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Text File | 1992-10-19 | 63KB | 1,414 lines

(NEWS)(IBM)(MOW)(00001)

Russian Windows Database 10/19/92
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Intersoft has rolled out a Russian
version of the WindowBase SQL-compatible database management software
during the Softool'92 show in Moscow.

WindowBase supports all the reporting, database management, and the data
interchange options offered by the SQL language and Windows, Intersoft
claims, adding that it is the first such product available for
Russian buyers in the Russian language.

The combined Russian/English version of the package is immediately
available at 35,000 rubles (US$100 at the current rate) direct from
Intersoft.

Intersoft estimates that market for the product will not exceed a few
dozens copies by the end of the year, but foresees the sale of
several hundred copies during 1993. Windows product sales in general
are expected to rise 30% in the Russian market during the next year,
according to the company.

Intersoft is a Moscow, Russia-based two-year-old joint venture engaged
in software development and localization.

(Kirill Tchashchin/19921015/Press Contact: Intersoft, phone [phone]-
6139)


(NEWS)(GOVT)(SYD)(00002)

Australia: Public Access To Brisbane Council Digital Maps 10/19/92
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA, 1992 OCT 19 (NB) - Brisbane City Council (BCC)
has announced the public access of computer-based maps. The maps can
be accessed by the public via terminals in Council depots or
via modem communications.

The BCC's Brisbane Integrated Map of Assets (BIMAP) system contains
the Council's extensive up-to-date mapping information, which can be
printed or faxed as an overlay to the base information.
The council has developed and installed a MAN (metropolitan area
network) to connect its depots to its mainframe. When the system is
accessed via an IBM-PC-compatible terminal with EGA graphics (or
better), the user is presented with a series of menus to access the
different overlays. Once the format is acceptable, the user can
choose to have the map laser printed or faxed.

Although private information (such as financial details relating to
properties) would be protected, the system would allow ready access
to other, non-sensitive forms of information. This information can
be used, for example, by potential developers to produce maps
showing real property description, nearby bus stops, standing
vegetation protection orders, water and sewerage facilities, zoning,
storm water lines, and parking limits applying outside the property.
The council is also talking to AOTC (Australian and Overseas
Telecommunications Corporation), one of Australia's carriers, and
South-East Queensland Electricity Board representatives about access
to the information.

(Sean McNamara/19921016)


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(SYD)(00003)

Malaysia Asks To Be Included in Australian OSI Trial 10/19/92
PERTH, AUSTRALIA, 1992 OCT 19 (NB) - The Malaysian Government has
requested to be included in an Australian trial of OSI (Open Systems
Interconnection) technology by West Australia's Open Systems Center
(OSC). The OSC was established earlier this year and is planning to
hold the Australia-wide trial to help establish West Australia (WA)
as the main center of testing and research in the OSI arena.

The Malaysian Government is interested in taking part in the trial,
and is prepared to establish the electronic link to the OSC trial
itself. This link would use the X.400 standard for messaging, and
will be primarily used to trial Australia-Malaysia electronic
messaging. The trial, according to Keith Anthonisz, of WA's
Department of State Development (DSD), "is to build up the necessary
expertise to make OSI a reality in this country." Keith went on to
say, "We are negotiating with Queensland and the federal governments
to link them into the trial and also lining up government
departments in WA."

OSI is an international set of standards governing how computers of
different operating systems can interconnect through networks. The
X.400 standard is an OSI messaging standard. The Federal and State
governments of Australia have ratified OSI as an Australian
standard, released as GOSIP (Government Open Systems Interconnection
Profile).

(Sean McNamara/19921016)


(NEWS)(APPLE)(SFO)(00004)

New For Macintosh: Swamp Gas Visits Europe Game 10/19/92
LAKEVILLE, CONNECTICUT, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- The second in a
series of geography teaching games has been released by Inline
Design. This new game, Swamp Gas Visits Europe, is also another
title meeting Inline Design's corporate philosophy which
emphasizes non-violent games that teach.

As in the first game, Swamp Gas Visits the US, the hero is an
alien whose mission is to explore the world. As an inducement to
successful completion of missions, the player, through Swamp Gas,
is allowed to enter the Alien Arcade. Once in the arcade, Swamp
Gas can play one of three arcade games. The arcade games in Europe
are totally new and different from the ones that were presented
in US version of the game.

Inline Designs President Darryl Peck told Newsbytes that these arcade
games are so fascinating that the company is considering whether to
release them as separate products.

The user can make various selections to customize game play to their
capabilities and interests. Missions can involve visits to between
five and 50 different locations which can be countries, or
countries and capitals, or countries, capitals, and cities, or
famous landmarks in those regions. There are also "Close
Encounters" which are little quizzes of places that one has visited.

Inline Design is currently planning more titles in this series since
the first title was so successful. Newsbytes has learned that
discussions are currently underway concerning a third Macintosh title.
The company is also engaged in a port of the games to the
Microsoft Windows environment.

Swamp Gas Visits Europe is currently shipping and retails for
$59.95. It is intended for children 6 years of age and older.

(Naor Wallach/19921014/Press Contact: Darryl Peck, Inline Design,
203-435-4995/Public Contact: Inline Design, 203-435-4995)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(TOR)(00005)

New For Networks: Gandalf Adds Terminal Server 10/19/92
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Gandalf Technologies
has added the ability to connect asynchronous workstations,
printers, and modems to its Access Hub family of intelligent wiring
hubs by launching the GTS 1000 Multiprotocol Terminal Server.

The GTS 1000 is a circuit board that fits in the Gandalf hub and
allows as many as 16 asynchronous devices to be connected to
Ethernet local-area networks. It works with the popular TCP/IP
network protocol, with Digital Equipment's LAT protocol as an added
option.

The device can be used to connect non-Ethernet host systems to an
Ethernet network, a company spokeswoman explained. It will also
give users of single-protocol workstations and older terminal
servers access to previously incompatible network resources,
according to the vendor.

The GTS 1000 provides full protocol translation between TCP/IP and
LAT, Gandalf officials said, thus giving users transparent access
to Unix and DEC resources.

TCP/IP users get a complete implementation of Telnet and full
compliance with all Internet protocols, as well as advanced
networking features such as serial line Internet protocol (SLIP)
and point-to-point protocol.

LAT features include LAT network management, host-initiated
requests, reverse LAT, network printer support, and VT420 split
session support, the vendor said.

Available now, the GTS 1000 costs US$3,195 or C$3,300 with TCP/IP
support only, and US$3,495 or C$3,500 with TCP/IP and LAT.

