Newsbytes - Internationa…ews 1983 May to 1994 June/Newsbytes - International Computing Industry News 1994 Edition - May 1983 - June 1994 - Wayzata Technologies (5045) (1994).iso/mac/Text/Mac Text/1992/NB920206

Text File | 1992-02-06 | 58KB | 1,341 lines

(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(DEN)(00001)

Mentor Graphics Optimistic About New Financial Year 02/06/92
WILSONVILLE, OREGON, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 -- Officials at Mentor
Graphics are optimistic about 1992, despite fourth quarter
earnings of only two cents per share. For the same period last
year, earnings were nine cents per share.

Speaking to financial analysts, Mentor Chairman Thomas Bruggere
said: "We are very pleased to end 1991 with a profitable quarter
and are working to continue our momentum throughout 1992."

Bruggere added that the first quarter is a seasonally slow period
for the company. He said that Mentor plans to ship software for a
total of seven computer platforms for the Unix-based workstation
market.

One analyst, Richard Owens, at Pacific Crest Securities said about
1992 for Mentor: "Relative to 1991 it's going to be night and day."
Owens estimates Mentor will earn about 45 cents a share in 1992,
compared to its $1.43 loss for 1991.

Analysts described the company's attitude as "upbeat" during the
conference, with company officials reporting positive feedback
from users of Software Release 8.0 for Sun and Hewlett-Packard
workstations.

Research firm Daratech estimates that revenues for the
CAD/CAM/CAE (computer-aided design/manufacturing/engineering)
industry will reach about $7,800 million in 1992, a slight increase over
1991.

Mentor Graphics specializes in electronic design automation by
providing engineers with software and workstations to design such
items as computer chips. The company cut 435 of its 2,900 jobs in
August of last year -- the first staff reduction in the company's
10 year history.

(Jim Mallory/19920206/Press Contact: Linda Gregg, Mentor
Graphics, 503-685-7000)


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(DEN)(00002)

Jack Noonan Signs On As New SPSS President, CEO 02/06/92
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- Statistical software
company SPSS has announced that it has appointed Jack Noonan
as its new president and chief executive officer. Noonan takes over
from company founder Norman Nie, who will continue as chairman
of the board.

Noonan, 44, was formerly president and CEO of database developer
Microrim Corporation, and served with Candle Corporation, where he
held positions as vice president of the product group, and vice
president of technical services. He also spent more than 10 years
with Amdahl, and a similar period with IBM.

Noonan said that he plans to pursue an active agenda, meeting
with the SPSS product development teams, as well as visiting some
of the company's clients. He said that he feels client feedback
is important for the company's efforts to move ahead with new
systems.

Noonan added that he believes desktop computing "is king, and
will continue to be throughout the 90's." According to Noonan,
the average configuration for PCs is four megabytes (MB) of  RAM
on a 386-based machine with a 40 MB hard drive. But he pointed out
that PC vendors have to remember the millions of 286 users who will
continue to need support.

"The challenge for all PC software vendors is to support this base of
286 users, while continuing to develop more powerful, graphically
oriented products," he said.

Noonan predicted that the 90's will be a decade where multi-user
applications will be integrated in high numbers on the LAN (local
area network). "To be successful," he said, "a company must deliver
high quality, market driven solutions very, very quickly. The day of
vaporware is over."

Nie, 46, says that he plans to devote more time to teaching at
the University of Chicago, where he has been on the faculty since
1969.

SPSS develops and markets statistical analysis, data management
and presentation software for IBM, compatible, and Macintosh
computers.

(Jim Mallory/19920206/Press Contact: Randolph Pitzer, SPSS,
312-329-2400)


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(DEN)(00003)

Dolphin Software Intros Hazardous Materials Software 02/06/92
LAKE OSWEGO, OREGON, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- Startup
software company Dolphin Software has announced Comply Plus,
a service program for users of hazardous materials.

Companies using hazardous materials are required by U.S.
legislation to keep materials-safety data sheets (MSDS) on hand
and available for use. According to OSHA (Occupational Safety
and Health Administration) rules, the MSDS's must be "readily
available in a non-emergency situation, and immediately
accessible in an emergency."

MSDS's contain instructions for users in case of a spill of the
material, such as first aid treatment, chemical compounds used,
physical properties, and how the chemicals react to air or water.

Dosphin says it uses optical scanning technology to input the
material to the computer, allowing MSDS information to be entered
or updated five to 10 times as quickly compared to keyboard
entry. Taking a service bureau approach, Dolphin plans to load
all the customer's applicable MSDS sheets and conduct a four
step edit to assure accuracy of the information in the computer.

In addition to recording the MSDS information, Comply Plus
indexes the compounds, tracks employee training to handle certain
materials, updates changes to product sheets, and provides quick
retrieval when needed. The package can also schedule employee
training.

Dolphin, which was founded in November last year, also markets a
companion product, Life Ring, which documents the personal
medical histories of employees who are exposed to any
hazardous materials.

In the event of an accident, the employee's medical information
as well as data about the chemical compound involved can be
retrieved and faxed to an emergency medical provider within
seconds, while the injured employee is on the way for treatment.

According to founder and company president Mark Wysong, Dolphin
was chosen as the company name because of the animal's
intelligence, advanced communication skills, and leadership abilities.
Wysong hopes those traits will be incorporated into Dolphin's
products and services.

The number of MSDS sheets required to be on hand can be
staggering. Wysong said that a typical paper mill might require up to
4,000 separate MSDS sheets, with each sheet using 5-8 pages.
Wysong told Newsbytes that each page of an MSDS requires about
1,500 bytes of hard disk storage space.

Dolphin's products run on IBM and compatibles, with 386-based
machines recommended. The company says it is considering
releasing a VMS version for Digital Vax platforms later.

Wysong feels his programs can make a difference. "Every time we
sell a module, we believe we have done something of value with
regard to human safety," he told Newsbytes.

(Jim Mallory/19920206/Press Contact: Mark Wysong, Dolphin
Software, 503-635-6455)


(NEWS)(IBM)(DEN)(00004)

Zeos Intros New 386SX-Based Notebook PC 02/06/92
ST PAUL, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- Zeos
International has announced a smaller, lighter version of its 386SX-
based notebook computer. The new system, called the Notebook
386+, has a 8.5-inch by 11-inch footprint, and has shrunk by about
one-half pound over its predecessor.

