxes aren't blocked because of a machine being out of paper.
Users can also send faxes from the system, which includes the ability to broadcast a single fax to multiple recipients, delayed sending to take advantage of off-peak phone rates, and other fax-machine niceties.
The VISIT Messenger server can also provide fax-on-demand service, in which callers request that a certain document be faxed to them and it is done automatically.
VISIT Messenger users can see details of their phone and fax messages on their computer screens, but use their desktop telephones to hear their voice messages, Hudak said.
Those who don't need the fax capability will be able to buy VISIT Messenger with only voice-mail functions. Due to be available some time in the first quarter of 1994, the system will be priced from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the functions included and the number of users supported -- it can handle from 50 to 400 Hudak said.
To use it, buyers will need Northern's Meridian Mail Release 7.54 with the Access Enable option. Northern said VISIT Messenger supports most popular LAN operating systems, including Microsoft LAN Manager and Novell NetWare, and works with both Ethernet and Token Ring networks.
s Contact: Ted Hudak, Northern Telecom, 214-684-2758)
9/23/93
Northern Telecom Offers LAN Link To Voice Mail, Fax
TELECOM
MacBiz Magazine, Supplement Aim
P TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Canadian computer magazines are not as specialized as many of those in the larger US market, and one example of this is the fact that this country has no Macintosh-specific publications. But a Toronto publisher thinks the Canadian Mac market is now big enough to support its own publication, and plans to launch not one but two in the next few months.
MacBiz Publishing, a new operation backed by unnamed private investors, plans to publish a bimonthly glossy magazine and a supplement to The Globe and Mail, the national newspaper published in Toronto. Appearing in alternate months, the two publications will aim at rather different audiences, said Steve Wexler, executive editor of both new publications.
MacBiz Canada will be a glossy magazine with a circulation of 60,000 Macintosh users, officials said. Initially it will be distributed mainly by controlled circulation, Wexler said, though the publishers hope to move toward a paid-subscription basis. The magazine will be edited for people who use Macintosh computers and will try to give them Canadian content they don't get from US-based publications that circulate in Canada, such as MacWorld magazine and the newsweekly MacWeek.
"They don't give it a Canadian context," Wexler said, adding that his company is not aiming to replace those publications for Canadian readers.
The MacBiz Reporter will be a supplement to The Globe and Mail published in months when MacBiz Canada does not appear. Wexler said its focus will be more like that of the daily newspaper: general business readers rather than experienced computer users. It will appear either as a stand-alone section of the paper or as part of the daily Report on Business section, depending on its size, he said.
MacBiz plans to begin publication of the MacBiz Reporter supplement with the November 17 issue of The Globe and Mail, and of MacBiz Canada in February, 1994.
The Cohen Group, a Toronto-area marketing and public relations firm, said it has been contracted to administer and produce both publications.
Apple Canada Inc., is not a formal backer of the publications Wexler said, though it has expressed its approval.
(Grant Buckler/19930923/Press Contact: Melanie Franner, The Cohen Group, 416-886-8086; Public Contact: MacBiz Publishing 905-764-6420, fax 905-886-8087)
MacBiz Magazine, Supplement Aim At Canada's Mac Market
APPLE
SunSoft Intros Solaris 2.3 & Dev
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- SunSoft Inc., has introduced the newest version its popular Solaris 2 version of Unix. At the same time the company has also introduced the Software Developer Kit (SDK) and Driver Developer Kit (DDK) for Solaris.
According to the company, the new version - Solaris 2.3 - includes "significant performance increases" in such areas as database transaction, graphics and windows system. It also features the newest version of Adobe Display PostScript, level 2, as well as security, networking, system administration and multimedia capabilities.
The software is based on Unix System V Release 4 (SVR4), and according to the company, offers symmetric multiprocessing multithreading, built-in networking, a suite of software development tools, system administration, security, ToolTalk interapplication software, LIVE! multimedia, and a "user-friendly" interface.
In addition to Adobe Display PostScript Level 2, the new version also includes such features as: cache file system that uses a local disk as cache to eliminate traffic over the network; Asynchronous Point-to-Point (PPP); an improved XIL imaging library; C2 security: and networked system administration.
The company says that the new Solaris offers an enhanced binary compatibility package (BCP) that enables users to run most of their Solaris 1 applications unmodified on their Solaris 2 systems. The BCP supports dynamically- and statically-linked applications enabling users to run existing applications with "no loss in performance."
SunSoft says that Solaris 2.3 is "fully localized" for the worldwide commercial market. In addition to Latin American Spanish, the product is localized in German, French, Italian, Swedish, Japanese Korean and two versions of Chinese - the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China.
The new Solaris 2.3 software environment includes a single compact disc (CD), documentation and a coupon for the Wabi Windows emulation software. It will be generally available in early November. Solaris Desktop for the client desktop is priced at $795 in single quantity. Solaris Workgroup Server for the small to mid-range departmental server is priced at $1,995 in single quantity. Solaris Enterprise Server for the enterprise server is priced at $5,995 in single quantity. The localized versions will be available 30 days after the shipment of the US Solaris 2.3 version.
According to the company, the SDK and DDK allow commercial and in-house developers to "quickly and efficiently build products" for the Solaris environment.
The kits come with a number of features including development tools, sample code, on-line documentation, and training and support materials. The company has also announced a series of new developer programs designed to "educate and train" customers on the Solaris technology.
The Solaris SDK includes: the Developer AnswerBook, which provides on-line hypertext technical documentation including 20 manuals; Motif 1.2.2, which allows X-based applications to be built leveraging the Motif graphical user interface; the OpenWindows Developer's Guide, which offers a point-and-click GUI builder to design, test, and build GUIs; sample source code; and technical white papers.
The Solaris SDK for SPARC includes Devguide Motif Utilities, which assists with migration of Devguide-generated Open Look applications to Motif C source code or Motif UIL source code.
The Solaris DDK includes: the Device Drivers Writer's Guide, which features a guide to the Solaris driver writing process; the DDI/DKI reference manual, which provides the specification of the Solaris DDI/DKI interface, the standard interface between device drivers and the Solaris kernel; the STREAMS programmer's guide which discusses the kernel-level and user-level interfaces to the STREAMS I/O (input/output) mechanism; sample and skeleton device drivers; as well as application packaging and installation guide.
The Solaris DDK for SPARC includes: Solaris VISUAL driver developer's documentation; and the OpenBoot PROM Command reference guide.
The Solaris DDK for x86 includes the x86 device driver manual and device driver templates for SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface), Token Ring, PIO and DMA devices.
The SDK for Solaris on SPARC and x86 is priced at $495 for single quantity and will be available on a CD in 60 days. The Solaris DDK for SPARC and x86 is priced at $95 and will also be available on a CD in 60 days.
STAINES, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- A week after the package was formally announced in the US, Lotus UK has launched 1-2 3 Release 4.01 in the UK. According to the company, the package includes enhancements which have been created in response to customer problems and suggestions, enhanced integration with Lotus Notes and updated database drivers.
The update kit version of the package, which ships this week in the UK, is being sent automatically by post to all registered users of v4.00. It can also be obtained by calling Lotus Customer Services on 0753-532044, as well as via the LotUSA forum on Compuserve. The update kit preserves all users' data, macros and default settings the company claims.
Andrew Wyatt, Lotus UK's brand manager for spreadsheets, said that market response to 1-2-3 4.01 has been phenomenal. "While most of our customer calls are suggestions and questions, we closely monitor these support calls for problems, and we are committed to addressing customer concerns as quickly as possible," he said.
1-2-3's workgroup capabilities have been enhanced with v4.01 by the addition of the Application Field Exchange (AFE), a feature that Lotus claims makes it easier for users to collaborate on projects and share information. Under AFE, key data in 1-2-3 worksheets can be automatically organized, distributed and shared via the Notes network.
John Landry, Lotus' chief technology officer, said that AFE adds a new dimension to the synergy between 1-2-3 and Notes. "Spreadsheet users can publish their summarized results via a Notes view. If the underlying detail is required, a double click takes the user to the detail by launching 1-2-3 and the associated spreadsheet," he said.
(Steve Gold/19930923/Press & Public Contact: Lotus UK - tel: 0784 455445)
Public Contact: Lotus UK - tel: 0784 455445)
9/23/93
UK -- Lotus 1-2-3 Release 4.01 For Windows
PCMCIA III Hard Drives Arrive
FELTHAM, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- PPCP, the portable peripherals distributor, has announced the availability of an 85-megabyte (MB) removable PCMCIA (personal computer memory card industry association) type III hard disk.
The drive, which has been imported into the UK from Calluna Technology, has two 1.8-inch format disks inside, yet comes in a unit that slips straight into a PCMCIA III card slot.
John Nolan, PPCP's managing director, said that the UKP 499 unit's average seek time is 18 milliseconds and has a data transfer rate of up to 4MB a second.
"The drive opens up enormous possibilities for portable PC users. It has enough capacity to carry all a user's applications as well as data, from machine to machine," he said. "As with most PCMCIA devices at the moment, availability to the market is everything and we have product available now," he added.
The drive incorporates standby and sleep modes for power conservation. When active, it consumes 425 milliamps (mA) of power and 250mA when idle.
PPCP is claiming a mean time between failures (MTBF) of more than 150,000 hours. Shock resistance is 300 times the force of gravity (G) when non-operational and 100G when operational. The unit measures 85.6 x 54 x 10.5 millimetres and weighs just 65 grams.
(Steve Gold/19930923/Press & Public Contact: PPCP - tel: 081-893 2277)
tact: PPCP - tel: 081-893 2277)
9/23/93
PCMCIA III Hard Drives Arrive
TRENDS
FCC Warns Of Phone Card Scam Met
Sequent Servers Get Pentium Proc
Waterloo Maple Acquires Prescien
UK's Largest Independent Compute
Computereasy To Acquire Evolutio
Software Dev't '93: Blue Sky Int
Int'l Teletext Expands Market
HK Businesses Want Hotline Suppo
AST Europe Unveils Bravo Desktop
IBM Offers OS/2 Publications On
CardGrabber Business Card Scanni
Hayes To Bundle BVRP Software
Ipswitch Unveils TCP/IP Software
Tube Topper Cuts Down On Paper C
HP's Multimedia X Stations, Fast
India - Wipro Intros Super Geniu
Unix Expo - IBM's New PowerPCs J
Connectix Utilities For Desktop
Unix Expo - IBM's DB2 Will Port
Dealer Electronic Support System
Review of - US History On CD-ROM
Unix Expo - New Ten X Optical Dr
Correction - MacWeek's Gore Pred
VARs Choose AST As #1 PC Supplie
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- The notebook market is one of the fastest growing segments of the computer industry. Now AST Research Inc., has been awarded the number one PC/notebook supplier spot by value-added resellers (VARs) at the fifth annual VARBusiness Report Card Awards Ceremony.
AST vied with such other major PC/notebook manufacturers as IBM Apple Computer, Wyse, NCR, Acer, and Unisys in the desktop and notebook computer classification. The company claims to have finished first in product, pricing and support categories and second in partnership on the way to its overall first place.
In announcing the awards, Richard March, VARBusiness editor said: "AST, which was the top-rated PC/notebook vendor in the survey, received its best grades in supporting VARs. AST finished first in three of the four support categories. While AST also received a high score in product categories, it was the company's favorable support scores that put AST over the top."
According to VARBusiness, the survey asked authorized VARs to rate the importance of 16 categories they had indicated were the most critical. Then, within each category, they were asked to rate satisfaction with their vendors.
Scores for vendors were segmented into three platforms, including single processor PCs/notebooks, minicomputers/servers, and workstations.
An independent consulting firm conducted the 1,027 telephone interviews, according to the company, with all respondents asked the same questions. For the AST portion of the survey VARBusiness interviewed AST VARs who primarily resold AST PCs/notebooks.
The company says that, within the product category, six factors were considered, including quality of product, product availability interoperability, upgradability, product innovation, and breadth of line. In the profit category, profit margins, price/performance and financing were considered. In the support category, quality of technical support, accuracy/timeliness of pricing information quality of lead programs, and quality of co-op programs were considered. In the partnership category, commitment to VAR programs, cross-channel conflict, and quality of marketing associate programs were measured.
Just last week, Newsbytes reported that AST planned to demonstrate its first handheld, pen-based computer at the Mobile World Show in San Jose this month.
(Ian Stokell/19930923/Press Contact: Hollie Chriss-Cronin 714-727-7977, AST Research Inc.)
in 714-727-7977, AST Research Inc.)
9/23/93
VARs Choose AST As #1 PC Supplier
GENERAL
Exabyte Intros Exatape Mini Data
BOULDER, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- Exabyte Corp. has introduced the Exatape Mini Data Cartridge. According to the company, the new-generation, DC2750 minicartridge yields the highest capacity for quarter-inch minicartridge data recording.
The new cartridge stores from 750 megabytes (MB) - native - to up to 1.5 gigabytes (GB) - compressed.
According to the company, quarter-inch Exatape's high capacity is made possible by an advanced, 900 oersted magnetic tape that produces an efficient level of data packing. In addition, tape is longer (295 feet) and one-fourth thinner than previous-generation quarter-inch formulations, which results in higher recording-track density.
The company claims that certification is earned after the "successful completion of lot-by-lot quality sampling, evaluation and monitoring." This includes use in the design, manufacture and testing of actual Exabyte tape drives. To date, the company says that over four million Exatape 8mm cartridges have been sold worldwide, and all come with a limited lifetime warranty.
The company also says that the quarter-inch Exatape is designed exclusively to maximize the performance of Exabyte's EXB-2501 Quarter-Inch Cartridge Tape Subsystem.
The Exatape Quarter-Inch Data Cartridge is available through tape drive resellers, distributors and computer supply catalogs and can also be purchased directly from Exabyte.
Just this week Newsbytes reported that Exabyte had introduced a 4 millimeter (mm) data cartridge. The company said the Exatape 4mm Data Cartridge is compatible for data recording use with all brands of 4mm DDS-1 digital audio tape (DAT) drives. The 60-meter tape has a suggested retail price of $31.95, while the 90-meter version will sell for $35.95.
In July Newsbytes reported that Exabyte had announced its second quarter financial results, with net income reported at $1.61 million or $0.08 per share. Net income for the same period last year was $11.66 million, or $0.54 per share. Revenues for this year's second quarter were reported at $75.7 million compared to $76.6 million for the same period last year.
(Ian Stokell/19930923/Press Contact: Susan Merriman 303-447-7434, Exabyte Corp.)
Susan Merriman 303-447-7434, Exabyte Corp.)
9/23/93
Exabyte Intros Exatape Mini Data Cartridge
GENERAL
Emerald Sys Backup Software To S
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- One of the most important aspects of any corporate networking environment is an efficient and reliable data backup operation. Now Emerald Systems says it will begin shipping backup software this fall that will support Novell's new high-end NetWare 4.0 network operating system (NOS).
The products will include XpressSERVE Enterprise, Xpress Librarian 3.0, EmSAVE 4.0, and ARCserve 5.0.
Concerning the products, Dr. Lawrence Rogers, head of Emerald's Software Systems Division, said: "We have spent much time studying and working with NetWare 4.0 so that we will have solid backup products for this powerful enterprise OS. We know that with such power comes complexity. Anticipating that there will be a steep learning curve with the NetWare 4.0 system, we have put special emphasis on our installation software to simplify that task."
The company says that ARCserve 5.0, Cheyenne Software's new Windows-based NetWare Loadable Module (NLM), is already available from Emerald in 50-user, 250-user, 500-user and 1,000-user versions for backup of large multi-server enterprises. The software backs up NetWare 4.0 servers through, what is called, a "bindery emulation" mode.
Xpress Librarian 3.0, the company's workstation and Windows-based data storage management software, will support NetWare 4.0 by backing up Directory Services, which was an integral part of Novell's attempt to compete with the high-end Vines NOS for geographically dispersed corporate internetworks.
Xpress Librarian 3.0 will be introduced in October. It will support the Adaptec SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) interface card through the ASPI layer, as well as additional tape drives.
EmSAVE 4.0, a workstation and Windows-based product for basic backup and restoral operations, will also begin shipping in October with support for NetWare 4.0 through backup of Directory Services.
According to the company, both Xpress Librarian 3.0 and EmSAVE 4.0 will access NetWare 4.0 via a Windows-based storage management services (SMS) interface on the workstation which Emerald Systems codeveloped with Novell.
XpressSERVE Enterprise will be fully SMS-compliant. SMS allows enterprise-wide backup and restoration of multiple file systems so that all DOS, Windows, Unix, Macintosh and OS/2 files on the server may be backed up. It will be available in October in 50-user 250-user, 500-user and 1,000-user versions, XpressSERVE Enterprise will have a NetWare-like C-Worthy interface on the workstation, a server console interface and a DOS command-line interface.
In March Newsbytes reported that Emerald was offering a 50-page "Network Data Storage and Management Handbook" free to administrators of local area networks (LANs).
In February Newsbytes reported that Azlan had announced that it would be marketing Emerald's automated digital audio tape (DAT) backup systems for the archiving of Novell Netware systems in the UK.
(Ian Stokell/19930923/Press Contact: Karen Thomas 619-673-2161 ext 4106, Emerald Systems)
Karen Thomas 619-673-2161 ext 4106, Emerald Systems)
9/23/93
Emerald Sys Backup Software To Support NetWare 4.0
GENERAL
New Ergo Keyboard From Ergologic
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- If you type a lot and hate the idea of relearning some new keyboard that is supposed to be good for you ergonomically, Ergologic has a new idea for you. Ergologic and Key Tronic have come up with a standard QWERTY-based keyboard for IBM and compatible personal computers (PCs) that the companies claim is adjustable so each individual can get their hands in the most natural position.
Since evidence indicates that the debilitating condition carpal tunnel and Desquervain's Tenosynovitis may be caused by keyboards, interest in keyboards made more closely to the design of the human hand and body is high. Approximately seventeen percent of users who use a keyboard more than two hours a day suffer from pain, numbness and loss of finger control, and repetitive motion disorders account for more than 50 percent of all workplace injuries. Several attempts have been made by various keyboard manufacturers to solve this problem.
The Ergologic keyboard looks like a standard keyboard, but the company has split the keyboard in half and the sides rotate up and in so the user can type on a standard keyboard with their hands at a more natural angle. The angle of the halves is set with a knob on the left side of the keyboard and it takes only seven seconds to make the adjustment, according to Lance Rucker, president of Ergologic. Seven seconds is the magic number, Rucker said, because if the time to make an adjustment is longer, even as little as 15 seconds, users will simply give up and use the keyboard the way it is.
Integrated hand rests have also been designed to support the forearm weight and increase comfort in the neck, back, and shoulders during keyboard use. Like the other portions of the keyboard, the hand rests are also adjustable and do not interfere with the users normal movement during data input.
The spacebar is a reverse activation spacebar which allows the thumb to work the same way it does when picking up something or it can be used in the standard way. Users may also control the backspace and return keys with the thumb if they wish.
Rucker, an ergonomics and Performance Logic specialist, has done extensive research into keyboard design. "It was a spin off of design work we were doing for surgical settings. Some of our people were very concerned about the awkwardness and contortions of computer input and we decided to do something about it," Rucker said.