(Grant Buckler/19921016/Press Contact: Janice R. Drummond, Gandalf,
613-564-0183)


(NEWS)(TRENDS)(DEN)(00006)

Computer City Makes Vendor Barcodes Mandatory 10/19/92
FORT WORTH, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Tandy Corporation's
Computer City stores say vendors will have to mark all of their
products with one of three industry-standard bar code formats to be
sold through Computer City Supercenters. All merchandise received
in the stores after January 1, 1993 are affected.

According to Computer City President Alan Bush, about 64 percent of
the chain's vendors already comply with the policy. Bush says the
policy is being adopted for cost-effective reasons. "Effective
bar-coding is the stepping stone to true automation and low-cost
distribution of products." Bush says having the bar codes applied
before the merchandise arrives in the stores "will result in
substantial savings to our customers."

Bar codes are the little stickers found on merchandise in a growing
number of stores which have a series of black lines of varying
width. When a reader wand attached to a computer is passed across
the bar code, the computer automatically reduces the quantity of that
item in inventory and passes the unit of measure and unit price to
the point-of-sale cash register, where the information is printed on
the customer's receipt. Most consumers are familiar with the
technique, since it's used in such diverse settings as grocery
stores to check out groceries, and in libraries to check books
in and out.

According to Bush, "With an effective bar code program in place,
vendors will be able to monitor inventory levels of their products
on a store-by-store basis in real-time. Ultimately, the savings
will be passed on to our customers."

Currently Tandy Corporation operates 16 Computer City Supercenters
in the US and two overseas markets.

(Jim Mallory/19921016/Press contact: Fran McGehee, Tandy
Corporation, 817-390-3487; Reader contact: Tandy Corporation,
817-390-3000, fax [phone])


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(SFO)(00007)

Ungermann-Bass & Novell In OEM Deal 10/19/92
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Novell
and Ungermann-Bass have signed a three-year, $14 million OEM
(original equipment manufacturing) agreement. The agreement
calls for Ungermann-Bass to sell and support Novell's NetWare
version 3.11 network operating system and NetWare RunTime
worldwide.

Bob Young, director of marketing for Novell's NetWare Systems
Group, said: "One of NetWare's strengths is allowing customers to
integrate diverse computing environments into cohesive
corporate network systems. We are excited about this agreement
because Ungermann-Bass can now offer NetWare with their
renowned service and support to their enterprise customers who
are in the process of rightsizing."

According to the companies, NetWare 3.11 and NetWare RunTime
will be available from Ungermann-Bass separately or in
conjunction with the Ungermann-Bass Access/Open platform.

Ungermann-Bass maintains that Access/Open, an extension of the
Access/One Enterprise Hub, ensures a "tightly managed and secure
environment for the integration of mission-critical applications."

Surya Panditi, general manager for Ungermann-Bass' Access/One
business unit, said: "This agreement furthers Ungermann-Bass'
efforts as a global network integration partner and provides
comprehensive support of industry-standard applications and
network operating systems on our Access/Open platform. Both
Novell and Ungermann-Bass are able to offer customers new
network capabilities and an open application environment."

The companies maintain that after-sale NetWare service and
support will be available to customers via Ungermann-Bass'
Certified NetWare Engineers. In addition, direct access to Novell's
service and support organization is also available to customers
for a fee.

NetWare 3.11 and NetWare RunTime will be available from
Ungermann-Bass during the fourth quarter, 1992.

In August Newsbytes reported that Ungermann-Bass had signed
a technology agreement with Insight Development. Under terms
of that deal Ungermann-Bass was to sell and support Insight's
Mosaic networking product worldwide.

In June Newsbytes reported that Ungermann-Bass had introduced
the 12-port 10Base-T Access/Hub network hub. The Access/Hub
comes with or without a daughterboard that provides for SNMP
(Simple Network Management Protocol) management. At the time
of its release, the product carried a price tag of $1,395 for the
unmanaged version, and $1,995 for the managed version.

(Ian Stokell/19921016/Press Contact: Laura Irwin, Ungermann
Bass, 408-987-6509)


(NEWS)(IBM)(LON)(00008)

UK: Micrografx Photomagic 10/19/92
WOKING, SURREY, ENGLAND, 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Micrografx has
announced plans to ship Photomagic, its Windows-compatible
graphics package, in the UK at the end of this month.

According to the company, Photomagic provides users with 250
stock color photo images with easy-to-use editing tools and more
than 35 special effects for a retail price of UKP 99.

"Unlike other photo image editing programs that require a
scanner, Photomagic offers users a wealth of stock photo images
that can be accessed just like clips," explained Laurent Raynaud,
Micrografx's managing director.

"As an extremely fast and powerful paint and edit program,
Photomagic eliminates a fundamental problem found in other
Windows paint programs. They're all very, very, slow" he added.

Raynaud argues that Photomagic is much faster than the
competition, because it implements features that provide users
with instant screen feedback. "Photomagic is designed to provide users
with quick, one button control of photo image editing and effects,"
he said.

Photomagic is available immediately in the UK and requires
DOS 3.1 or later, an 80386-based (or better) PC equipped with a
hard disk and at least 4 megabytes (MB) of memory. A VGA display
and a mouse are recommended.

(Steve Gold/19921016/Press & Public Contact: MIcrografx - Tel:
0483-747526)


(NEWS)(IBM)(SFO)(00009)

New For PC: MacroMedia's Action! 2.0 For Windows 10/19/92
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) --  Macromedia
has introduced version 2.0 of Action! for Windows, a business
multimedia presentation program.

New features cited by the company include a data-driven
charting capability with automatic motion and DDE (dynamic
data exchange) links, MIDI (musical instrument digital interface)
sound support, a new import presentation feature, an Action!
runtime player for distributing Action! presentations, support of
True Type fonts, and new transition effects.

John C. (Bud) Colligan, president and COO of Macromedia, explains
that users can easily create two- an three-dimensional charts that
animate on screen, with the data  for the charts linked to other
Windows applications such as Microsoft Excel and Lotus 1-2-3 for
Windows spreadsheets. Also, a new import presentation feature allows
any number of slides to be imported in one step, automatically
separating text and  graphics for editing.

Macromedia Action! 2.0, has a suggested retail price of $495,
and owners of Action! 1.0 can upgrade for $79. Customers who
purchased Action! version 1.0 after May 1,1992 will receive a
free upgrade to version 2.0.

(Ian Stokell/19921016/Contact: Macromedia, 415-442-0200)


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(SFO)(00010)

New For Networks: Shiva LANRover/E 10/19/92
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- When Shiva
introduced its LANRover/L product a few months ago, a lot of interest
and attention came from corporate network administrators and MIS
department heads. The program solved a problem that they had -- how
to use Apple's Remote Access protocol to allow customers to connect
to their network at the office and use it as though they were directly
connected to it.