Zeos has also added several new features, including ports for an
external keyboard and a mouse. The new unit also has a maximum
RAM capacity of  eight megabytes (MB) and Zeos' power saving
"suspend-and-resume" mode.

The 386+ includes a hard drive and floppy disk drives, a backlit
monochrome VGA (video graphics array) display, batteries that
snap in and can be recharged in one hour outside the unit, and an
optional 2,400 baud modem that has the ability to also send and
receive faxes.

Zeos touts the durability of the unit. According to Zeos vice
president Rick Apple: "Users consistently tell us that durability
is one of the most important attributes they seek in a notebook-
style computer." Notebooks, due to their frequent travel, have to
stand up to abuse a desktop unit would not receive. Apple says
providing a product that will hold up to the rigors of the road
is a top priority of Zeos.

The 386+ could serve as a desktop unit when the user is in the
office, with a color monitor and external keyboard attached.

The 386+ has a suggested list price of $1,795 with 2MB of RAM,
and can be ordered direct from Zeos by calling the company's
24-hour toll free number -- 800-423-5891.

Zeos also provides toll free support for its customers, a 30-day
moneyback guarantee, and a one year limited warranty.

(Jim Mallory/19920206/Press Contact: Rick Apple, Zeos,
612-633-5877)


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(SYD)(00005)

Western Australia: Locally Developed First-Aid Software 02/06/92
PERTH, AUSTRALIA, 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- A locally developed
program called the Office Emergency Disk, detailing emergency
first-aid techniques has been released in Western Australia.

The program, although not aimed at replacing first-aid courses,
offers a convenient way of accessing first-aid information,
especially in emergencies, the developers claim.

The software was developed on behalf of St. John Ambulance
Australia by Interactive Presentations. In addition to first-aid
techniques, it also details St. John first-aid courses, emergency
numbers, exercises to combat RSI (repetitive strain injury). It
even sports a calendar and contains trivial facts to help in speech
writing.

Once run, the program presents the user with a main menu, from
which they can access the appropriate topics. The disk is offered
as a subscription service, with an annual fee of AUS$25 for two
disks. Initially the program will only be available in Western
Australia, but plans are soon to be implemented for its release
throughout Australia. The additional information on the disk can
be easily updated for localization purposes.

Interactive Presentations (IP) has prepared several such interactive
computer publications, and all are easily updated. Advertising can
be accommodated in the publications, and users are able to
provide feedback on the programs (and what they want from them)
by means of answering screen-based questions. The results of
these questions can then be printed and sent to IP to help further
develop the application, as well as provide the impetus for new
applications, the company claims.

More information can be obtained from: PO Box 335, Hillarys,
Western Australia 6025.

(Sean McNamara/19920206/Press Contact, Scott Balson,
Interactive Presentations, tel [phone], fax [phone])


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(SYD)(00006)

Australia: Old Guard Makes Way For New AOTC Mngt Team 02/06/92
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- The change of name to
AOTC (Australian and Overseas Telecommunications Corporation)
and the merging with OTC will not be the only changes for Telecom
in early February. The company's managing director, Mel Ward, has
left the company, ending 31 years service.

AOTC's CEO-designate, Frank Blount, has already announced the
core of the new management team -- Steve Burdon, Doug Campbell,
Ian Campbell, and Warren Grace.

These four will head up six core divisions of AOTC, each
accountable for its own profit or loss. Burdon, managing director
of OTC since 1989, will take on the most power, handling AOTC's
corporate and government customers, the international network,
product development, and offshore operations.

(Sean McNamara/19920206)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(SYD)(00007)

Australia: Mitec Wins AUS$1M Thai Microwave Contract 02/06/92
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA, 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- Local company Mitec
has won a contract worth AUS$1 million to supply microwave
transceivers to Samart Comtech in Thailand, for use in a new
national satellite-based network.

Plans call for the network will comprise 11 ground stations,
which will cover the whole of Thailand, including remote areas.
The microwave frequency conversion equipment, to be delivered
by July, will be installed in each of the 11 stations, and will
provide the uplink and downlink of the data being transmitted.
These transmissions will include voice, data and fax
communications.

Mitec won the contract against competition in Thailand from
United States companies such as LNR, Marconi Communications
Systems, and GTE. Training of Thai technicians is part of the
contract, who will be flown to Brisbane to work with Mitec.

(Sean McNamara/19920206)


(NEWS)(IBM)(LAX)(00008)

Free 386SX Computer Offered With Software Bundle 02/06/92
CANOGA PARK, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- DAK
Industries, a mail order firm in Canoga Park says it will offer
a free IBM-compatible 386SX computer with every $1,499
software bundle it sells. The company claims that the software
would retail normally for $3,846.

The software bundle includes: Microsoft's new Word for
Windows 2.0 ($495 retail value); Borland's Quattro Pro 3.0 ($495
retail value); Borland's Paradox 3.5 ($795 retail value);
Microsoft's Windows 3.0 ($149 retail value); Adobe Type
Manager 2.0 ($99 retail value); Reference Software's Grammatik
for Windows ($99 retail value); Borland's Objectvision 2.0 ($149
retail value); the Norton Desktop for Windows ($149 retail
value); Microsoft Productivity Pack ($59 retail value); Software
Toolworks' World Atlas for Windows ($79 retail value); Software
Toolworks' U.S. Atlas for Windows ($79 retail value); Software
Toolworks Desk Reference ($69 retail value); Software Toolworks
Chessmaster for Windows (($69 retail value); Microsoft's MS-DOS
5.0 ($99 retail value); GEM Artline ($495 retail value);
Softkey's Keychart 2000 ($299 retail value); and Ainsworth
Keyboard/Keypad Trainer ($69 retail value). Also included in the
package is a BSR 3-button mouse ($99 retail value).

The computer offered with the software is a BSR desktop
computer and features a 14-inch .28 pitch Super VGA (video
graphics array) color monitor, an Intel 16 MHz 386SX processor,
a 40 megabyte (MB) hard disk drive, a 3.5-inch floppy drive, a
5.25-inch floppy drive, 1MB of RAM (expandable to 8MB), four
expansion slots (three available), a parallel port, two serial ports,
and a 16-bit Super-VGA card with 512 kilobytes (KB) of video RAM.

