Ian & Stuart's Australian Mac 1993 September/September 93.iso/Apple/Apple Systems/Apple Releases 93/Momentum Builds for Macintosh

Text File | 1993-10-20 | 20KB | 504 lines

Momentum Builds for Macintosh with PowerPC
Contact:
Betty Taylor
Apple Computer, Inc.
[phone]

Momentum Builds For Macintosh
With PowerPC

Apple Outlines Growing Developer Support, Upgrade Program and
New Levels of Performance



CUPERTINO, California--October 19, 1993--In a series of announcements
at major industry events this week, Apple Computer, Inc. is
demonstrating growing momentum behind and support for the next
generation PC platform: Macintosh with PowerPC.  The PowerPC is a new
RISC-based microprocessor family under development by Apple, IBM and
Motorola.  Macintosh with PowerPC will bring a new level of
performance and functionality to personal computing at low prices .

In summary, Apple announced the following:

-- Seven additional software developers have announced plans to
develop new versions of applications that tap the
power of Macintosh with PowerPC.
-- Plans to deliver higher clock speeds for RISC-based Macintosh
systems.
-- Additional details on its PowerPC upgrade program for current
customers.
-- Delivery of first silicon of the PowerPC 603, the second member
of the PowerPC family of chips designed jointly with IBM and
Motorola.
    This week's progress update coincides with three major conferences
where PowerPC will be discussed: the Microprocessor Forum in
Burlingame, CA, the Seybold Publishing Conference in San Francisco,
and the EDUCOM education conference in Cincinnati. Re-affirming that
Apple is on schedule for its planned introduction of systems based on
new RISC technology during the first six months of 1994, Apple plans
to exhibit Macintosh with PowerPC prototype systems and demonstrate a
selection of applications that are under development at both Seybold
and EDUCOM.
    "Just as the current Macintosh platform continues to gain
marketshare, our next generation Macintosh with PowerPC technology
continues to gain momentum," commented Ian Diery, executive vice
president and general manager of the Personal Computer Division.
"PowerPC represents a major milestone for Apple, our customers and
the industry.  Not only is Apple readying new mainstream systems with
radical improvements in price/performance, but we are providing our
customers with an on-ramp to the future of personal computing.
Because of the imminent arrival of Macintosh with PowerPC, we want to
keep our customers well informed of our progress."

Major Developers Committed to PowerPC

Notably, Apple announced seven new developers worldwide have unveiled
plans to deliver "native" applications for Macintosh with PowerPC.
(A native application is an application that has been recompiled for
the PowerPC chip.  Native applications take full advantage of the
superior speed of PowerPC technology.)  Together with 11 leading
developers who previously announced their support, this brings the
total number of developers who have announced applications support
on Apple's platform to 18.  The seven new developers include the
following: Artwork Systems, N.V., Canto Software, Inc., Fractal Design
Corporation, Graphisoft, Great Plains Software, ITEDO Software GmbH.,
and Wolfram Research, Inc.
    Developers previously committed to developing native applications
include: Adobe Systems Inc., ACIUS Inc., Aldus Corporation, Claris
Corporation, Deneba Software, Frame Technology, Insignia Solutions,
Microsoft Corporation, Quark, Inc., Specular International, and
WordPerfect Corporation.
    At both the Seybold and the EDUCOM conferences, Apple plans to
publicly demonstrate for the first time a selection of native
applications that are currently under development by some of the
industry's leading software publishers.  These demonstrations
underscore the significant performance gains users should be able to
achieve with native applications in the future.  Planned demonstrations include
the following:

-- Aldus FreeHand, one of the world's most popular professional
drawing programs.
-- Insignia SoftPC, a program which will allow Macintosh users to
run DOS and Windows applications with good performance on the PowerPC
processor. This creates a migration path to Macintosh with PowerPC for
DOS/Windows users.
-- Adobe Photoshop, the leading image processing program for
publishing and multimedia users worldwide.
-- Fractal Design Painter, the premier publishing and multimedia
tool for image enhancement.
-- Specular Infini-D, a major 3-D modeling and rendering package
for the Macintosh environment.
-- Wofram Mathematica, the world's leading mathematical modeling
package for education and business.
   Apple continues to work with these and hundreds of other developers
worldwide to ensure the availability of a wide range of leading
applications and to help create entirely new categories of
products, enabled by the powerful new PowerPC architecture. (For a
complete listing of developers supporting Macintosh with PowerPC, see
the attached third-party summary sheet.)
    "Apple developers worldwide are quickly and enthusiastically adopting
Macintosh with PowerPC and are very excited about the powerful, next-
generation applications they'll be able to deliver," said David
Nagel, senior vice president and general manager of the AppleSoft
Division.  "We are extremely pleased with developers' progress to
date.  Working closely together, we are setting new standards in
personal computing."
    In addition to native applications, Macintosh with PowerPC will run
thousands of existing Macintosh applications based on Apple's current
System 7 operating system.  Apple's chief goal in introducing PowerPC
is to retain a high degree of compatibility with existing Macintosh
applications.  Addressing compatibility, Nagel said: "Because Apple
controls both the hardware and software, our compatibility is rock
solid."