What potential customers told Shiva was that they would need
more than one port into the device to which modems could be connected,
and they would need it to support both Apple protocol and Novell
Netware. So, Shiva  created the LANRover/E.

LANRover/E comes in two models. One supports four external modem
ports. The other supports eight external modem ports. The whole
device fits into a standard 19-inch rack. The device has connectors
for either 10Base-T, thinwire, or thickwire Ethernet. For control
and management, LANRover/E comes with Shiva's Net Manager software
which allows configuration and management of the device from any
Macintosh or PC anywhere on the network. One can call in to LANRover/E
from a remote modem and use the management software to manage the
device.

There is a full set of security features on the product. Things like
automatic callback, user passwords, and administrator passwords are
standard. There is also an activity log so that error conditions and
other activities are tracked and recorded.

"LANRover/E goes beyond workgroup solutions to address the remote
networking needs of mission-critical, enterprise networks," said
Dan Schwinn, Shiva president. "MIS managers need products that offer
scalability, centralized management, and security. LANRover/E meets
those needs and provides a platform for future multiprotocol
environments."

Newsbytes has learned that there are several more offerings being
discussed by Shiva at this time. An obvious continuation is a
LANRover/T product that would work with Token Ring networks. Another
is a multiport version of LANRover/L.

LANRover/E will be shipped in November and will cost $1999 for
the four-port version and $2999 for the eight-port version. Official
model names are LANRover/4E and LANRover/8E.

(Naor Wallach/19921016/Press Contact: Carol McGarry, Criswell
Communications for Shiva, 617-876-1188/Public Contact: Shiva, 617-
252-6300)


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(LAX)(00011)

Portable MIDI Sound Unit For Macs, PCs  10/19/92
BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Yamaha has
announced a portable sound box, the TG100 Tone Generator, which, when
attached to a Macintosh, IBM or compatible personal computer
(PC), or Atari ST, offers the ability to produce musical
instrument digital interface (MIDI) sounds. The unit has 192
acoustic and electronic instruments plus special effects
and 10 drum sounds that can be played individually or in groups of 16
at a time.

The TG100 Tone Generator offers a stereo speaker hook-up or can
be played through the computer's speaker. It is about the size of a
removable car stereo, weighs just over 2 pounds, has a
computer interface as well as a MIDI interface built-in, and is
very much designed for portability, Yamaha said. The computer
interface allows the unit to be used as a MIDI interface for a
computer connecting the TG100 to the computer, and the MIDI
instrument to the TG100, Yamaha said.

The company says up to 15 instrument voices and one drum voice
can be played at the same time, and digital reverb and delay
effects can also be used. The unit has a Yamaha custom digital
signal processor (DSP) chip set which provides the effects, the
company said.

Conformity to the new General MIDI standard means MIDI files
created with the use of the TG100 will sound the same on any
tone generator that supports General MIDI. That means a grand
piano on the TG100 will be a grand piano on any tone generator,
according to Yamaha.

Yamaha says users can record with the TG100, using a microphone
or any instrument that has a MIDI interface to the unit. The
company's representatives said several software packages will
support the TG100 without any additional software drivers
including Wordperfect's Presentations 2.0 product, and Master
Tracks from Passport.

Software drivers for the TG100 for use with Windows are
available for download on Genie and Compuserve and the company
says it will provide the software to companies which request it.
Retail price of the TG100 is $449, Yamaha said.

Yamaha does warn users that the unit is compatible with most
Macintosh software but says PC users should check their
software to be sure the TG100 will work with the software
package they have in mind.

(Linda Rohrbough/19921016/Press Contact: Debra Charlesworth,
Giles Communications for Yamaha, tel [phone], fax 917-961-
2170; Michael D'Amore, Yamaha, 714-522-9265)


(NEWS)(TRENDS)(SFO)(00012)

 ****Dataquest Forecasts Multimedia Growth 10/19/92
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- The increasing
popularity of multimedia is the subject of an extensive study and
forecast by marketing research firm Dataquest.

The report, called "Multimedia Computing -- Unleashing the Marketing
Opportunity," projects multiple higher-growth opportunities for
vendors in sectors of the information technology industry from
semiconductors through software.

The new research explores key technologies that will  likely influence
and drive the development of multimedia, with  primary emphasis on the
multimedia computing market.

Dataquest claims that in order to complete the report, it "pooled
the expertise of senior analysts from five industry services
including software, workstations, semiconductors, optical
storage, and networks."

Pamela Stone Bliss, senior software analyst at Dataquest and one
of the report authors, said: "Multimedia is an enabling technology
that will be integrated into existing software products such as
word processors, presentation graphics, spreadsheets, groupware,
desktop communications, desktop publishing and databases.
Rather than spawning a whole new school of software,
multimedia will add capabilities that enhance communication,
provide deeper levels of information access, and delight the
senses."

Greg Sheppard, principal semiconductor analyst at Dataquest
and another of the report authors, said: "Other factors that will
affect the speed with which the multimedia market grows
include user acceptance, enhanced platforms, improved
networks, distribution channels and standards, to name a few.
Multimedia computing probably represents the largest market
opportunity of any electronic technology ever. It crosses
consumer, commercial, and technical user boundaries and is
the intersection point for so many technologies."

According to the company, a number of major multimedia
computing issues are addressed in the report, including: the key
factors that will drive multimedia acceptance in the marketplace;
the battle for dominance between MPC, Apple, and UltiMedia; the
leading standards in multimedia computing; and whether the
multimedia market needs a "killer" application to capture the
popular imagination.

Other issues identified pinpoint the key factors for multimedia
hardware, software and component suppliers to succeed, and what
impact emerging technologies such as virtual reality, high
definition television, computer conferencing, and voice
recognition will have on multimedia computing.

"Multimedia Computing - Unleashing the Market Opportunity" is
available now as a two-volume research study for $2,995.

(Ian Stokell/19921019/Press Contact: Mary Hand, Dataquest,
408-437-8312)


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(SFO)(00013)

PeopleSoft/Groupe Bull In Int'l Marketing Deal 10/19/92
WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Hoping to
expand the installed base of its PeopleSoft PS/HRMS and
Financials applications, PeopleSoft Inc., has signed up Groupe Bull
to an international joint marketing deal.

According to PeopleSoft, a provider of client/server financial
and human resource applications, this is the first international
cooperative agreement signed by the company with a major
worldwide computer supplier.

Under terms of the agreement, international customers will
be able to purchase the PeopleSoft PS/HRMS and Financials
applications running on Groupe Bull's DPX/20 platforms under
the Oracle relational Database. The DPX/20 platforms, running
BOS/X (Bull's operating system) are based on IBM's Power RISC
(reduced instruction-set computer) architecture and the IBM
AIX/6000 operating system.