Users have the option of upgrading the BSR 386SX computer, but
at extra charge, DAK says. Users can substitute a laptop computer,
the BSR 386SX Notebook, for the desktop computer for an
additional $399. Options for the desktop computer include an
additional 1MB of RAM for $79.90, the addition of an 80 MB hard
drive instead of the 40 MB hard drive for an additional $199.90, and
an internal CD-ROM drive upgrade for $299.

DAK says that its computers come with a 12 month on-site service
warranty and toll-free technical support. DAK also includes
manuals written in-house in "non-computereze" specifically for
the software/hardware bundle with step-by-step instructions.

A DAK color catalog is free and can be obtained by calling
800-325-0800 or by writing to DAK Industries, 8200 Remmet Ave,
Canoga Park, CA 91304.

(Linda Rohrbough/19920206/Press Contact: Bryan Eggers, DAK
Industries, tel [phone], fax [phone])


(NEWS)(IBM)(LAX)(00009)

New For PC: Fastback For Windows/Networks Backup Pkgs 02/06/92
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- Fifth
Generation Systems (FGS) has announced Windows and network
versions of its hard disk backup product, Fastback.

Fastback for Windows 1.0 works with Windows 3.0 or higher and
allows users to backup in the background, while other Windows
applications are running. FGS says that the Windows version is
the fastest Windows-based backup product available and it runs
unobtrusively in the background only interrupting the user when
its time to insert additional disks.

FGS claims that the icons in the Windows environment are good
visual representations of each function of the product as well,
so inexperienced users can use the product quickly.

Fastback for Windows features include an Express Menu, a one-
step process for backing up files and programs. The Quick Tag
feature is a mouse-based pointer for selecting files and
directories to backup. Like most backup programs, the Windows
version has an Auto Format feature which does not require the
user to format disks before the backup and built-in data
compression to use fewer disks.

Fastback also allows backup to more than one drive so disks can
be replaced on one drive while the other is backing up to save
time. An advanced error correction feature allows the product to
get data off damaged backup disks, and on-line help is available.

FGS says that the product can backup to any DOS device including
removable hard drives and Bernoulli cartridges. The company also
claims the Windows version is inter-platform compatible, so
backups made under DOS or on a Macintosh can be restored in
the Windows product and vice-versa.

Sandra Lyle, product marketing manager for FGS, said that,
although Windows is not a true multi-tasking environment, meaning
characters can get "dropped" in Windows when multiple
applications are running, the Fastback for Windows product is
shipping with no known data integrity problems.

Fastback for Networks 1.0 is geared toward backup of the network
server and has the same features as the Windows product, except
for the graphical user interface (GUI) and background operation.
In addition the product can perform automated backup of the
network server to a SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) drive.

However, in the DOS environment, the product only supports Future
Domain host adapters on IBM-compatibles and Interrupt 4B host
adapters on high-level PS/2s from IBM.

The product works with Novell Netware, Banyan Vines and other
PC-based network operating systems. SCSI-based tape drives
are supported by the new network version, but the smaller 40 and
80 megabyte tape backup systems will be supported in future
versions of Fastback, Lyle said.

FGS offers users fully staffed technical support 24-hours a day,
seven days a week. The company also offers a one-year money-
back guarantee, an unconditional performance guarantee, and
personal handling of any problems not addressed to the customer's
satisfaction by the company president, Barry Bellue.

Retail pricing of the Windows version is $189 and that product is
scheduled to ship February 19. The network version is priced at
$225 and is shipping now.

One further incentive to consumers is that every fifth FGS product
purchased is free. Fastback is currently in version 3.04 for
DOS and 2.61 for the Macintosh. FGS was founded in 1984 and is
based in Baton Rogue, Louisiana.

(Linda Rohrbough/19920206/Press Contact: Sandra Lyle, Fifth
Generation Systems, tel [phone], fax [phone])


(NEWS)(TRENDS)(LAX)(00010)

English Firm Wins 1991 Virtual Reality Product of Year 02/06/92
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) --
Virtuality, a virtual reality (VR) system from W. Industries of
Leicester, England, was first place among three companies, two
of which are headquartered in England, honored with awards in
the 1991 Virtual Reality Product of the Year Award sponsored by
the Cyberedge Journal.

Virtuality won because it is the first complete VR system that
is commercially and publicly available, officials said.

Also mentioned was Sense8's Worldtoolkit, a collection of
software tools which enable a programmer to easily create and
modify virtual worlds. Sense8 is headquartered in Sausalito,
California.

A Bristol, England company, Division Limited, was also honored
for its Provision virtual reality computer, a $65,000 system
which includes several parallel processors working with other,
specialized components.

VR is the creation of a computer generated "world" through
visual, sound, and sensory input to the user. Currently VR
applications are very expensive and are used in applications
like architectural planning, so builders can "go inside" a
proposed structure before its actually built.

Oddly enough, one of the applications for the technology in
Japan is in a department store where Japanese housewives
can go in and design their own kitchens using a VR system.

(Linda Rohrbough/19920206/Press Contact: Ben Delaney,
Cyberedge Journal, tel [phone], fax [phone])


(NEWS)(IBM)(WAS)(00011)

DAK Bundles Sidekick, Quattro Pro, And Reflex For $50 02/06/92
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- DAK Industries'
Drew Kaplan has done it again, setting the PC marketing world on
its ear with his latest offer to sell the $99 Sidekick 2.0 for only
$49.90, well below normal street prices, and add copies of both
Quattro Pro and Reflex for only $9 more.

Sidekick is a multi-feature utility package which includes mini-
wordprocessor, calendar, address book, phone directory, and
other features.

Reflex 2.0, which normally lists for $250, is a powerful database
program which has won PC Magazine's Editor's Choice award
for flat-file (not relational) database products. Quattro Pro, in
this case the older version 2.0, is a very powerful spreadsheet
program also from Borland.

The total price for all three programs is $68.90, including
shipping and handling, discounted from a list price of $845.

In a related promotion, reported by Newsbytes, DAK Industries is
offering to "give" away a fully-equipped hard disk 386SX with VGA
(video graphics array) monitor for customers who purchase $1,499
(plus $69 shipping) of software which would have a normal retail
price of $3,846.