The Ergologic Keyboard will be marketed both by Ergologic and by Key Tronic, which is the manufacturer. Retail pricing is expected to be $399 and company officials expect the units to be available in November of this year. Key Tronic will demonstrate the keyboards in both of its booths at the computer trade show Comdex in Las Vegas, Nevada, November 15-19.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930923/Press Contact: Dr. Lance Rucker Ergologic, tel 604-433-3132, fax 604-433-0111; Public Contact 800-665-9929)
fax 604-433-0111; Public Contact 800-665-9929)
9/23/93
New Ergo Keyboard From Ergologic, Key Tronic
FCC Split On Personal Communicat
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 SEP 23 (NB) -- The Federal Communications Commission approved long-awaited rules on the auction of microwave frequencies for Personal Communication Networks, or PCNs, by a split 2-1 vote.
The plan, originally written by Commission staff, would require auction participants to make up-front payments in order to be qualified, and would split the available 160 megahertz of spectrum between 1.8 and 2.2 GHz into two 30 MHz blocks, a single 20 MHz block and four 10 MHz blocks. The spectrum would be used for voice, fax, data, and even paging services, in competition with existing cellular and paging operators.
Since the spectrum being offered is at a much higher frequency than the existing cellular spectrum, "cell sites" would have to be closer together than in current cellular systems, but power requirements would be much lower, meaning smaller hand-sets could be used.
Geographically, the commission designated 51 Metropolitan Trading Areas and 492 Basic Trading Areas, as defined by Rand McNally rejecting a call by MCI for national licensing. The commission also ruled that existing cellular operators will be eligible for new PCN licenses, but only outside their existing service areas or areas where the cellular licensee serves less than 10 percent of the population of the proposed PCN network.
A company is considered a cellular licensee if it owns 20 percent or more of a cellular system -- many systems have multiple owners.
The regional Bells will be subject to the same ownership rules as other cellular operators. Companies may acquire up to 40 MHz of frequency space per service area and there are no geographic restrictions, so technically national service is possible.
Voting for the plan were interim chairman James Quello, a Democrat appointed by President Nixon in 1974, and Commissioner Ervin Duggan, a Democrat appointed by President Bush in 1990. Voting against the staff plan was Commissioner Andrew Barrett, a Republican appointed by President Reagan. Barrett issued a long rebuttal, writing that "In an attempt to make everyone happy, the majority has created a consensus decision that involves a complicated labyrinth of a few large allocations and numerous small market allocations, in varying size spectrum blocks."
Basically, Barrett found the final decision too complicated creating high costs for companies in acquiring licenses. "The decision imposes impractical transaction costs in order to accomplish complicated spectrum and market aggregation schemes across over 2,000 small licenses throughout the country," he concluded.
This is far from the end of the matter. The rules do not have to be finalized until next March. Between now and then, public comments are being sought, and interest groups are bound to have their say. In addition, incoming chairman Reed Hundt, a Clinton appointee, is expected to be in office soon, and will have a vote on the final plan. It's also expected that a fifth commissioner nominally a Republican, will have been appointed by the President and confirmed before the commission votes on the final plan. Even after that vote, there is a chance for reconsideration and amendment.
The Clinton Administration hopes to earn $8-10 billion for the Treasury through auctioning off the PCN spectrum. Such auctions were originally proposed by former commissioner Alfred Sikes, now an executive with Hearst Corp., during the Bush Administration and during that administration, Congressional Democrats opposed the idea. That opposition vanished after President Clinton expressed support for the auctions.
Reaction to the decision was immediate. McCaw Cellular issued a press release with praise for the plan. "The FCC's decision to issue licenses of varying size to both experienced service providers and new entrants into the market will ensure a wide variety of wireless services at competitive prices," the release stated. "I expect there will be spirited bidding for this expansion of wireless service," added Chairman Craig McCaw. McCaw recently agreed to be acquired by AT&T.
WOKINGHAM, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Microsoft has unveiled Microsoft Art Gallery, a CD-ROM (compact disc - read only memory)-based package for Mac and PC that contains an interactive guide to London's National Art Gallery. The disc should be commercially available later this year.
The disc is based on the National Gallery's own in-house computer information system, which is known as Micro Gallery. According to Microsoft, its Art Gallery disc allows home and office PC users, art enthusiasts and educators, to learn about some of the world's greatest works of art using their Windows-based PC or Apple Computer Macintosh computers.
The disc itself contains images of the gallery's entire collection of more than 2,000 paintings from Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Raphael, Titian, Holbein, Rembrandt and Vincent Van Gogh. The pictures are represented as high quality 256-color reproductions digitized from the National Gallery's photographic archives.
Vast text and graphic files are stored and accessible alongside the painting images. The disc contains more than 5,000 pages of information, including more than 700 artist biographies, many with spoken names and 500 glossary terms explained. The total text comes to more than a million words.
Neil MacGregor, the director of the National Gallery, said that he is very pleased to have worked with Microsoft on the disc project. "Now people all over the world will be able to have access in their own homes to the system that has been delighting visitors to the gallery. This will enhance their enjoyment and appreciation of great painting," he said.
Microsoft Art Gallery will ship worldwide at the end of this year with a suggested list price (in the US) of $79.95 or its local equivalent. The disc needs a multimedia-equipped PC with Windows.
(Steve Gold/19930923/Press & Public Contact: Microsoft UK - tel; 0734-270-0001)
s & Public Contact: Microsoft UK - tel; 0734-270-0001)
9/24/93
Microsoft To Deliver National Gallery To The Desktop
APPLE
( F ~
Home Automation With A Mac Via E
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Need a use for that old Macintosh Plus? How about control of your household? Remote Measurement Systems says its new environmental and control system for the Macintosh, Enviromac, can make that happen.
While researchers and scientists have been using computers to monitor and control environmental conditions for some time Remote Measurement Systems says it is bringing data acquisition and control to the desktop. The Enviromac software can continuously evaluates external conditions via sensors and automatically issues commands to control electrical devices such as appliances machinery, or electronic equipment. The system turns the Macintosh into a unit that can monitor temperature, air quality and energy use.
A variety of sensors are available to monitor everything from the amount of carbon dioxide in the air to wind direction to temperature. The program monitors the input from the sensors and based on that data, devices can be turned on and off remotely. In fact, one sensor is for monitoring wattage meaning it is possible to monitor the energy consumption in a home and predict utility bills, the company said.
In addition, the sensor interface is a hardware peripheral that plugs into the serial port of the Mac via a serial port cable and the software does not require programming to use. A simple rule interpreter allows as many as 40 choices. For example, a user can point and click on choices to set up a temperature sensor so if the temperature is greater than 82 degrees, the cooling system comes on. The company says the system also runs in the background so the Macintosh may be used for other tasks while monitoring the environment.
Included in Enviromac is hardware, software, a light level sensor and a temperature sensor, an X-10 control module for control of electrical appliances, cables for connecting to the Mac, and complete documentation. Over thirty different modules can be operated by the Macintosh, Remote Measurement Systems added.
The product works with Macintosh Pluses and SEs, Classics Performas, the Mac II and Centris lines, Quadras, and even Powerbooks. It requires a Mac Plus with System 6.0 and 1 megabyte of random access memory (RAM) and uses 600 kilobytes of RAM, company officials said. Retail price for the system is $899 with extra sensors and modules available at prices ranging from $8 for a temperature sensor to $500 for a carbon dioxide sensor.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930923/Press Contact: Keith Ronnholm, Remote Measurement Systems, tel 206-328-2255, fax 206-328-1787)
stems, tel 206-328-2255, fax 206-328-1787)
9/24/93
Home Automation With A Mac Via Enviromac
APPLE
NEC RISC Processor For Windows N
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Japan's major personal computer and chip maker NEC has released a microprocessing chip called the VR4200 which is intended for use in computers that run Microsoft's Windows NT operating system. NEC claims this chip is the most power-efficient in its VR family.
This 64-bit RISC chip, jointly developed with MIPS Technologies is designed for notebook-type and laptop personal computers that operate Windows NT. The VR4200 operates at 40 megahertz, and consumes only 1.5 watts of electricity -- about four times less than would be expected, given the performance of this chip, according to NEC.
The VR4200 is compatible with the firm's VR4000 and the 4400 chips. It has about 1.5 million transistors, that have been applied with a 0.6 micro million CMOS method.
The chip size is 9 x 8.8 mm. It has units for integer operation floating point operation, memory control, and cache memory, and it is designed to compete with Intel's 80486DX2. NEC claims however, that its chip has twice the processing speed of Intel's. As far as the processing speed is concerned it is twice faster
The RISC (reduced instruction set computing)-type chip costs 8,000 yen ($80). Mass production of the chip is slated to start in April, 1994. NEC plans to ship 50,000 units per month at which time the price should drop.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- NTT plans to launch a super-fast 150 megabits-per-second data transfer service in October. This speed is about 25 times faster than its existing high-speed line, and requires the approval of the Japanese Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.
NTT is designing the service for companies that do a lot of data transfer. Registered users will be able to exchange data between host computers and local area networks.
The basic monthly usage fee of the network will be 810,000 yen ($8,100), and an additional 1 to 3 million yen is needed for hourly online charges.
Despite the price, this telecommunication line could prove cheaper for bulk users. 600 pages of newspaper data can be transmitted each second -- that's a speed 25 times faster than NTT's current 6-megabit service.
NTT expects users from research laboratories, the electronics and automobile industries. Other possible customers are financial institutions and universities. The new telecommunication line is expected to be used to transmit extra clear pictures and graphics at an extremely fast speed.
NTT already has its first customer for this service Japan's Matsushita Electric. This company wants to exchange computer graphics data between its headquarters and its picture research laboratory in Osaka.
The service will begin in early October. NTT expects to have 200 corporate users of this telecommunication line in the next five years.
ST PETERSBOURG, RUSSIA, 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- St. Petersburg's local long distance phone company, and telegraph are being privatized following public auctions. So far, no banks nor investment funds have received a controlling interest.
For 29% of the city phone company's shares, with a nominal value of 226 millions rubles (US$210,000), various banks and investment houses paid 20 times the face value of the shares. The largest investor acquired a 6.5% interest; a number of local banks got 2 to 3% shares.
Analysts expect a "large foreign company" to buy the largest chunk of shares on the open market.
The city phone company is a monopoly service provider. There are no plans to break it apart nor to introduce any limitations on company prices, according to state officials.
The value of St. Peterburg Telegraph was underestimated, according to investment analysts from Commersant daily. St. Petersburg Telegraph raised the equivalent of 17.7 million rubles (US$17700) as a result of the public sale.
Another auction, due to take place next month, will feature the city's long distance telephone company, which is the most profitable enterprise compared to the other two.
The auctions were organized under the control of the State Property Committee. Only vouchers, State privatization papers distributed equally among the country's adult population earlier this year, were allowed as a payment at the auction sales, although further cash sales on the secondary stock market are legal.
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930924)
market are legal.
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930924)
9/24/93
Russia - St. Petersburg Communications Go Private
TELECOM
Lightning Intros Low-Cost Pentiu
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- As availability of Intel's Pentium processors increase, more vendors are releasing systems based on the high-end architecture at lower prices. Now Lightning Computers has introduced the low priced Thunderbox Pentium III.
According to the company, the system is a 60-megahertz (MHz) 64-bit Pentium system complete with a 340-megabyte (MB) IDE hard disk drive, 8MB RAM, local bus graphics accelerator and a 15-inch flat screen, non-interlaced, SVGA monitor for $3,495.
In announcing the system, company President Richard McCabe said: "This machine is the death knell for high-end 486 systems. The 486 is now a mid-range PC. We challenge Dell, Gateway and Ambra to match this price and configuration."
The company claims that for $3,495, the American-made Lightning Thunderbox Pentium includes: an Intel Pentium 60MHz CPU (central processing unit) with three cooling fans; a local bus motherboard with 512 kilobytes (KB) cache, expandable to 2MB; eight total expansion slots; three VESA local bus slots with separate clock speed control; 8MB RAM, expandable to 128MB; a 340 MB 13 millisecond (ms) IDE hard disk, expandable to 12GB; a 1.2MB 5.25-inch or 1.44MB 3.5-inch Teac floppy disk drive; S3805 local bus graphics accelerator with 1MB RAM, expandable to 2MB; a 15-inch non-interlaced SuperVGA (1280 by 1024) color monitor with .28 dot pitch, 70 hertz refresh rate; a tower chassis with 250 watt UL power supply; six drive bays; 101 key Mitsumi enhanced AT keyboard; one parallel, one game and two serial ports; and Microsoft DOS 5.0 or 6.0.
(Ian Stokell/19930924/Press Contact: Richard McCabe 415-543-3111, Lightning Computers)
t: Richard McCabe 415-543-3111, Lightning Computers)
9/24/93
Lightning Intros Low-Cost Pentium Local Bus System
McAfee Backs Out Of ButtonWare A
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Just two months after signing a letter of intent to acquire database developer ButtonWare Inc., McAfee Associates Inc., says it has terminated acquisition discussions.
McAfee says that, despite the termination of discussions with ButtonWare, the company plans to "continue its diversification program aimed at developing and acquiring products ideally suited to its strong electronic distribution infrastructure."
At the time of the July acquisition announcement, Phil Talsky spokesman for McAfee, told Newsbytes that, in terms of a finalized deal, "We expect it to close within 45 working days." He also said "It is really just a matter of completing the due diligence."
Talsky also told Newsbytes at the time that, "We are really excited by their new Windows product - ButtonFile - and their Windows technology in general. We clearly recognize that Windows is where everybody needs to be, and we are increasing our base of Windows technology."
McAfee Associates, develops, markets and distributes general purpose personal computer utilities and network software designed for electronic distribution. Its products include anti-virus software which are distributed electronically through a network of bulletin boards, CompuServe, America Online, Internet and through a network of 180 authorized agents who provide local sales and technical support.
(Ian Stokell/19930924/Press Contact: Phil Talsky 408-980-3629, McAfee Associates)
Phil Talsky 408-980-3629, McAfee Associates)
9/24/93
McAfee Backs Out Of ButtonWare Acquisition
BUSINESS
New Bulgaria Phone Network Opens
SOFIA, BULGARIA, 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- A joint venture between the Bulgarian Telecoms Company (BTC) and Dutch Telecom will take off next week when the Business Star network opens for business in Sofia, Bulgaria.
The Business Star network aims to offer dial-up international links for phone subscribers in Bulgaria who are fed up with listening to the engaged tone each time they want to make an international call.
The project, which has cost $3 million to get underway, has required the Dutch telecom company to run a series of international circuits from its own international network across to Sofia and to offer local business and well-off residential subscribers the facility to dial a special number, enter an access code, and be greeted with a Dutch international dialtone.
When the service opens for business next week, there will be 480 international circuits available for callers. Subject to initial demand, plans are in hand to boost the number of lines dramatically if required.
According to BTC, the quality of the circuits available on the Business Star network is as good as in Western Europe. This compares, Newsbytes notes, with the crackly quality of the usually analog circuits available through the state telecom company in Bulgaria.
(Sylvia Dennis/19930924/Press & Public Contact: Bulgarian Telecoms Company - Tel: +359-2-885792)
arian Telecoms Company - Tel: +359-2-885792)
9/24/93
New Bulgaria Phone Network Opens Next Week
TELECOM
Compaq Donation To Aid Endangere
MUNICH, GERMANY, 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Claiming to reinforce its international commitment to environmental issues, Compaq Computer has announced it is making a contribution to the African Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).
According to Compaq, the contribution, made through the company's European, Middle Eastern, and African division based in Munich provides computer hardware and software used to track endangered species and the illegal trade in animals and their skins and tusks. The contribution is valued at more than $35,000.
"Compaq has initiated well-defined strategies on environmental issues for several years now," explained Joe McNally, vice-president of Compaq. "For example, last autumn our worldwide manufacturing plants eliminated chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) well ahead of government regulatory schedules."
"We also undertake on-going environmental programs including energy conservation, recycling, waste reduction and the integration of environmental considerations into product design. Our support of the EWT is another avenue for our support for environmental efforts," he said.
According to McNally, in the Southern African region, the EWT is taking a leading role in the struggle against the destruction of species and ecosystems, with programs that include the involvement of local citizens. The EWT claims to provide jobs and training in wildlife management, making communities shareholders in their own environmental planning.
The EWT is active in Southern and Central Africa, with projects spanning Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, Malawi, South Africa Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho. The organization is a member of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and is a non-profit non-government organization, active in conservation since 1973.
Compaq computers are being used by EWT for numerous projects including EWT working groups and field operation administration of rhinos, dolphins and wild dogs. The PCs will also form an integral component in the management of information by the international TRAFFIC (Trade Record Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce) network, the world's largest monitoring group of the illegal trade in live animals, rhino horns and elephant tusks, Compaq claims.
Dr John Ledger, the EWT's director, said that there is an enormous amount of essential environmental data available, but the information is only as good as the EWT's ability to access that information.
"Since the donation of the Compaq computers, our office has been able to create the largest database of wildlife trade information on the African continent," he said
Equipment donated to the EWT by Compaq includes a Systempro/LT server, a variety of Deskpro and Prolinea desktop machines, and four Contura notebook PCs. Various software packages, including DOS Windows, Excel, Powerpoint, Word for Windows, Access and Microsoft Mail, have also been donated.
(Sylvia Dennis/19930924/Press & Public Contact: Compaq Deutschland Tel: +49-89-99330)
tact: Compaq Deutschland Tel: +49-89-99330)
9/24/93
Compaq Donation To Aid Endangered Species
TRENDS
Siemens Buys Into Two Polish Com
WARSAW, POLAND, 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Siemens of Germany has acquired an 80 percent stake in Elwro and Zwut, two Polish telecom equipment manufacturers.
Elwro is based in Wroclaw, and is an electronics manufacturing and component assembler. Zwut is a telephone exchange manufactured based in Warsaw.
Like many technology companies in Poland, Elwro and Zwut have hit hard times as they have struggled to meet full order books that require them to commit a large proportion of their income to upgrade their factories. This task has not been helped by free floating Zloty, the Polish currency, on the foreign exchange markets.
Announcing the investments, Polish Privatization Minister Janusz Lewandowski said that Siemens' investment gave the German electronics company access both to the technologies of the two companies, as well as to the Polish telecom marketplace.
"We are finalizing a wide ranging privatization program aimed at putting order into our telecommunications market," he said.
(Sylvia Dennis/19930924)
," he said.
(Sylvia Dennis/19930924)
9/24/93
Siemens Buys Into Two Polish Companies
BUSINESS
UK - Sonix ISDN Terminal Adapter
CIRCENCESTER, GLOS, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Sonix, the communications company, has unveiled what it claims is its first wave of integrated services digital network (ISDN) products to come out of its analog-to-digital migration strategy.
The products, which include high-performance internal and external terminal adapters, have been designed to maximize the price and performance benefits of ISDN, the company claims, while at the same time give users the minimum culture shock when it comes to swapping their technologies.
The Volante ISDN, Canzona ISDN and Volante ISDN PC all have modem style interfaces which makes them plug-compatible with the company's existing range of modems. Modem-like features have been added to the units, such as V.42Bis error correction and data compression which Sonix claims boosts data throughput over an ISDN channel from 64,000 to a possible 115,200 bits per second. There is also a customized version of Sonix' Intro modem installation software bundled with the units.