The companies said that the joint marketing agreement will
initially concentrate on Europe and the United States.

In June, Newsbytes reported that Groupe Bull's shareholders
had approved IBM's purchase of a 5.68 percent stake in the
company, in return for a cash payment of FF 540 million.

(Ian Stokell/19921019/Press Contact: Linda Zecher, PeopleSoft,
510-946-9460)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(LON)(00014)

Ericsson Signs $160M Telecoms Deal With China 10/19/92
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Ericsson has announced a
major telecom supply deal with the Jiangsu Province Postal and
Telecommunications Administration (JPPTA) in Eastern China. Terms
of the deal call for the Swedish telecom giant to supply and fit
a large number of its AXE digital switching exchanges.

The contract is worth around $160 million to Ericsson over a
three-year period. According to the company, this is the largest
deal of its type with the Chinese telecom agencies.

This is only one of many such deals that China has with the West.
Already, a number of cellular phone networks are up and running
in the region although, because of the high cost of the technology,
the price of accessing the network is beyond most citizens.

Experts are worried that the sudden surge in telecom technology
in China will result in a two-tier network, with those rich
enough to afford the new technology able to buy their way into
calling anywhere, while the majority of the citizens of China
will continue using their outdated telephone network.

(Steve Gold/19921019)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(LON)(00015)

Hungarian Telecom Sell-Off To Finance Expansion 10/19/92
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY, 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- The Hungarian Government
has announced that it may have to sell off a third of its state-
controlled telecom operations if the country's ambitious
phone network expansion plans are to be achieved.

The news comes at a time when both Britain and the US, the two
countries regarded as most likely to invest in Hungary's phone
network, are undergoing a period of recession with, respectively,
10 and 8 percent unemployment rates, not to mention a period of
currency instability.

According to Sandor Gyurkovics, the state secretary for the
Ministry of Transport, Communications and Water, the sale of
government interest could take place before the end of the
year. Interestingly, Gyurkovics does not rule out a sale of
assets -- in the form of shares -- to the general public.

If public shares are offered in the state telecom agency, then
this could be the first time that Hungarian citizens will be
offered the opportunity to invest in a former state company in
their own country -- a major switch in political terms for
the Hungarian Government, although one forced by economic
necessity,

Hungary is rushing through a series of legislative changes to
smooth the transition of MATAV, the state telecom agency, from
a private to a public entity. All being well, MATAV could
be a private company within six to nine months, Hungarian
Government officials said.

(Steve Gold/19921019)


(NEWS)(GOVT)(TYO)(00016)

Japanese Firm Gets New US Govt PC Order 10/19/92
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Yokohama-based personal computer
dealer Vinsotec has received a second volume order for its personal
computers from a US government agency. The latest order for 5,200
notebook computers comes from the Department of Defense. A previous
order worth $24 million has been arranged with the Internal Revenue
Service.

Vinsotec claims the Department of Defense order, worth $8.5 million,
involves the supply of its 32-bit notebook-type personal computers
called the "J1 Plus" models. The units have a fax modem, an
80-megabyte hard disk, a 5-megabyte memory, and MS-DOS 5.0.

A Vinsotec spokesman told Newsbytes that 3,000 J1 Plus computers
will be supplied to the Department of Defense and 700 units will be
supplied to West Point, a military academy. The order also calls for
1,500 units to be supplied to the General Accounting Office, as well.

The company claims it had to compete with 50 to 60 personal computer
makers and dealers for the GAO bid. Five  firms were chosen for a
test and Vinsotec's unit  was among those that passed.

Vinsotec expects to ultimately sell 50,000 of its PCs to the DOD in
fiscal 1993 and 1994.

Vinsotec also expects to receive an official purchase order for 17,000
PCs from IRS this week. Vinsotec is to supply PCs to the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) in the US through a contract with a US systems
integrator, Falls Church, Virginia-based Sysorex. The total order
amount is expected to be $24 million.

Vinsotec is a medium-sized personal computer maker in Japan which
is specialized in producing IBM-compatible personal computers
on an OEM basis. The firm has been supplying the PCs to US
firms as well as Japanese firms for over 10 years.

(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa, John McCormick & Wendy Woods/19921019/
Press Contact: Vinsotec, [phone])


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(TYO)(00017)

Japan: Sony & DEC Selling Computers Through Mail Order 10/19/92
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Japan's Sony and Digital
Equipment Corporation Japan (DEC Japan) are selling their computers
through mail order, following a recession-fighting trend first started
by US computer  makers.

Sony has started advertising its News workstations in  major
personal computer magazines and is offering customers a toll-free
telephone order line.   The idea is to attract individual users,
such as students and engineers, with this new sales campaign.
The ordered computers can be delivered to customers quickly
via special delivery firms.

Meanwhile, DEC Japan is also selling personal computers via a
mail order service and is reaching potential customers through a
direct mail campaign. DEC Japan is reportedly sending 15,000
pieces of mail to buyers and computer magazine readers.  DEC Japan
sells IBM-compatible personal computers which were released in Japan
in July.

Both firms expect this new mail order campaign will save at least
20 percent over the expenses and overhead involved in other marketing
campaigns. Other Japanese firms may also follow suit.

(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19921019/Press Contact: Sony, +81-3-
3448-2200, DEC Japan, [phone])


(NEWS)(IBM)(WAS)(00018)

 ****Andrew Grove Finally Names New Intel Chip 10/19/92
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Well, the wait is
over; Intel has finally disclosed that the company's new 100 MIPS
or million instructions per second microprocessor will be named
the Pentium, a marketing ploy aimed at killing off some chip
cloners who have found it easy to penetrate Intel's market by
designating their chips using the same numbers as compatible
Intel chips.

Although details of the chip have been known for some time, until
now the Pentium chip has been known internally as the P5, while
reporters and analysts, following the traditional Intel chip
naming scheme, have often referred to the chip as the 80586.

Choosing an unusual morning television forum, Intel's CEO and
President Andrew Grove today announced the "name" of Intel's
long-expected new XXX86-compatible microprocessor on CNN's
Business Day.

When asked why the chip needs a name instead of the traditional
Intel numbers, Mr. Grove told CNN's audience that the company has
discovered that names are easier to protect than numbers and that
Intel therefore chose to name rather than number the chip.

As to what Pentium means, Mr. Grove said, "It does not mean
anything," but Intel's CEO says that he hopes the number will
suggest fifth generation because the new chip is the fifth
generation of PC-compatible Intel chips.

Since there have actually been five chip families already -- 8086,
80186, 80286, 80386, and 80486 -- it isn't clear exactly which one
Intel is leaving out, but it is probably the 80186, which
appeared in a single Tandy computer model and a few from other
makers but essentially sank without a trace.