Affordable Upgrade Paths

Today, Apple also announced plans to ship upgrade products
simultaneous with the initial introduction of Macintosh with PowerPC
systems, and added an upgrade path for Apple Workgroup Servers (See
related release today).
    Earlier this year, Apple announced an aggressive upgrade program for
PowerPC technology in order to ensure the highest degree of customer
satisfaction for customers as they transition to Macintosh with
PowerPC.  At that time, the company announced that it would offer
upgrades for six Macintosh desktop computer models.  Models included:
the Macintosh Centris 610 and 650 computers, Macintosh IIvx and IIvi,
Performa 600 and Quadra 800.  Since that time, Apple has added two new desktop
models to the list with the introduction of the Centris 660AV and the Quadra
840AV.
    Upgrade prices will vary by model, with upgrades expected to start at
below $1,000.  Specifics on various upgrade options are expected to
be announced in conjunction with the introduction of PowerPC
technology-based systems.  Apple and third parties continue to work
on upgrade paths for other Macintosh models.
    "We intend to be extremely aggressive with our upgrade offerings to
ensure a smooth transition for current Macintosh customers to move to
PowerPC," said Diery.

Increased Microprocessor Performance

In co-operation with IBM and Motorola, Apple announced that the
performance of the PowerPC 601 chip has exceeded original goals and
plans to ship at higher frequencies (speeds) than earlier announced.
The minimum speed of RISC-based Macintosh systems has been increased
from 50MHz to 60MHz.  Additionally, Apple announced that it also
plans to ship 80MHz systems during 1994.  Last May, Apple exhibited
an 80MHz prototype system as part of a technology demonstration at
its Worldwide Developer's Conference.
    Also this week, Apple with IBM and Motorola announced that the second
PowerPC chip, the 603, has reached first silicon.  Motorola and IBM
unveiled the new chip at the Microprocessor Forum in San Francisco.
The first silicon for the PowerPC 601 processor, which is at the
heart of the first generation of Macintosh systems based on PowerPC,
was announced last fall at the Slater Microprocessor Forum.
    "By delivering the 603 just one year after the first generation
PowerPC chip, the Apple-IBM-Motorola technology alliance has
demonstrated the ability of the three companies to stay on schedule
for these major joint developments," said Diery.
    "With the introduction of the 603 chip we achieve yet another
milestone in our drive to make the PowerPC architecture the next
industry standard," said Phil Pompa, director of marketing for
Motorola's RISC Microprocessor Division.  "Together Apple, IBM and
Motorola are delivering a full spectrum of PowerPC microprocessors
that will power the next generation of personal computing products."
    Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:
AAPL) develops, manufactures and markets personal computer, server,
and personal interactive electronic systems for use in business,
education, the home, science, engineering and government.  A
recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, Apple
does business in more than 120 countries.

-30-

Apple, the Apple logo, and Macintosh are registered trademarks and
Centris, Quadra, Performa and System 7 are trademarks of

Apple Computer, Inc.  PowerPC, PowerPC 601 and PowerPC 603 are
trademarks of IBM.


Macintosh with PowerPC
Third-Party Developer Listing

October 1993


The following third-party Macintosh applications developers have
publicly announced their support for Macintosh with PowerPC and their
plans to deliver native PowerPC applications that tap the power and
performance of the PowerPC architecture. Apple is on schedule to meet
its planned shipment of Apple Macintosh systems based on the new RISC
technology during the first six months of 1994.