"Our philosophy is quite simple," explained Bob Jones, Sonix' managing director. "We see ISDN as a logical extension of the existing analog network, so we've designed the products to look like modems."
"As far as the user is concerned, they behave like modems -- they transmit and receive data over the public switched telephone network just like modems, only they do it an awful lot faster. The set-up time is much quicker and transmission is practically error-free," he told Newsbytes.
Jones said that users are people for whom high speed and reliability are essential. It's these people, he claimed, that will find ISDN a serious opportunity.
The UKP 995 Volante ISDN is a high performance ISDN terminal adapter with a synchronous and asynchronous data port, as well as a single voice port for conventional phones and other telecom devices to plug into. The UKP 795 Canzona ISDN unit, meanwhile, is a similarly specified unit, but without the analog port.
The UKP 895 Volante ISDN PC is an internal PC adapter card with two data ports and a full voice port socket.
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- British Telecom (BT) has unveiled its first ISDN telephone, the DP2000. The unit includes an enhanced V.24 terminal adapter and a conventional phone socket to plug phones, faxes and modems in as normal.
According to BT, the arrival of the DP2000 presents businesses with a cost-effective method of achieving high speed data communications across ISDN between computers. It also allows non-ISDN office equipment to be plugged easily into the ISDN network.
BT also claims that ISDN enables companies to take advantage of fast and accurate voice, data, text and image transfer, as well as features such as calling line identity (CLI), fast call connection and call barring. The advantage of the DP2000, BT says, is that it helps firms cut phone costs, save time, and improve efficiency.
Announcing the UKP 699 phone, Richard Ibbotson, Hewlett-Packard's planning and network implementation manager, who participated in the trials and development of the unit, was enthusiastic.
"The DP2000 lets us connect remote PCs to the office network for teleworking, which cuts travel time and increases productivity and therefore we gain maximum benefit from ISDN lines," he said.
As a special offer, BT is selling three or more DP2000 phones at a discount on the retail price of UKP 699.
From: Broderbund Software, P.O.Box 6125, Novato, CA 94948 (415) 382-4700
Price: $39.95
PUMA rating: 3.75 (on a scale of 1-4, 4 being highest)
Reviewed for Newsbytes by: Naor Wallach
Summary: An addendum to the KidPix program that adds many new twists and innovations in addition to more activities.
=======
REVIEW
=======
KidPix is a very good program. So how does one make it better? Broderbund's answer is to make an additional product called KidPix Companion which gives the purchaser an expansion to KidPix in both additional rubber stamps and other KidPix elements, as well as additional capabilities and functionality.
First, there are 112 new rubber stamps and 19 new hidden pictures. Both of these sets can be swapped in and out of KidPix at will. Then comes the new stuff. DrawMe generates ideas for kids to try to draw. For instance: "I'm a singing mermaid in a spooky graveyard and I hate mayonnaise, Uggghhh!!!" Every time you invoke the DrawMe function, a new phrase is created. Each part of the phrase is spoken by a different voice which gives intonations to the words in such a way as to make it more lively.
ColorMe is a set of 17 predrawn pictures in the form of line art drawings. Wacky TV displays QuickTime movies within KidPix. This is more than just a QuickTime viewer. One of the more fun capabilities is that you can leave the image on the screen sans the viewer itself. The movie will play itself but no one need know how that happens!
The biggest addition and improvement is a totally new program called SlideShow. Slide Show allows you to create a set of drawings and have them displayed, one after another while your voice is on a soundtrack. In other words, you can create your own stories and play them back at any time.
KidPix Companion comes on 4 diskettes. These diskettes are accompanied by a 44-page manual, a product registration card, and a kit of coupons and information on Broderbund's Kids Club. The installation process takes about 10 minutes or so as the files are stored on the disks in a compressed form. KidPix Companion will also eat up about 3-4 MB of hard disk space. The manual is very clearly written and well illustrated.
After installing the program, I discovered that each of the additions is worthwhile and simply fun. The addition of so many things made for several hours of investigation and play, and that was even before I called the kids over!
I am very impressed with the program. Many of the mail order catalogs that I have seen advertise both programs in the same space. Both those and the software stores that I frequent have run occasional promotions in which the price of both products is substantially reduced. If you have not bought KidPix yet, my recommendation would be to buy both at the same time and install the Companion once you've mastered the basic program. If you already own the basic program then do go and buy the Companion. It's worth it.
=============
PUMA RATINGS
=============
PERFORMANCE: 4 The program works flawlessly. If you didn't know that you installed a totally new program, you would not notice the additions.
USEFULNESS: 4 It adds a lot to an already rich basic program.
MANUAL: 4 In typical Broderbund style, the manual is thorough clear, and well illustrated.
AVAILABILITY: 3 Widely available from mail order and software stores. Has been heavily advertised and promoted. Broderbund does not maintain a toll-free technical support number though.
(Naor Wallach/19930731/Karen Omholt, Broderbund)
lach/19930731/Karen Omholt, Broderbund)
9/24/93
Review of - KidPix Companion, For Mac
APPLE
REVIEW
Review of - US History On CD-ROM
Runs on: MS-DOS computers with CD-ROM drive, Microsoft Extensions version 2.0 or later, a minimum of 640K RAM memory and DOS 3.1 or later. A hard drive is not needed but recommended and display of images requires a 640 x 480 x 256 VGA monitor.
From: Bureau Development, Inc., 141 New Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Voice 201-808-2700; fax 201-808-2676.
Price: $395
PUMA Rating: 4 on a scale 1=lowest to 4=highest
Reviewed for Newsbytes by: Rick Bender
Summary: US History on CD-ROM is an good reference resource for writers, students, or researchers, providing easy access to indexed articles from 107 books on US history written by various authors.
======
Review
======
US History on CD-ROM can help you find articles and chapters from books dealing with almost any subject related to American History, from the Revolutionary War to recent Constitutional battles over the right to disconnect life support.
The database consists of text broken up into chapters with a list of short summaries at the beginning of the chapters corresponding to different ideas or concepts. US History allows you to search through individual chapters or the whole database for all the occurrences of a word, title, author, or subject with the "search" feature. This is very helpful if, for example, you want to determine the various roles Spain has played in US history or if you want to fully explore the impact of Lewis and Clark's journeys into the untamed West.
As well as the search feature, users can "browse" the database for words, titles, authors, or subjects of interest, then pick which to view. A similar task can be performed with the "Contents" option, which lumps all the data into a dozen or so broad categories, such as "Science and Its Effect on Society" or "American People." These categories are then subdivided into increasingly specific subheadings and chapters.
As far as the writing is concerned, the included books are all well written but the style varies with the various authors, with lots of description and some personal accounts; most of the text reads more like a long magazine article than a book or textbook and most of these books on CD-ROM are more enjoyable to read than the average college textbooks in use today.
A nice feature of the CD-ROM is the placement of pictograph highlights throughout the text, allowing the user to see, in crude fashion, where the explorations of Lewis and Clark took them or what a ten-gallon hat worn by early Western explorers looked like. The graphics were of sufficient quality to see the hat, pistol, and trap in the second example, but not good enough to completely make out the trails taken by the two explorers in the second example. A SVGA .028 MM dot pitch monitor to review this software.
Although US History does not have voice capabilities, the text is well-written and makes good reading. I would recommend this database CD-ROM to anyone who needs quick access to general information about US history and anything involved with it.
===========
PUMA Rating
===========
PERFORMANCE: 4 Easy to use, and powerful enough for most users.
USEFULNESS: 3 Useful for general research and reading, but may will not help in statistical research.
MANUAL: 4 Clear and easy to follow.
AVAILABILITY: 4 Mail order direct through the publisher or other CD-ROM dealers.
(Rick Bender/19930611/Press Contact: Larry Shiller, Bureau Development, 201-808-2700 voice or 201-808-2676 fax)
08-2700 voice or 201-808-2676 fax)
9/24/93
Review of - US History On CD-ROM
REVIEW
Latest On Viacom-QVC-Paramount
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- For the first time, a baseball pennant race has gotten into the middle of a major takeover deal. Or so says Ted Turner, who said he wouldn't get into the Viacom-Paramount-QVC takeover battle while his Atlanta Braves continue their pursuit of a World Series title.
Viacom, controlled by Boston billionaire Sumner Redstone, agreed on September 12 to buy Paramount, which also owns computer book publisher Prentice-Hall, trade book publisher Simon & Schuster the Paramount movie studio, and other assets, for 1/10th of a share of its voting stock and 9/10th of a share of its non-voting stock for each share of Paramount common. Earlier this week, QVC bid almost 9/10th of a share of its stock, plus $30 cash, for the company.
Most analysts called the Turner statement disingenuous at best noting that Turner's company has been unable to line up financing for a bid. A "Wall Street Journal" cartoon on the battle had earlier drawn Turner dumping a coin from an otherwise empty purse. As to the validity of the claim itself, the Braves are currently 2 1/2 games ahead of the San Francisco Giants in the National League's Western Division, but face a three-game series at the home park of the Philadelphia Phillies, their likely opponent in the National League Championship Series. It's the closest of US baseball's four pennant races.
Meanwhile, Viacom Inc., filed suit against QVC's higher bid for Paramount, alleging it's part of a conspiracy by Tele Communications Inc. head John Malone, the nation's largest cable operator, to monopolize the cable industry. Malone, through TCI owns 22.5 percent of Turner Broadcasting and is also chairman of Liberty Media, which owns a controlling stake in QVC and other cable programming networks. Suits are common in takeover battles and QVC is expected to, in time, sue Viacom over elements in its Paramount agreement guaranteeing it a huge profit if the deal doesn't get done. In time, Viacom is expected to raise its own bid, valued at $7.74 billion based on the recent price of its stock. Based on its own stock price, QVC's bid is estimated to be worth $10.1 billion.
Speculation continues about the entry of one of the regional Bell companies into the fray. Bell Atlantic has said it won't be part of a bid, and attention has turned to Ameritech, which is based in Chicago. Other potential bidders which have yet to be heard from include Capital Cities/ABC, Cox Enterprises and Blockbuster Entertainment.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930924)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930924)
9/24/93
Latest On Viacom-QVC-Paramount
TELECOM
More On FCC's PCN Pocket Phone D
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- The Federal Communications Commission's decision on microwave-based phones called personal communication systems or PCSs and linked into personal communication networks or PCNs, continued to draw mainly favorable reaction.
Essentially, the FCC majority tried to divide this billion-dollar baby in half, dividing 200 MHz of available frequency into many parts to be given out on different bases. Acting FCC Chairman James Quello had earlier predicted a compromise that would keep everyone equally unhappy.
The government hopes for $10.2 in license fees from a spectrum auction on PCN, based on the fact that the cellular industry has grown to serve 11 million people and bringing $8.2 billion in revenue since it started 10 years ago, and the fact that this auction will involve more spectrum with more potential uses. PCN equipment will be digital from the start, and offer paging, data and fax services.
A copy of the decision, obtained by Newsbytes, shows a number of different-sized frequency bands to be handed out under different rules. Two blocks of 30 MHz each will be given out on a wide geographic basis. Another five spectrum blocks, one at 20 MHz and the others at 10 MHz each, will be given out on a smaller geographic basis. And there are two unlicensed frequency bands of 20 MHz each, similar to those now used by cordless phones but including a data-only block. Licenses would be for 10 years, and renewal would be like that for existing cellular licenses.
Existing cellular licensees, including the regional Bell companies, can compete for the new licenses outside their existing cellular service areas. Two of the blocks to be given out on narrow geographic bounds will feature favorable terms for small and minority businesses.
Commissioner Andrew Barrett, a Reagan appointee, called the decision too complex, and the barriers to entry into direct competition with existing cellular providers too high, and voted against the rules. The Commission majority, consisting of Quello and Commissioner Ervin Duggan, replied that the rules will allow different visions of the new technology to prosper, from national and regional systems to on-campus wireless phone systems. Other critics charged that the spectrum blocks are too narrow to offer serious competition to existing operators.
Who won? Equipment makers may be able to get the gear into the hands of consumers as early as 1995. Existing cellular operators were not denied entrance into the business, and Tom Wheeler president of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, which serves those interests, called it a "good decision" in a press statement. But Ameritech Vice Chairman Louis Rutigliano offered a dissent, saying limits on the amount of spectrum his company can use may limit the services it can offer.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- The move to DOS/V has become something of a stampede as Toshiba has become the latest PC manufacturer to release a DOS/V system. Toshiba's PC line has until now been based on Japanese MS-DOS.
Toshiba is currently selling the notebook-type Japanese J-3100 and its English equivalent, the T-3100 family. These PCs were initially developed to support MS-DOS. They can operate programs written for the DOS/V system, but are not completely compatible. Some DOS/V programs won't run at all, or they cannot operate printers.
Toshiba already released a PC with MS-DOS 5.0/V in July. A DOS/V PC will follow it in October. It will have a switch which changes it from a DOS/V to an MS-DOS system. In this way, the firm will be able to support current J-3100 users.
Toshiba's full support of DOS/V system is good news for IBM Japan which now can expect more software to be developed for DOS/V systems. IBM Japan has lobbied hard for this moment. The company organized a DOS/V group called Open Architecture Developers' Group and most PC makers in Japan joined. Through this group, IBM Japan provides DOS/V technical assistance and update information to encourage development of DOS/V-compatible PCs and software.
HERNDON, VIRGINIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Sprint said it will test the US Order ScanFone service with its local phone customers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania starting next month.
The Scanfone is a device that lets consumers pay bills and shop from catalogs using a simplified interface. Such "screen-based telephones" have been around for years, but they've been hampered by their limited functionality.
Early this year Bellcore, the research arm of the regional Bell companies, proposed a standard called the American Display Systems Interface or ADSI that would combine services like Caller ID with services like those performed by the Scanfone.
But few information providers have taken to ADSI, saying the resulting phones are too expensive and the technology too limiting on them. Some potential service providers have also complained that the ADSI interface, while fine for phone company services like Caller ID, is very limiting on other types of data.
US Order officials have also said in the past that a price point of $200 is important for screen phones to succeed in the market. The Scanfones being used in the new test are not ADSI-compatible a US Order spokesman told Newsbytes, and will thus be priced low.
The new market test will be backed by television, direct mail and other advertising. Consumers will be able to use the phones to access their bank balances through bank teller machine networks pay bills by scanning bar codes, and schedule regular monthly payments like mortgage and car loans.
This is the second big win in two months for US Order. In August BellSouth said it would test ADSI-based screenphones from US Order in conjunction with First Tennessee Bank in Nashville hoping to roll that directly into a commercial service.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930924/Press Contact: Elizabeth England, for US Order, 212-979-9645)
US Order, 212-979-9645)
9/24/93
New Scanfone Test Set
TELECOM
Lotus Unveils Notes For Solaris
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Lotus Development has finally come through with a Unix version of Notes, its workgroup development software. Notes for Sun Solaris SPARC Release 3 is to be available within 90 days, according to the company.
The Solaris release was one of three Unix versions of Notes promised for this year. In February, Lotus said it was working on Notes for Solaris, Hewlett-Packard Co.'s HP-UX, and Santa Cruz Operation Inc.'s Open Desktop. Work on these is still under way and the company is not ready to say when they will be available a spokesman said.
Notes for Sun Solaris SPARC supports the Open Software Foundation's Motif user interface and the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networking standard. The Solaris version is meant to work with Notes Release 3 clients running on Microsoft Windows, OS/2, and the Apple Computer Macintosh, as well as X Terminal clients. An optional Simple Message Transfer Protocol (SMTP) gateway, with support also for Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME), will let users of Notes mail and Unix mail exchange messages.
Though it is really the first version of Notes for Solaris, the software is called Release 3 for consistency with versions on other operating systems, a practice that is becoming more common in the industry. Lotus officials said the Solaris version has all the features added to Notes on other systems with Release 3.
Notes for Solaris is one of two new Lotus products that use Link Embed and Launch-to-edit (LEL), Lotus-developed software that is analogous to Microsoft's Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) technology in Windows. It lets one application call another to work with data that came from the second application originally.
Notes for Solaris and the just-announced Ami Pro for HP-UX are the first applications to support LEL, said company spokeswoman Michelle Goguen. Other Lotus applications for Unix, such as the 1-2-3 spreadsheet, do not support LEL yet, but the goal is that not only Lotus but third-party software will conform to it in future.
Lotus said LEL is compatible with OLE. For instance, if a Windows user embedded an Ami Pro document into Lotus Notes using OLE, a Notes user in Unix could then launch Ami Pro under Unix using LEL just as a Windows user might have launched Ami Pro for Windows using OLE.
Notes for Sun Solaris SPARC will cost $495 per license. The SMTP Gateway will sell separately and will be shipping "soon," Lotus said. International English, Australian English, German, French Italian, and Spanish versions of Notes for Solaris will ship later this year and in early 1994, according to the vendor.
(Grant Buckler/19930923/Press Contact: Diane Horak or Meryl Franzman, McGlinchey & Paul for Lotus, 617-862-4514; Public Contact: Lotus, 800-346-1305)
lic Contact: Lotus, 800-346-1305)
9/24/93
Lotus Unveils Notes For Solaris
Canadian Regulators May Ban Reco
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Machines that dial telephone numbers automatically and play recorded sales pitches could soon be banned from all but a few uses in most of Canada.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), which regulates telecommunications across most of the country, has asked for public comment on a proposed ruling that would limit the machines -- known technically as automatic dialing-announcing devices (ADADs) -- to use for product recalls and by public service organizations.
It appears resistance to the move may be very limited. The Canadian Direct Marketing Association (CDMA), which represents companies that sell their products through direct mail and telephone solicitation, favors the ban. Scott McLellan communications manager for the CDMA, told Newsbytes it has been the organization's view for a long time that "ADADs are an inappropriate form of commercial solicitation and we are happy to see the CRTC take measures to get rid of them."
The devices do have some legitimate uses, he said, but "when they are used as they have been used to date for commercial solicitation, they have created an unreasonable level of consumer irritation."
Rosalie Todd of the Consumers' Association of Canada said her organization is "very pleased" with the proposal. The association has had many complaints about the devices, she said, adding that "I personally cannot stand them."
Todd added, though, that her group might suggest loosening the proposed rules in a few ways. For instance, the CRTC's proposal appears to rule out retailers using ADADs to notify customers when their orders are ready to be picked up. Todd said that seems like a reasonable use of the machines.
Under the CRTC's proposed rules, police, fire departments schools, hospitals and other such organizations would still be allowed to use ADADs for emergency or administrative purposes. Commercial organizations would be able to use them only to notify customers of safety-related product recalls. Nobody would be allowed to use them to sell anything, or for solicitation of any kind, including charity.
There are existing restrictions on ADAD use, but they have been widely flouted. They include limits on the hours during which the devices can be used, a prohibition against sequential or random dialing meant to ensure unlisted numbers are not called, and a requirement that every message begin by identifying the caller the nature of the call, and the fact that the call can be ended by hanging up. Lise Plouffe, a CRTC spokeswoman, admitted the rules have been hard to enforce.
The CRTC is asking for comments on the proposed rule by November 15. The regulatory body said it would consider alternatives to its proposal if those making the suggestions can show why their approach would be better than the CRTC's and that it would effectively protect consumers against the inconvenience and nuisance caused by ADADs.