When asked just what the new microprocessor can do that current
chips can't, Mr. Grove had no ready answer but did suggest that
computers based on the chip would offer improved video processing
performance.

Actually, there is no new software now available nor even
announced that targets the new, more powerful chip, but as with
the 80486, which also uses no special software, the new chip will
provide much more computing power, making some marginal
applications run quickly enough to be practical.

Pentium-based computers will run all current PC software under
Unix, MS-DOS, DR DOS, Windows, and OS/2, with few if any
compatibility problems and run them about three times faster than
many current high-end PCs.

Mr. Grove did admit that no current software "will tax this
chip," but observers say that, as with all previous power
enhancements, more demanding software will soon appear to eat up
all the power available.

In some cases, the new software will actually provide friendlier
and more powerful software that carries a distinct advantage over
current programs, but in many instances the software will get
bigger and slower but not really become more useful.

(John McCormick/19921019)


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

MCI Makes Voicecom Leading Voice Mail Provider 10/19/92
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- MCI has
given a small San Francisco company a leading place in the voice
processing business by selling its Async unit to VoiceCom Systems.
The sale gives VoiceCom the largest company in the field.

Newsbytes discussed the purchase with Voicecom President Marketta
Silvera. She said she dislikes the term service bureau. "In the
old days, companies like ours were service bureaus, providing
mailbox rentals. Now we integrate with in-house equipment, provide
facilities management through AMIS," a voice mail standard, and
provide other services. "In addition to voice messaging, we can
do interactive voice response services. When you register for a
Microsoft seminar, for instance, you get us -- we provide seminar
registration, sales activity management, product warranty, all
other systems that turn the telephone into a computer terminal."

Voicecom has benefitted a lot from the AMIS analog voice mail
systems standard, a system pushed by large voice mail
users which lets them integrate many brands of equipment into
their networks. Silvera said that VoiceCom does not make its own
equipment. "We buy from companies like VMX and Centigram, Octel.
What drives us is the client's need. We can be equipment-
independent. We bring in equipment that satisfies the client's
needs We have data centers and provide the services. Only in some
cases do we put equipment with the client, to tie to their
network. AMIS helps us expand into more communications within
large accounts."

Silvera also addressed the question of competition from regional
Bell companies, most of whom now have voice mail operations.
"Most of them are going after the residential market, and we
don't. We go after the business community. We've been doing it
since 1984. The RBOCs typically start with the residential
market. We're a lot quicker to pursue business solutions."

She also agreed with others who believe success in this business
is decided based on software, not hardware. "The business is
based on solutions that software provides. Our clients don't know
what the equipment is, or who the long distance carrier is.
Whether it's a fax, sales activity management problem, or
conference calling, we provide them with that service, just like
telephone companies provide telephone service."

Silvera added that in addition to billings, the Async
acquisition brings the company new technology, including 800-
number gateway services, at attractive prices. Such gateways
provide access to services like voice messaging, long distance
calling and faxing with just one phone call.

Silvera predicts the voice processing industry will be a
$5.6 billion market by 1994, based on outside research by industry
analysts. "The integration of Async's management and services
brings us a step closer to our long-range vision of a virtual voice
processing service center with one-call access." VoiceCom has over
1,400 corporate customers and 150,000 users worldwide, including
Microsoft, Revlon, Abbott Labs, Sharp Electronics, Colgate Palmolive,
and DuPont.

(Dana Blankenhorn/19921019/Press Contact: VoiceCom Systems,
Marketta Silvera, 415-477-9900)


(NEWS)(APPLE)(SFO)(00020)

Merisel Offers VARs A Deal 10/19/92
EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Apple Computer
is attempting to increase its sales and market share by
encouraging independent computer dealers and computer consultants to
become Apple Value Added Resellers (VARs) in certain specific vertical
application areas. Apple has enlisted its major distributors in the
thrust to recruit more VARs.

Merisel is one of the three distributors that Apple has chosen for
its efforts. Merisel has an agreement with Apple to promote the Apple
VAR status and recruit some 650 new VARs for Apple. Merisel has been
meeting its goals with a reward system for those who become VARs --
it's called the Smartstart offering.

The SmartStart kit is a free package that includes a host of
peripherals and software programs from 35 different manufacturers. In
some cases, the VAR will receive a coupon that can be redeemed for the
products directly from the manufacturer. The total value of the
SmartStart package is estimated to be in the $15,000 range.

MacSource is one company that has chosen to become an Apple VAR
through Merisel. Company President Anthony Taylor said, "We received
many outstanding products when we became an Apple VAR through
Merisel. It's encouraging to see so many vendors taking an interest
in the VAR program and begin so generous. I'm sure I'll be ordering
many of these products as our marketing in the legal community
continues to grow."

Apple's chosen vertical markets include publishing, imaging, law,
real estate, accounting, media, architecture, engineering, and
construction. Merisel offers many other programs to VARs in addition
to SmartStart.

(Naor Wallach/19921019/Press Contact: Cathy Quattrocchi, Merisel,
310-615-1230/Public Contact: Merisel, 310-615-3080)


(NEWS)(GOVT)(BOS)(00021)

US Government, Industry Research 21st Century Chips 10/19/92
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- The US
Department of Energy and three electronics firms have announced a
$25.2 million research pact for a new generation of chip technology
that could springboard the US into a much stronger spot in the
world semiconductor marketplace.

The new business/government partnership calls for collaboration
between the DOE's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Intel
Corp., Jamar Technology Company, and Ultratech Stepper in the
development of a new method for performing lithography, the process
used in copying chip designs onto silicon wafers.

Officials of the participating organizations claim that the method,
known as soft X-ray projection lithography, could result in 21st
century chips that are 10 times faster and contain 1,000 times more
memory than semiconductors of today, which are still being produced
through ultraviolet light.

"Lithography is recognized as the most critical procedure in
semiconductor manufacturing. If this new technique works out as
expected, it will thrust the US back into a leading edge role in
computer chip technology," commented Larry Wang, technical support
manager for Ultratech Stepper.

Echoed James Glaze, president of Jamar Technology: "Lithography is
an enabling technology for the entire multibillion dollar
electronics industry. So it's extremely important that the US
play a major role."

Soft X-ray projection lithography differs from another emerging X-
ray-based technique, called proximity X-ray lithography, already
being researched in the US as well as Japan, the officials told
Newsbytes. "It is believed that X-ray projection lithography can
result in even higher resolution than proximity X-ray lithography,"
noted Glaze.

In proximity X-ray lithography, the design is held close to the
chip, and then flooded with X-rays, Glaze told Newsbytes. "There's
really no imaging involved," he explained. In contrast, projection
X-ray lithography employs microscopic cameras that project the
design onto the wafer, he said.

