Item    9189404                 93/04/15        15:40 
From:  CONRAD_GEIGER@NEXT.COM@INET#    Internet Gateway 
Subject: EPSON to Integrate NeXTSTEP with Progression NX

News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan Marciano Epson (310) 782-5161

Emily Brower Allison Thomas Associates (415) 775-8599


EPSON to Integrate NeXTSTEP with Progression NX

TORRANCE, Calif., April 14, 1993 -  EPSON America, Inc. and NeXT Computer,
Inc. today announced that EPSON will sell NeXTSTEP, the industry-leading
object-oriented software platform for developing and deploying client/server
applications, with an upcoming addition to its successful Progression product
line. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.  Today's announcement follows
NeXT's recent decision to cease production of its own hardware and concentrate
exclusively on developing and marketing its object-oriented NeXTSTEP software.

"NeXTSTEP takes full advantage of the high-performance graphics architecture
inherent in our Wingine-based PCs," said Steven Huey, vice president of the PC
and Solutions Business Unit for EPSON. "NeXTSTEP is the clear leader in object-
oriented systems software, and our mutual customers will benefit tremendously
by the combination. EPSON's close working relationship with NeXT has enabled
us to maximize the performance of the Progression NX now and for future PCs."


The Progression NX is an ideal platform for NeXTSTEP users and developers for
a variety of reasons.  The Wingine graphics architecture is based on frame-
buffer video technology that strongly enhances usability of graphics-intensive
operating systems.  Further, the Progression NX, with six expansion slots and
five drive bays, make it ideal for expansion capabilities. The Progression NX
is certified by NeXT to be completely compatible with the NEXTSTEP operating
system. The new addition to EPSON's Progression line of computers is now
available.

"Our agreement with EPSON is an important element of NeXT's strategy to
provide customers with high-performance hardware integrated with NeXTSTEP
software," said Erna Arnesen, NeXT's director of channel sales.  "Progression
NX machines, complete with Wingine graphics, are an ideal desktop computer for
running NeXTSTEP."

About EPSON

EPSON, an affiliate of Seiko EPSON Corporation, is a leading marketer of
innovative computer products, peripheral devices and services. Headquartered
in Torrance, Calif., EPSON America is a $1 billion company.

NeXT Computer, Inc. NeXTComputer, Inc. develops and markets the industry-
acclaimed NeXTSTEP object-oriented software for industry-standard computer
architectures such as the Intel486 and Pentium.  NeXTSTEP is used by corporate
customers to develop and deploy client/server applications, using both custom
and shrink-wrapped productivity software.  NeXT is headquartered at 900
Chesapeake Drive, Redwood City, Calif., 94063.


-30-

NeXT, the NeXT logo and NeXTSTEP are registered trademarks of NeXT Computer,
Inc.  Intel486 and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. 
All brand or product names are registered trademarks of their respective
holders.



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