DAK is a catalog mail order company, and can be contacted at
800-888-7808.

(John McCormick/19920206)


(NEWS)(GOVT)(WAS)(00012)

New Computer-Related Reports From NIST 02/06/92
GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- NIST, the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, has several new
reports of interest to the computer industry.

A 46-page document called "Metrology for the Semiconductor
Industry" explains the importance of measurement in the
semiconductor manufacturing process and how it can be used to
ensure top quality control.

Newsbytes readers can obtain a free copy from Jane Walters, B344
Technology Bldg, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, or phone 301-975-
2050.

"The Proceedings of the Workshop on High Integrity Software"
(NIST Pub 500-190) has the results of a recent workshop sponsored
by the NIST's Computer Systems Laboratory. Covered in the paper
are such topics as controlled and encouraged practices, benefits
of assurance, and hazard analysis.

Contact Dolores R. Wallace at 301-975-3340 for technical
information, or order the publication from National Technical
Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, 5285 Port
Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161, for a copy of the $9 microfiche
or $17 hard copy report. Ask for PB 92-109040/AS.

The new "Glossary of Computer Security Terminology" (NISTIR
4659) is a 176-page multi-definition glossary produced by the NIST
Computer Systems Laboratory for the National Security
Telecommunications and Information Systems Security Committee.

Technical information is available from Edward Roback at 301-975-
3696, or a copy can be ordered from the NTIS (above address) for
$12.50 microfiche, $26 hard copy. Cite publication PB 92-112259/AS.

(John McCormick/19920206/Press Contact: John Henkel, NIST,
301-975-2762)


(NEWS)(IBM)(WAS)(00013)

IBM Donations In Africa Provide Water And Schooling 02/06/92
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- IBM has donated a
considerable amount of computer equipment to several regions in
Africa.

In Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, IBM's representative,
Infotech, has donated 10 personal computers to help blind
children learn. Volunteers at the Zimbabwe National Braille
Library and Transcription Service use the donated equipment to
transcribe schoolbooks onto durable plastic pages in Braille form.

Elsewhere in Africa, IBM has donated $70,000 to CARE, which will
help provide clean drinking water to 30,000 families in Rwanda.

IBM says that there are nearly 20,000 blind children in Zimbabwe
but that only 700 attend school, with nearly 400 in two special
schools for the blind.

The Zimbabwe government lacks the resources and facilities for
distribution of Braille textbooks, greatly inhibiting learning
possibilities.

Sister Catherine Jackson of the Dominican Convent in Harare said:
"This project aims to relieve this situation, giving many more
blind children the opportunity of having a normal schooling."

(John McCormick/19920206/Press Contact: John Mohrbacher,
CARE, 212-889-2683)


(NEWS)(GOVT)(WAS)(00014)

Star G2000/STX Gets A Slice Of US Navy Contract 02/06/92
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- Star Technologies'
Graphicon 2000/STX (G2000/STX) Image Generator has been
chosen by Orlando, Florida's AAI Corporation's System
Management to provide real-time image generation for flight and
tactical operations as part of a $45 million U.S. Navy helicopter
program.

Hunt Valley, Maryland's AAI is the prime contractor for the Navy's
Visual System Upgrade program, which will improve systems
used on the SH-2F and SH-60B/F helicopters. Star's portion of the
overall contract may be worth more than $15 million.

Star was also recently selected to supply equipment to the
Advanced Distributed Simulation Technology program,
administered by Program Manager for Training Devices for
simulation technology related to the Combined Arms Tactical
Training (CATT) family of networked simulators.

AAI and the U.S. Navy chose the Star G2000/STX system over
competitors which included Silicon Graphics and General Electric.

Among other applications, plans call for the Star system to be
used to simulate natural conditions for day and night flight
operations as well as anti-submarine warfare tactics.

Star Technologies Graphicon division, located in Research
Triangle Park in North Carolina, develops high-performance
image generators and array processors.

(John McCormick/19920206/Press Contact: Helen Ryan, Star
Technologies, 703-689-4400)


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(WAS)(00015)

New Write-Once Media For Panasonic Optical Drives 02/06/92
MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- Plasmon Data
Systems has announced a new line of 5.25-inch write-once discs
for both WORM (write-once, read-many) and multi-function
Panasonic optical disc drives.

The new P470C/P940C media uses the latest phase-change
optical technology to record up to 940 megabytes (MB) of data on
a single disc. Plasmon's David Kalstrom said that this is an amount
of data equivalent to that contained in 40 four-drawer file cabinets.

The P470C is a single-sided version of the same media which
offers 470 MB of storage capacity.

Unlike magneto-optical drives, the write-once phase-change discs
offer vast storage capacity at reasonable cost but also provide
near-perfect security because once recorded the data cannot be
accidentally erased.

The P470C lists for $75, and the larger 940 MB double-sided disc
sells for $145.

For further information, contact Plasmon Data Systems, 1654
Centre Pointe Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035. The telephone number
is 408-956-9400 (toll free 800-445-9400), and the fax number is
408-956-9444.

(John McCormick/19920206/Press Contact: Brad Lee Brenner,
Marken Communications, tel [phone], fax [phone])

(NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00016)

Vanguard Enters Cellular Billing Market 02/06/92
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) --
EDS will get competition in the business of billing software for
cellular phone calls from Vanguard Cellular Systems, which has
announced the formation of a wholly-owned subsidiary Teleflex
Information Systems, to market its "Flexcell" cellular billing and
management information system.

Flexcell began as an in-house billing system for Vanguard's own
customers. Conceived in 1988, first versions were completed and
implemented in 1990. Currently, Vanguard Cellular is producing
more than 65,000 bills each month utilizing the system, reducing
billing cycle time, bad debt, and personnel requirements.

EDS, a division of General Motors, bought a Massachusetts
company in a similar business last year, which it now operates
as its PCS subsidiary.

(Dana Blankenhorn/19920206/Press Contact: Stan Haines,
Vanguard Cellular Systems, 919-545-2100)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00017)

BellSouth Makes Changes In Wake Of Optus Buy 02/06/92
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- BellSouth has
done some shuffling of executive desks following the completion
of its purchase of Optus Communications, the second Australia
carrier in which it holds a 24.5 percent interest.