In the projection and proximity techniques, as in the ultraviolet
method of today, individual chips are cut from the silicon after
lithography is carried out. Wafers in current use are about six to
eight inches in diameter, and hundreds of chips can be derived from
each, an Intel spokesperson told Newsbytes.

In the new four-year research effort, jointly funded by the DOE and
industry, San Diego-based Ultratech and Santa Clara-based Jamar
Technology will both build machinery for use in projection X-ray
lithography.

Intel Corp., also of Santa Clara, will provide input from the
perspective of a chip manufacturer. "We'll basically serve as a
`paying consultant,'" the Intel spokesperson remarked. Intel's
share in funding the project will be $1.3 million, she said.

Japan, the United States' major competitor in the chip marketplace,
is emphasizing X-ray proximity lithography over the X-ray
projection technique, according to Ultratech's Wang. Meanwhile,
the US government is taking a dual approach, funding the X-ray
proximity method through programs such as DARPA, he added.

The new $25.2 million research pact is part of a broader national
program in X-ray projection lithography involving Sandia National
Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, and a number of US
microelectronics companies. Wang told Newsbytes that this and
other research programs are aimed in part at adding a nonmilitary
commercial thrust to the traditionally military focus of the
national research labs.

Companies such as Ultratech and Jamar have gotten involved in the
project to help keep manufacturing of semiconductor production
equipment within the US, he said. "The US is still making major
strides in some areas of microelectronics, such as microprocessors
and ASICs, and certain US companies are keeping up in memory. But
the bulk of DRAM chips are now being made in Japan," he asserted.

Japanese chip manufacturers tend to use production equipment that
is also produced in Japan, he reported. "As a result, Japan now
has an 80% share in the world market for lithography systems, the
same share that was once held by the US," he claimed.

(Jacqueline Emigh/19921019; Press contacts: Michele Bourdon,
Intel, 408-765-1538; James Glaze, Jamar Technology, tel 619-481-
7823; Larry Wang, Ultratech Stepper, tel [phone]; Steve
Wampler, Livermore Laboratory, tel [phone]).


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(TOR)(00022)

Group 1 Software Buys Arc Tangent Assets 10/19/92
GREENBELT, MARYLAND, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Group 1 Software
has purchased certain assets of Arc Tangent, of Santa Barbara,
California. In particular, Group 1 takes title to two software
packages which it has been selling under license from Arc Tangent,
a company spokeswoman said.

Group 1 Software will continue selling Arc Tangent's Professional
Mail and Zip ++ products under the Group 1 trademarks ArcList and
AccuMail respectively.

Along with all of Arc Tangent's mail management software, Group 1
acquires the California company's distributor agreements and
end-user lists. Group 1 has also hired several key technical
employees from Arc Tangent.

The companies announced the signing of a letter of intent on
September 15.

Group 1 said it is working on new agreements with Arc Tangent
distributors, and will also work with its own current distributors
and dealers to integrate the distributor channels.

Group 1 will honor all subscription and maintenance agreements with
Arc Tangent customers, the company said.

Group 1's products include list management, postal discount, mail
personalization, demographic, and database marketing software. The
firm has offices throughout the U.S. and Canada, and works through
distributors in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and
Scandinavia. The company has about 140 employees, the spokeswoman
said.

Group 1 Software is a registered trademark of Group 1 Software Inc.
Arc Tangent is a trademark of Arc Tangent Inc.

(Grant Buckler/19921019/Press Contact: Suzanne Porter-Kuchay, Group
1 Software, 301-220-5341)


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(TOR)(00023)

DEC Sells Puerto Rican Plant Assets To Canadian Firm 10/19/92
SAN GERMAN, PUERTO RICO, 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Digital Equipment and
its wholly-owned subsidiary, Digital Equipment Corporation de
Puerto Rico, have announced the sale of assets of a DEC printed
wiring board plant here to Circo Craft of Quebec. The sale is part
of DEC's plan to get out of certain manufacturing areas not
considered central to its business, a strategy incoming President
Robert Palmer outlined in his first press conference October 1.

The terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.

In leaving the printed wiring board business, Digital is closing
the San German plant along with one in Greenville, South Carolina,
company spokeswoman Nikki Richardson said. DEC is also closing its
other factory in Puerto Rico, which makes power supplies. The
phasing out of the Puerto Rican plants was announced in March of
this year and is to be completed by March of 1993, Richardson said.

Richardson said the plant itself belongs not to Digital but to an
agency of the Puerto Rican government. The deal between DEC and
Circo Craft covers the equipment and other contents of the plant.

Circo Craft will use the assets, which include machinery,
equipment, and leasehold improvements, in the operation of a
newly formed subsidiary called DY-4. The companies aid four senior
managers now working for Digital in Puerto Rico will join DY-4 and
hold equity interests in the subsidiary.

Circo Craft, based in Kirkland, Quebec, manufactures circuit boards
and is a supplier to a number of manufacturers in the United
States. The company employs about 800 workers in three Canadian
plants, all in the province of Quebec.

(Grant Buckler/19921019/Press Contact: Nikki Richardson, Digital
Equipment, 508-493-6369; Blanca Cebollero, Puerto Rico Economic
Development Authority, 809-753-1172)


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(DEN)(00024)

TI Earns $57 Million In 3Q 10/19/92
DALLAS, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Texas Instruments
announced Friday that it earned $57 million, or $0.58 per share, for
the third quarter on nearly $1.9 billion in net revenues.

The company reported a net loss for the same period last year of
$113 million, or $1.45 per share. Results for this year's third
quarter included a pretax charge of $10 million related to the sale
of TI's multiuser minicomputer systems and service operations.

In a letter to stockholders TI Chairman Jerry Junkins said
semiconductor orders reached record levels in the third quarter.
Junkins reported that semiconductor revenues also reached an
all-time high in the quarter.

"We achieved volume shipments of the SuperSPARC microprocessor
during the quarter. We also strengthened our differentiated product
line with the announcement of PRISM, a methodology for integrating
multiple semiconductor technologies on a single chip. In addition,
we recently announced volume production of the TI486SLC
microprocessor family and the introduction of microSPARC," Junkins
told stockholders.

Junkins said TI will continue converting its manufacturing facilities
to produce differentiated products.

TI spokesperson Terri West told Newsbytes profit margins are up even
though are orders are down in the defense market. TI was selected
to develop a multifunction broad-band technology for the US Navy's
Airborne Shared Aperture Program, allowing four different functions
to be performed using a single multi-function antenna. West told
Newsbytes that contract would have a multi-year value of about $79
million. The company is also participating in developing
solid-state microwave technology for the US Army's ground-based
radar program.