(Grant Buckler/19930923/Press Contact: Bill Allen, CRTC 819-997-0313, fax 819-994-0218)
Contact: Bill Allen, CRTC 819-997-0313, fax 819-994-0218)
9/24/93
Canadian Regulators May Ban Recorded-Message Soliciting
TELECOM
Editorial - Stop The Invasion Of
TORONTO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- By Grant Buckler. With Canada in the midst of an election and no less than six political parties trying to out-promise each other, it's ironic that the one really good bit of news out of Ottawa this week is that federal telecom regulators are on the verge of banning automatic dialing-announcing devices (ADADs).
ADAD is the technical name for a machine that dials your phone number from a preprogrammed list, by just working its way through the possible numbers for a given area, or at random. When you answer it plays a recorded message. There are other names for these machines, most of them unprintable. They are one of the worst examples of what happens when technology becomes a tool for those who regard other people as no more than raw material to help them meet sales targets.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) would be right to ban their use for all but emergency purposes. So would telecommunications regulators everywhere.
Canada has tried, unsuccessfully, to limit the ADAD's intrusion into people's lives by putting some conditions on its use. But many users of the devices have not followed the rules. They use random and sequential dialing, which results not only in calls to unlisted numbers -- for which many people have paid specifically to avoid having their privacy invaded -- but to businesses and institutions with multiple lines receiving call after call from the same machine as it works through their sequences of numbers.
Some users of the machines not only have not identified themselves according to the rules but have deliberately misled the people they call. And some have placed calls outside the allowable hours.
By their actions, many ADAD users have shown they cannot be trusted with the technology. But even if the existing rules were followed to the letter, they are not enough.
Today's rules require that the phone-robots identify themselves at the beginning of the call. But by the time you pick up the phone to hear that identification, you may already have dashed in from outside, turned off the movie you were watching, or climbed dripping out of the bathtub. Today's rules say the automated calls must be made during certain hours. But many people work hours other than nine to five, and may go to sleep in the early evening or not get out of bed until mid-afternoon. And a growing number of people, this writer included, work from home and rely heavily on the telephone to do their jobs.
These machines simply should not be used, except where the need to get information out overrides the right to privacy -- which primarily means use by public agencies.
And there's more. Technology has not created the problem; it has only allowed our privacy to be invaded more efficiently. Along with ADADs, regulators should ban all telephone solicitation except calls to individuals who have previously -- by giving their phone numbers to the organization doing the calling indicated an interest in what that organization has to say.
Yes, that will stop businesses from using the telephone to prospect for new customers. It will stop charities from using the phone to prospect for new donors. Fine. They can use other means the mail, billboards, print and television advertising that do not force themselves on us and interrupt what we are doing.
Our homes are our own private spaces. Our telephones are a service for which we pay. And we are individuals, not faceless buying-machines at the beck and call of a random number generator.
(Grant Buckler/19930923)
ndom number generator.
(Grant Buckler/19930923)
9/24/93
Editorial - Stop The Invasion Of The Phone Robots
EDITORIAL
TELECOM
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Editorial - Stop The Invasion Of
Lotus To Manufacture For Powerso
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Lotus Development Corp. has announced its North Reading, Massachusetts plant will manufacture software for Powersoft Corp., in what might be the beginning of a series of contract manufacturing deals. Lotus also announced plans to expand its head office in Cambridge while closing another office in the city.
Lotus' North Reading plant is to take over manufacturing of PowerBuilder 3.0, a client/server development tool, and Powersoft's Enterprise series of software.
A spokeswoman for Lotus denied the deal was made to use up surplus capacity at the plant. However, she said no new hiring is planned at the North Reading location as a result of the deal.
Lotus also said its relationship with PowerSoft could expand in future to include manufacturing at its plant in Dublin as well.
The North Reading plant makes a wide variety of Lotus software. The Powersoft products will not account for a large percentage of its output, the company spokeswoman said.
Lotus also said it will close its office at 55 Cambridge Parkway in Cambridge, expand its office at One Rogers Street in Cambridge and move 300 office employees from 55 Cambridge Parkway to North Reading.
The shift of office workers from Cambridge to North Reading is not connected with the Powersoft agreement, the spokeswoman said.
Lotus plans to begin construction this fall on an addition to the building it owns at One Rogers St., to be ready for use in 1995. The company said this is one of a series of moves taken over the past few years to cut facilities costs. The change will also bring sales, marketing, development, and headquarters operations into one building, which Lotus said it expects will improve communications among the groups.
(Grant Buckler/19930924/Press Contact: Bryan Simmons, Lotus Development, 617-693-1697; David Grip, Victor Cruz, Lauren Lampinen, or Peter Bartolik, McGlinchey & Paul for Lotus 617-862-4514)
Peter Bartolik, McGlinchey & Paul for Lotus 617-862-4514)
9/24/93
Lotus To Manufacture For Powersoft, Consolidate Offices
BUSINESS
@ j N
Unix Expo - UnixWare To Abound,
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Shrinkwrapped UnixWare applications will ultimately be as readily available in retail stores as Windows and Macintosh software is today predicted Bob Davis, vice president of marketing for Novell's new Unix Systems Group, in a shared keynote at Unix Expo.
In remarks that followed a preface by Ray Noorda, Novell's president and CEO, Davis outlined a strategy for UnixWare that involves building a standard "open" operating system that integrates the capabilities of NetWare and Unix SVR4.2 MP, is licensed to outside vendors for Intel and well as non-Intel platforms, and receives high volume distribution.
Novell's recent purchase of the Unix Systems Laboratories (USL) and the integration of NetWare with USL's Unix SVR4.2 MP, are driven by customers' needs for a "confluence of Unix and networking," said Noorda.
In the 1990s and beyond, vendors must meet customers' demands for an networked operating environment that brings together multivendor equipment of the customer's choice, he maintained. Mainframes and minicomputers will continue to play strong roles but desktop operating environments will show the greatest growth said Noorda. "Our job is to handle that situation," he stated.
Stepping to the podium next, Davis said that upcoming versions of UnixWare will unite the Unix SVR4.2 MP microkernel with the Directory Services of NetWare 4.0, TCP/IP, and network management "such as SNMP."
Through the Directory Services, users will be able to access systems information about the Unix environment as well as NetWare, according to Davis.
Novell will release an edition of UnixWare that runs on symmetrical multiprocessors at the beginning of 1994, he said. Directory Services will become available for UnixWare in mid 1994, he added. Also in the future, networked imaging and telephony applications will become available.
Novell also intends to make UnixWare an "open" environment, said Davis. "A lot of what's been written has suggested that our intention is to make Unix proprietary, to close it down, to control it. But that is not the case," he asserted.
Through partnerships with Intel and non-Intel OEMs, Novell will license UnixWare in binary as well as source code form, he added.
"We (also) have the desire to drive the unification standard for the industry. We have the desire to work with an industry body to ensure (the existence) of common applications across implementations of Unix," he stated.
A new UnixWare brand logo, to appear on shrink-wrapped UnixWare compliant software from Novell and other vendors, will "assure that UnixWare is an implementation of Unix that will work not only on UnixWare but across other implementations of Unix," according to Davis.
Retail stores today are teeming with Windows and Macintosh applications, while Unix applications are usually available only on special order. In the future, UnixWare-branded software will be as plentiful as Windows and Macintosh applications on the retail shelves, he noted.
In addition to enabling the development of shrink-wrapped UnixWare software, Novell will allow users to create custom applications through the AppWare development environment announced in June.
"Mission critical applications are important, but we'd also like to see personal productivity applications on Unix that aren't just ports from the Microsoft Windows environment. (These applications) will the first time take full advantage of the growing power on the desktop," Davis told the audience.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930923/Press contacts: Annie Sculley, Bruno Blenheim Inc., tel 800-829-3976, ext 145; Mark Haviland, Bruno Blenheim, tel 800-829-3976, ext 152)
and, Bruno Blenheim, tel 800-829-3976, ext 152)
9/24/93
Unix Expo - UnixWare To Abound, Says Keynoter
Smart Highways For Wisconsin, Il
MADISON, WISCONSIN, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Three Midwestern states are joining forces to develop a smart highway system that they hope will reduce congestion and improve mobility.
Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana are developing the "Intelligent Vehicle Highways System" to make the Gary to Chicago to Milwaukee corridor a marvel of high technology monitoring and traffic systems controlled by computers. "We are trying to merge our information highway system with our concrete highway systems to determine how our traffic flow is operating," said Phil DeCabooter Wisconsin Department of Transportation coordinator for the advanced traffic management system. DeCabooter says the initial $9 million phase of the system is scheduled to be operational in the Milwaukee area by August 1994.
The "smart highway" will use sophisticated monitoring equipment and traffic signals on highway entrance ramps to regulate the flow of traffic in the corridor. In the Milwaukee area, pavement and overhead microwave vehicle detectors and 14 closed-circuit video cameras will be mounted on 45-foot poles to monitor the highway for wrecks and stalled vehicles.
Officials believe the monitors will allow them to respond more quickly to traffic bottlenecks. "We won't have to wait for someone to call us if there is a problem in the corridor. It will lessen reaction time and ease congestion," according to DeCabooter.
The three-state program will be directed by an executive committee composed of the chief executive officers of the Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana departments of transportation, and a representative of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Nationwide four "smart highway" corridors are in development. In addition to the Gary-Chicago- Milwaukee system, other corridors are being developed in southern California; Houston, Texas; and the I-95 corridor from Maryland to Connecticut. Officials say selection of the test areas was made based on traffic density, ozone population, limited space for highway expansion, transportation facilities, and complex traffic patterns.
(Jim Mallory/19930924/Press contact: Phil DeCabooter, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 608-266-2910)
sconsin Department of Transportation, 608-266-2910)
9/24/93
Smart Highways For Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana
Apple Offers Free CD-ROM To Educ
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Storagetek Expects $25M Operatin
J LOUISVILLE, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Storage Technology Corporation (Storagetek) said this week its third quarter results will be lower than expected and it will cut some 200 jobs as part of its cost reduction.
Most of the lost jobs will be in midrange operations and redundancies that occurred when the field maintenance forces of Storagetek and XL/Datacomp were merged last month. At the end of June the company employed about 10,000 people worldwide. Storagetek operates manufacturing facilities in Colorado, Florida, Puerto Rico and Great Britain.
The company, which has been plagued by several delays in the release of its long-awaited "Iceberg" mainframe disk drive array, said it expects to show a loss from ongoing operations of about $25 million for the third quarter. Storagetek attributed that mostly to a shortfall in midrange data storage system revenue and margins.
The company will also take a one-time restructuring charge and other charges that will total about $80 million for the third quarter. Storagetek expects to release the specific results of the period in mid-October.
Storagetek reiterated its pronouncement that accompanied the release of second quarter results, saying it has been refocusing its energies in the midrange business. "Our midrange business will be smaller, but we expect it to have greater profit potential," according to Ryal Poppa, Storagetek chairman, president and CEO. "Our goal is to improve profitability for the corporation as a whole while we complete the major developmental projects currently underway."
Those developmental projects include Iceberg and Nordique. Iceberg has been delayed several times, apparently due to difficulties in completing compatibility between the hardware and software. Iceberg is presently up and running in Storagetek's data center and is undergoing user testing. Silverton, a 36-tape storage subsystem became generally available right on schedule earlier this week, and Storagetek expects it to be an important revenue producer starting this year.
Poppa said the cost reduction measures being taken are expected to yield benefits of more than $10 million in the fourth quarter of 1993 and about $40 million during 1994.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- This week's tenth annual Unix Expo marked the third annual presentation of the International Award for Excellence in Open Systems.
John Brown PLC, London, England, and Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp., Burlington, NJ, tied for this year's prize given to recognize "innovative implementation of open systems computing platforms in enterprise-wide information technology systems."
Previous winners have included American Airlines, K-Mart, and the Department of Planning and Housing in Victoria, Australia, said Gary Donnelly of Donnelly and Associates Inc., nominations committee chair, in handing out the awards.
John Brown PLC, part of Trafalgar House Engineering Division once had nine mainframes, but has no mainframes today, said Donnelly. The company's current network includes 150 Unix servers, 500 CAD workstations, and 5000 PCs, running at 32 sites in 12 countries.
Burlington Coat Factory, which recently recorded more than $1 billion in revenues, has also downsized from a mainframe environment. The company's centralized distribution system provides an information link from headquarters to 200 stores throughout the US for financial results, inventories and style information, promotions, and other needs.
Also at the ceremony, Don Berey was given a special "surprise" award for excellent performance in the job of Unix Expo show manager.
Unix Expo is produced by Blenheim Holdings Inc., and managed by Bruno Blenheim Inc. (BBI) of Fort Lee, NJ. BBI is part of the Blenheim Group PLC, which produces more than 250 conferences and expositions worldwide.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930924/Press contacts: Annie Scully, Bruno Blenheim Inc., tel 800-829-3976, ext 145; Mark Haviland, Bruno Blenheim Inc., tel 800-829-3976, ext 152.
nd, Bruno Blenheim Inc., tel 800-829-3976, ext 152.
9/24/93
Unix Expo - Awards for Excellence In Open Systems
Creative Sues Covox Over Name Of
MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- What's in a name? A lot if you're Singapore, Japan-based Creative Technology. The company is suing Covox, the Eugene, Oregon headquartered subsidiary of Sound Trends, over a similarity in the names of sound products the two companies produce.
Creative Technology makes the Sound Blaster line of audio products for IBM and compatible personal computers (PCs). Covox makes the Voice Master and Sound Master line of PC sound cards. However, Covox recently released voice recognition software that also works with Creative's Sound Blaster product line and is calling the software "Voice Blaster."
Creative Technology officials say calling the Covox product "Voice Blaster" is a misuse of their brand name and a violation of their trademark. While there is some question as to whether or not Creative Technology has a trademark on the "Sound Blaster" name, Creative Technology claims its case is strengthened by Covox's apparent acknowledgement of its trademark on the Voice Blaster packaging. The wording on the Covox Voice Blaster packaging reads: "Sound Blaster and Sound Blaster Pro are trademarks of Creative Labs Inc."
(Linda Rohrbough/19930924/Press Contact: Benita Kenn, Creative Labs, tel 408-428-6600; Charles Saunders, Covox, tel 503-342 1271, fax 503-342-1283)
ders, Covox, tel 503-342 1271, fax 503-342-1283)
9/24/93
Creative Sues Covox Over Name Of Voice Product
Lotus Outlines Messaging Strateg
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Lotus Development plans a cross-platform communications server and a client/server edition of its cc:Mail electronic mail software that will bring more integration between the e-mail software and Lotus' Notes work-group development software. These are highlights of a medium-term communications strategy Lotus outlined to customers at InterChange '93, a conference the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company held in San Francisco this week.
Lotus said its Lotus Communications Server (LCS) will be a cross platform, multi-protocol messaging service based on cc:Mail and Notes technology. There will be a version for the DOS operating system, the company said, plus support for multitasking operating systems such as OS/2, Unix, Windows NT, and Novell's NetWare local area network (LAN) operating system.
LCS will also support Simple Message Transfer Protocol (SMTP) Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME), the X.400 electronic mail interchange standard, and the X.500 e-mail directory standard.
It will continue support for Lotus' Vendor-Independent Messaging standard for mail-enabling applications, and will add support for Microsoft's Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI) and the Common Messaging Calls (CMC) specification proposed by the X.400 Application Program Interface Association (XAPIA) Lotus said.
Lotus described LCS as the backbone of its messaging strategy providing native support for both Notes and cc:Mail messaging protocols.
The company also plans to offer two versions of cc:Mail in the future. One will be the cc:Mail Post Office Edition, which company spokesman Mark McHarry said is essentially the existing cc:Mail with improvements to its database capability. The other will be cc:Mail Client/Server Edition, which will move more of the processing to the desktop computer and will allow unified management of cc:Mail and Notes.
The client/server cc:Mail will use the Notes Object Store -- the message transport used in Notes -- as its message transport. Customers with the client/server edition of cc:Mail will be able to put Notes client software on top of it, McHarry said. "It will be less of a step for them to install Notes if they already have cc:Mail Client/Server."
Customers will be able to manage their cc:Mail and Notes installations together rather than as separate pieces, he added. This move seems to be aimed at criticisms that Lotus's messaging product line is fragmented because cc:Mail and Notes work differently.
The company also said it plans special editions of cc:Mail for use with other vendors' messaging transports, including a cc:Mail HP Open Mail edition, a Novell Message Handling Service (MHS) edition, and editions for public mail transports such as MCI Mail.
Lotus gave no specific dates for releasing the products it discussed at the briefing. McHarry said delivery should be in 12 to 18 months.
Lotus and Attachmate Corp., also announced a joint agreement aimed at creating a real-time, bidirectional scheduling connection between Lotus' Organizer personal information manager for Windows and IBM's mainframe-based Professional Office System (PROFS) and Office Vision/VM calendar system.
The company also said it is trying to improve LAN and wide area network (WAN) management by working with other vendors.
(Grant Buckler/19930924/Press Contact: Mark McHarry, Lotus, 415 335-6786; Betsy Kosheff, Lotus, 413-232-7057; Brenda Nashawaty McGlinchey & Paul for Lotus, 617-862-4514)
chey & Paul for Lotus, 617-862-4514)
9/24/93
Lotus Outlines Messaging Strategy
GENERAL
Laid-Off Apple Executive Sues Co
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 24 (NB) -- Apple Computer is under fire from a member of the company's board of directors whose job has been eliminated as part of the company's restructuring. Albert Eisenstat has filed a lawsuit against Apple and its new chief executive officer (CEO) Michael Spindler, claiming his compensation in leaving the company is too low.
The gist of Eisenstat's suit, according to Apple Computer representatives, is the former executive vice president felt he should have been employed indefinitely. Sixty three-year-old Eisenstat joined Apple in 1980 as general counsel and corporate secretary and was promoted to executive vice president in 1987. Eisenstat was also appointed to the company's board of directors in 1985.
Spindler, appointed as replacement to former CEO John Sculley in June of this year, began restructuring the company in July. As part of the restructuring, an estimated 2,500 employees lost jobs, most of which occurred very soon after Spindler took over. The new CEO has been noted by industry analysts as being the "strong hand" at Apple since his appointment to the board of directors in 1990.
In the new organization Spindler is building, Eisenstat's position is no longer necessary, Apple representatives said. Eisenstat has been one of the highest paid executives in Silicon Valley. His salary in 1992 was $749,164 and he received an additional $760,000 in bonuses between 1990 and 1992. He also owns a number of shares of Apple stock and has stock options as well.
Apple says the suit is factually and legally without merit and intends to defend itself vigorously. Kate Paisley of Apple Computer remarked: "Eisenstat was generously compensated at Apple for many years. He was offered a generous and dignified package in the executive severance program and refused to take it."
The boat has been rocking at Apple since June. The company announced losses due to its restructuring, to the tune of $188.3 million and its stock price plummeted. In July, five insider trading suits were filed against the company and several of its executives, including Spindler. However, the there are bright spots, the brightest of which is enthusiastic consumer acceptance of Apple's newest technology, the handheld Newton Messagepad personal digital assistant (PDA), despite reported problems with the unit.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930924/Press Contact: Kate Paisley, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-5453, fax 408-974-5470)
ple Computer, tel 408-974-5453, fax 408-974-5470)
9/24/93
Laid-Off Apple Executive Sues Company, Spindler
APPLE
Australia - Borland Intros New S
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Borland in Australia while continuing free support for its products, has introduced a three-tier system of paid service and support programs. They are for the single, workgroup, and developer categories.