The company has just bought out Aussat, the country's satellite
carrier, and has plans to build a fiber optic phone system across
the country. Optus also has cellular rights within the country.
Other owners include Cable & Wireless of the UK, with 24.5
percent equity, and four Australian companies and institutions,
which hold the majority stake.

M.L. Neel was named to head Optus' cellular operations. He had
been president of BellSouth Mobility, the company's own cellular
operation. Neel will be replaced in Atlanta by Odie C. Donald,
previously vice president of administration for BellSouth Cellular.
The company said that its customer base in the U.S. is growing at
30 percent per year.

Finally, BellSouth has entered the information services business,
where its moves have been lagging those of firms like PacTel
and US West. Bill Williams will be executive director-information
services, and will report to the company's executive vice
president for international, marketing, and business development,
H.C. Henry Jr. Their work will stay within BellSouth Enterprises,
the company's unregulated entity.

Henry said that he sees information services as "natural
evolutionary extensions" of basic phone service, but said the
company would first try market trials of new services before
rolling anything out.

(Dana Blankenhorn/19920206/Press Contact: Tim Klein,
BellSouth Enterprises, 404-249-4135)


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(ATL)(00018)

Brooktree May Buy Rockwell T-1 Chip Operations 02/06/92
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- Brooktree,
which makes test equipment and imaging products, has formed a
new business unit which could wind up running Rockwell's T-1
multiplexer operations, which the larger company wants to sell.

Brooktree said that its Communications Strategic Business
Unit will produce computer chips for the high-speed data
communications market. Its analog-to-digital conversion
expertise will be applied first to T-1 units, which work with
data at speeds of up to 1.544 million bits-per-second.

The company hopes to make improved T-1 products which can
work with voice, text and graphics, and has shipped prototypes
of a high resolution, fast analog-to-digital converters, which it
called a critical component in reducing the cost of installing
T-1 trunk lines, by eliminating the need for repeaters and line
conditioning.

Brooktree also acknowledged that it is negotiating with Rockwell
International to acquire its "T1/E1" semiconductor device product
line, now run out of Newport Beach, California. The new unit is
based in San Diego.

(Dana Blankenhorn/19920206/Press Contact: Rich Lee,
Brooktree, 619-535-3245)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00019)

NEC's New Mobile Phone Still Heavier Than Motorola's 02/06/92
SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., FEB 6 (NB) -- Motorola had no
comment on reports it will keep the lightweight cellular phone
title, but observers acknowledged that NEC's newest lightweight
phone -- the P4 -- will enhance the U.S. company's prestige
because it is a full gram heavier.

NEC unveiled the P4 at a Tokyo news conference, and said it will
be sold in the U.S., Europe, Hong Kong, and over 30 other
countries using Motorola's analog cellular system, AMPS, starting
this month.

The phone carries a retail price of $1,800, and NEC hopes to ship
60,000 per month. The phone, however, will not be sold in Japan,
where NTT runs its cellular systems on a different standard and
offers a unit called the Mova with a similar size.

NEC officials claimed they could have made the phone smaller,
but the resulting unit would not be able to cover both the ear and
mouth at the same time. However, lighter phones will be possible
in the future as battery technology improves. For now, however,
220 grams, roughly eight ounces, will have to do.

Motorola's Microtac II, however, remains the lightweight mobile
phone champion, at 219 grams.

(Dana Blankenhorn/19920206/Press Contact: David Pinsky,
Motorola, 708-632-2841)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00020)

 ****Sprint Reports Higher Income, Does Trouble Lie Ahead? 02/06/92
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- United
Telecommunications, which owns the Sprint long distance network,
has announced that its earnings and call volumes rose for the
quarter ending in December, but analysts note it is now losing
market share. The gains in call volumes all occurred in the first
half of the year.

Earnings were $98 million on revenues of $2.19 billion, as the
company acquired the remaining 19.9 percent of the long distance
company from GTE. United will change its name to Sprint Corp. to
reflect the importance of the long-distance company to its
business.

The word was originally an acronym for Southern Pacific Internal
Network Telephone, back when the railroad company first
ran fiber lines along its rights-of-way. United and GTE acquired
the company in the mid-80s and made it the number three U.S. long
distance carrier.

But analysts note that Sprint is now losing market share, because
MCI and AT&T are becoming more aggressive. Also, AT&T
technology, coming on-stream in the next few years, could prove
even more dangerous.

MCI's gains have been largely due to its "Friends and Family"
plan, which offers calling circles who join MCI steep 20 percent
discounts off regular rates. The price could be lower earnings
for MCI, but that is in the future. Currently, ATT has 68 percent
of the market, MCI 15 percent and Sprint nine percent, with
the remainder sliced up among dozens of niche players.

(Dana Blankenhorn/19920206)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00021)

AT&T Working Against Telephone Scams 02/06/92
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- AT&T
is working with a group called Consumer Alert to warn older people
about telephone fraud. While the total cost of such fraud is $1billion
per year, the company said, those over 60 are often the targets.

The AT&T-Consumer Alert plan will focus on senior citizens.
About 6,000 senior centers have been sent posters, brochures,
and stories for local newsletters, underwritten by public service
announcements and more print ads from AT&T.

Barbara Keating-Edh, president of Consumer Alert, described one
common scheme, called "Just Say Yes," in which a thief claims to
be an investigator and asks that the victim accept charges for
calls as a way to catch someone else. Phony cash or credit may
be offered as an incentive, and threats of cutting off service are
also sometimes used.

The main point of the campaign is to stop consumers from giving
out their telephone calling card numbers, either over the phone
or while making a call in a public place. AT&T has a special
number for reporting suspected fraud, 1-800-CALL-ATT. To obtain
a free booklet on telephone fraud, call AT&T 1-800-222-0300, ext.
273.

(Dana Blankenhorn/19920206/Press Contact: AT&T, Nancy Smith,
215-963-1868)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00022)

Cellular Data Launches Wireless Service 02/06/92
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- Cellular
Data has announced its plans to create a wireless packet data
network in cooperation with BT North America. The two companies
demonstrated how the company's technology can work in point-of-
sale applications at the ComNet trade show.