TI reported a $43 million loss for the fourth quarter last year.
Asked about '92 fourth quarter expectations, West told Newsbytes that
while TI does make public its financial projections, "We expect to
continue to be profitable."

In January Junkins said a return to profitability is based on
conservative estimates for the major economies and markets of the
world. "The road to profitability is through cost reductions,
business process and productivity improvements, and emphasis on new
products," he said.

(Jim Mallory/19921019/Press contact: Terri West, Texas Instruments,
214-995-3481)


(NEWS)(IBM)(DEN)(00025)

Compaq Cuts Prices Again 10/19/92
HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Compaq Computer
Corporation today announced it is reducing the price on several of
its desktop and notebook computers.

Included in the reductions are selected models of the ProLinea,
Deskpro/i, Contura 3/20 and 3/25, LTE Lite/25c, Portable 486 and
486c.

According to Ross Cooley, Compaq senior VP, the price cuts are
possible because of increased operating efficiencies, parts
availability, and higher production rates. Cooley said the company
shipped more than 200,000 units in September.

The 386-based ProLinea Model 40 is now under $800, while a fully
configured 486-based ProLinea Model 120, with Windows factory
installed, starts at $1,259. The entry level 386-based Contura
notebook lists for under $1,500 and the LTE Lite/25c is under $3,500.

Compaq said in conjunction with the lower suggested retail prices,
it has readjusted its pricing structure by reducing reseller
discounts on the selected units, bringing the sticker prices more in
line with "street prices" or the actual prices consumers can expect
to pay.

The company is also introducing several new ProLinea models, which
include DOS, Windows, and a mouse. The Deskpro/i family has also
been expanded to include models with larger capacity (120 MB and 240
MB) hard drives.

Also new are several models of the ProLinea, with Windows, a
2400 bps fax modem, and Prodigy software pre-installed. Prodigy is
a subscription on-line service where users can exchange mail,
download and upload files, and share information with other computer
users.

New models of the Contura were also announced that offer larger hard
drives, and come pre-installed with DOS, Windows 3.1, PFS:
WindowWorks, and a Compaq trackball.

(Jim Mallory/19921019/Press contact: John Sweney, Compaq Computer,
713-374-0484)


(NEWS)(APPLE)(LAX)(00026)

 ****Apple's New Docking, Multimedia, and Powerbook Macs 10/19/92
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 16 (NB) -- Apple Computer has
announced several new Macintosh products that "dock," and which are
aimed primarily at mobile users. The firm also unveiled new
hardware optimized for multimedia, as well as version 7.1 of its
operating system and a new version of the multimedia extensions
Quicktime 1.5. All of the new computers introduced are based on the
Motorola 32-bit 68030 microprocessor.

The most significant introduction was Apple's "Duo" systems. The
Macintosh Duo System consists of a desktop station called the Macintosh
Duo Dock, with a notebook computer called Powerbook Duo notebook,
which contains the hard disk storage and the microprocessor for
removable, mobile use.

Apple representatives told Newsbytes the desktop unit looks in
appearance like a slimline computer and has a motorized
insertion point, the Powerlatch docking technology, that
accepts the notebook computer in a closed position like a video
cassette recorder (VCR) accepts a video tape.

The desktop Duo Dock unit is simply a shell, however, to which
a monitor and keyboard must be added at additional charge to
the $2,249 to $2,969 suggested retail price range for the
notebooks and the $1,079 for the desktop Duo unit. The
Powerbook Duo comes in a model 210 running with 4 megabytes
(MB) of memory and an 80 MB hard disk model (4/80), or in the
230 that offers a 4/80 or 4/120 configuration. The desktop Duo
Dock can be expanded to offer another hard disk drive, a math
coprocessor, video random access memory (VRAM), network
connection, a color monitor, and expansion cards. However, the
desktop unit requires the notebook to function, Apple
representatives said.

A Mini Duo unit is also being offered which connects to a
larger monitor and keyboard and will dock with a Duo System
notebook. The Mini Duo unit is only a docking device and
doesn't allow for network connection or expansion as the
desktop unit in the Duo system does, Apple representatives
added.

Two new Powerbooks, the Powerbook 160 and 180, in five
configurations starting at $2,429 to $4,469, were introduced.
The new Powerbooks offer a built-in video-out feature for
connection to video graphics array (VGA) and super VGA (SVGA).
The displays on the new notebooks offer gray scale, as opposed
to the black and white offered previously, and the displays can
be run simultaneously with an external display either together
or with different displays on each screen, Apple
representatives maintain. Apple representatives also pointed
out the pricing on the new Powerbooks is much lower than it was
compared to the introductory prices of a year earlier. No color
notebooks are yet available, however, Apple has said it has
color notebooks planned.

New desktop models, the Macintosh IIvx and IIvi were introduced
and are optimized for multimedia, Apple representatives said.
The three new desktop models offer a graphics subsystem (VRAM)
that supports up to 32,000 colors and offer three Nubus slots,
run at clock speeds of either 16 or 32 MHz, and one model
offers a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) drive.
Expansion bays for adding tape back up drives, CD-ROM drives,
or a high capacity disk drives are included, Apple maintains.

Apple is offering a 14-inch color display monitor with tilt and
swivel capability for $589 retail, the company announced.

The new operating system version, System 7.1, is geared
especially toward the Asian community and incorporates
"Worldscript" which supports the Asian dialect Kanji as well as
other "double-byte" Asian languages. Double-byte refers to the
need for two bytes of memory necessary for languages with large
character sets. Apple representatives did point out software
product Kanji Talk, already did support the Asian dialect, but
Apple maintains this version of System 7.1 will make support
easier. System 7.1 comes with Quicktime 1.5, a upgrade of
Apple's multimedia extensions enhanced to offer a video-
playback area on the screen four times larger than previously
and support for Kodak's new Photo CD technology. Support for
full screen/full motion video with available add-on hardware is
also built-into version 1.5, Apple added.

The Macintosh user groups have known for sometime that System
7.1 was coming, but Ken Gruberman of the 2,000 member MacValley
Users Group in the San Fernando of Southern California
expressed disappointment that Apple has decided to charge for
the operating system. System 7.0 was distributed by Macintosh
user groups and via electronic bulletin boards at its
introduction early this year. The System 7.1 Upgrade Kit is
retail priced at $34.95 and is available by calling Apple
Computer. However, Apple has said it will provide Quicktime 1.5
for distribution via user groups and bulletin boards.

In one additional note, the company also announced Deborah
Coleman, vice president of Information Systems & Technology
(IS&T) at Apple Computer is leaving the company as of November
1 to pursue other interests. Coleman joined Apple in 1981 and
has held various positions including chief financial officer,
vice president of worldwide manufacturing operations, and
manager of the original Macintosh finance and MIS groups. She
was appointed to the position she currently holds in 1990 and
was responsible for direction of Apple's internal information
systems.