"While we are committed to continuing unlimited free interactive support on current product versions, these new programs are designed to give users, whatever their level, the kind of support they need," Borland Managing Director Belinda Hanna told Newsbytes. "Our aim is to provide the highest level of support while our markets continue to grow rapidly."
Here is a brief description of the programs. For clarity, prices are shown in approximate US$.
The Customer Connection Program covers all Borland products, costs $33 per year, and offers a member 'Privilege' card; $17 discount on upgrades (direct with Borland); Borland Connection Magazine; toll-free support phone number; priority queuing on support calls; monthly information packs with tips, techniques, and Borland and third-party offers.
Technical Connection Program covers all products and costs $260. It offers everything that Customer Connection does plus enrollees get a regular tech disk with maintenance releases, workarounds and patches; and 20 "incidents of technical support" (which apparently means assistance in writing and debugging code).
Developer Connection Program is product-specific, and as the name suggests, is for the developer who uses Borland's many language and application development products. It costs $470 for the first product and $130 for each additional product. Features include both of the above programs; a Developer Partner Program Binder for the appropriate product (containing technical Q&A, developer conference white papers, locking APIs and file formats, a register of developers); marketing support (access to Borland customers, mailing of developer registry, PR support for products, quarterly developer's forums held in major capital cities); and the Borland Knowledgebase CD.
Free technical support services include: a hotline phone support system for interactive use, installation and configuration; a bulletin board service; a faxback technical support service. Development and programming services are chargeable. These are defined as programming help, code-cutting and debugging, and non-current product support. They are payable by the incident - a ten-minute block costs $13. Customers will be advised when a problem is chargeable and then have the option of discontinuing the call before charges start. Regardless, no charge is levied until the problem is solved.
Casually charged support is usually paid by credit card though blocks of five incidents can be bought for $50. The Technical Connection membership includes 15 free incidents per year (worth $150). Corporate users can also negotiate yearly contracts for development support.
Note: All prices shown above are the approximate equivalent US dollar amounts.
(Paul Zucker/19930902/Press contact: Belinda Hanna on phone +61-2-911 1000 or fax +61-2-911 1011)
nna on phone +61-2-911 1000 or fax +61-2-911 1011)
9/3/93
Australia - Borland Intros New Support Structure
GENERAL
Australia - Laser Printer Breaks
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- An Australian distributor has launched a laser printer at less than the magic AUS$1000 (around US$665) price barrier. The tax-included price is AUS$999.
And perhaps it is a little too good to be true, because there is a catch. The C.Itoh PL4 is a strictly Windows-only laser printer which uses the Windows GDI (graphical device interface) and the computer's processor and memory to handle the printing. That means one needs at least a 386 with 4M of RAM and Windows 3.1 before one has any chance of making it deliver a print.
The PL4 is 300dpi (dots per inch) and produces up to 4 pages per minute. It weighs just under 5kg (11 lb).
Despite the limitations, Ben Wood, marketing manager of distributor Pancorp, believes the price point sets the standard in low-end lasers and expects to shift at least 15,000 units over the 12 months, although availability will be tight for the rest of this year.
(Computer Daily News and Paul Zucker/19930902)
(Computer Daily News and Paul Zucker/19930902)
9/3/93
Australia - Laser Printer Breaks Price Barrier
Sample GSA Schedule Prices
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Whenever you hear about government computer contracts being awarded there is almost always talk of GSA Microcomputer Schedule prices, but people outside the Washington beltway seldom have a good feel for just what sort of prices their government is paying for computers and software. Newsbytes has obtained some recent prices and is presenting them here as an example of just what hardware costs when purchased on these large-volume contracts.
It is important to remember that GSA Schedule products, often referred to as items which are "on the schedule," can usually be purchased in single or large quantities at the same price. They are not always sold to the government at a lower cost than what individuals would pay for them. The main reason federal agencies buy off the schedule is because it includes standard contract terms and prices so lengthy negotiations are not required to purchase a single or small number of items.
Large standardized product purchases, such as the massive Desktop IV Pentagon contract are negotiated for very specific hardware and software configurations which will be ordered in very large quantities. GSA Schedule listed products include items as small as operating system and word processor upgrades.
Current GSA Schedule prices for some popular products are listed below for comparison with store and mail order prices.
Mac PowerBook 180 4/80 $2,826.
Borland dBASE IV version 2.0 for MS-DOS $341.
Compaq Deskpro 66M 240/w $3,076.
Toshiba T4500 i486SX 20 MHz, 4 MB, 80 MB $1,769.
These prices are taken from a Government Technology Services supplement to the August 30 Federal Computer Week. The Chantilly Virginia-based company is widely known as the cowinner of the Desktop IV contract (along with Zenith Data Systems), but the listed prices are GSA Schedule prices, not those offered under Desktop IV.
(John McCormick/19930902/)
(John McCormick/19930902/)
9/3/93
Sample GSA Schedule Prices
Remote PC Diagnostic Program For
GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Personal computer repair technicians can waste time making extra trips for parts, and customers hate paying for those trips. That's why Micro 2000 says it has introduced Micro Scope Client, an automated version of its Micro Scope operating system independent diagnostic software easy enough for users to run on the system themselves before a repair technician comes out.
While remote diagnostic software is available that will operate via a modem, Microscope representatives say most computers aren't modem equipped, many that are do not have a compatible communication package, and many repair problems won't allow for download of the remote diagnostic program. As preventative medicine, Microscope claims service technicians can offer Micro Scope Client to their customers ahead of time as a money-saving alternative to expensive return trips, especially since many service organizations, such as TRW, charge for travel time as well as service time.
Micro Scope Client is based on the company's newest version of its PC diagnostic software, but can be operated by an inexperienced user. Micro 2000 says the diagnostic Micro Scope software is operating system-independent, meaning the computer can boot from a Micro Scope diagnostic disk without access to the operating system. Micro Scope has asserted the operating system can occasionally offer misleading results when it acts as an interpreter between diagnostic software and the PC, so Micro Scope bypasses the operating system. This also means a PC running any operating system, such as DOS, OS/2, Unix, Xenix etc., can still be diagnosed.
To operate Micro Scope Client, a user simply places the Micro Scope Client disk in the computer's A drive, restarts the system, and starts the software on its automated diagnostic test suite. The software does the rest.
According to Micro 2000 representative Paul Buzby, one of three scenarios is possible. The software won't boot, in which case the technician knows to take the appropriate tools to diagnose a "dead" PC. If the system boots and displays errors, the technician looks up the errors and brings the appropriate parts. If there are no errors, the technician knows there is probably a software problem that may even be repaired by directing the user over the telephone.
Micro Scope Client comes with a technician's manual that includes not only the meaning of the error codes, but suggests the possible problems and recommends to the technician what to take along. Of course, Micro 2000 also recommends technicians take along its previously release PC diagnostic products, Micro Scope and the Post Probe.
Micro 2000 offers the Micro Scope Client software for $199 which includes ten copies of the software and one copy of the 45-page error code manual.
The company also recently introduced version 5.0 of its Micro Scope PC diagnostic software. The software includes both 5.25 inch and 3.5-inch diskettes, and three wrap plugs for testing 9-pin serial, 25-pin serial, and 25-pin parallel ports, and a 178-page manual with troubleshooting information and screen-by screen instructions. Priced at $499, Micro Scope 5.0 is nearly twice the price of competing products, such as Checkit Pro from Touchstone Software or QAPlus/fe from Diagsoft.
Micro 2000 also offers the Post Probe, a card used to diagnose problems in a dead PC. POST stands for "power on self test," a test all PCs perform on themselves when started. Micro 2000's Post Probe works on all PCs, as it includes an adapter for use with the IBM Micro Channel architecture. The card has light emitting diodes (LEDs), a tri-state logic probe, and a digital read-out for display of errors. A 280-page technical manual includes the POST codes for a variety of basic input/output systems (BIOS) from AMI, Award, Compaq, Hewlett Packard, IBM, IBM PS/2, Microid, Pheonix, and Quadtel. The Post Probe is retail priced at $399.00.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930902/Press Contact: Paul Buzby, Micro 2000, tel 818-547-0125, fax 818-547-0397)
uzby, Micro 2000, tel 818-547-0125, fax 818-547-0397)
9/3/93
Remote PC Diagnostic Program For Repair Technicians
Review of Alpha4, Version 3
Runs on: PC-XT, PC-AT, PS-2, AND 100% compatibles with 640K RAM using MS-DOS ver.2.1 or higher, and a VGA, EGA, CGA, or Hercules-compatible monochrome monitor. Floppy disk and hard disk with a minimum of 5 megabytes of free storage space required for installation and program storage
PUMA Rating: 4 (on a scale of 1=lowest to 4=highest )
Reviewed for Newsbytes by: tbass HNDYPRSN, MCI:379-5378
Summary: Alpha4 Version 3 is a menu-driven relational database program. A novice can install it and design a complex database by spending just a little study time with the accompanying reference and tutorial manuals.
======
REVIEW
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Alpha4 is an easily installed database program complete with a book-assisted tutorial that lets even the novice build a database with a minimum of effort. If you want an address list inventory, and invoicing system designed to meet your own special needs, this program and tutorial will let you build it.
The tutorial is a guide through the steps needed to create and use a database system from the simplest flat file scenario to much more complicated multiple relational databases. It takes a little time and effort to design and properly use the more complex systems, but the directions are all there.
Relational databases decrease the amount of repetitious data input necessary to perform very complicated tasks. Alpha4 Version 3 sets up to receive data into such a complex form via menus. If you can only think in flat-file terms, give Alpha4 an opportunity to shift you into the relational world.
For example, you can set up a dBASE file that has your clients or customers in it with a special ID field. Then set up another dBASE file with your suppliers in their own ID fields. Next set up a third dBASE file with your inventory and prices, supply on hand, and part ID fields. Finally set up a file with your part descriptions in it and part ID fields just like those in the inventory database. You can bring all the above together into an invoicing system, report system, and inventory control system.
Alpha4 Version 3 is compatible with most other delimited database file structures, such as dBASE and PC-File. The program also includes an importing and exporting conversion for information from programs such as Lotus 1-2-3. The older Alpha4 versions files need to be converted to work with Version 3, but regular .dbf files work fine as they are.
Custom applications and menus are also designed from the Alpha4 Version 3's menu. This means that your database can be run with some security and with a minimum of opportunity to damage the database structure. You can easily limit the number of fields a data entry person can access.
A network-compatible 2-user package of the program can be purchased from most locations where the single user product is sold.
The company's marketing strategy is to make upgrades inexpensive, even if you're upgrading from a competitive program. You can save money by buying an older, discounted, database program, such as the Home Inventory program which I have seen for $10. Then get the competitive upgrade price which, if you buy directly from the company, is only $89.
============
PUMA RATING
============
PERFORMANCE: (4) Alpha4 Version 3 is easy to install and runs fast. What more can you want? It is a well-designed product. Its strong point is that it is easily used by new database users; on the short side it takes a lot of steps to get there.
USEFULNESS: (4) Flexible relational databases are pricey, but you can shop around for deals, as mentioned above.
MANUAL: (4) The manuals are great and the tutorial is easily followed. You can learn a lot about databases from these manuals.
AVAILABILITY: (4) Can be had from most software retail distributors both mail order and retail. EggHead Software 800-344-4323, has it at a competitive upgrade price of $99.95, or $94.95 for Cue Club customers. PC-Zone, 800-258-8088, markets it for $349 for a straight price or $94 for a competitive upgrade. Tiger, 800-888-4437, has the Version 3 competitive upgrade for $79.99. Alpha Software Corp. has been promoting the upgrades at $69 and the competitive upgrade at $89.
HELSINKI, FINLAND, 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Nokia Oy and Tele, two telecom companies in Finland, have set up a joint venture to service the domestic telephone hardware marketplace.
The company, which is a 50-50 venture between the two firms, has started operations this week, Newsbytes understands. The reason for the rapid ramp-up of operations is because Nokia Oy has transferred most of its telephone exchange supply operations in Finland over to the new company.
The idea behind this move is that Nokia Oy will divest itself of its distribution and retail operations in Finland, allowing Nokia to concentrate on the research and development side of its business, as well its international sales operation.
Tele, meanwhile, is the Finnish state-controlled telecom firm and, to date, has proved to be a highly conservative company. Newsbytes understands that Nokia Oy was the catalyst in creating the new company. Tele was brought in as it is one of Nokia's largest customers, as well as a cross-supplier of technology.
(Steve Gold/19930902)
plier of technology.
(Steve Gold/19930902)
9/3/93
Tele And Nokia Form Joint Venture In Finland
TELECOM
o Firm Intros CD-ROM Recorda
IBM Ships Production Volumes Of
Japan - 150-Megabit Data Transmi
Review of Alpha4, Version 3
Madge Network & Network General
Review of Loom Fantasy Adventure
Runs on: IBM PC/AT (286 or higher), CD-ROM drive, MS-DOS or PC DOS 3.1 or higher, 640 K RAM, VGA graphics. Sound card not required if CD-ROM drive has audio output
From: The Software Toolworks, 60 Leveroni Court, Novato, CA 94949. 415-883-3000 (Toolworks) or 800-STARWARS (LucasFilms) voice, 415-456-4381 fax orders
Price: $99.95 list for the CD-ROM version reviewed here. IBM EGA Amiga, Atari ST, and Macintosh versions with less stunning sound and graphics cost between $30 and $45
PUMA Rating: 4 on a scale 1=lowest to 4=highest
Reviewed for Newsbytes by: Rick Bender
Summary: Loom is a fascinating journey into the distant past of magic and mystery; the game works especially well for the musically inclined but can be enjoyed by all who take the time to explore.
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REVIEW
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Loom is a medieval fantasy game in which you, as the young weaver's apprentice Bobbin Threadbare, must find the missing elders of your weaving guild and save the world. Along the way you explore the surrounding lands with your crooked distaff collecting four-letter sequences of musical notes, called "drafts." These drafts manage the spells you need to get around in the musical world of Loom.
The plot will engage sci-fi and fantasy aficionados as well as students of Middle Age history, and this game features stereo sound and detailed high-resolution graphics that show everything right down to the folds in the heap of undyed wool and the red clam hearts in the seagull's breakfast. The colors in the sunset are brilliant, as are the three-dimensional hills, forests, and elders' tents through which you navigate Bobbin in the first of 256 screens.
I especially liked the voices on the CD-ROM version; some of the character lines were quite amusing. "Hm...Must be the wrong draft," mumbles Bobbin. And when you try to weave a draft on a nonexistent object, Bobbin softly scolds, "It would help if you would point at something first!" I chuckled to myself at these cute little utterances while I was trying the game.
This is a complex game requiring a lot of patience with the musical puzzles. It will take many hours for most players to make any real headway in solving the various mysteries, but some parts are just for fun and, of course, the puzzles may change the next time you play.
After a couple of hours I was getting nowhere fast, because few clues come with the game and I was getting lost in the musical scales; however, if you are interested in spells, magic, and fantasy, Loom will keep you in front of the monitor all day and well into the night.
If you get really frustrated, there is always the optional $13 cluebook that provides a slew of hints for "puzzled" gamers. Can't wait another minute, let alone for the mailman? Then just call 1-900-740-JEDI for the automated hint line which costs 75 cents per-minute and is only available for US callers.
Getting around in Loom is easy because the program lets you use a mouse, joystick, or keyboard to move Bobbin and weave drafts. The complexity is where it belongs -- in the puzzles and plot, not, as with some games, learning your way around your own keyboard!
One of Loom's side benefits is the review in basic music one gets, due to the fact that a musical scale from middle C to high C is placed beneath the distaff (in the novice version) and practice comes through trying to play "just the right draft!" If you are musically literate (perhaps from already owning The Toolworks' Miracle Piano System), you can go onto the expert level.
Loom is a good example of multimedia with so much sound and image enhancement that it actually comes on two CD-ROMs, although that won't be any annoyance while playing because the entire game can be played without changing discs.
The characters' voices are amusing and well-done, and the musical is interesting. To really get you involved in the mystical aspects of the story, Loom includes a 30-minute dramatic prelude to the game which comes on the second CD-ROM.
Loom weaves a story which is complex and intricate, beautiful and mysterious, and very hard to unravel, but this is a fantasy adventure game, not arcade. It takes thought to win, not fast reactions.
Although Loom is small "m" multimedia and provides excellent sound and graphics, it is not MPC and this is a real advantage because the program doesn't require a system that has Windows installed and doesn't need an expensive add-on sound card because it will play music right through your CD-ROM drive's headphone or stereo amplifier output.
Because the designers used CD-ROM for the version we tested, they had the luxury of enhancing the program with little concern for storage space or the need to ship a couple of dozen floppies with a game, and were therefore able to include sophisticated 256 color 3-D graphics with very nice animation.
Those who have previously bought the $30 floppy version of Loom can upgrade for $25.
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PUMA RATING
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PERFORMANCE: 4 Excellent sound and color with great animation.
USEFULNESS: 4 Highly entertaining and engaging game with puzzles which will take many hours (or days) to solve.
AVAILABILITY: 4 This is a LucasArts, LucasFilm Games program which is distributed by The Software Toolworks and supported by LucasFilm Games, so Loom is widely available by mail order or through software stores.
MANUAL: 4 The game requires almost no instructions, and the manual is intended to be more entertaining than informative.
(Rick Bender and John McCormick/19930610/Press Contact: Tracy Egan, The Software Toolworks, 415-883-3000 x 828, fax 415-883 0298)
Toolworks, 415-883-3000 x 828, fax 415-883 0298)
9/3/93
Review of Loom Fantasy Adventure Computer Game
REVIEW
Editorial - Economics, Politics
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- By Dana Blankenhorn. Recently I got into a short debate online with a radio talk-show host concerning the President's budget plan. He was convinced and was seeking to convince his radio audience, that this plan will tank the economy and cause a recession next year. When I pointed to rising stock and bond prices, he asserted there was "nothing else" to invest in, and the rises were meaningless.
I was brought up short in the middle of the debate, however, upon reading that the US is now a $7 trillion economy. On that, a $100 billion/year plan will have no great impact. But if monetary policymakers at the Federal Reserve have already sunk interest rates to the basement with little impact, and fiscal policy will by definition have little impact, what's behind this job-less recovery?
Technology. All the stuff Newsbytes has been covering for 10 years is doing what its makers promised it would. And we have no idea what to do about it.
Networked PCs have eliminated whole layers of managerial jobs people who used to pass information up the corporate ladder, or back down. New input devices and relational databases have eliminated the jobs of clerks and typists. Field computing has linked factories to retail shelves so well that the amount of net warehouse space in the US hasn't changed in a decade.
It's really just begun. We have barely started applying this technology to government, to medicine, or to education. Lots of jobs have yet to be eliminated.
It's going to get worse. Satellites let Indian engineers update software at low cost. New fiber phone connections mean Irish or Caribbean workers can support your products, at a saving. We're finally becoming one world economy, and the fact is what we call the middle-class is, in fact, a wealthy elite which just happens to be concentrated in a few nations.