CDI's plan is to use the frequencies between cellular call channels
to build a digital packet network transmitting data at 2,400 bits-per-
second. BT North America said such a network would let it price
dial-up transaction services at or below leased line prices,
sometimes with faster response time, saving money for merchants
on credit authorization calls to local phone companies. CDI's
network runs on the X.25 packet standard used by such wired
networks as Tymnet, owned by BT, and Sprintnet.

Mike Korodi, the company's chief executive, told Newsbytes that:
"Wireless data is the frontier of phone technology," and "95
percent of transmissions are bursts" like those used in credit
card authorizations.

Future tests of the technology will be held in San Francisco and
Houston, with applications ranging from monitoring fire and
burglar alarms to tracking vehicles. However, to make a go of it,
CDI must reach agreements with cellular operators around the
country to use parts of their frequencies. To that end, the
company will hold another demonstration of its technology at
the upcoming Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association
convention in New Orleans.

(Dana Blankenhorn/19920206/Press Contact: Cellular Data, Lee
Horsman, 415-964-5474)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00023)

 ****Latin American Phone Privatization Update 02/06/92
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- Despite an
attempted coup in Venezuela, privatization efforts in Latin America's
phone networks are moving forward, perhaps faster than ever.

The coup attempt against President Carlos Perez, put down after a
few hours of violence, came just a month after the nation's CANTV
phone network was sold to a group headed by GTE of the U.S.
GTE's stock was unchanged in trading on following days, and the
President vowed to push ahead, spurred by the fact that CANTV
has a notoriously poor record of service.

Meanwhile, Argentine President Carlos Menem is enjoying a new
high in popularity following the sale of his country's EnTel network,
in two pieces, to European interests. His popularity has helped him
keep down former allies in the nation's labor movement, and pushed
inflation down to one percent per month from a high of 197 percent in
July 1989, when Menem took office. The Argentine inflation rate for
1991 was 84 percent, which sounds high but was in fact the second
lowest in 17 years.

Peru is desperate to get into the act, but its guerrilla war with
the "Shining Path" forces and cocaine traffickers is preventing
investment. President Alberto Fujimori claims that is still not
an "unsalvagable problem" and is seeking new investments in
telecommunications.

Mexico, however, remains the pace-setter. The sale of its Telmex
monopoly to a group headed by Southwestern Bell of the U.S.
helped set off a boom in the economy, which a pending free trade
agreement with the U.S. and Canada is expected to extend.
Telmex, however, is now even more heavily criticized for its
notorious poor service, and is trying to use new technologies for
rapid improvement.

In its latest move, it bought $1.4 million in voice processing
gear from Centigram of San Jose, California, which can handle
voice messaging, fax-store-and-forward and interactive voice
response applications. The Centigram system will be used by
big companies only, as well as the government which use its
Integrated Digital Network, a fiber system. Two Centigram
systems are going into Mexico City, a third into Monterey, and
the fourth in Guadalajara.

(Dana Blankenhorn/19920206/Press Contact: Centigram
Communications, Elaine Bruno, 408-428-3671)


(CORRECTION)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00024)

Correction: Southwestern Bell Offers T-1 Guarantee 02/06/92
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- Newsbytes
erroneously reported February 4, 1992, that Southwestern Bell is
offering service guarantees for Switched Megabit Data Service
in Texas.

In fact the service, called MegaLink III, is a T-1 trunk line
service, working at 1.544 million bits-per-second within local
calling areas. Southwestern Bell is offering a month's free
service to customers there who lose their service for four hours
or more, subject to terms or conditions.

The company does not, at this time, offer Switched Megabit
Data Service. Some SMDS services, which also run between
local calling areas, work at the T-1 speed.

Newsbytes regrets the error.

(Dana Blankenhorn/19920206/Press Contact: Scott Hilgeman,
Southwestern Bell, 314-247-4613)


(NEWS)(IBM)(SYD)(00025)

Australian High School Adopts Laptop PCs 02/06/92
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- Muirfield Technology
High School at North Rocks in Australia is a school with a difference.
The school is one of the largest users of mobile computing in the
country.

As a Technology High School it is a prime example of
technology implemented right across the curriculum. But in
this case, portable and notebook computers mean that it is
possible for even the agriculture and industrial arts classes
to benefit from a technological approach with computing that
can go anywhere.

Muirfield has been sponsored by Toshiba since it began its
Technology High School program in 1989. The project has
been such a success for the school and Toshiba that the
program of support will continue.

Through Toshiba's top Reseller, Metropolitan Business Machines,
the school now has a complement of 108 Toshiba portable and
notebook computers. This includes their latest purchase of 41
Toshiba T1000SF and eight Toshiba T1000SE notebooks.

These extra Toshiba computers mean that the 1992 school
year will see even greater computer penetration throughout
the school.

Already physical education classes use the Toshiba
computers "in the field." The Toshibas go along to sports
days to track each event and record performance. The
science, english, history, and languages departments each
have a use for the Toshibas integrated into their classes.
Also, the industrial arts program benefits from having a
computer mobile enough to be used in the workshop to
directly control a lathe.

Muirfield classes can integrate computing into every aspect of
the school day, just as students will find them integrated into
their working lives.

Peter Richmond, the school's principal, has been an innovator in
his three years at Muirfield. "There are no uniforms or intrusive
school bells. High school should prepare our citizens of tomorrow
to take their place as responsible people, we encourage them to
be self-disciplined and cooperative rather than regiment them,"
he said.

Muirfield High has broken new ground in its latest purchase
of Toshiba computers from Metropolitan Business Machines in
that this is the first time a New South Wales state
government school has entered into a leasing agreement. The
lease, over two years with 25 percent residual, means that the
school has the benefit of using the computers before they
are completely paid for, just as any other business would.
The leasing agreement will contribute to the basis of future
leasing agreements that other schools may enter into in the
future.

Metropolitan Business Machines' representative, Ian
Higson, said that one thing that especially pleases him was
that they were able to write a very suitable insurance
component into the leasing agreement which effectively
extended the warranty for three years, instead of one.

"The students already borrow the Toshiba personal computers
on a regular basis, and so far they have all stood up to the
rigors of school bag travel very well, but should one have an
accident I feel happy knowing the school will be able to afford
to fix it without hardship," he said.