(Linda Rohrbough/19921019/Press Contact: Pat Kinley, Apple
Computer, tel [phone], fax [phone]; Public Contact
for System 7.1 Upgrade Kit 800-769-2775)


(NEWS)(IBM)(TOR)(00027)

IBM Canada Launches Consulting Group 10/19/92
MARKHAM, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- IBM Canada has
announced the launch of a new consulting group within the company.
The move is part of a new worldwide IBM consulting operation, IBM
Canada officials said, but Newsbytes could not obtain details from
IBM headquarters by today's deadline.

The Canadian group will start off with 30 consultants, all moving
from other roles within IBM Canada and many of them senior people,
said company spokeswoman Anne Hay. The consulting group will have
offices in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

The group's activity at first will be made up of existing
contracts, particularly in the application development area, Hay
said. In addition to application development, the new consulting
group is to have specialized practices in two other areas:
information technology strategy and planning, and business
transformation.

IBM said its consultants will offer customers help in customizing
and integrating their information technology, including a wide
range of specialized services.

IBM Canada named partners to head the three areas. They are Rob
Steele, who will head the business transformation practice, Gary
Getson, who will lead information technology strategy and planning,
and Jim Webster, who will take charge of the application
development practice.

(Grant Buckler/19921019/Press Contact: Anne Hay, IBM Canada,
416-479-3900 or 800-563-2139)


(NEWS)(GOVT)(WAS)(00028)

NSF Computer Science Research Grants 10/19/92
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- The National Science
Foundation has announced a number of grants and projects
forwarding research and development of interest to the computer
industry. Nine grant awards totalling $2.67 million relate to
computer science and engineering, while seven other projects come
under the Grand Challenge Applications Group Grant program.

The University of Pennsylvania has received $425,000 for a three-
year curriculum development program involving multimedia
presentations using large projection televisions configured as a
single large TV. Results of the tests will be available on
INTERNET.

Rensselear Polytechnic received a similar amount to improve
software engineering education.

Just over $400 thousand will go to Colgate University to develop
object-oriented programming course materials.

Carnegie-Mellon University will get $204 thousand over a three-
year period to develop a senior-level computer engineering course
for microprocessor design.

Boston University was awarded nearly $400,000 to develop
undergraduate courses bridging engineering, computer science, and
natural science classes.

Cornell gets $200,000 to develop four computer science courses
for freshmen and sophomores.

Other grants will go to Georgia Tech, Old Dominion, and State
University of New York at Stonybrook (SUNY).

NIST's Science and Technology Information System information is
available INTERNET: [e-mail].

NSF Grand Challenge Grants totalling $20 million over the next
five years, are intended to tackle fundamental problems in
science and engineering through high performance computing
techniques and resources.

First year funding for seven projects totals $4.1 million.

MIT's funding will go toward the High Performance Computing for
Learning project. Researchers from MIT, Harvard, and Brown
Universities will develop new software and hardware for robotics.

The University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) will receive
funding for Radio Synthesis Imaging: An HPCC (high performance
computing and communication program) Application. UI will develop
a prototype of a system linking remote astronomical observatories
with high-speed networks.

The University of Colorado at Boulder will pursue the High
Performance Computational Methods for Coupled Field Problems
which involves astrophysics, aerospace applications, geophysics,
and computer scientists working in fluid dynamics.

Cal Tech's grant involves materials modeling research studied
through atomic level simulations.

Carnegie Mellon University will work with MIT on a large scale
environmental modeling simulation.

The University of Houston will work on bimolecular design.

(John McCormick/19921019/Press Contact: Cheryl Dybas, NSF, 202-
357-9498)


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(SYD)(00029)

Australia: Tasmanian Firm Increases GPS Accuracy 10/19/92
LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA, 1992 OCT 19 (NB) - A Tasmanian company is
marketing a way of increasing GPS (Global Positioning System)
accuracy from a +/- 300m error factor to +/- 2-5m. Campbell Smith,
Phelps, Pedley (CSPP), a Launceston-based surveying firm, has
established a fixed GPS receiver, which is used to correct data from
their customers' GPS receivers.

The CSPP receiver constantly monitors positioning data from 12 GPS
satellites, and by comparing the data with the receiver's known
fixed position, fluctuations can be corrected. Customers can
subscribe to this data in diskette form to correct recorded data, or
they can access it in real time via modem and CSPP's bulletin board.
The service will allow people to use GPS positioning where the 300m
error range would have been prohibitive.

An example would be a surveyor driving along a new (and as yet
unmapped) road. By taking GPS readings along the road, and then
correcting them with the CSPP information, the surveyor would be able
to achieve enough accuracy to map the road down to a scale of around
1:25,000. Says CSPP spokesperson John Dent, "Gone are the days when
surveyors had to spend days in the bush, followed by even more days
back at the office, analyzing whole notebooks full of precise
measurements. The service is useful to anyone who needs to establish
the position of features on the Earth's surface rapidly,
economically and accurately." CSPP has also designed award winning
software which digitizes aerial photographic data for Geographic
Information Systems (GIS).

(Sean McNamara/19921015/Press contact: CSPP, phone in Australia
[phone])


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(LAX)(00030)

Autodesk Buys MES To Enter 3D Surface Model Mkt 10/19/92
SAUSALITO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 OCT 19 (NB) -- Autodesk
says it has acquired the Michigan-based Micro Engineering
Solutions (MES), a company that develops computer-aided
design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software for
three dimensional modeling in industry, including the
automotive industry.

Autodesk says the two companies are active in the same market,
but Autodesk has had more of the drafting and design end while
MES has focused on the high-end 3D surface modeling part of the
manufacturing industry. MES has been a registered developer
with Autodesk's Autocad product since the beginning of this
year. Autodesk representatives said the company hopes to
capitalize on the opportunities in the manufacturing sector
with this acquisition, which is the largest segment of the
CAD/CAM market worldwide.

MES distributes in North America, Germany, and Asia but
Autodesk says the two companies are developing plans for
increased distribution both in the US and in the rest of the
world.

MES, a privately held company, has an annual income of $4
million and Autodesk is investing about 15 million to purchase
the operation. The 50 employees at MES will continue to work
out of the MES offices in Michigan, Autodesk maintains.

Sausalito, California-based Autodesk describes itself as the
sixth largest IBM and compatible computer software company in
the world, with revenues of $285 million. The company is
probably best known for its widely popular Autocad software
product.

(Linda Rohrbough/19921019/Press Contact: Andrew Zarrillo,
Autodesk, tel [phone] ext 8704, fax [phone])