All attempts to roll this back seem doomed. Poor people know where the jobs are and will endure any hardship to come here. Tariffs won't keep out low-cost products from Mexico or China value always grabs markets.
What's a nation to do?
A growing number of Silicon Valley analysts, like T.J. Rodgers of Cypress Semiconductor, say just leave it alone. Entrepreneurs opposed to the idea of an "Industrial Policy" are lining up with their Wall Street backers to stop President Clinton from trying to make some sense of all this, and give it some direction.
If the world were one nation, I'd say they were right. But it's not. It may be inevitable that the US economy will lose some of its relative strength in the 21st century. The only question is how much. Mexico, India, and China will rise, their middle classes will grow. Our middle-class, by contrast, has been shrinking for 20 years. Their children work harder at school with fewer tools, and will work harder on the job for less, than our kids. The Invisible Hand, so beloved of Republican theorists, is writing. And it's writing us off.
There are no quick and easy solutions to this. Leaving Silicon Valley alone may help T.J. Rodgers become a billionaire, but it won't help the US. Every economic motivation tells T.J. to move his factories to the Far East, and to hire foreigners. When he ignored those facts in the late 80s, his company got its clock cleaned. He's admitted as much.
The fact is, there will be no low-skill jobs in the 21st Century that will produce a middle-class life. If we're to maintain our middle-class majority, then, we must have an industrial policy based on two key elements. Our infrastructure -- electronic and telephony as well as roads, sewers, airport connections must be second to none. We must be the low-cost market, in other words. And our people must have a higher level of skill than people anywhere else.
The first is easy and politically popular. Politicians love road sewer, and airport projects, as well as the Information Superhighway concept. The second is much, much tougher. Not only must our public schools become the best in the world, but those schools must offer facilities which will allow anyone, at any time, access to the education needed to get their next job, and start their second, third, or fourth career.
The answer to that, in my view, will only be found in technology. Specifically, the same client-server technology which has made this a job-less recovery. We must scrap our 19th Century way of teaching and our detailed curricula, in favor of motivation and major projects. Every school desk must have access to all the world's libraries, either on CD-ROM or through the global Internet. And every adult, especially those "between jobs," must be motivated to come into these new schools at night and gain new skills.
Such a revolution won't happen by itself. The Invisible Hand will only offer it to the few who can pay for it out of mommy and daddy's pockets. The Invisible Hand wants our economy to fail putting most of our children in squalor and a chosen few locked behind high walls, living in the manner of Third World elites, or Kennedys. Only together, with the very Visible Hand of government, can we hope to change it. The mechanism is over 150 years old -- it's called the public school system.
But, as I noted, that system is stuck in the 19th Century. It's filled with middle managers, and conservative unions out mainly to protect members' jobs and restrict entry to the profession. These entrenched groups must be challenged and, if necessary overthrown.
Worse, our public debates on public education are 19th Century debates. They're all about curriculum, about what we decide to tell kids or not tell them. As though that had any meaning. It's time to change the subject. Acquiring the knowledge and learning tools needed to compete in the 21st century is the biggest issue before the US, and it's time for technology companies to get involved.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930830)
to get involved.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930830)
9/3/93
Editorial - Economics, Politics and Technology
EDITORIAL
Canon Color Fax Adaptor For Copi
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Tokyo-based major office equipment maker Canon has developed a fax machine adaptor for its color copying machine that allows the machine to receive and print color documents through a telephone line transmission.
The "Jet Fax Adaptor," when used with the Canon "Pixel Jet" color copier, allows a color document, transmitted remotely to be printed.
The adaptor converts the color digital picture data to an ISDN (integrated services digital network) signal, which is sent and received via ISDN lines.
The price of this color fax adaptor is 600,000 yen ($6,000) and the digital pictorial data processor costs 300,000 yen ($3,000). The Pixel Jet color copying machine costs 800,000 yen ($8,000). The total price will be 1.7 million yen ($17,000), which is less expensive that dedicated color fax machines which can cost up to 3 million yen ($30,000).
Canon has also been developing a regular color fax machine but says the technology is still too costly.
Canon's color fax adaptor will be released on September 27.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- New personal computers made a debut this week in Japan. Seiko-Epson, Matsushita, Sony Toshiba and Personal Media offered up PCs with the latest technology: Pentium chips, CD-ROMs, or the TRON operating system.
Seiko-Epson's PC is equipped with Intel's 32-bit Pentium processor and a 32-bit fast processing local bus called the PCI. The PC is called the PC-486HX, and it is fully compatible with NEC's best-selling PC-9801 family. The price is relatively cheap at 398,000 yen ($3,980). There is even a rock-bottom priced model with no bells and whistles for 158,000 yen ($1,580), which is less than half the price of NEC's similarly configured model.
Also, Seiko-Epson released a multimedia kit to go with this PC. It consists of a CD-ROM player and speaker unit.
Matsushita has also announced a CD-ROM-based multimedia personal computer. The CD-ROM unit and memory IC card are build-in to this PC, which is a DOS/V-based notebook-type personal computer equipped with a TFT (thin film transistor)-type display. Both the color and the monochrome versions are available. Pen-input type versions are also available. Some 22 models will be released in October ranging in price from 268,000 yen ($2,680) to 668,000 yen ($6,680).
Sony's new PCs are high-end versions of the firm's Quarter-L PC. They have the super-fast SCSI-2 interface board which supports data transmission speeds up to a whopping 10 megabytes per second. A 66-megahertz 80486DX2 processor and a 16-megabyte memory are also equipped.
Toshiba's new server PC has a 62-megahertz Pentium processor. With NetWare 3.1J or Windows NT, the PC can connect up to 250 personal computers on a network.
Another new PC was released from Personal Media. This personal computer is called the Denbougu 1B and it has the multi-language operating system called B-TRON that was originally designed by Ken Sakamura of Tokyo University. The PC is also equipped with MS-DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.1.
ax, +81-3-5448-3061, Personal Media, +81-3-5702-7858)
9/3/93
New PCs From Seiko-Epson, Matsushita, Sony, Toshiba
New Inkjet Paper Uses Less Ink
WHEELING, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Micro Format Inc. recently announced a computer paper the company says is specially formulated to capture the colored ink used in inkjet printers, rather than let the ink soak into the paper. The result is a more brightly colored image that uses less ink.
Called Super Color Inkjet Paper, the product contains a Super Color shadow logo on the reverse side of each sheet so the user knows which side goes up in the printer. Newsbytes tested the paper on a Hewlett-Packard Deskjet 500. Comparing a document printed on the Super Color Paper with a product printed on conventional bond paper, it was obvious the ink does not soak in on the Super Color paper.
Printing a Microsoft Word-created document set at the lightest setting gave us a very bright, dense image on Super Color paper. The inkjet-printed samples provided Newsbytes by Micro Format did show a discernible difference between regular paper and Super Color paper. Super Color sells for $18.95 per 150-sheet pack and $11.95 for a 50-sheet pack.
Micro Format also markets Banner Band, rolls of computer paper designed to print banners on pastel, bold, and fluorescent colors and also computer paper in various copyrighted designs. Also available are various textured, pastel-colored, and parchment-type paper for laser printers. The company's certificate paper is available for inkjet and laser printers as well as photocopiers, and is manufactured with 50 percent recycled paper and 10 percent post-consumer waste.
The bold color papers are a 50-percent recycled and 20-percent post-consumer mix. Certificate paper is available in four colors and has a border.
Banner Band paper sells for $11.95 for a 45-foot roll and comes in its own dispenser. Certificate paper sells for $7.50 per package in single sheets or with perforations for tractor-feed printers.
(Jim Mallory/19930902/Press contact: Barbara Adler, EBS Public Relations for Micro Format, 708-520-3394; Reader contact: Micro Format Inc, 800-333-0549)
Micro Format Inc, 800-333-0549)
9/3/93
New Inkjet Paper Uses Less Ink
GENERAL
H r V
Westech Acquired By Integrated P
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Integrated Process Equipment Corp., (IPEC), says it has consummated its acquisition of Westech Systems Inc.
IPEC designs and manufactures proprietary semiconductor wafer processing equipment for integrated strip, etch and post-chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) clean applications. Westech manufactures precision wafer CMP systems increasingly used in complex semiconductor device manufacture.
The companies expect combined revenues of about $37 - $40 million for the 1993 calendar year, and combined pretax earnings of approximately $3.5 to $4.5 million.
In announcing the acquisition, Sanjeev Chitre, chairman of IPEC said, "IPEC and Westech both produce state-of-the-art products and when taken together we believe we offer the best combination of CMP systems and post-CMP clean applications for the semiconductor industry."
IPEC says that the Westech business will be continued by a wholly owned subsidiary of IPEC under the name Westech Systems Inc., and that Dr. Don Jackson will continue as president.
The deal was originally structured as a purchase of assets. However, that changed to the merger of Westech into a wholly owned subsidiary of IPEC.
IPEC said that, in order to improve Westech's cash position following the merger, the shareholders of Westech agreed to reduce the amount of cash payable upon the merger from $4.5 million to $900,000 and to increase their shares of IPEC common stock received in the merger from $1.5 million to $4 million.
The equivalent of $6 million in shares of IPEC convertible preferred stock is payable as an incentive based on increases in the revenues of the Westech business during the three years following closing.
The companies say that the preferred stock is currently held in escrow and will be returned to IPEC for cancellation if revenue targets are not met. It is claimed to be possible for the conversion rate to increase to as much as 15 to one if revenue targets are exceeded.
Harold Baldauf, a principal stockholder of Westech, and his sons will serve as consultants to IPEC over the next ten years. Baldauf and Jackson were elected to IPEC's board of directors.
(Ian Stokell/19930903/Press Contact: Sanjeev Chitre 408-436-2170, Integrated Process Equipment Corp.)
408-436-2170, Integrated Process Equipment Corp.)
9/3/93
Westech Acquired By Integrated Process Equipment
BUSINESS
Survey Finds Women Gaining On Me
FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- In the traditionally male-dominated computer world, women are moving in on the Information Systems (IS) side. While salaries are up 4 percent for both sexes, women are closing the gap and gaining numbers in IS professions, according to newly released findings.
In a survey of 1,239 computer professionals and managers, the salary gap is narrowing to around 15 percent compared with 21 percent last year, according to Computerworld. Male IS managers earned an average annual salary of $60,963 in 1993, compared with $52,837 for their female counterparts.
However, the higher the position, the narrower the salary gap and in some areas women were leading men salary-wise, the survey pointed out. Male chief information officers (CIOs) averaged $83,638 a year and female CIOs, $78,736, a 6.2 percent difference. Male personal computer managers were 6.1 percent lower paid on the average than women with an average annual salary of $45,700 compared to $48,500 for women.
In addition, more women were moving into management with the percentage of women in IS manager positions up from 37.5 percent in 1992 to 38.1 percent in 1993. In local area management jobs the numbers are up to 42.9 percent compared to 1992's 31.6 percent, and 58 percent of communication specialists managers are women compared to 45 percent last year. About 65 percent of all IS professionals are men, the survey found.
Computerworld's theory is that corporate downsizing breaks down the "good-old-boy" network. As companies are forced to a smaller staff to do the same functions, they simply have to choose the best people for the job. In fact, the job market for really good people is not particularly tight, Computerworld's Editor in-Chief Bill Laberis told Newsbytes.
The best IS job prospects are in the insurance industry, the survey said. In addition, the strong regional areas of IS salary growth were in the South in cities such as Atlanta Phoenix, and Dallas. Northern cities such as Baltimore, Denver New York, Minneapolis, and Northern California saw decreasing IS salaries. However, three-fourths of the respondents reported no change in the frequency of salary adjustment and two-thirds said they thought salaries were no different elsewhere for the same work. The average length of IS employment in a position was reported to be 6 to 10 years.
wlett, Wellesley, tel 617-239-0057, fax 617-239 1580)
9/3/93
Survey Finds Women Gaining On Men In IS Professions
TRENDS
Hearing Set On Cable Reregulatio
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- An angry Rep. Edward Markey has set a hearing for next week on the cable reregulation which has apparently set off a new round of rate hikes in the industry.
After predictions by FCC Commissioner Ervin Duggan that most rates would go down, cable executives announced new rates (which they said were based on FCC benchmarks) which were often far in excess of previous rates. In Atlanta, for instance, service that formerly cost less than $30 will now cost over $33, which cable executives blamed on the new law.
That wasn't supposed to happen. For months Congress and the FCC have been claiming that, after a rate freeze which began in April, cable rates would start declining. But cable executives vowed publicly to stymie the intent of the legislation, and for now they seem to have done so. Many operators claimed they were adding additional "tiers" of popular satellite-delivered cable channels, at higher prices, to make up for losses they claimed they'd sustain on lower rents for cable converters and remote control units.
While the FCC could change the benchmarks, that federal agency is in fact terribly overworked right now, and that won't change soon. The agency won a supplemental appropriation to hire 200 additional people for cable re-regulation, and those people skipped vacations and weekends to finish the benchmarks. They still have yet to complete an alternate regulatory scheme based on the actual costs of providing service, meant mainly for rural systems which have to run more wire to serve fewer customers.
In an Atlanta speech, Duggan said that consumers would be able to complain directly to the FCC about high rates, forcing investigations. (This is accomplished by asking the FCC for a Cable Request Form 329 at P.O. Box 18238, Washington, D.C. 20036.) The FCC will have to handle each complaint individually, further driving up its own costs. Duggan compared it to having the Supreme Court look at individual police reports.
For now, everyone is pointing fingers, and the cable industry hard-liners who promised to destroy the new law's effectiveness are pleased with their work. It remains to be seen, however whether Congress will be able to act again on cable considering the large number of issues it must deal with this fall.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930902/Press Contact: Rep. Edward Markey 202-224-121; FCC Press, 202-632-5050)
2-224-121; FCC Press, 202-632-5050)
9/3/93
Hearing Set On Cable Reregulation
TELECOM
NexTel Turns On Digital SMR Netw
RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- NexTel Communications Inc., formerly known as Fleet Call, said it has activated its digital mobile network in Southern California.
The network uses Motorola technology to digitize channels formerly used for Specialized Mobile Radio, or SMR, services including calls between taxi fleets, ambulance drivers, and other mobile workers to central offices. The Motorola technology expands the capacity of the network by letting more callers in on a single calling channel, and the topology of the network is changed from a single antenna to a network of antennae, more like cellular phone systems.
NexTel has been working to acquire SMR frequency licenses nationwide and create roaming agreements with other licensed operators, using the Motorola technology, so it can compete with existing cellular phone operators.
President Brian McAuley said in a press statement that, in addition to wireless phone service, his network also offers wireless data services and paging. "No longer will customers be required to carry two or three pieces of hardware," he said. The company is also working with Northern Telecom on integrated equipment to be used on its network."
Currently, only about 500 subscribers are using the Southern California system during what NexTel calls an "optimization" period, but others might call a beta test, due to last between two and four months. Over the next few weeks, coverage will be extended from the Los Angeles Basin, Riverside, and parts of Orange and Ventura Counties to Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, and the northern reaches of San Diego County. By early 1994, the company hopes to be providing service practically statewide.
The company's expansion will be further fueled by an agreement to buy most of American Mobile Systems Inc., a leading operator of SMR frequency networks in Florida. The company also has licenses in the Northeast, Midwest and Southwest.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930902/Press Contact: Walt Piecyk, NexTel 201-438-1400)
0902/Press Contact: Walt Piecyk, NexTel 201-438-1400)
9/3/93
NexTel Turns On Digital SMR Network In Southern Cal
TELECOM
UK - Vodafone Establishes Int'l
Epson's New Notebook
HP India To Export Services
India - Multi-User Braille Readi
UK - HP Offers CD-ROM-Based Supp
US Economy Stumbles Along
Interop '93 - Windows Client Rel
ONEBBSCON - BBS's Are Key To Cli
PCN Focus Of TCA
Aldus Shuffles Mgt Team
Gandalf Builds New Bridges
Sybase Announces Momentum Client
AST Shipping Penright Pro 3.5 Fo
Quick Restart For Windows, DOS
Intuit & ChipSoft To Merge
UK - Revive Dead & Dying Mice Wi
Russian Computer Buying Trends
Cardinal Intros Multimedia Upgra
Series III VersaKey Keyboard For
America Online SW To Be Installe
Dubai Police To Computerize Popu
CompuServe Adds 14,400 bit/secon
Frame Relay Service Launched In
Computer Manual For PC Compatibl
Japanese OS/2 2.1 Debuts
Borland Workgroup Products
Tokyo Firm Intros CD-ROM Recorda
IBM Ships Production Volumes Of
Japan - 150-Megabit Data Transmi
Review of Alpha4, Version 3
Madge Network & Network General
NexTel Turns On Digital SMR Netw
Poland - Private Phone Exchange
WARSAW, POLAND, 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Making a long distance or international phone calls from anywhere in Poland outside of Warsaw is a very hit and miss affair, owing to the age of the telephone exchanges. It comes as no surprise, then, to learn that the private Polish/US joint venture company has announced plans to build a completely private phone exchange.
RP Telecom, a joint venture company with several investors in Poland and the US, will spend around $80 million on the 100,000-subscriber exchange and its links into national and international networks.
If investor funds are available, the company plans to spend around $2,000 million on private telecom facilities in towns and cities throughout Poland. The aim is to establish a second network of exchanges and inter-exchange links to run alongside the state-run and over-stretched telecom network.
Newsbytes understands that Siemens of Germany, one of RP Telecom's investors, will be supplying the bulk of the hardware for the 100,000-subscriber exchange in the city of Pila in Northwestern Poland. The software for the exchange will be supplied by Sprint of the US, another investor in the company.
Although RP Telecom is jointly owned by a number of companies, the bulk of the investment in the company, particularly when it comes to the cash required to build the exchange in Pila, is being funded by the World Bank's commercial arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
With IFC funding, the new company plans to install at least another eight exchanges of similar size around Poland, but outside of Warsaw. As part of the deal, the IFC has taken a 15 percent stake in RP Telecom.
(Steve Gold/19930902)
ent stake in RP Telecom.
(Steve Gold/19930902)
9/3/93
Poland - Private Phone Exchange Project Underway
TELECOM
Unemployment Surge Shows US Econ
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Shocking the credit market with its implication that the US economic recovery is much weaker than even the anemic growth which has been expected the most recent unemployment numbers drove the 30-year benchmark US treasury bond to historic new yield lows under 6 percent and early analysis shows that it may adversely affect business expansion plans.
Wall Street analysts were expecting a moderate to strong increase in the growth of service-sector jobs in this last report, but the preliminary numbers show a plunge in non-farm payrolls of 39,000 jobs when the market was expecting an increase of nearly 150,000 jobs.
The actual unemployment rate as reported by the government is still pegged at 6.7 percent, but many believe that the real number, counting those who have given up and aren't even looking for work anymore and those who work part time but who want full time jobs, is actually well over 10 percent.
Another bad number for business this week was the leading economic indicator number which was down 0.1 for July after a barely noticeable uptick up 0.1 June. This week's purchasing manager's consensus report showed that economy was contracting and the consensus report on consumer confidence was also down indicating a reluctance on the part of consumers to spend money.