Currently the students borrow the Toshibas to complete
assignments, writeup projects and so on from the computer
center. Lyle Croyle, Computer Coordinator at the school
would like to see this borrowing system expanded to other
faculty areas.

"We are looking at an era when computers are playing a
bigger role in helping students in their learning. Teachers
are able to use them in class to support the teaching
program and students use them during their studying. The
portable computer is a very powerful tool that can be used
when and where it is needed," he said.

"At Muirfield we continuously investigate ways of using
software and hardware to support the learning process.
Providing students with computers to take home has given
them new strategies for studying," Croyle said.

The computer studies program at the school covers every
year from year seven with 400 of year ll and 12 taking
computers.

"Our courses provide students with the opportunity to learn
about computers while using them in the full range of their
daily tasks," said Croyle.

(Rilke Muir/19910206)


(NEWS)(GOVT)(SYD)(00026)

 ****Australia: Govt Department Bungles Private Data 02/06/92
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- Australian government
officials are ducking for cover as yet another case of personal
data misuse "hits the fan." More than 6,000 households received
official letters containing personal and financial details about
others.

Recipients of what should have been a routine Department of
Social Services letter about child allowances were shocked
to see a list of information about others, sometimes neighbors.
The data included name, address, bank account details, tax file
number, and income.

One recipient said: "I was looking at the back of the letter,
assuming the information I saw was meant as an example, when
a neighbor rang to say she was reading all about me on the letter
she had just received. I felt sick, knowing that my private affairs
had been revealed like that. They say 'give us your details - you
can trust us' but we can't, can we?"

Officials from the department have given two explanations
so far, though it may be some time before the complete story
surfaces. The letters had correct data on the front, but incorrect
data on the reverse. The first explanation was that the laser print
run had faltered, and when it was restarted, the letters were printing
front and back, one step out of sync. The second (and expected)
excuse was that there was a glitch in the computer program which
had been imported.

Unfortunately for the Australian government, this was not
the first incident of its type, and a large public storm is rising over
the rapid increase in the amount of data held in a central computer
in Australia's capital, Canberra.

(Paul Zucker/19910206)

(NEWS)(GENERAL)(WAS)(00027)

NewsBank's CD News Offers Popular Newspapers 02/06/92
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- New Canaan,
Connecticut-based NewsBank now offers CD-ROM discs carrying
the full text of 34 newspapers and periodicals. Yearly subscriptions
for the service, which includes monthly updates, range from
$1,195 to $1,595 per newspaper or magazine.

Among the full-text publications offered by NewsBank are
Newsweek, the Boston Globe, the Chicago Tribune, U.S. News
& World Report, and the Denver Post.

Full boolean operator searches are available. However, each
publication comes on a separate disc so a subscription to the
entire library would cost about $50,000 per year, and each
publication would have to be searched separately.

For comparison, the Ziff-Davis Computer Select CD-ROM
publication is also a monthly with a full year of full-text publications,
but each issue contains a large number of full-text and abstract-only
publications and the subscription for a year's 12 issues is about
the same as for one NewsBank title.

CD News is suitable for large research libraries or specialized
news organizations. For further information contact NewsBank, 58
Pine Street, New Canaan, CT 06840, USA. The telephone number
is toll-free at 800-762-8182.

(John McCormick/19920206/Press Contact: Kathleen Johansen,
NewsBank, 203-966-1100, ext 297)


(NEWS)(IBM)(TOR)(00028)

 ****IBM Announces New PS/1, PS/2 Distribution Programs 02/06/92
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- IBM has
launched new reseller programs for its PS/1 and PS/2 personal
computers in the United States. The IBM Associated Remarketer
(AR) program is aimed at low-volume resellers of PS/2 machines,
while the Authorized Distributor:VAR program is meant to help sell
PS/1s into the small business market.

IBM will allow value added resellers (VARs) to become Associated
Remarketers and purchase PS/2 products from IBM approved
aggregators. Unlike IBM's standard VAR program, the AR program
will carry no sales minimum or renewal criteria, explained company
spokeswoman Sheila Shanahan.

Like the VAR program, the AR program is designed for resellers
who add value to the systems with their own software or other
enhancements. The program will operate in the United States
and Puerto Rico.

Associated Remarketers must be approved by IBM, have an
approved value added offering, and sign a document of
understanding with IBM. ARs will buy PS/2s and related products
from six aggregators: Compucom Systems; ComputerLand; Inacom;
Intelligent Electronics; MicroAge Computer; and Rosas/Nasco.

The objective of the new program is to increase the number of VARs
that sell IBM products, the company said. Recruitment of VARs for
this program will begin immediately.

The Authorized Distributor:VAR program enables qualified VARs to
remarket new, specially configured PS/1s to small businesses. The
new PS/1 Pro models use a 20 megahertz (MHz) 80386SX
microprocessor. VARs will add their own hardware or software
enhancements to the machines they sell.

Two IBM Authorized Distributor:VARs -- Greenville, South
Carolina-based Gates/FA and Ingram Micro of Santa Ana,
California -- are to recruit and authorize VARs for this program. As
with the AR program, there will be no sales minimum or IBM-
imposed renewal criteria, Shanahan told Newsbytes.

Ingram Micro said its Systems Sales Division will shortly set up a
center to configure PS/1 Pro machines to VARs' specifications.
Company officials said they are targeting selected vertical
markets. Gates/FA officials said they have already begun recruiting
VARs. Both companies expect to begin shipping PS/1 Pro systems
within 60 days.

IBM has expanded the target market for the PS/1 to include very
small businesses as well as the home and home office market,
Shanahan said. She said the company is responding to feedback
from home office customers who said that "in addition to wanting a
product that they could use for the home office... they also wanted
a product that they felt was strong enough, if their small business
ever became a business outside the home, that it had the ability to
run the latest software and so forth."

Recruitment of VARs for the PS/1 Authorized Distributor:VAR
program will begin immediately. Distributors will begin shipping
the new PS/1 Pro models within the next 60 days, IBM said.

(Grant Buckler/19920206/Press Contact: Sheila Shanahan, IBM,
914-642-5407; Phil Ellett, Gates/FA, 803-234-0736; Wayne Stewart,
Ingram Micro, 714-540-4781)


(NEWS)(IBM)(TOR)(00029)

 ****IBM To Launch Two Computing Magazines 02/06/92
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- IBM plans to
launch two computing magazines for its current and potential
customers in mid-February. The magazines -- Beyond Computing
and Profit -- will be published in cooperation with a Detroit publishing
company.

