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INI File
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1993-08-15
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5KB
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85 lines
[from a Kaleida/Motorola/Scientific-Atlanta press release]
Kaleida Labs Inc., Motorola Inc. and Scientific-Atlanta Inc. have announced they
have signed a memorandum of intent to develop next-generation open-architecture
software and hardware for the delivery of interactive and multimedia services to
the home through cable television networks.
Through this agreement, the companies plan to provide new forms of
consumer-oriented cable TV services, including single- and multi-user
interactive entertainment, shopping, information, and education programs.
Under the terms of the memorandum, Kaleida will supply ScriptX, its core
technology, to Scientific-Atlanta for the creation of next-generation
interactive services and the delivery of these services using home terminals and
networks manufactured by Scientific-Atlanta. ScriptX consists of an
open-architecture multimedia programming language and operating system software.
Motorola will provide cost effective microprocessor technology based on the
PowerPC architecture, allowing a new level of performance for services delivered
through cable television networks. Scientific-Atlanta will develop terminals,
networks and servers containing Kaleida's software technology, through which
interactive programming services will be offered. The terminals will go into
development and production immediately following the conclusion of a formal
agreement. The companies expect to finalize the agreement in mid-July, with the
first terminals ready for delivery in the summer of 1994.
Among the distinctive features of Kaleida's ScriptX are its device independence
and object-oriented nature. "Device independence" guarantees that
ScriptX-compliant multimedia content and services will not be limited to a
single architecture or the products of a single manufacturer. As an
"object-oriented" language, ScriptX enables programmers to create, change and
enhance interactive multimedia content and services faster than ever before
possible.
"Deploying Kaleida's technology in Scientific-Atlanta's home terminals for a
higher level of interactivity and multimedia is a logical step in our efforts to
help cable operators increase customer satisfaction and gain additional
revenues," said Gary Trimm, president of the subscriber systems division in
Scientific-Atlanta's Broadband Communications Group. "ScriptX provides a
faster, easier environment for creative individuals and organizations to develop
interactive, multiple-user applications. The PowerPC family of microprocessors
from Motorola provide the high-performance, cost-effective solution for our
strategy to provide cable operators with a flexible platform to meet the
changing needs of subscribers."
"Scientific-Atlanta has proven to be the technology leader among addressable
terminal suppliers and is one of the most innovative network equipment companies
in the cable industry," said Nat Goldhaber, president and chief executive
officer of Kaleida. "Motorola's world class manufacturing prowess and
microprocessor technology leadership provide a high performance platform at very
competitive system costs. We're delighted and honored to work with these
companies to enable the delivery of digital entertainment and information
services to the home. As a team, we are taking the biggest step ever toward
making interactive and multimedia services a reality for America's cable
households."
Goldhaber continued, "This relationship means Kaleida's ScriptX will be present
on a full spectrum of hardware, from the most advanced workstations and desktop
computers to cable television terminals, games and entertainment machines. Not
only does this bring the power of a computer to the consumer for the price of a
'set-top converter,' it also vastly broadens the market opportunity for
multimedia content developers."
"Combining our strengths with those of Kaleida and Scientific-Atlanta will
result in an unmatched capability in the interactive multimedia market," said
Les Crudele, vice president and general manager of the RISC Microprocessor
Division of Motorola. "This is the latest example of the PowerPC microprocessor
family setting the foundation for the convergence of communications, computing,
and life style products."
Kaleida Labs Inc. is an independent, privately held firm, co-owned by Apple
Computer Inc. and IBM Corp. Its mission is to create and proliferate an open
software standard for the development and playback of multimedia content and
interactive services. Scientific-Atlanta is a world leader in broadband
communications delivery systems and cable television electronics. Motorola is
one of the world's leading providers of electronic equipment, systems,
components, and services for global markets. Motorola's Semiconductor Products
Sector is the largest U.S. broad line supplier of semiconductors, with a
balanced portfolio of more than 50,000 devices. Kaleida Labs is based in
Mountain View. Motorola has its headquarters in Schaumberg, Ill.
Scientific-Atlanta is located in Norcross, Ga.
CONTACT: Kaleida Labs Inc., Diane Samples, 415/966-0764; Scientific-Atlanta
Inc., Bill Brobst, 404/903-6306; Motorola Inc., Dean Mosley, 512/891-2839