A generally weak economy will directly impact both the computer software and hardware industry because if companies aren't hiring new workers then they don't need to purchase new computers for those same workers.
Combined with overcapacity which is already causing a year-long price war among PC makers, this weakening in the US economy should lead to a continued shakeout in the industry.
(John McCormick/19930903/)
in the industry.
(John McCormick/19930903/)
9/3/93
Unemployment Surge Shows US Economy Still Weak
Russia - Telecom Privatization A
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- The Russian State Property Committee has just approved a plan to sell off the part of the Rostelecom company, the largest monopoly provider of communication services and the owner of the cable network.
The plan calls for 38% of the 2,234,376,000 rubles (approximately US$2.2 million) worth of shares to be allocated to the State Property Committee and to remain in its hands for the next three years. 22% of the shares are to be sold through auction to the highest bidders. 5% go to company managers, and almost 20% to the company's workers.
The plan requires the company, after going public, to give state and defense forces priority in the choice of communications channels.
Rostelecom was formed in late 1992 to include 20 regional communication companies located in major cities across Russia. For a short time these firms enjoyed independence. The Russian government provided them with shares in Intertelecom the owner and operator of trunk lines and TV translation channels.
Commersant newspaper analysts say investment in the company is risky, as the struggle for an ownership is expected to be long. Additional risks are from the location of subsidiaries in various higher-than-average risk areas.
(Kirill Tchashchin/199302)
isk areas.
(Kirill Tchashchin/199302)
9/3/93
Russia - Telecom Privatization Approved
TELECOM
Windows NT Added To Pentagon SMC
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Microsoft, in response to what the company calls "demand" from federal computer users has added both the Microsoft Windows NT and Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server software to the Pentagon's Standard Multi-user Computer contract which provides software and computer hardware to the armed forces.
Windows NT, Microsoft's advanced operating system, is intended to provide an upgrade path for MS-DOS and Windows users into the 32-bit multi-user arena currently dominated by Unix. Windows NT is expected to play a big role in helping business and government MIS departments move single-user and networked MS-DOS PC users up to a more sophisticated and powerful integrated network environment while retaining most of the hardware software, and training investment which has already been made in small computers.
Despite its power, Unix has faced a major problem in expanding its presence in the market because many existing programs can't be run well or at all on Unix-based systems and both businesses and government agencies have been reluctant to dump their massive investment in PC software and training.
NT offers many of the multi-user, multi-tasking advantages of Unix while retaining near complete compatibility with existing MS-DOS and Windows applications programs.
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- A Justice Department official predicts the agency's investigation into possible antitrust activities by Microsoft Corporation will probably take "several months."
That's what Assistant Attorney General Anne Bingaman told the British news service Reuters yesterday. It was the first indication any government agency has given about the length of their inquiry.
The specific focus of the investigation is on the software company's practice of offering discount prices on its MS-DOS operating system, the heart of millions of personal computers to PC makers who pay a royalty for each machine they make. Microsoft competitors have claimed that closes the operating system market to potential competitors. Other companies have also charged that Microsoft uses undocumented code to make its own software such as word processing and spreadsheet programs perform tasks that competitive programs can't do without access to those undocumented calls.
A Microsoft spokesperson told Newsbytes Microsoft has no further comment about the investigation other than to reiterate that it will cooperate fully with Justice.
(Jim Mallory/19930903/Press and reader contact: Microsoft Corporation, 206882-8080, 800-426-9400)
t: Microsoft Corporation, 206882-8080, 800-426-9400)
9/3/93
Microsoft Antitrust Probe Will Last Several Months
Apple Offers Free CD-ROM To Educ
Novell Revenue Hits $273 Million
Nigeria To Get Revitalized Phone
BellSouth Appeals MTel NWN Award
AST Intros New Advantage MPC, No
BBS Operators Ponder Adult Image
Symantec Buys Again, This Time 5
Digitalk Ships Version 2.0 of Sm
Broderbund Ships Print Shop Delu
International Telecom Update
Government Reorganization Plan M
PenExpo - Kurta Intros Desktop P
Central Point Releases Beta Of O
Germany's Telekom To Reduce Phon
UK - Elonex Resumes Price Cuttin
Microsoft Intros New Pay-For-Sup
Lotus Intros Approach 2.1, Smart
Import, Linking Tools For Great
MCI, Gallup Set Toll-Free Pollin
SuperMac Board Turns Fuji Xerox
Siemens Buys Into Two Polish Com
IBM Canada To Make PowerPC Modul
Windows NT Added To Pentagon SMC
Smart Highways For Wisconsin, Il
Microsoft Antitrust Probe Will L
Gateway 2000 Offers Credit Card
NORTH SIOUX CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Personal computer maker Gateway 2000 said this week it will offer DuoLine MasterCards beginning September 13, 1993.
Gateway said the applications, which are available to customers and non-customers alike, are available by calling a special toll-free number. The company will also place credit card applications in some print media ads and with its newsletter.
The cards are being offered for personal use only and will be issued in the name of an individual, not in the name of a company, Gateway spokesperson Glynnis Gibson told Newsbytes. Dial National Bank in Des Moines, Iowa will administer the program and issue the cards. Gibson said the interest rate for customers who purchase Gateway products is 12.9 percent and 13.9 percent for general use.
Asked why Gateway decided to offer the cards, Gibson told Newsbytes "The people we see as benefiting from this are the people who need to buy over time and go to stores that offer in-store credit. With this card they can pay over time at a low interest rate and not use up their general MasterCard credit line."
(Jim Mallory/19930903/Press contact: Glynnis Gibson, Gibson Communications for Gateway 2000, 312-868-9400; Reader contact: Gateway 2000, 605-232-2000 or 800-846-2000 for general information 800-846-1781 for credit card application)
1781 for credit card application)
9/3/93
Gateway 2000 Offers Credit Card
BUSINESS
UK Survey - PC Shipments Up, Pro
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Context, the European market research company, has reported that sales of PCs through indirect channels rose by 29 percent to more than a million units in the 12 months to June of this year, when compared to the same period last year.
According to the market research company, growth in the second quarter of this year slumped, however, showing a reduction of four percent after the first quarter's healthy 17 percent growth. These figures compare to a 15 percent growth in the fourth quarter of last year.
Sales by value, meanwhile, increased by only 2.6 percent over the year. Context attributes this to PC vendors' struggle with the effects of the current price war which it claims shows no sign of slacking off.
"PC vendors are looking for volume. Pricing pressures mean that everyone is trying to get their products out to all consumers through as many channels as possible. Hardly a week passes without some new channel initiative being announced. Compaq's recent agreement with John Lewis (a leading high street department store) is a prime example," commented Jeremy Davies, a senior partner with Context.
Context's research shows that, while sales of 80486SX-based PCs have increased from two percent of market last year to 15 percent this year, 80386SX-based system sales have held up remarkably well showing a slight increase to 47 percent of unit sales during the year to June 1993. This compares with 44.3 percent over the same period last year.
According to Context's figures, Compaq is now the leader in PC sales through indirect channels in the UK with 21.4 percent of total sales in the 12 months to June of this year, tracked by IBM with 20.2 percent, Apple with 11.2 percent, Toshiba with 6.8 percent and Olivetti with 4.6 percent.
Davies says that there are signs that the 80386SX processor is on the way out of the PC marketplace. "Sales peaked at record levels in February of this year, and the trend has been down since then," he said.
Sales of notebook PCs, meanwhile, have grown, but not as fast as some PC vendors had predicted. Last year saw notebook PCs scooping up 13 percent of total sales by volume, and by June of 1993, this has risen to 17.8 percent.
The best selling PC in the UK was the IBM PS/1 2133, followed by the Compaq Prolinea 3/25z and the Apple Mac LC II. The best seller in the notebook stakes was the Compaq Contura 3/25.
UK Survey - PC Shipments Up, Profit Down A Slowdown
TRENDS
UK - Cellnet Shuffles London Cal
LONDON, ENGLAND. 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Just weeks after Vodafone announced plans to do away with the surcharge on London calls Cellnet has done likewise.
At the same time, it has offered to cut the cost of calls in the London area (defined as within the M25 London orbital motorway) from 25 pence a minute to 20 pence a minute at peak times, but only if the customer opts to pay a 100 percent surcharge (50 pence per minute) on the standard rate on calls outside the London area.
Industry reaction to news of the new Citytime tariff, which costs UKP 20 a month, compared to standard Primetime tariffs of UKP 25 was one of interest, although most acknowledged that the scheme was aimed purely at Londoners who do not venture outside the capital. They also saw it as an attempt to spoil interest in the Mercury One-2-One personal communications system (PCS) digital phone system scheduled for launch next week.
As previously reported, the One-2-One system is a 1.8-gigahertz (GHz) London-only digital mobile phone system being launched by Mercury Communications, the UK arm of Cable & Wireless. One-2-One has claimed that its tariffs will be around 20 percent cheaper than those of Cellnet and Vodafone.
In parallel with the shuffles in Primetime cellular phone tariffs Cellnet has announced a 17.5 percent cut in the Lifetime infrequent user rates. This now charges UKP 15 (including 17.5 percent tax) a month (instead of UKP 25 a month) in exchange for a double rate for outgoing calls.
Announcing what amounts to a third tariff for Cellnet subscribers Stafford Taylor, the company's managing director, said: "For those who make occasional use of their mobile phone, Lifetime now represents the best value for money of any mobile phone service across the UK."
(Steve Gold/19930903/Press & Public Contact: 0753-504000)
0903/Press & Public Contact: 0753-504000)
9/3/93
UK - Cellnet Shuffles London Call Costs
TELECOM
The Enabled Computer, ADA Expo '
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- By John McCormick.
Following is the last part of a four-part look at the full text of John McCormick's talk at the Tuesday, July 27, 1993, ADA Expo '93 held in Washington, DC. The final issue contains contact information for products and services mentioned in the talk.
The presentation was made to corporate and government MIS department buyers and office managers and concerned the difficulties encountered in finding adaptive technology and evaluating these products for a business setting, especially when they are needed to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The following is a list of major sources of free or low-cost adaptive technology assistance and product information. These sources list actual products or provide detailed information, not just ADA "checklists" or brochures containing general advice.
> The Enabled Computer BBS, 814-277-6337, 14.4 Kbps access 24-hour modem access. Lists thousands of products, carries articles on enabling technology, and provides news reports on latest products. (FREE)
> Job Accommodation Network, 809 Allen Hall, Morgantown, WV 26506-6123. 800-526-7234 Accommodation Information, out of state only/voice/TDD; 800-526-4698 (WV); 800-232-9675; 800-232-9675 (ADA Information Voice/TDD); 800-342-5526 JAN ADA Information BBS (computer modem). Consulting service provides specific product/procedure recommendations. (FREE)
> REHABDATA, National Rehabilitation Information Center, 8455 Colesville Rd., Suite 935, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3319. 800-346 2742 or 301-588-9284 (voice/TDD). Provides printed lists of products meeting your needs as well as general guidelines for building ramps and buying special technology. (FREE or low cost)
> Trace Research and Development Center, S-151 Waisman Center 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705. Sells the inexpensive Co-Net ABLEDATA CD-ROM with 20,000 plus product listings. 608-262-6966, voice, or 608-263-5408 (TDD). (Low cost)
> GEnie (General Electric Information Services), 401 N. Washington St., Rockville, MD 20850. 800-638-9636. GEnie carries an active forum on enabling technology and the concerns of disabled individuals. (Low cost)
> Project Enable (JAN) BBS provides discussion forum for disabled individuals and companies concerned with ADA compliance. 304-766 7842 (modem). (FREE)
There are many other sources of assistance, some of which are listed by the above listed services.
(John McCormick/19930730/)
ove listed services.
(John McCormick/19930730/)
9/3/93
The Enabled Computer, ADA Expo '93 Speech, Part 4
GENERAL
Pen Expo - Pen Hardware Divergin
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Pen computers are starting to diverge in the separate directions of PDAs (personal digital assistants) and industry-specific vertical systems, said officials of Toshiba, AST, Fujitsu, and AT&T, speaking this week at PenExpo in Boston.
But more time must go by and more work must be done before the mobile computers meet their full potential in either direction agreed members of the Pen Hardware Panel, which was moderated by industry expert Andrew Seybold.
Up to now, the pen hardware market has seen "a lot of blue sky, and a lot of hype," said Kurtis King, senior product manager, Computer Systems Division, for Toshiba. "Sales forecasts have been outlandish, and expectations have been set too high," he added.
Over the past five years, pen computers have shown to be good at certain tasks, such as sophisticated data entry, electronic signature capture, and electronic communications with host systems according to King.
"But there's also been a high failure rating. That's not pretty but it's the truth," he said. Pen hardware has been plagued by unreliability, and battery life still isn't what it could be, he explained. Ruggedness, wireless communications, and handwriting recognition could also stand great improvement.
By the 1995 to 1996 time frame, though, pen computing will reach maturity and become a "viable market," he predicted. At that point will come the full divergence of PDAs and vertical systems.
Huge rollouts will occur in the vertical segments, with sales exceeding those of notebook PCs, he said. Products will be optimized for different markets, such as hospitals and truck delivery. Unfortunately, however, many of the vendors that have been "vertical pioneers" will be "out of business" by then, he added.
Success in the vertical arena will require work on the part of vendors and customers alike, he suggested. Vendors must adhere to "nonflexible quality standards." They must also be willing to make long-term commitments to their customers, and to forge strategic partnerships. Having "deep pockets" will help.
For their part, customers must arrive at a detailed understanding of the real requirements of their own end-users, said King. Many potential end users, for instance, are not computer literate, he noted.
Tom Humphries, general manager of vertical systems for AST concurred with King on the handwriting recognition factor. "Handwriting recognition is not for pen computing right now, but it's going to get better," he commented.
Interjected Andrew Seybold, "One of the things that you get into right now with handwriting recognition is what you could call the `frustration factor.'"
Humphries also pointed to other areas where progress should be made. The pen itself should be enhanced to meet the "Bic factor," where the device is neither so large that it is clumsy and uncomfortable, nor so small that it is easily lost and cramps the hand of the user, he indicated.
The electrical coatings on digitizers should be improved for longer wear and a less slick, more paper-like feel, he added. On its Grid computers, AST is using replaceable overlays that fit on top of the digitizers, protecting the digitizers and providing the user with a sense of friction against the pen, he said.
Vendors are now beginning to produce desktop and wall-panel pen displays, he noted. "The problem with the desktop displays though, is that there isn't any office furniture yet with recessed areas to hold the displays," he remarked.
In the works for the future are flat panel color displays with underlays for producing backlighting, distance effects, and parallax effects, he asserted.
Speaking with Newsbytes afterward, another AST official said that AST plans to continue to support vertical markets through Grid, but also to place a strong emphasis on the horizontal PDA market through its PenRight pen software.
AST expects that growth of the vertical segments will remain "strong but steady," but that the PDA market will expand more rapidly, said Bobbi Burns, director of sales and marketing, Pen Software.
Fujitsu is strongly committed to the vertical segments, and to the use of systems integration in field applications, said Ann Marie J. McGee, director of strategic marketing, another speaker on the Pen Hardware Panel.
To illustrate her point, McGee gave several examples of field applications, including a system at Sealand in which Fujitsu's PoquetPad computers are interfaced to a DEC VAX minicomputer. Sealand is using the system to track its ocean freight cargo making sure that inventory reaches the right destinations, she explained.
In another suite of applications, PocquetPad computers are being integrated with Proxim's RangeLAN wireless LAN adapters and Proxlink Radio Modules. El Conquistador, a restaurant in Puerto Rico, is one customer that will be using such a system, according to McGee.
For AT&T, on the other hand, personal communicators hold the key in the form of the Eo, said Harriet Donnelly, marketing director Consumer Products. In the past, PDAs have lacked the content and communications capabilities needed by mobile professionals and consumers.
The Eo already provides integrated cellular, voice and e-mail communications, and PDAs from other vendors will have the same capabilities in the future, she said. The multivendor personal communicators will be able to communicate with each other by means of TeleScript, an emerging "common language" for PDAs.
PDAs will become available in a variety of form factors, and devices such as telephones, TV sets, and flat screen wall panels will eventually take on the same features, predicted Donnelly.
The faxing of today will be replaced by paperless communications in which you can "write out a message on your personal communicator, TV set, or telephone, and send it immediately to someone else's personal communicator, TV set, or telephone."
Also in the future, intelligent agents will alleviate the current "information overload" by "knowing what you're looking for, and being able to go out, access databases, and find it," she said.
Even further into the future, by the year 2010, it will be possible to send video communications wirelessly, she added. "Not all of this will happen today or even tomorrow, but the AT&T Laboratories are working on these kinds of technologies right now," she stated.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930903)
t now," she stated.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930903)
9/3/93
Pen Expo - Pen Hardware Diverging In 2 Directions
TRENDS
PenExpo - Accurate Handwriting R
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- If you're waiting for a PC with the same handwriting recognition capabilities as a human being, you could be waiting a long time, leading developers in the field acknowledged this week during a panel at PenExpo.
But the companies are trying hard, and much progress is being made said Stepan Pachivov, Ph.D., president and CEO of ParaGraph International, developers of the handwriting portion of the Newton, and Jeff Dao, assistant vice president for sales and marketing at Communication Intelligence Corporation (CIO).
Amy Wohl, panel moderator, began the discussion with a description of her experiences with the handwriting recognition performance of the Apple Newton. In an informal test of the Newton, in which she gave the machine only "one chance" at recognizing each word, the Newton's accuracy was only about 40 percent, she said.
The Newton did better with shorter words, and with numbers, Wohl added. In response to a question from the audience, she replied that she carried out a tutorial that comes with the Newton, but did not carry out any other handwriting recognition training procedures before conducting the test.
Apple, said Wohl, has been citing 80 percent accuracy for the Newton. "We're not sure what (accuracy) people will find acceptable. I'm certain that it's below 100 percent, but not below 90 percent," she commented.
Dao and Pachikov each explained the difficulties involved in developing a handwriting recognition system, and what can be done to overcome some of them.
"A handwriting recognizer is much more complex than any word processor, spreadsheet or database," said Dao. Although, as children, people learn the same basic handwriting styles, they tend to distort these styles in individual ways. "I'll guarantee you that French people and Californians write very differently," he illustrated.
The distortion problem can become even more serious in mobile applications, he added. "If you think people `distort' when they're sitting at a desk, you should see what they do when they're walking around taking inventory," he remarked.
One difficulty is that people do not space uniformly between letters in a word, or between words in a sentence, said Dao. Often, when people print, they will connect certain letters in a word, but not the others, he added.
To help deal with these issues, CIC recently started building "additional intelligence," in the form of "shape recognizers," into its handwriting recognizer, he said. Right now, CIC's handwriting recognizer works with printed handwriting only, as opposed to cursive, he said.
"But we're still not there yet (with handwriting recognition)," he admitted. "The systems are not performing as well as that lump of flesh between your eyes."
In contrast, ParaGraph's handwriting recognizer are designed for cursive as well as printed handwriting, said Pachikov. One major problem, he noted, is the inability of current handwriting recognition systems to deal with context.
To demonstrate what he meant, Pachikov mimicked a hand printed e-mail message he had received that morning, and showed it on the overhead projector. If you isolated one of the words from the rest of the sentence, the word looked liked "MStead." But if you viewed the word in the context of the sentence, it was clearly "Instead."