ACI

Developers of 4th Dimension, a leading relational database that is
fast, powerful, easy to learn and easy to use. It enables users to
quickly create personalized systems and keeps pace with a user's
needs as they grow in complexity and size. 4D features an extensive
programming language, automatic button scripting, multipage layout
and easy-to-use procedures. Acius also offers a wide range of
integrated application modules for 4th Dimension.

Press Contact:
Suzanne Whitney-Smedt
ACI US Inc.
[phone]


Adobe Systems Inc.

Developers of software products and technologies that enable users to
create, display and communicate electronic documents. Products
include Adobe Illustrator, a powerful design tool that includes text
handling capabilities, automatic graphing and ease-of-use features;
Adobe Photoshop, a photo design and production tool; and Adobe
Premiere, digital video software. Adobe has announced its plans to
support PowerPC in future products, but no specific product.

Press Contact:
LaVon Peck
Adobe Systems Inc.
[phone]


Aldus Corporation

Aldus creates computer software solutions that help people throughout
the world effectively communicate information and ideas. The company
focuses on three lines of business: applications for the professional
publishing and prepress markets; applications for the general
consumer market; and service and support programs for professional
end-users. Products include PageMaker, Persuasion, Freehand, Digital
Darkroom, Fetch, and others. Aldus has announced its plans to support
Macintosh with PowerPC in future versions of its applications
software products, including Aldus PageMaker.

Press Contact:
Brad Stevens
Aldus Corporation
[phone]


Artwork Systems N.V.

Developers of ArtPro, a high-end application for the prepress of
labels and packaging, providing advanced features like vectorization
and manipulation of complex scanned lineart, editing of imported
PostScript files, trapping and optimized PostScript output.

Press Contact: Peter Denoo
Artwork Systems N.V., Belgium
[phone]


Canto Software Inc.

Developers of Cumulus, an extremely fast, professional client/server
network and single user image database for indexing and archiving any
number of images on the Macintosh. Using Cirrus, Canto's state-of-
the-art scan and image manipulation program that also includes
AppleScript and ColorSync calibration, it's even possible to
automatically catalog images directly into any Cumulus database.

Press Contact:
Jan Lindner
Canto Software Inc.
[phone]


Claris Corporation

A leading worldwide vendor of Macintosh and Windows software for
business, education and home, and a subsidiary of Apple Computer,
Inc., Claris will be among the first vendors to offer native PowerPC
Macintosh applications. The company has stated that ClarisWorks, the
award winning #1 integrated application on Macintosh, will be the
first native PowerPC Macintosh application from Claris.

Press Contact:
Inés Anderson
Claris Corporation
[phone]


Deneba Software

Developers of Canvas, a precision drawing program for illustrators,
designers, artists, architects and engineers. Deneba has announced
its plans to release a native-mode version of Canvas for Macintosh
with PowerPC; the new version will be based on a new, platform-
independent graphics kernel currently under development at Deneba.
Deneba is also the developer of Deneba artWORKS, UltraPaint, Spelling
Coach Professional, and The Big Thesaurus.

Press Contact:
Doug Levy
Deneba Software
[phone]


Fractal Design Corporation

Developers of award-winning natural-media graphics software which
captures the expressive human gesture, including Fractal Design
Painter, Fractal Design PainterX2, and Fractal Design Sketcher.

Press Contacts:
Kim Haas   Daryl Wise
McLean Public RelationsFractal Design Corp.
[phone] [phone]


Frame Technology

A worldwide provider of document information management solutions for
the creation, management, distribution, and retrieval of critical
business and technical documents, Frame has announced its plans to
take full advantage of the increased power and performance of
Macintosh with PowerPC with all of its products including the award-
winning FrameMaker for Macintosh document publishing software.

Press Contact:
Kristin Vais
Frame Technology
[phone]


Graphisoft Software Development Ltd.

Developers of ArchiCAD, a high-end architectural building modeler
that optimizes the design process by integrating any plan with a
three-dimensional database that provides automatic elevations,
sections and rendered perspectives and animations.

Press Contact:
David Marlatt
Graphisoft U.S., Inc.
[phone]


Great Plains Software

A leading developer of modular accounting and business management
software providing solutions ranging from entry-level integrated
accounting software to client/server and SQL systems. Great Plains
has announced its plans to support Macintosh with PowerPC in its
Dynamics Release Two and Dynamics C/S+ product lines by September
1994. Dynamics Release Two is a major upgrade to the company's
existing Dynamics product line of 14 accounting software modules and
tools and Dynamics C/S+ is a client/server solution with scalable
server hardware.