Beyond Computing magazine will be aimed at information systems
executives in medium-sized to large companies, IBM spokeswoman
Tracy O'Neill told Newsbytes. The other title, Profit, will be directed
at small businesses and entrepreneurs. The magazine will carry
paid advertising from companies other than IBM.

Both magazines will initially be controlled-circulation publications,
which means they will be mailed out free to selected people. IBM
plans a circulation of 200,000 for each magazine. In the future, O'Neill
said, the magazines may move to paid subscriptions.

Profit and Beyond Computing will both be published every other
month. Editorial operations will be overseen by two IBM editors,
who will rely on freelance writers as well as IBM employees for
articles. Shanahan said that the magazines will not concentrate
on promoting IBM products but will address computing issues of
concern to their readers. "The content, the editorial direction
is being defined through ongoing research with our customers,"
she said.

IBM plans to work with The Publications Company, a Detroit
magazine publisher, which will solicit advertising for the magazines
and help produce them. Shanahan said the magazines are
expected to be self-supporting within 12 to 18 months.

(Grant Buckler/19920206/Press Contact: Tracy O'Neill, IBM,
914-642-5412)


(NEWS)(TRENDS)(WAS)(00030)

 ****U.S. HDTV System Approved For Testing By FCC 02/06/92
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- Two national
research and development leaders -- David Sarnoff Research
Center in Princeton, New Jersey, and Briarcliff, New York-based
Philips Laboratories -- have received FCC approval for their high
definition television (HDTV) systems to be tested.

The approval comes at a time when Japanese experts in HDTV
had been nixing the U.S. HDTV technology as "too little, too late."
The approval also leap-frogs the U.S. technology ahead of Japan,
which is still a limited pilot scheme.

The Federal Communications Commission's Advisory Committee
Working Group viewed the system's technical details and has
certified it for official testing to begin in late March in Alexandria,
Virginia.

The newly designed digital system makes use of a unique spectral
notch or small band of frequencies that will avoid interference
with present TV signals or vice versa. Another important feature
of the newly proposed American HDTV system is the ability to
carry multimedia or a combination of data, video, and audio
signals which can be varied instantaneously.

HDTV is considered an important high technology consumer
product with many applications in military and computer technology.
Many industry and political leaders see it as vital that the U.S. set
the standard for HDTV rather than cede it to the Japanese and
thus completely lose out on the next generation of major consumer
products.

The new HDTV system was actually put forward by the entire
Advanced Television Research Consortium or ATRC which
includes the National Broadcasting Co. (NBC); Thomson Consumer
Electronics, headquartered in Indianapolis; Philips Consumer
Electronics of Knoxville, Tennessee; and San Jose, California's
Compression Labs, in addition to Philips and the Sarnoff labs.

In a related story, Thompson and Philips, which together employ
15,000 workers in six states to build RCA, GE, ProScan, Magnavox,
Sylvania, Philco, and Philips, label television sets, recently
showed widescreen TVs suitable for HDTV display at the Winter
Consumer Electronics Show.

(John McCormick/19920206/Press Contact: Allan Schlosser,
Potomac Public Relations, 703-684-8900)


(EXCLUSIVE)(GENERAL)(WAS)(00031)

 ****Unicorn Unveils Smart Keyboard 02/06/92
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1992 FEB 6 (NB) -- The first prize
winner in the recent culmination of the National Search for
Computing to Assist Persons with Disabilities run by Johns Hopkins
Applied Physics Laboratory was Unicorn Engineering's Unicorn
Smart Keyboard. The product is a $395 answer to the need for a
standardized large, membrane-type keyboard that lets motor-
impaired users access Apple IIGS, most Macintosh, and IBM-
compatible computers, including PS/2s.

The Unicorn Smart Keyboard is called "smart" because it does not
require any user setup or programming to define the keyboard.
It also attaches to any standard computer, requires no special
adapters, and comes with a selection of tough plastic overlays,
each of which automatically sets the keyboard via a simple
barcode.

To install the keyboard the user need only plug it in to the
computer's standard keyboard port, turn on the computer,
and slide the desired keyboard overlay in place.

The seven standard full-color overlays, all included, for the
Unicorn Keyboard all measure 8.5-inches by 13-inches, providing
a large workspace, but leaving the keyboard small enough to be
manageable.

The seven overlays include: full alphabet with return and space
keys; alphabet with numbers, esc, shift, punctuation, space, and
return keys; arrows, space, return, esc, Y, and N; number pad,
Qwerty IBM-like 101-extended keyboard; Qwerty Apple/Mac style;
and a setup overlay that lets users easily modify the response of
the keyboard.

Minutes before being awarded the first place prize, and the
$10,000 prize, the keyboard's inventor, Arjan Khalsa, told
Newsbytes that he had just returned from the National Science
Foundation where he had shown his invention and been told that
his company would receive a research grant to help develop the
unit.

Ironically enough, Khalsa told Newsbytes: "I think some people
will be mentioning this keyboard before a Congressional
hearing next week -- It sure will look bad if I don't win first
place." This conversation took place just before we all went in
to the awards banquet, and he had no idea that his product had
won.

Applications outside the enabling technologies field would
include simple, inexpensive custom overlays for PC-based cash
registers so small businesses could inexpensively add the same
sort of automated customer service that only large fast food
chains such as McDonalds are now able to afford with their
custom overlay cash registers.

Although there are a number of included configurations, a $100
software kit to customize the keyboard further will be available
by summer.

The base membrane covered by the overlays contains 576
individual keys mapped automatically by the code embossed on
the overlays or custom-programmed by the user.

Newsbytes tested the keyboard and found that it was extremely
responsive, requiring only a very light touch, substantiating the
inventor's claim that his membrane keyboard has the lightest
touch of any on the market.

The Unicorn Smart Keyboard will ship in February or early March
and a separate Apple IIe card and cable are under development.

For further information, contact Unicorn Engineering, 5221 Central
Ave., Suite 205, Richmond, CA 94804. The telephone number is
800-899-6687 or 510-528-0670.

(John McCormick/19920206)