In developing the handwriting recognition system for the Newton ParaGraph presented a question to Apple, he said. "We asked whether the handwriting recognition should be made to be 100 percent accurate for 70 percent of the people, or 70 percent accurate for 100 percent of the people," he stated. Apple chose the latter alternative for the initial Newton platform, he told the audience.
On questioning from Newsbytes, Pachikov explained that while only seven "features" or "parameters" are needed to recognize the handwriting of 70 percent of the population, an additional 57 are needed to recognize the handwriting of the other 30 percent of the population.
The extra features consume more memory and thereby slow the speed of handwriting recognition, he added. More RAM and greater velocity help to "compensate" in the handwriting recognition process, he maintained.
After the panel discussion, Dao told Newsbytes that Nestor Inc., is now working on neural networking technology designed to address the issue of context. If attached to the back end of a handwriting recognition system, this kind of technology could be useful in solving the problem, he told Newsbytes.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930903)
roblem, he told Newsbytes.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930903)
9/3/93
PenExpo - Accurate Handwriting Recognition Not There Yet
TRENDS
Northern Telecom Closing 2 Canad
MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Northern Telecom Ltd., will close plants in London, Ontario, and Amherst, Nova Scotia, as part of a worldwide cost-cutting announced earlier this summer. A total of 782 workers will be affected.
Northern Telecom announced it will close a plant in London that employs 705 people and one in Amherst where 77 people work.
Manufacturing of three product lines will move from London to other facilities, company spokeswoman Maureen O'Brien said. Vista telephone sets will be built in Calgary, with some of the plastics work turned over to an outside contractor. Making of basic business phones will move to Toronto. The product management, design and engineering of Northern's Millenium pay phones will also move to Calgary, while support for these phones will go to Toronto.
Millenium manufacturing is to shift to an unspecified location to be announced early in 1994. That site might or might not be in Canada, O'Brien said.
Northern had already cut 415 jobs at the London plant this spring, blaming declining demand for some of its older residential telephone sets.
The Amherst plant makes older telephones and components and the work it does has been declining in recent years, she said.
Both plants will shut down by the end of 1994, O'Brien said. Many employees at the two plants will lose their jobs, though O'Brien said transfers to other Northern sites are possible for those who want to move and have skills the company needs.
These cuts follow the earlier announcement that Northern will close a repair facility in Montreal by early 1994. Fifteen jobs will be lost in that move, O'Brien said, while the remaining 140 employees at the site will move to an existing location in nearby Lachine, Quebec.
More cuts are still to come. Earlier this year Northern announced, along with a US$1.03-billion second-quarter loss, that it would cut some 5,200 jobs, or roughly nine percent of its work force by the end of 1994. About 2,000 of those jobs will be lost in Canada, the company said.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- NYNEX bought out cellular interests from Contel throughout the Northeast including at least one system outside its regular New York-New England service area.
NYNEX Mobile gained a total of just 1.2 million potential customers from the transactions, the financial terms of which were not disclosed. When AT&T bought McCaw Cellular, it was valued at over $200 per potential customer. Included are the cities of Binghamton and Elmira, New York, Burlington, Vermont and Manchester, New Hampshire, as well as minor interests in a system around Poughkeepsie and in Orange County, New York. Rural service areas, without major cities, were purchased in New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and -- most interesting Pennsylvania. But even in that case, the "wireline" franchise had been held by Contel, according to Jim Gerace of NYNEX, so NYNEX will be able to use the same MobiLink trademarks and roaming agreements it's using throughout its main service area.
Contel won the interests because it ran the wired phones in those areas when cellular licenses were given out. The company which was 90 percent acquired by GTE a few years ago, said it was dedicated to a "strategic cluster" philosophy, and the Northeast properties were thus too dispersed to keep. All this is subject to approval by state and federal regulators, but no problem is expected.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930903/Press Contact: Contel Cellular, Susan Asher, 404-804-3800; NYNEX, Jim Gerace, 914/365-7712)
, 404-804-3800; NYNEX, Jim Gerace, 914/365-7712)
9/3/93
NYNEX Buys Contel Northeast Cellular Interests
TELECOM
Bell Atlantic Name Change
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Following the footsteps of US West and Ameritech, Bell Atlantic will rename its operating units. Gone will be the names C&P Telephone Diamond States Telephone, New Jersey Bell and Pennsylvania Bell. In will be the name Bell Atlantic, followed by the name of a state.
The old corporate monikers are remnants of the Bell System, where small operating units were created, all of which were a part of a much larger AT&T. Those companies were recombined on the Bell System's break-up in 1984 into seven regional companies, and for years did business under their old names, just for different parent companies.
US West quickly did away with units like Northwestern Bell switching to its new logo. Earlier this year, Ameritech announced it would get rid of its five statewide units all of which have the "Bell" tag, in favor of a single "Ameritech" identity. Now Bell Atlantic is following that trend.
Like US West, Bell Atlantic says using a single name will be more efficient for advertising purposes. Ameritech made the change as part of a broader reorganization, seeking to accept competition in its local service areas in exchange for broad deregulation including the right to enter the long distance business.
The move is expected to spread nationwide as the regional Bells face strong competitors, and try to clear up blurry identities. In Bell Atlantic's region, for instance, many of its cellular properties go against McCaw Cellular, which will rename them AT&T after its deal to be acquired is consummated. When Bell Atlantic offers cable television service, as it hopes, it will be competing with Southwestern Bell. By putting everything it does under one brand name, the company hopes for a clearer consumer identification.
As part of the move, Bell Atlantic hired Landor Associates, an expert in corporate identity, to redesign its logo, which is currently just the name of the company and the old Bell symbol.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930903/Press Contact: Bell Atlantic, Larry Plumb, 703-974-2814)
Larry Plumb, 703-974-2814)
9/3/93
Bell Atlantic Name Change
TELECOM
Southeast SMR Merger Moves Ahead
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- Dial Page Inc., Transit Communications Corp., and Advanced MobileComm of North Carolina Inc., announced a definitive merger agreement to create the third-largest SMR (Specialized Mobile Radio) network in the US.
Specialized Mobile Radio channels were first given out in the early 1980s. They were originally used by taxi fleets and ambulance services, which erected a single antennae within metropolitan areas to serve the frequency. But Federal Express turned a large number of SMR licenses into a national digital network, and a few years ago Motorola announced a system called Enhanced SMR, which could turn the frequencies into the functioning equivalent of digital cellular calling channels lacking only roaming.
Since then, there has been a major move by SMR licensees to build networks of licenses and use the ESMR technology to compete in the cellular market. NexTel, formerly Fleet Call, is the largest of these operators, having just turned its Southern California market on this week, in a "beta test" mode.
The combined entity here, Dial Page Inc., will be the third largest operator of SMR channels in the US, after Motorola and NexTel, with channels in markets holding over 30 million people. The company will have over 260,000 customers in the Southeast using over 4,000 channels, which will be transformed using Motorola technology into an ESMR network serving Alabama, the Carolinas, and parts of Florida. The merger is a tax-free reorganization of interests.
The company will compete with NexTel once it buys American Mobile Systems Inc., a leading operator of SMR frequency networks in Florida.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930903/Press Contact: Thomas A. Grina, Dial Page, 803-242-0234)
A. Grina, Dial Page, 803-242-0234)
9/3/93
Southeast SMR Merger Moves Ahead
TELECOM
American Airlines Chooses Clairc
FORT WORTH, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 SEP 3 (NB) -- GTE Airfone, which dominated the airplane-ground telephony market in the 1980s and is slowly moving toward digital technology in its systems, has recently seen the US air industry slowly move away from it. That move accelerated with a vengeance as a competitor, Claircom announced that American Airlines will take out the GTE Airfones in its 650 planes and replace them with its digital AirOne service.
While few in the industry will discuss it publicly, the issue here is purely financial. Airlines win royalties on calls made through phones on their airliners, and GTE is apparently getting outbid by new players. Claircom Communications, owned by McCaw soon to be a part of AT&T, and General Motors' Hughes Network Systems unit, are the biggest new players. Claircom's service is sold under the name AirOne.
With a digital network, AirOne can offer fax and data services as well as voice calls, which usually cost passengers about $2 per minute. So in time will GTE's Airfone, and so will InFlight Phone, a new company formed by Airfone's founder. But both are apparently being outbid by Claircom, which in recent months won the digital business of Alaska Air, Northwest, and Southwest Airlines, none of which had previously had phones in their planes. "In any contract like this there's always a revenue sharing arrangement," explained Claircom spokesman Todd Wolfenbarger to Newsbytes.
American, however, is a bigger deal, with 650 airliners, and extensive international routes. Plus, American will take out one vendor's phones, in this case GTE's, and replace them with another vendor's, namely Claircom. USAir signed the first digital telephone contract, with In-Flight Phone, and its 412 planes are due to have the systems installed by the end of 1994. The In Flight system includes video screens on each seat-back that show connecting flight information, weather and news, even some live TV broadcasts.
Ironically, Airfone's founder had sold the company to GTE in the early 80s and later left it, charging GTE was not investing in the venture in order to limit its royalty exposure to him. When he started InFlight, GTE sued over the "no-compete" clause in the contract. Now, it appears, both are being out-bid.
Concluded Wolfenbarger, "There's a second generation in air ground communications going on now. All the systems are digital. The entire industry is moving toward digital. So you'll see carriers re-examine their arrangements."
Newsbyte reports are copyright 1993 by Newsbytes News Network.
Republication of any portion is strictly without prior authorization.
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Hughes LAN Intros proLINC 2.2/proLINC WINtools 1.2
Dozens Of Vendors To Unveil New Software Tools In Boston
Soft-Switch Offers Directory Xpress E-mail Service
Japan - 3DO Opens Software Library
Law Group Calls For Computer Use & Abuse Papers
India - Multi-User Braille Reading Sys Developed
Software Dev't 93 - Dev'pers/Managers Should Talk More
CA Announces Certification Program
Quattro Pro Pricing Will Not Affect Excel, Says Microsoft
Iomega Extends Product Warranties
India - Turbo Analyst To Support Integra RDBMS
Computer Superstore On Wheels To Roll Into Five Cities
Interop '93 - Network Firms Honored
Dell Appoints New VP
NEC Debuts Low-Cost Ink-Jet Printer
Interop's Real, Live Network
Fastest Rewritable CD-ROM Rivals Hard Disks In Speed
The Enabled Computer
Roundup - Stories Carried By Other Media This Week
ISSI Intelli-Guard Computerized Security System
Interop '93 - Worldtalk 400 For ISOCOR Demo'd
A New Concept In Shareware Distribution
Software Dev't '93 - Prolog Vendors Group Appears In US
UK - Fujitsu Intros Joywriter Portable Thermal Printer
Software Dev't '93 - Techies Unite Seminar
New Cricket 3D Mouse Offers Tactile Feedback
Hayes Intros 144+Fax144 PCMCIA Data/Fax Modem
Software Dev't '93 - Morph's Outpost Mag Debuts
OpCon East '93 Conference Opens Today
Hong Kong - Client-Server Institute Established
AT&T Expands GaAs IC Production With New Partner
Russia - Computer Games Help Eyes
Hong Kong - Medical Records Online
Firm To Launch Six-Stage Document Engineering Cycle
PenExpo Conference Opens In Boston
Sega Orders FRAM Chips For Games
Claris Ships FileMaker Pro 2.1 For Macintosh & Windows
AST Shipping Penright Pro 3.5 For C Programmers
Canadian University Offers On-Line Internet Class
Canadian Firm Offers NT Development System
Canadian Show Roundup: Macs, EDI, Telecom And More
Mandelbrot To Speak At Bard
HK Businesses Want Hotline Support - Microsoft Report
New Edition Of Computer Industry Almanac Out Now
LAN Times Rates Artisoft's LANtastic In Top Slot
Gandalf Builds New Bridges
Broderbund Ships Print Shop Deluxe Companion For Windows
First Computer Training Firm Gets ISO Certification
Review of - Boatowner's Guide To Marine Electronics
Samsung Non-Impact Printers To Be Shown At Comdex
Roundup - Stories Carried By Other Media This Week
New Alpha Chips Aimed At Volume PC, Embedded Markets
Low-Cost Green Laser Printer Offers HP, Postscript
Novell Ships NetWare 3.12
Microsoft Ships BallPoint Mouse 2.0
ACM Announces Fifth Hypertext Conference Schedule
Amiga World: US CD32 Intro, 4000 Tower Demonstrated
Indian IT Professionals Overseas Want To Come Home
Canadian Product Launch Update
New Addressing Software -- Mikey Likes It!
New GamePad and Joystick Options For Macs
Electronic Imaging Conference Opens Today In Boston
Sharp Produce More CCDs Due To Viewcam's Popularity
Computer Manual For PC Compatibles
Survival Guide For Novell Network Administrators
Unisys Expands CMOS Use In Mainframe
Novell Makes NetWare Btrieve 6.1 Available
Virtual Wearality T-Shirts Available
EIS Conference Underway This Week In Boston
Tube Topper Cuts Down On Paper Clutter
EIS Conference - Planning Sciences Intros Gentium 1.0
Artisoft LANtastic Interchange Software
UK - Ideal Windows Monitor
UK - Hitachi Unveils Software-Controlled Color Monitors
Alps Wireless Network Adaptor
MS Advanced Server Workstation Software Now Free
LanCD - Fast Net Access To Multiple CD-ROMs
India's Biggest Computer Show
Electronic Imaging '93 - 3D Eyewear For Kubota Workstations
Matsushita To Standardize PC Parts To Cut Costs
Sony Strengthens Chip Design, Develops Tiny LCD
Microsoft Australia Fee-For-Support Set For October
Shiva Lures Ingari From Lotus
Hong Kong - Digital Launches PC-Based POS System
Compaq To Host Industry Tech Summit
Upcoming IDC Conference To Focus On PC Marketplace
PenExpo - Attendees Select Best Of Show Products
Newsbytes Volume III - Available For $24.95
Quantum Intros Raft Of New Drives
Sega Pushes Video Game Machine In South East Asia
Canadian Product Launch Update
Complete Newsbytes Archives Now On CD-ROM For $24.95
Five Major Companies Agree On PCMCIA Mass Storage
Lotus CSG Joins Easel's Object-Oriented Partners Program
Radio Shack Ships New Video Games Direct To Consumers
TI Cuts Printer Prices
Combo Wrist Rest/Mouse Pad
Exabyte Intros 4mm Data Cartridge
Calm And Quiet In Moscow
JetStack For HP LaserJet 4
VARs Choose AST As #1 PC Supplier
Emerald Sys Backup Software To Support NetWare 4.0
Exabyte Intros Exatape Mini Data Cartridge
UK - Security Software For VTAM Networks
Lotus Outlines Messaging Strategy
Australia - Borland Intros New Support Structure
The Enabled Computer, ADA Expo '93 Speech, Part 4
Toshiba Moves To DOS/V Group
New Inkjet Paper Uses Less Ink
UK - Revive Dead & Dying Mice With Mouse Wash
Canadian Product Launch Update
Novell Offers NetWare 4.x Security Patch
PenExpo - Kurta Intros Desktop Pen Display System
New nVIEW LCD
Australia - HP Launches Faxed Info Service
Sharp 32 Mb MROM
New Sharp Digital Signal Processing Chip
Parental Guidance System Established For Videogames
NCR To Sell PCs Direct
Microsoft Expands Multimedia Offerings
Electronic Medical Records Module Shipping
Hong Kong University Gets Digital Network
Globalink's Power Translator Honored
r, Hires Staff
Beyond Intros BeyondMail 2.0 Remote For DOS and Windows
November Is MacWorld Expo Month In Australia
Logitech Announces PC Games Sound Card
PowerPCs Launched Offshore
UK - Netware 3.12
Aldus To Bundle PhotoStyler In Multimedia Kit
IBM Intros Multitude Of New Systems/Software
Microprose Intros NFL Football Simulation Game
Wordperfect 6.0 To Be Bundled With Quattro Pro
IBM Canada To Make PowerPC Modules
Softklone Becomes UK Distributor For Reportsmith
Hard Disk To Go -- K-STOR
UK -- Lotus 1-2-3 Release 4.01 For Windows
Mirus Intros Under-$5000 Film Recorder
Spinnaker Power Album Organizes Images
Dealer Electronic Support System
New Ergo Keyboard From Ergologic, Key Tronic
UK - Contact Management For Windows
Review of - US History On CD-ROM
Novell Plans Major Announcement Oct 4
Lightning Intros Low-Cost Pentium Local Bus System
Australia - Laser Printer Breaks Price Barrier
Review of Loom Fantasy Adventure Computer Game
New PCs From Seiko-Epson, Matsushita, Sony, Toshiba
Correction - PenExpo - Eo Is Targeted At Frequent Travellers
Review of Alpha4, Version 3
Remote PC Diagnostic Program For Repair Technicians
PenExpo - Dauphin Announces VAR Program, Ruggedized Computers
Software Has 5300 Companies For Job Seekers
Quick Restart For Windows, DOS
Cooling The Hot Pentium
UK - Wordperfect 6.0 For Windows
MS-DOS 6.2 Released Planned For 4Q, Not Bug Fix
IBM Beefs Up AS/400's Client/Server Features
Microsoft Offers MS-Workgroup Templates
IBM Holds Its Own In Tough Midrange Market -- Thompson
Creative Labs MPC 2 Kits Priced Below $650
Cardinal Intros Multimedia Upgrade Kits
Printers, Storage, Software Round Out AS/400 News
Series III VersaKey Keyboard For PC Debuts
Australian Company Unveils Sound Blaster 16 Basic Sound Card
Chipsoft Intros Turbotax Business Series
Sharp To Intro DOS-Compatible PDA/Notebook Hybrid
Lotus To Offer SmartSuite For OS/2
Radio Shack Intros Green PC With Local Bus Video
Perfected! Adds Functions To WordPerfect
Israeli Cryptography Company Scores Success In Germany
Japan - IBM Japan Creates Software Service Center
Toshiba/Microsoft Pact Includes Microsoft At Work
IBM Offers OS/2 Publications On CD-ROM
Dariana Ships WinSleuth Gold Plus
Quicken 3 For Windows Cuts Data Entry W/ Calendar
IBM Japan Launches VAN Service In Thailand
Planix Software Permits Office Redesign In Windows
UK - Apricot Extends Xen-PC Family
IBM Launches Feature-Packed Notebooks
NAUTILUS is pleased to provide the following
industry reports from the Newsbytes News Network.._
Subjects are listed on the left (Apple, Business, etc.). Click a subject button to display a list of Newsbytes for that subject. Click on any item in the list to go to that story.
ively replace
a mouse, the company claims.
According to John Rodger, sales manager with the company, the
touchpad can now be adapted to allow users to customize various
single and double click mouse actions.
"With the introduction of the new DOS mouse driver, supplied with
every new Touchmate, the number of applications which users will be
able to control is significantly increased. The driver also
represents an important development for system integrators ho now
have more flexibility when writing software for Touchmate," he said.
So, what is Touchmate? According to the company, it's a completely
new type of touch screen where no glass panel or membrane is placed
in front of the screen. Instead, Touchmate is a compact platform
that is placed underneath a monitor -- any force exerted on the
screen of the monitor is carried through to the touchpad and
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