Press Contact:
Terry Kalil
Great Plains Software
[phone]


Insignia Solutions Inc.

The industry's leading provider of high-quality PC compatibility
solutions for Macintosh computers and UNIX-based workstations.
Insignia, working in strategic alliance with Microsoft, has announced
its plans to ship SoftWindows for the Macintosh with PowerPC.
SoftWindows, based on Microsoft's Windows source code, runs Windows
and MS-DOS applications at 486 PC speeds and fully supports PC
networks, including Novell NetWare and Microsoft LAN Manager.
SoftWindows gives the PowerPC processor–based Macintosh platform full
PC compatibility.

Press Contacts:
Nancy TatumKatherine Gill
Insignia Solutions Inc.Wilson McHenry
[phone] [phone]


ITEDO Software GmbH

Developer of ITEDO IsoDraw, a high-end 2D graphics application for
technical illustration, designed for professional illustrators in the
electronic technical publishing field. IsoDraw, which has captured
significant market attention in Europe, is used by large-scale
enterprises and subcontractors which have already started to produce
technical illustrations and documentation in a completely electronic
way. Key customers include Audi, BMW, Krupp, and Bosch-Siemens. The
product is distributed in Europe and the U.S.

Press Contact:
Rolf Schnakenberg
ITEDO Software GmbH, Germany
[phone]


Microsoft Corporation

Leading developers worldwide of a wide range of software products and
services for business and personal use, and early adopters of Apple
technology, Microsoft's Macintosh application products include
Microsoft Excel, Word, Works, Mail, Project, Schedule+, and
PowerPoint. Microsoft has announced its plans to provide early
support for Macintosh with PowerPC, and that Excel, Word, and Works
will be among the first Microsoft applications available for the
PowerPC processor–based Macintosh systems.

Press Contact:
Julie Briselden
Microsoft Corporation
[phone]


Quark, Inc.

Developers of publishing software for commercial publishing and
graphic arts professionals around the world, Quark's Macintosh
products include Quark XPress, the industry-standard page layout
program that provides the precision, power and ease of use needed to
produce a broad range of publications. Quark also develops and
distributes the Quark Publishing System, a high-performance editorial
management system.

Press Contacts:
Greg MortonPeter Warren
Quark, Inc.Quark, Inc.
[phone] [phone]


Specular International

Developers of Infini-D, an integrated three-dimensional modeling,
rendering and animation package. Infini-D, which has garnered all the
industry's major awards including Winner of the 1992 MacUser Editor's
Choice Award for the Best 3D package, combines a friendly interface
with sizzling 3D power. Infini-D's robust feature set includes a
high-quality, super-fast renderer, Type-1 and TrueType font support,
EPS support, unlimited light sources, multiple cameras, hierarchical
modeling, precise PICT and texture mapping, QuickTime support,
Animation Assistant, time-based animation, spline-based motion, and
object and surface "morphing". Specular also produces 10 volumes of
Replicas, which are 3D models and surfaces for use with Infini-D, as
well as BackBurner, a distributed network rendering system which
significantly reduces the amount of time needed to render complex
Infini-D scenes.

Press Contact:
Dave Trescott
Specular International
[phone]


Wolfram Research, Inc.

Developers of Mathematica, a general system for doing mathematics by
computer that can be used both as an interactive calculation tool and
as a programming language, and which does numerical, graphical and
symbolic calculations.

Press Contact:
Jane Rich
Wolfram Research, Inc.
[phone]


WordPerfect Corporation

Developers of the world's best-selling word processor,WordPerfect, as
well as WordPerfect Works, an integrated program, and WordPerfect
Office, an integrated cross-platform electronic mail, personal
calendaring and group scheduling program. WordPerfect Corporation has
announced its plans to take full advantage of the power and
performance of Macintosh with PowerPC with a future version of
WordPerfect.

Press Contact:
Dave Terran
WordPerfect Corporation
[phone]


    Mention of third parties and third-party products is for
informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement
nor a recommendation. We strongly encourage you to check with the
companies before publishing any information about their products. By
providing this list, Apple Computer, Inc. assumes no responsibility
with regard to the selection, performance, or use of these vendors or
products. All understandings, agreements, or warranties, if any, take
place directly between the vendors and the prospective users.
    Apple, the Apple logo, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc. PowerPC is a trademark of IBM Corp. Additional
company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks
of the individual companies.



END

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